2026 Mental Health Occupational Therapy Practice Test – Complete Exam Prep

Assessing how a child engages in play is what the Test of Playfulness is designed to measure. In pediatric OT, play is a primary occupation through which children develop skills, learn, and interact with others. The Test of Playfulness looks at how naturally a child initiates and sustains play, their intrinsic motivation to engage, their sense of control during play, and their ability to suspend reality or adapt to new pretend or rule-bending situations. These aspects help therapists understand how likely a child is to approach unfamiliar activities, persist through challenges, and enjoy the process, all of which guide how to structure interventions that promote engagement and growth.

This tool isn’t about cognitive development, home safety, or daily living skills; it specifically targets the playful demeanor and approach a child brings to play. By identifying strengths and barriers in playfulness, the therapist can set goals that foster more spontaneous participation, flexibility, and enjoyment in activities, which in turn supports broader developmental outcomes.