Effects of Reciprocal Imitation Training on Social Communication Skills of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The aim of the current study was firstly to examine the effectiveness of Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT) on a) imitation of object actions and gestures and b) maintenance of these skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Secondly, the purpose was to explore the effectiveness of object and gesture imitation teaching with RIT on motor imitation skills, initiating and responding to initiations of joint attention, play and verbal imitation skills, communicative behaviors and vocabulary, and contextually appropriate use of language. The design of this study was Modified Multiple Baseline Design Across Subjects. The study group consisted of three children with ASD. The results of this study showed that for all subjects there was an increase in the object and gesture imitation. Also, the findings showed that RIT increased motor imitation, verbal imitation, and play skills as well as the frequency of initiating and responding to initiations of joint attention, communicative behaviors, and vocabulary. The results are discussed in line with the literature related to teaching imitation in early childhood period

A Comparison of Face Processing of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Typically Developing Children in Static and Dynamic Materials

WOS: 000406884300007Deficits in social attention is a hallmark of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), though underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine face processing of children with ASD while watching a static picture and a dynamic video on a computer screen, and to compare the results with typically developing children (TD). Participants included 21 children with ASD and 22 TD children whose ages ranged between 5 and 12. Children's eye tracking data was gathered while watching a static picture and a dynamic video. Fixation count was the dependent variable of the study. A variable effect (static-dynamic) and a developmental effect (ASD-TD) were examined in the study. Study results showed that the fixation counts of children with ASD were higher on lower body area compared to typically developing children, whereas the fixation counts of TD children were higher on the mouth area. Findings of the study also showed that both children with ASD and TD children displayed more fixation counts in static picture compared to dynamic video. Study results were discussed and suggestions for future research were provided.Scientific and Technological Research Council of TurkeyTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [112K279]This research study supported by a research grant (Grant number: 112K279) from Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey