Imitating the Child with Autism: A Strategy for Early Intervention?

Research indicates that imitation is a promising strategy for early intervention with children who have autism. Using a single case design we studied the effectiveness of an established imitation-based intervention, Intensive Interaction, for two 3-year-olds with autism. Outcome measures were the propensity to give social attention during imitation sessions and during free play with a researcher. Social attention did not increase over the course of the intervention phase for either child or during free play with the researcher. Thus, there was no evidence of intervention effectiveness.