Multimodal behavioral analysis of child play interactions for early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study developed a culturally-adapted Play Behavior Protocol to analyze 26 behavioral markers in children aged 0-36 months, comparing 34 with ASD to 10 with developmental delay and 23 typically developing children. Children with ASD showed reduced eye contact, social smiling, and joint attention alongside increased repetitive and solitary play, with specific behavioral ratios potentially useful for distinguishing ASD from other developmental conditions.