Supervisors info:
Αλέξανδρος- Σταμάτιος Αντωνίου, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Παιδαγωγικό Τμήμα Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης, Εθνικό Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Χριστίνα Συριοπούλου- Δελλή, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Εκπαιδευτικής & Κοινωνικής Πολιτικής, Πανεπιστήμιο Μακεδονίας
Νικόλαος Δρόσος, Διδάκτορας, Παιδαγωγικό Τμήμα Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης, Εθνικό Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Summary:
The present study addresses the issue of the relationship of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to play, according to the literature review. Initially, the basic features of the game and its special importance for the overall development of the child are presented, as well as the developmental stages that play involves. In particular, play in typically developed children evolves according to age and cognitive level, and is distinguished by sensory- motor, pretend play and rule-based play. Then, the ASD is discussed, and in particular the definition, causes, prevalence, symptoms and diagnostic criteria, according to the DSM-V. Moreover, research data on ASD in Greece are reported. Furthermore, the deficits that accompany ASD, the cognitive theories that interpret them, as well as the interventions and educational methods suggested by the literature to address them are analyzed. Next, the relationship between ASD and play is examined. The ways in which children with ASD usually play and the factors that determine their play are presented. Particular emphasis is placed on pretend play, playfulness and social play, aspects of play that mainly identify children's difficulties. In addition, the relationship of children with ASD to videogames is also highlighted. Following are interventions aimed at improving play skills, presented on the basis of who is invited to play with children with ASD. Next, reference is made to investigations in which play is used as a means of addressing other ASD deficits. Finally, critical evaluation and conclusions are drawn from the literature review. Also, limitations and suggestions for future research are mentioned.
Keywords:
Autistic spectrum disorder, Play, Symbolic play, Social play, Videogames
