Abstract
This study describes play of intellectually disabled children. A sample of 27 school aged children from five to seven years of age was evaluated using the Knox Preschool Play Scale and Ferland Assessment of Ludic Behavior. Play capacities and Ludic attitude were described and analyzed in relation to intellectual capacities. Children demonstrated good abilities in use of objects and space in both assessments. Furthermore, four out of six elements of the Ludic attitude: curiosity, initiative, pleasure, and spontaneity were present irrespective of IQ level. However, sense of humor and enjoyment of challenge were less present. Interestingly, the Imitation dimension showed relative weakness suggesting that this learning method may not be optimal in the school setting. The results highlight the strengths and limitations in play behaviors of children with intellectual disability.
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Messier, J., Ferland, F. & Majnemer, A. Play Behavior of School Age Children with Intellectual Disability: Their Capacities, Interests and Attitude. J Dev Phys Disabil 20, 193–207 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-007-9089-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-007-9089-x