Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effectivity of Play-Based Interventions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents: A Systematic Review

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Evidence of the effectivity of play-based interventions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was evaluated by PRISMA-based literature study and a Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment. Many of the 32 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT) reported improved social interaction, communication, daily functioning and play behaviour. They also reported decreased problem behaviour, better parental attunement and parent–child interaction. We assessed 25/32 of the RCTs with high RoB, mainly related to homogeneity of the study population, lack of power, and performance bias. We concluded with due care that the effectivity of play-based interventions differed across RCTs, most reported improvements are found in ASD symptoms, everyday functioning, and parental attunement. In future research, findings should be replicated, taking account of the RoB.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Note. Those references prefixed by a number denote the 32 RCTs included in this review.

  • Abrahamse, M. E., Junger, M., Leijten, P. H. O., Lindeboom, R., Boer, F., & Lindauer, R. J. L. (2015). Psychometric properties of the Dutch Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) in a community sample and a multi-ethnic clinical sample. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 37(4), 679–691.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • APA. (2014). Handboek voor de classificatie van psychische stoornissen (DSM-5). Nederlandse vertaling van Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Uitgeverij Boom.

    Google Scholar 

  • (10)Barrett, A. C., Vernon, T. W., McGarry, E. S., Holden, A. N., Bradshaw, J., Ko, J. A., Horowitz, E. J., & German, T. C. (2020). Social responsiveness and language use associated with an enhanced PRT approach for young children with ASD: Results from a pilot RCT of the PRISM model. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 71(101497), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2019.101497

  • Berk, L. E., Mann, T. D., & Ogan, A. T. (2006). Make-believe play: wellspring for development of self-regulation. In Play = Learning: How play motivates and enhances children’s cognitive and social-emotional growth. Oxford University Press.

  • Bernard-opitz, V. (2002). A comparison of the effects of structured play and facilitated play approaches on. 181–196.

  • Bick, J., Fox, N., Zeanah, C., & Nelson, C. A. (2017). Early deprivation, atypical brain development, and internalizing symptoms in late childhood. Neuroscience, 07(342), 140–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.026

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bratton, S., & Ray, D. (2000). What the research shows about play therapy. International Journal of Play Therapy, 9(1), 47–88. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0089440

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burriss, K. G., & Tsao, L.-L. (2002). Review of research: How much do we know about the importance of play in child development? Childhood Education, 78(4), 230–233. https://doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2002.10522188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Byers, J. A., Walker, C., The, S., Naturalist, A., Jul, N., Byers, J. A., & Walker, C. (1995). Refining the motor training hypothesis for the evolution of play. The American Naturlist, 146(1), 25–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carrington, S. J., Kent, R. G., Maljaars, J., Le Couteur, A., Gould, J., Wing, L., Noens, I., Van Berckelaer-Onnes, I., & Leekam, S. R. (2014). DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder: In search of essential behaviours for diagnosis. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 8(6), 701–715.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • (21)Casenhiser, D. M., Binns, A., McGill, F., Morderer, O., & Shanker, S. G. (2015). Measuring and supporting language function for children with autism: Evidence from a randomized control trial of a social-interaction-based therapy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(3), 846–857.

  • (22)Casenhiser, D. M., Shanker, S. G., & Stieben, J. (2013). Learning through interaction in children with autism: Preliminary data from asocial-communication-based intervention. Autism, 17(2), 220–241.

  • (17)Chang, Y. C., Shire, S. Y., Shih, W., Gelfand, C., & Kasari, C. (2016). Preschool deployment of evidence-based social communication intervention: JASPER in the classroom. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(6), 2211–2223. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2752-2.

