Introduction: Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, which often affects the
development of pretend play. Play assessment provides insights into a child’s abilities for
everyday functioning. However, it is rarely used by occupational therapists in practice. The
aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of pretend play assessment and to identify
differences in pretend play between children with Prader–Willi syndrome and a neurotypical
child. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study multiple case study. Three children were
included. The research sample was convenience-based and purposive. Results: The
neurotypical child’s play was rich in ideas, which supported the development of a storyline. In
both children with Prader-Willi syndrome the assessment revealed challenges and deviations
in play. Discussion: In both children with play-related challenges the assessment provided
valuable information that supports the formulation of therapeutic goals. Conclusion: The
conducted study demonstrated the practical value of pretend play assessment in Slovenian
children.
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