TITLE:
Imitation Can Reduce Repetitive Behaviors and Increase Play Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
AUTHORS:
Tiffany Field, Maria Hernandez-Reif, Miguel Diego, Jennifer Corbin, Mindy Stutzman, Ashlee Orozco, Ava Grace, Marta Kang, Leslie Neophytou, Kelly Russo, Susan Allender, Gabriel Dominguez, Keith McGoldrick
KEYWORDS:
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Imitation, Stereotypic/Repetitive Behaviors
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.5 No.12,
August
28,
2014
ABSTRACT: Researchers
have documented the positive effects of adult imitation on the social and joint
attention behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder. In the current
study videotapes from an archival data base were recoded to address the effects
of imitation on the children’s stereotypic/ repetitive behavior and their
behavior directed toward the adult and the toys. In the original study, the
children with autism spectrum disorder (N = 24) were videotaped in a playroom
that featured 2 sets of the same toys and a seated, still-face adult for 3
minutes. This was followed by a 3-minute period of the adult imitating all of
the child’s behaviors/actions. Another seated, stillface adult segment followed
(3 min), and finally a spontaneous play period (3 min). During the second
still-face following the imitation period versus the first still-face period,
the children spent more time touching the adult, and touching and playing with
the toys. During the imitation versus the spontaneous play session the children
showed less stereotypic/repetitive behavior including less time bringing the
toys to the face and making autistic-like sounds. These data suggest that
imitation by the adult led to less stereotypic/repetitive behavior by the
children with autism spectrum disorder and more engaging behavior including
both touching the adult and touching and playing with the toys.