  • Charman, T., Swettenham, J., Baron-Cohen, S., Cox, A., Baird, G., & Drew, A. (1997). Infants with autism: An investigation of empathy, pretend play, joint attention, and imitation. Developmental Psychology, 33(5), 781–789. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.33.5.781

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crea, K., Dissanayake, C., & Hudry, K. (2016). Proband mental health difficulties and parental stress predict mental health in toddlers at high-risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2861-y

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dabrowska, A., & Pisula, E. (2010). Parenting stress and coping styles in mothers and fathers of pre-school children with autism and Down syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 54(3), 266–280. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2010.01258.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Daunhauer, L. A., Coster, W. J., Tickle-Degnen, L., & Cermak, S. A. (2010). Play and cognition among young children reared in an institution. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 30(2), 83–97. https://doi.org/10.3109/01942630903543682

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, G. (2008). Early behavioral intervention, brain plasticity, and the prevention of autism spectrum disorder. Development and Psychopathology, 20, 775–830. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579408000370

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • (23)Dawson, G., Rogers, S., Munson, J., Smith, M., Winter, J., Greenson, J., Donaldson, A., Hill, C., Carolina, N., Sciences, B., & Science, H. (2016). Randomized, controlled trial of an intervention for toddlers with autism: The early start denver model. Pediatrics, 125(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2009-0958.

  • Eberle, S. G. (2014). The Elements of Play Toward a Philosophy and a Definition of Play. American Journal of Play, 6(2), 214–233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elsabbagh, M., Mercure, E., Hudry, K., Chandler, S., Pasco, G., Charman, T., Pickles, A., Baron-Cohen, S., Bolton, P., & Johnson, M. H. (2012). Infant neural sensitivity to dynamic eye gaze is associated with later emerging autism. Current Biology, 22, 338–342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2011.12.056

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Eyberg, S. M., & Robinson, E. A. (1981). Dyadic parent-child interaction coding system: a manual (Issue August). Parenting Clinic, University of Washington. Retrieved from http://www4.ujaen.es/~mramos/AsMPIA/dpicsmanual.pdf.

  • Field, T., Field, T., Sanders, C., & Nadel, J. (2001). Children with autism display more social behaviors after repeated imitation sessions. Autism, 5(3), 317–323. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361301005003008

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • (7)Gengoux, G. W., Abrams, D. A., Schuck, R., Millan, M. E., Libove, R., Ardel, C. M., Phillips, J. M., Fox, M., Frazier, T. W., & Hardan, A. Y. (2019). A pivotal response treatment package for children with autism spectrum disorder E.coli: An RCT. Pediatrics, 144(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-0178.

  • George, C., Herman, K. C., & Ostrander, R. (2006). The family environment and developmental psychopathology: The unique and interactive effects of depression, attention, and conduct problems. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 37(2), 163–177. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-006-0026-5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • (28)Ginn, N. C., Clionsky, L. N., Eyberg, S. M., Warner-Metzger, C., & Abner, J. P. (2017). Child-directed interaction training for young children with autism spectrum disorders: Parent and child outcomes. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 46(1), 101–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2015.1015135.

  • Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2697

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • González-Sala, F., Gómez-Marí, I., Tárraga-Mínguez, R., Vicente-Carvajal, A., & Pastor-Cerezuela, G. (2021). Symbolic play among children with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review. Children, 8(9), 801. https://doi.org/10.3390/CHILDREN8090801

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • (12)Goods, K. S., Ishijima, E., Chang, Y. C., & Kasari, C. (2013). Preschool based JASPER intervention in minimally verbal children with Autism: Pilot RCT. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(5), 1050–1056. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1644-3.

  • Goswami, U. (2006). The foundations of psychological understanding. Developmental Science, 9(6), 545–550. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7687.2006.00531.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greenhalgh, T., & Peacock, R. (2005). Information in practice Effectiveness and efficiency of search methods in systematic reviews of complex evidence: Audit of primary sources. BMJ (online), 331, 1064–1065. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38636.593461.68

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greenspan, S.I., DeGangi, G., Wieder, S. (2003). Research on the FEAS: Test development, reliability, and validity studies. In The functional emotional assessment scale (FEAS) for infancy and early childhood. Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders.

  • (15)Gulsrud, A. C., Hellemann, G., Shire, S., & Kasari, C. (2016). Isolating active ingredients in a parent-mediated social communication intervention for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 57(5), 606–613. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12481.

  • (3)Hardan, A. Y., Gengoux, G. W., Berquist, K. L., Libove, R. A., Ardel, C. M., Phillips, J., Frazier, T. W., & Minjarez, M. B. (2015). A randomized controlled trial of Pivotal Response Treatment Group for parents of children with autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 56(8), 884–892. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12354.

