Journal article 135 views 1 download
Exploring Autistic Children’s Play Cycles Using the Play Cycle Observation Method (PCOM)
International Journal of Playwork Practice, Volume: 6, Issue: 1
Swansea University Authors: Eleanor Mugford, Peter King
-
PDF | Version of Record
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Download (862.38KB)
DOI (Published version): 10.25035/ijpp.06.01.03
Abstract
The Play Cycle Observation Method (PCOM) enables researchers to observe and record the process of play based on the theory of the Play Cycle. While the PCOM has been used with both video footage and in real-time observation of neurotypical children, it has not previously been applied with neurodiver...
| Published in: | International Journal of Playwork Practice |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2689-9124 |
| Published: |
Bowling Green State University
2026
|
| Online Access: |
Check full text
|
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71710 |
| Abstract: |
The Play Cycle Observation Method (PCOM) enables researchers to observe and record the process of play based on the theory of the Play Cycle. While the PCOM has been used with both video footage and in real-time observation of neurotypical children, it has not previously been applied with neurodivergent children. This study involved ten one-hour naturalistic PCOM observations with nine autistic children during play sessions. The results demonstrated variability in play processes, with several styles of play behaviour observed, including differences in how play was initiated, sustained, and terminated. The findings both corroborate and challenge strands of the existing literature on autistic play, contributing to the development of practice-informed, real-world applications, supporting play interaction for autistic children. |
|---|---|
| College: |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Issue: |
1 |