An Overview of Imitation Skills in Autism: Implications for Practice‪.‬

Research findings suggest certain forms of imitation may be relatively more difficult for individuals with autism compared to typically developing peers. Findings of deficits in imitation skills have significant implications for intervention approaches given the critical nature of imitation to one's ability to learn from the environment. This article provides an overview of the research findings in behavioral and cognitive developmental psychology on imitation skills in autism. Implications of current findings for intervention are presented and recommendations for practice-relevant research are also made. Implications for Practice