  • Haskett, M., Ward, C. S., & Allaire, J. C. (2006). Factor structure and validity of the parenting stress index-short form. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 35(2), 302–312. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15374424jccp3502_14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hess, E. B. (2013). DIR®/FloortimeTM: Evidence based practice towards the treatment of autism and sensory processing disorder in children and adolescents. International Journal of Child Health and Human Development, 6(3), 267–274.

    Google Scholar 

  • Higgins, J., & Green, S. (2008). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions: The cochrane collaboration. The Cochrane Collaboration. Wiley.

  • Higgins, J. P. T., Altman, D. G., Gøtzsche, P. C., Jüni, P., Moher, D., Oxman, A. D., Savović, J., Schulz, K. F., Weeks, L., & Sterne, J. A. C. (2011). The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ, 343(7829), d5928. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d5928

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kamps, D., Thiemann-Bourque, K., Heitzman-Powell, L., Schwartz, I., & Rosenberg, N. (2015). A comprehensive peer network intervention to improve social communication of children with autism spectrum disorders: A randomized trial in Kindergarten and First Grade. Journal of Autism and Develeopmental Disordors, 45(6), 1809–1824. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2340-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kasari, C., Dean, M., Kretzmann, M., Shih, W., Orlich, F., Whitney, R., Landa, R., Lord, C., & King, B. (2016). Children with autism spectrum disorder and social skills groups at school: A randomized trial comparing intervention approach and peer composition. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 57(2), 171–179. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12460

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kasari, C., Freeman, S., & Paparella, T. (2006). Joint attention and symbolic play in young children with autism: A randomized controlled intervention study. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 47(6), 611–620. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01567

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kasari, C., Gulsrud, A. C., Wong, C., Kwon, S., & Locke, J. (2010). Randomized controlled caregiver mediated joint engagement intervention for toddlers with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(9), 1045–1056. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-0955-5

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • (14)Kasari, C., Gulsrud, A., Paparella, T., Hellemann, G., & Berry, K. (2015). Randomized comparative efficacy study of parent-mediated interventions for toddlers with autism. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 83(3), 554–563. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0039080.

  • (13)Kasari, C., Lawton, K., Shih, W., Tyson, V., Barker, F., Landa, R., Lord, C., Orlich, F., King, B., Wetherby, A., & Senturk, D. (2014). Caregiver-mediated intervention for low-resourced preschoolers with autism: An RCT. Pediatrics, 134(1), 72–79. www.aappublications.org/news.

  • Kasari, C., Rotheram-Fuller, E., Locke, J., & Gulsrud, A. (2012). Making the connection: Randomized controlled trial of social skills at school for children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 53(4), 431–439. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02493.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kavanaugh, R. D., & Harris, P. L. (1994). Imagining the outcome of pretend transformations: Assessing the competence of normal children and children with autism. Developmental Psychology, 30(6), 847–854. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.30.6.847

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keenan, B. M., Newman, L. K., Gray, K. M., & Rinehart, N. J. (2016). Parents of children with ASD experience more psychological distress, parenting stress, and attachment-related anxiety. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(9), 2979–2991. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2836-z

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kent, C., Cordier, R., Joosten, A., Wilkes-Gillan, S., Bundy, A., & Speyer, R. (2020). A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Interventions to Improve Play Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (Vol. 7, Issue 1, pp. 91–118). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-019-00181-y

  • Kretzmann, M., Shih, W., & Kasari, C. (2015). Improving peer engagement of children with autism on the school playground: A randomized controlled trial. Behavior Therapy, 46(1), 20–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2014.03.006

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • (11)Lawton, K., & Kasari, C. (2012). Teacher-implemented joint attention intervention: Pilot randomized controlled study for preschoolers with autism. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(4), 687–693. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028506.

  • LeBlanc, M., & Ritchie, M. (2001). A meta-analysis of play therapy outcomes. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 14(2), 149–163. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070110059142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, S. J., Gopalan, G., & Harrington, D. (2016). Validation of the parenting stress index-short form with minority caregivers. Research on Social Work Practice, 26(4), 429–440. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731514554854

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lester, S., & Russell, W. (2014). Children’s right to play. In The SAGE handbook of play and learning in early childhood. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781473907850.n25.

