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.