Effectivity of Play-Based Interventions in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents: A Systematic Review
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Dijkstra-de Neijs, L., Tisseur, C., et al. (2023).
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(4), 1588-1617.
This systematic review investigates the effects of play-based interventions (e.g. Early Start Denver Model, Pivotal Response Training, DIR/Floortime, Joint Attention Symbolic Play Engagement Regulation, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, PLAY project, LEGO therapy) on social interaction, daily functioning, communication, and play skills for children on the autism spectrum.
Korczak Foundation for Autism and Related Disorders (Poland)
From database inception to March 2021
Randomized-controlled trials
32
Over half the RCT studies in this review showed significantly improved social interaction following play-based therapy. Play-based interventions appear to be beneficial in enhancing communication skills. No significant results were found for improvement of restrictive, repetitive behaviors. Mixed results were seen for improvements in daily functioning and problem behaviors. Play skills significantly improved after play-based intervention with JASPER. Play-based interventions seemed effective to improve parental attunement and parent-child interactions, but only a minority showed significant positive results for parent stress levels. Limitations included risk of bias due to homogeneity of study population, lack of power, and performance bias.
