Cynthia F. DiCarlo & Dennis H. Reid (2004).
Increasing pretend toy play of toddlers with disabilities in an inclusive setting.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
37, 197-208.
We evaluated a program for increasing pretend toy play of 2-year-old
children with disabilities in an inclusive classroom. Classroom
personnel implemented the program, which involved choices of classroom
centers containing toys that tend to occasion pretend play in toddlers
without disabilities, along with prompting and praise. Increases
occurred in independent pretend-play rates among all 5 participating
toddlers. Results are discussed regarding the importance of promoting
toy play of very young children with disabilities that is similar to
the type of play of their nondisabled peers, and the need to identify
critical program components that are applicable in inclusive settings.
DESCRIPTORS: pretend play, young children with disabilities