Using free operant preference assessments to select toys for free play between children with autism and siblings

Stimulus properties of toys may impact the type and amount of play observed between children with autism and their playmates. Six children with autism and their siblings participated in an evaluation of toy characteristics on type of play, problem behavior, social initiations, and responses to social initiations. Separate free operant preference assessments were conducted with toys in two categories: sensory stimulating toys and developmentally oriented toys. Highly preferred items and low to moderately preferred items from each category were then introduced into free play observations with children with autism and their sibling. Generally, highly preferred sensory stimulating items were associated with more problem behavior and solitary play while developmentally oriented toys that were moderately preferred produced the most interactive play and the least problem behavior. Implications for sibling-based play interventions are discussed.