The role of imitation in video-based interventions for children

Objective: The aim of this paper is to bridge the gap between the corpus of imitation research and video based intervention (VBI) research, and consider the impact imitation skills may be having on VBI outcomes and to what extent this can be utilised to improve outcomes. Method: A review of the imitation literature was conducted focusing on imitation skill deficits in children with autism followed by a critical review of the video modelling literature focusing on pre-intervention assessment of imitation skills and the impact imitation deficits may have on VBI outcomes. Results: Children with autism have specific imitation deficits which may impact VBI outcomes. Imitation training or procedural modifications made to videos may accommodate for these deficits. Conclusions: There are only six studies where VBI researchers have taken pre-intervention imitation assessments using an assortment of imitation measures. More research is required to develop a standardised multi-dimensional imitation assessment battery that can better inform