Play preference of children with ADHD and typically developing children in Brazil: A pilot study

Abstract

There were no significant differences between the two groups in relation to play partners, with classmates being the most frequent play partner for both groups. There were significant differences between the two groups in preferred place to play. Children with ADHD preferred to play in school and typically developing children preferred to play on the street. There were significant differences in relation to toys and type of play engaged in with children with ADHD preferring educational materials and typically developing children preferring electronic games. These findings add to knowledge of Brazilian children with ADHD and their play preferences. Comparisons are made with research with Australian children with and without ADHD.

Play Preference and Pretend Play Skills between Typically Developed Children and Autism

“…Typically developed children mostly preferred to play with their siblings while children with Autism mostly preferred to play with both mother and father, with siblings being their second most preferable partners to play. Siblings may be the most preferred play partners for both groups because the social development occurred in the family and also to interact easily with the family members (Pfeifer, Terra, Ferreira dos Santos, Stagnitti, & Panúncio-Pinto, 2011). "The relationship between siblings includes elements of direct reciprocity, in which siblings actively shape the life of each other that contributes to the ability to play with other partners (Lobato, 1990;Pfeifer, Terra, Ferreira dos Santos, Stagnitti, & Panúncio-Pinto, 2011)."…”

“…Siblings may be the most preferred play partners for both groups because the social development occurred in the family and also to interact easily with the family members (Pfeifer, Terra, Ferreira dos Santos, Stagnitti, & Panúncio-Pinto, 2011). "The relationship between siblings includes elements of direct reciprocity, in which siblings actively shape the life of each other that contributes to the ability to play with other partners (Lobato, 1990;Pfeifer, Terra, Ferreira dos Santos, Stagnitti, & Panúncio-Pinto, 2011)." Children with Autism are more comfortable interacting with their parents as they feel safe in their presence and constant care.…”

“…However, it is surprising that Brazil typically developed children mostly preferred to play in these types of places such as open places in streets and roads because the children like to play with freedom. But the play areas are cleans and very unstructured The reasoning for why typically developed children preferred to play in places that offer protection and safety may be due to the parent's concerns regarding the dangers of playing outside the security zone of the home as cases of children kidnapped by criminals are running rampant which threatens the safety of their children (Pfeifer, Terra, Ferreira dos Santos, Stagnitti, & Panúncio-Pinto, 2011).…”

“…It has supported by Pfeifer, Terra, Ferreira dos Santos, Stagnitti, & Panúncio-Pinto, (2011), play with computer games has increased recent years and child stay in front of the monitor without socially and physically connected and distended from a real world. Based on the identification of new direction from this study, suggested the further research were conduct on why the typically developed children have abnormal play style compared with peer groups and cultural variation also needs to address.…”

“…It consists of 19 questions and takes roughly around 25 minutes to administer (Pfeifer, Terra, Ferreira dos Santos, Stagnitti, Panúncio-Pinto, 2011). This questionnaire can be self-administered by the child or proxy by caregivers if their level of literacy is low.…”