Playground enjoyment and playground interactions in autistic and allistic children

Playground interactions are considered important for children’s social development. However, the question remains whether playgrounds offer enjoyable social experiences for all children, especially autistic children, whose interaction styles may differ from their allistic (i.e. non-autistic) peers. This observational study aims to better understand the relation between the quantity and quality of social interactions and playground enjoyment in both groups. Playground enjoyment was expected to relate positively to interaction quality and quantity, especially in allistic children. Participants were 28 autistic and 30 allistic children (7-14 years) attending two special education primary schools. Interaction quantity (total time spent interacting) and quality (positive or negative tone) were coded from video observations of recess periods and playground enjoyment was coded through self-reports. Results showed that autistic children reported lower playground enjoyment than allistic...Show morePlayground interactions are considered important for children’s social development. However, the question remains whether playgrounds offer enjoyable social experiences for all children, especially autistic children, whose interaction styles may differ from their allistic (i.e. non-autistic) peers. This observational study aims to better understand the relation between the quantity and quality of social interactions and playground enjoyment in both groups. Playground enjoyment was expected to relate positively to interaction quality and quantity, especially in allistic children. Participants were 28 autistic and 30 allistic children (7-14 years) attending two special education primary schools. Interaction quantity (total time spent interacting) and quality (positive or negative tone) were coded from video observations of recess periods and playground enjoyment was coded through self-reports. Results showed that autistic children reported lower playground enjoyment than allistic children. Surprisingly, autistic children spent more time in social interactions than their allistic peers. No group differences were found in interaction quality and children engaged more in positive than in negative interactions. Furthermore, neither interaction time nor quality predicted playground enjoyment. These findings challenge the assumption that more social interaction leads to more playground enjoyment. Instead, they suggest that playground enjoyment might be influenced by other factors beyond observable social interactions. The outcomes highlight the importance of creating diverse playground environments that are inclusive, flexible and responsive to the needs of all children. Such environments might help stimulate more enjoyable recess experiences for all children.Show less

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Playground enjoyment and playground interactions in autistic and allistic children