The role of toys in individual and dyadic play among young children with handicaps

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of objects in the social interactions of young children with handicaps. Seventeen preschool children were videotaped during two 20-min sessions, once individually, and once in a dyad with a familiar peer. Results indicated that children played differently when they were alone than when they were with a partner. In dyads, children spent more time in manipulative play. In contrast, when children were alone, they exhibited more symbolic play. Toys were used in 94% of the social exchanges, but partners did not coordinate toy use. It consisted primarily of one child offering or taking away the partner's toy.