Children with autism display more social behaviors after repeated imitation sessions

Based on earlier studies, an adult's imitations of the behaviors of childre n with autism lead to increased social behavior in the children. The presen t study explored the effects of repeated sessions of imitation. Twenty chil dren were recruited from a school for children with autism to attend three sessions during which an adult either imitated all of the children's behavi ors or simply played with the child. During the second session the children in the imitation group spent a greater proportion of time showing distal s ocial behaviors toward the adult including: (1) looking; (2) vocalizing; (3 ) smiling; and (4) engaging in reciprocal play. During the third session, t he children in the imitation group spent a greater proportion of time showi ng proximal social behaviors toward the adult including: (1) being close to the adult; (2) sitting next to the adult; and (3) touching the adult. Thes e data suggest the potential usefulness of adult imitative behavior as an e arly intervention.