SUMMARYThe main types, functions and developmental stages in the spontaneous play of normal infants and young children are outlined. Correspondences and differences in the play of handicapped children are discussed, with special reference to the importance of suitable playthings in the early development of general understanding, psychomotor functioning, manipulative ability, codes of communication and social adjustment. The need for improved ‘free‐field’ observational research using audiovisual recording techniques is str