  • Lin, S.-K., Tsai, C.-H., Li, H.-J., Huang, C.-Y., & Chen, K.-L. (2017). Theory of mind predominantly associated with the quality, not quantity, of pretend play in children with autism spectrum disorder. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 26(10), 1187–1196. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00787-017-0973-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lord, C., Brugha, T., Charman, T., Cusack, J., Dumas, G., Frazier, T., Jones, E., Jones, R., & Pickles, A. (2020). Autism spectrum disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 6(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0138-4ï

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • (27)Mahoney, G., & Solomon, R. (2016). Mechanism of developmental change in the PLAY Project Home Consultation Program: Evidence from a randomized control trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(5), 1860–1871. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2720-x.

  • Marsack-Topolewski, C. N., & Church, H. L. (2019). Impact of caregiver burden on quality of life for parents of adult children with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 124(2), 145–156. https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-124.2.145

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • (8)McDaniel, J., Yoder, P., Crandall, M., Millan, M. E., Ardel, C. M., Gengoux, G. W., & Hardan, A. Y. (2020). Effects of pivotal response treatment on reciprocal vocal contingency in a randomized controlled trial of children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320903138.

  • (5)Mohammadzaheri, F., Koegel, L. K., Rezaee, M., & Rafiee, S. M. (2014). A randomized clinical trial comparison between Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) and structured Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) intervention for children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(11), 2769–2777. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2137-3.

  • (6)Mohammadzaheri, F., Koegel, L. K., Rezaei, M., & Bakhshi, E. (2015). A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparison Between Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) and Adult-Driven Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) intervention on disruptive behaviors in public school children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45, 2899–2907. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2451-4.

  • (2)Nefdt, N., Koegel, R., Singer, G., & Gerber, M. (2010). The use of a self-directed learning program to provide introductory training in pivotal response treatment to parents of children with autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 12(1), 23–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098300709334796.

  • (30)Owens, G., Granader, Y., Humphrey, A., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2008). LEGO® therapy and the social use of language programme: An evaluation of two social skills interventions for children with high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(10), 1944–1957. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-008-0590-6.

  • Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., & McDonald, S., et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

  • (19)Pajareya, K., & Nopmaneejumruslers, K. (2011). A pilot randomized controlled trial of DIR/FloortimeTM parent training intervention for pre-school children with autistic spectrum disorders. Autism, 15(5), 563–577. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361310386502.

  • (20)Pajareya, K., & Nopmaneejumruslers, K. (2012). A one-year prospective follow-up study of a DIR/FloortimeTM parent training intervention for preschool children with autistic spectrum disorders. Journal of the Medical, 95(9), 1184–1193. http://www.floortimethailand.com/images/info/interestingari/2063.pdf.

  • Parsons, L., Cordier, R., Munro, N., Joosten, A., & Speyer, R. (2017). A systematic review of pragmatic language interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder. PLoS ONE, 12(4), 1–37. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172242

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pellegrini, A. D., & Smith, P. K. (1998). The development of play during childhood: Forms and possible functions. Child Psychology and Psychiatry Review, 3(2), 51–57. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1360641798001476

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pellegrini, A. D., & Smith, P. K. (2005). Boys’and girls’uses of objects for exploration play and tools in early childhood. The nature of play: Great apes and humans (pp. 113–135). Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Power, T. G. (2000). Play and exploration in children and animals. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quirmbach, L., Lincoln, A. J., Feinberg-Gizzo, M. J., Brooke, I. R., & Andrews, S. M. (2008). Social Stories: Mechanisms of Effectiveness in Increasing Game Play Skills in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Pretest Posttest Repeated Measures Randomized Control Group Design. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-008-0628-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Radin, R. M., Mason, A. E., Laudenslager, M. L., & Epel, E. S. (2019). Mental caregivers have confluence of altered cortisol, high reward-driven eating, and worse metabolic health. PLoS ONE, 14(5), 0216541. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216541

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rao, P. A., & Beidel, D. C. (2009). The impact of children with high-functioning autism on parental stress, sibling adjustment, and family functioning. Behavior Modification, 33(4), 437–451. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445509336427

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rigter, J., & van Hintum, M. (2010). Ontwikkelingspsychopathologie bij kinderen en jeugdigen (5th ed.). Coutinho.

