Object play in infants with autism: methodological issues in retrospective video analysis.

Objectives: Using a taxonomy of object play, this study describes methodological issues in using retrospective video analysis and computer-based coding as a research tool for early identification of autism.

Method: Home videos of 32 infants with autism (n= 11), developmental delay (n= 10), and typical development (n= 11) were edited and analyzed for duration and highest level of object play in four hierarchical categories (exploratory, relational, functional, symbolic) using The Observer 3.0.