An understanding of participation patterns in preschool-aged children with an autism spectrum disorder will allow the occupation therapy practitioner to focus on goals relevant to the child and family. This study compares participation patterns and barriers to participation in children with an autism spectrum disorder with those of children with no diagnosis. Using the Preschool Activity Card Sort, parent interviews revealed children with an autism diagnosis participate in fewer preschool activities of self-care, community mobility, vigorous leisure, sedentary leisure, social interaction, chores, and education than children with no diagnosis. Reasons for non-participation generally focused on child behaviors; parents gave opportunities to participate, but the child, for a variety of reasons, could not capitalize on the opportunity. Practitioners can assist the family in managing the child's responses and behavior in a wide range of preschool activities.

Measuring the participation of preschoolers (children between 3 and 6 years of age) with disabilities in everyday activites has become a professional mandate for occupational therapists. This study outlines the development of the Preschool Activity Card Sort, which can establish a child's occupational profile through parent interview. Six of the nine International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health activity and participation domains are included in the Preschool Activity Card Sort. A literature review and an analysis of parent time logs were used to compile photographs of preschoolers engaged in typical activities. Parents respond to these photographs during discussion about their child's participation in these everyday activities. When a child does not participate in age-appropriate activities, the Preschool Activity Card Sort helps determine whether it is due to child, family, or environmental barriers. Identifying these barriers assists the therapist and the family in determining therapeutic goals.

Young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to assume adult roles. This research assessed the feasibility of using the Adolescent and Young Adult Activity Card Sort (AYA-ACS) with emerging adults with high functioning ASD. Two phases were utilized during this research: (1) comparing the activity participation reported by emerging adults with an ASD and that reported by their caring adult; (2) examining the barriers to participation reported. Preliminary results demonstrate that the AYA-ACS appears to be a reliable and valid method of identifying emerging adults' participation strengths as well as personal and environmental challenges in a variety of age-appropriate activities. The AYA-ACS could assist service providers by providing an understanding of the challenges to participation faced by this population and aid in developing client centered interventions.