  • (25)Rogers, S. J., Estes, A., Vismara, L., Munson, J., Zierhut, C., Greenson, J., Dawson, G., Rocha, M., Sugar, C., Senturk, D., Whelan, F., & Talbott, M. (2019a). Enhancing low-intensity coaching in parent implemented early start denver model intervention for early autism: A randomized comparison treatment trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(2), 632–646. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3740-5.

  • (26)Rogers, S. J., Estes, A., Lord, C., Munson, J., Rocha, M., Winter, J., Greenson, J., Colombi, C., Dawson, G., Vismara, L. A., Sugar, C. A., Hellemann, G., Whelan, F., & Talbott, M. (2019b). A multisite randomized controlled two-phase trial of the early start denver model compared to treatment as usual. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 58(9), 853–865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2019.01.004.

  • Rutter, M., Andersen-Wood, L., Beckett, C., Bredenkamp, D., Castle, J., Groothues, C., Kreppner, J., Keaveney, L., Lord, C., & O’Connor, T. G. (1999). Quasi-autistic patterns following severe early global privation. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 40(4), 537–549. https://doi.org/10.1111/1469-7610.00472

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sawyer, M. G., Bittman, M., La Greca, A. M., Crettenden, A. D., Harchak, T. F., & Martin, J. (2010). Time demands of caring for children with autism: What are the implications for maternal mental health. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(5), 620–628. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0912-3

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • (31)Schottelkorb, A. A., Swan, K. L., & Ogawa, Y. (2020). Intensive child-centered play therapy for children on the autism spectrum: A pilot study. Journal of Counseling and Development, 98(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12300

  • (1)Schreibman, L., Kaneko, W. M., & Koegel, R. L. (1991). Positive affect of parents of autistic children: A comparison across two teaching techniques. Behavior Therapy, 22. 479-490https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7894(05)80340-5.

  • (4)Schreibman, L., & Stahmer, A. C. (2014). A randomized trial comparison of the effects of verbal and pictorial naturalistic communication strategies on spoken language for young children with autism E.coli. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(5), 1244–1251. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1972-y.

  • (29)Scudder, A., Wong, C., Ober, N., Hoffman, M., Toscolani, J., & Handen, B. L. (2019). Parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 41(4), 201–220. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317107.2019.1659542.

  • (16)Shire, S. Y., Chang, Y. C., Shih, W., Bracaglia, S., Kodjoe, M., & Kasari, C. (2017a). Hybrid implementation model of community-partnered early intervention for toddlers with autism: a randomized trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 58(5), 612–622. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12672.

  • (18)Shire, S. Y., Chang, Y. C., Shih, W., Bracaglia, S., Kodjoe, M., & Kasari, C. (2017b). Hybrid implementation model of community-partnered early intervention for toddlers with autism: a randomized trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 58(5), 612–622. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12672.

  • Shire, S. Y., Gulsrud, A., & Kasari, C. (2016). Increasing responsive parent-child interactions and joint engagement: Comparing the influence of parent-mediated intervention and parent psychoeducation. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(5), 1737–1747. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2702-z

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, L. E., Greenberg, J. S., & Mailick, M. R. (2014). The Family Context of autism spectrum disorders. Influence on the behavioral phenotype and quality of life. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 23(1), 143–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2013.08.006

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • (26)Solomon, R., Van Egeren, L. A., Mahoney, G., Huber, M. S. Q., & Zimmerman, P. (2014). PLAY project home consultation intervention program for young children with autism spectrum disorders: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 35(8), 475–485. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000000096.

  • Tachibana, Y., Miyazaki, C., Ota, E., Mori, R., Hwang, Y., Kobayashi, E., Terasaka, A., Tang, J., & Kamio, Y. (2017). A systematic review and meta-analysis of comprehensive interventions for pre-school children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PLoS ONE, 12(12), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186502

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thiemann-Bourque, K., Johnson, L. K., & Brady, N. C. (2019). Similarities in functional play and differences in symbolic play of children with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 124(1), 77–91. https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-124.1.77

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Van Duijn, G., Dijkxhoorn, Y., Noens, I., Scholte, E., & Van Berckelaer-Onnes, I. (2009). Vineland screener 0–12 years research version (NL). Constructing a screening instrument to assess adaptive behaviour. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 18(2), 110–117. https://doi.org/10.1002/mpr.282

