Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), DLD (Developmental Language Disorder), cognitive delays, Down syndrome, or hearing impairments display delays in symbolic play as well as differences in their levels of language and play skills. Symbolic play development is also affected differently depending on the population. To learn more about symbolic play check out my blog post on the Developmental Milestones of Play.

ASD: more restrictive play patterns, often off-task, less engaged in play as typically-developing peers
DLD: play skills that are more developed than language skills, less use of symbolic play
Cognitive delay: reflects the play patterns of typically-developing children but with a delayed onset, development of play skills is slower
- Boys: more repetitive motor movements
- Girls: more organizing and arranging

References

Casby, M. W. (2003). Developmental assessment of play: A model for early intervention. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 24(4), 175-183.

Kennedy, M., Sheridan, M., Radlinski, S., & Beeghly, M. (1991). Play-language relationships in young children with developmental delays: Implications for assessment. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 34

Malone, D., & Langone, J. (1995). Gender differences in the object-oriented play of preschoolers with cognitive delays. Journal of Early Intervention, 19, 302–314.

Terrell, B., Schwartz, R., Prelock, P., & Messick, C. (1984). Symbolic play in normal and language-impaired children. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 27, 424–429.