Promoting playfulness through a play-based occupational therapy intervention: A study protocol

Background: Play is integral to optimal childhood development. Occupational therapists often use play to improve play skills. However, when it comes to learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Africa, there is limited research regarding play-based interventions that address the underlying motivators of play, namely, social play and playfulness. Objectives: In this study, the authors present a rationale for the development of a protocol for a study aiming to measure the impact of the Playbox Africa Intervention. This is a play- based occupational therapy intervention with the aim of enhancing the playfulness, social play and occupational performance of South African children with ASD. Method: The study will utilise a within-subject, repeated measures design and will be implemented over 16 weeks with 8-10 learners (aged 3-8 years) with ASD attending a developmental-centre environment in Johannesburg, South Africa. The playfulness and social play of the learners will be assessed using the Test of Playfulness (ToP). The modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (M-COPM) will be used to measure occupational performance factors. Results: Given that this protocol outlines an intervention that has not yet been implemented, there are no results to report on. Conclusion: The development of this protocol could encourage the adaption of existing play- based protocols, for children with ASD, perhaps within different settings or varying support needs. Contribution: Additionally, it could lay the foundation for future clinical trials and culturally relevant play-based interventions to be developed in the South African special needs context.