AUTHOR Rdgers-Warren, Ann; And Others. TITLE Playing and Learning Together: Patterns of Social Interaction in Handicapped and Nonhandicappped

Two projects at the Kansas Early Childhood Institute investigated characteristics of social interaction by handicapped,,at risk, and nonhandicapped Children. The first project examined patterns of social interaction and play behavior among preschool children in-an integrated classroom. A longitudinal observation of four mil4 to moderately rgtarded Down's syndrome children (5 to 6.5 years old) and four nonhaMicapped Ss (4.5 to 5 yearslold) was conducted. Results indiCated that handicapped and nonhandicapped children preferred the same types of activities. Handicapped children most fikvently selected handicapped playmates, and.nonhandicapped children usually selected nonhandicapped playmates. Handicapped Ss spent more time engaged in solitary play than nonhandicapped Ss. The second project described the'specific social skills and interaction parameters exhibited by 15-normal, at risk, aild handicapped