Function of Play in Low Vision Children (Part 2): Emerging Patterns of Behavior

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Abstract
Patterns of play behavior in young low vision children in a structured free-play situation with toys were analyzed. The study included 18 children with low vision (20/200-20/800) ranging in age from 20 months to 4 years 4 months. A group of normally sighted peers was also included in the study. The children were videotaped during a 15-minute free-play session. The play behaviors were coded into four categories of play: functional, stereotypical, relational, and undifferentiated. The presence of visual impairment was associated with significantly less functional and more stereotypical play behavior indicating quantitative and qualitative differences between groups. Developmental patterns across age levels in the incidence of functional, stereotypical, active play and the number of different appropriate uses of toys generated were also analyzed. Significant main effects of visual impairment and age on these patterns were identified. Results provided evidence that the patterns of play in young children with low vision differ significantly from those of their normally sighted peers.

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