Developmental correlates of different types of motor imitation in young children with autism spectrum disorders.

Full Abstract

This study used a concurrent correlational design to examine associations between three types of motor imitation with objects and three proposed correlates in 32 two- and three-year-old children diagnosed with ASD. Attention-following and fine motor ability were significant, unique correlates of imitation in an observational learning context. Attention-following was a significant correlate of imitation in a direct elicitation context. Social reciprocity was a significant correlate of imitation in an interactive play context. These associations were observed after controlling for general developmental level. Results support previous findings that motor imitation may not reflect a unitary construct for children with ASD and that different skills may underlie the performance of different types of motor imitation. Implications for interventions targeting motor imitation are discussed.

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Author information

Author/s: McDuffie, Andrea (A); Turner, Lauren (L); Stone, Wendy (W); Yoder, Paul (P); Wolery, Mark (M); Ulman, Teresa (T);

Affiliation: School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA. mcduffie(-atsign-)indiana.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of autism and developmental disorders (J Autism Dev Disord), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Mar; vol 37 (issue 3) : pp 401-12

Dates: Created 2007/03/05; Completed 2007/11/13;

PMID: 16900404, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Attention
Autistic Disorder - complications; physiopathology
Child, Preschool
Developmental Disabilities
Female
Humans

Imitative Behavior
Male
Motor Skills Disorders - etiology
Play and Playthings
Psychomotor Performance - physiology
Social Behavior

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