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • van Peet, A. A. J., van den Wittenboer, G. L. H., & Hox, J. J. (2005). Toegepaste statistiek. Inductieve technieken. Stenfert Kroese.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verheij, C., Louwerse, A., van der Ende, J., Eussen, M. L. J. M., Van Gool, A. R., Verheij, F., Verhulst, F. C., & Greaves-Lord, K. (2015). The Stability of Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders: A 7 Year Follow Up of Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(12), 3939–3948. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2592-5

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • (9)Vernon, T. W., Holden, A. N., Barrett, A. C., Bradshaw, J., Ko, J. A., McGarry, E. S., Horowitz, E. J., Tagavi, D. M., & German, T. C. (2019a). A Pilot randomized clinical trial of an enhanced pivotal response treatment approach for young children with autism: The PRISM model. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(6), 2358–2373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-03909-1.

  • Vernon, T. W., Holden, A. N., Barrett, A. C., Bradshaw, J., Ko, J. A., McGarry, E. S., Horowitz, E. J., Tagavi, D. M., & German, T. C. (2019b). A pilot randomized clinical trial of an enhanced pivotal response treatment approach for young children with autism: The PRISM model. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(6), 2358–2373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-03909-1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, K. P., Carter, M. W., Wiener, H. L., Deramus, M. L., Bulluck, J. C., Watson, L. R., Crais, E. R., & Baranek, G. T. (n.d.). Object play in infants with autism spectrum disorder: A longitudinal retrospective video analysis. https://doi.org/10.1177/2396941517713186.

  • Wong, C. S. (2013). A play and joint attention intervention for teachers of young children with autism: A randomized controlled pilot study. Autism, 17(3), 340–357. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361312474723

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • (32)Wong, V. C. N., & Kwan, Q. K. (2010). Randomized controlled trial for early intervention for Autism: A pilot study of the Autism 1–2–3 project. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40, 677–688. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0916-z.

  • Woolfenden, S., Sarkozy, V., Ridley, G., & Williams, K. (2012). A systematic review of the diagnostic stability of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6(1), 345–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2011.06.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zaidman-Zait, A., Mirenda, P., Duku, E., Szatmari, P., Georgiades, S., Volden, J., Zwaigenbaum, L., Vaillancourt, T., Bryson, S., Smith, I., Fombonne, E., Roberts, W., Waddell, C., & Thompson, A. (2014). Examination of bidirectional relationships between parent stress and two types of problem behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(8), 1908–1917. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2064-3

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ziviani, J., Boyle, M., & Rodger, S. (2001). An introduction to play and the preschool child with autistic spectrum disorder. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64(1), 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/030802260106400104

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

Funding was provided by Korczak Foundation for Autism and Related Disorders (Grant No. 250.000EU).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sarr Expert Centre for Autism, Youz Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry, Parnassia Group, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    Leanne Dijkstra-de Neijs, Chanel Tisseur, Laura A. Kluwen, Ina A. van Berckelaer-Onnes, Hanna Swaab & Wietske A. Ester

  2. Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Leanne Dijkstra-de Neijs, Ina A. van Berckelaer-Onnes, Hanna Swaab & Wietske A. Ester

  3. Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Hanna Swaab

  4. Curium-LUMC, Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry, Oegstgeest, The Netherlands

    Wietske A. Ester

Authors
  1. Leanne Dijkstra-de Neijs
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chanel Tisseur
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Laura A. Kluwen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ina A. van Berckelaer-Onnes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hanna Swaab
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Wietske A. Ester
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

LD, IAB, HS and WAE contributed to the study conception and design. Study selection and data extraction were performed by LD and LAK, risk of bias analysis was performed by LD and CT. The first draft of the manuscript was written by LD and authors IAB, HS and WAE commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wietske A. Ester.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

All authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOCX 31 kb)

Supplementary file2 (DOCX 74 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Dijkstra-de Neijs, L., Tisseur, C., Kluwen, L.A. et al. Effectivity of Play-Based Interventions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents: A Systematic Review. J Autism Dev Disord 53, 1588–1617 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05357-2

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05357-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation