ERIC Number: EJ772661
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Sep
Pages: 11
Abstractor: Author
Reference Count: 0
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
Teaching the Imitation and Spontaneous Use of Descriptive Gestures in Young Children with Autism Using a Naturalistic Behavioral Intervention
Ingersoll, Brooke; Lewis, Elizabeth; Kroman, Emily
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v37 n8 p1446-1456 Sep 2007
Children with autism exhibit deficits in the imitation and spontaneous use of descriptive gestures. Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT), a naturalistic imitation intervention, has been shown to increase object imitation skills in young children with autism. A single-subject, multiple-baseline design across five young children with autism was used to determine whether RIT could be adapted to target the imitation of descriptive gestures. All participants increased their imitation of gestures in the treatment setting and on a structured imitation assessment. Gains generalized to a novel therapist, setting, and materials and maintained at a 1-month follow-up. Three participants also increased their spontaneous use of descriptive gestures. These results provide support for the effectiveness of a naturalistic intervention for teaching gesture imitation.
Descriptors: Intervention, Young Children, Imitation, Autism, Nonverbal Communication, Teaching Methods, Research Methodology, Therapy, Outcomes of Treatment
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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