Children with autism spectrum disorder and their social interaction in play : Some teachers' experiences regarding these children´s social interaction in play in preschool

The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences some teachers in preschool have of how the social interaction looks like in play of children with autism spectrum disorder. The study relied on the following questions: • How do teachers describe their experiences of children within the autism spectrum disorder? • How do teachers describe these children's social interaction in play? • How do teachers talk about how play is designed in preschool to promote social interaction among children with autism spectrum disorder? To be able to answer the questions above, qualitative semi-structured interviews have been used. Four interviews have been conducted with active teachers in preschool who all have experience with children with autism spectrum disorder. Results from this study shows that teachers' have experience of that social interaction in play is difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder. In play they do not seem to experience self-comfort in comparison with other children. They often play next to each other rather then together. At the same time teachers' experiences shows that play can work if the right support is given. Keywords Autism spectrum disorder, social interaction, play, preschool, preschool teacher