Description:
<jats:p> This study investigated the Children's Playfulness Scale (CPS) and the Test of Playfulness (ToP) in assessing children with autistic disorder. Twenty-four children aged 41 to 86 months were assessed on the CPS by a parent and on the CPS and the ToP by occupational therapists who rated two 15-minute unstructured and structured play sessions. Analysis of the data revealed correlations between the CPS parent and therapist ratings and the CPS and ToP scores for observed play sessions. A statistically significant difference ( F = 79.263; p = .01) between parent CPS ratings and therapist CPS ratings was found in the unstructured play session. Correlation coefficients revealed a strong, positive correlation between therapist-rated ToP and CPS assessments (unstructured play, r = .814, p < .05; structured play, r = .799, p < .05). Regarding therapist ratings of playfulness, the CPS and the ToP appear to assess a similar phenomenon and are clinically useful for children with autistic disorder. </jats:p>