'Like it's making my heart run': A strengths-based understanding of the play of autistic children.
Christina O'Keeffe, Sinead McNally
PMID 39953700WHAT IT FOUND
Autistic children defined play by how it felt, not just what they did.
They valued fun, social connection, and deep focus on interests. They also highlighted the need for autonomy, stating that play is only play if they can control what happens.
Key findings
01Children emphasized the inward experience of play, such as enjoyment, flow, and feeling absorbed, rather than just observable behaviors.
02Social connection was fundamental, including playing with friends, family, and adults, though some children also sought solitary play for recovery.
03Autonomy and agency were central to all aspects of play, with children stating that freedom to choose was essential for an activity to be considered play.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample was predominantly white and primarily speaking, which may not represent the views of non-speaking or ethnically diverse autistic children. Data was not collected on socioeconomic status, cognitive levels, or co-occurring conditions, limiting the understanding of participant variability. Findings were interpreted by non-autistic researchers, which may introduce bias in how the children's perspectives were framed. The study was conducted in educational settings, which may have influenced how children perceived and described play compared to other contexts.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was funded by the DCU Educational Trust through a doctoral scholarship to the first author.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these themes as evidence that specific interventions improve play outcomes. This study describes how children understand play from their perspective, not whether a therapy works.