Analysis of play in children aged 2 to 4 with developmental language disorder

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze playing in children aged two to four years and eleven months with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), and to investigate correlations between play, development dimensions, and the variables maternal education, family income and gestational age. Methods This is quantitative, cross-sectional research, with 37 children aged between two and four years and eleven months, diagnosed by speech therapists with DLD. This diagnosis was confirmed using two instruments: the Labyrinth Scale which allows a differential assessment between DLD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the Dimensional Inventory of Child Development (IDADI) wich allows confirmation of language development delay, as well as assessment of other dimensions of child development. Play was assessed by analyzing the filming of the interaction between the child and the researcher during the collection of the Labyrinth Scale, considering expected levels for chronological age from two to five years. Based on the identified categories, descriptive and statistical analyses were performed on the variables maternal education, gestational age and family income. Results Most children presented a delay of one level or more in play development, accompanied by a significant delay in expressive language. There was a statistical association between play and the fine motor dimension of child development. Conclusion Children with DLD showed delay in play, and better development in play was positively associated with better performance in fine motor skills, suggesting its relevance as a space for cognitive development and subjectivation.