Improving social functioning and challenging behaviors in adolescents with ASD and significant ID: A randomized pilot feasibility trial of reciprocal imitation training in a residential setting

ABSTRACT

There is a lack of effective social interventions for youths with ASD and co-morbid intellectual disability (ID). A previous single-case design study indicated that reciprocal imitation training (RIT) may improve social interaction and challenging behavior in this population. The current pilot study examined the feasibility of conducting an RCT to investigate the effectiveness of RIT for improving social functioning and challenging behaviors in 20 adolescents with ASD and severe ID in a residential program. The assessment protocol was feasible. RIT was well-tolerated by the adolescents and implemented with fidelity by teaching staff. Preliminary findings indicate that treatment had moderate to large effects on social functioning and challenging behavior, with mixed findings for imitation skills. A larger RCT of RIT for this population is feasible and warranted.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescent
• autism
• intellectual disability
• intervention
• social behavior

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the students and teachers who participated in this research.

Funding

This study was supported by an Autism Speaks Pilot Treatment Award (#7554) to the first and last authors.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Notes

¹ Although several imitation assessments have been developed for young children with ASD and/or ID [52,61,62], none have been examined with older individuals with ASD and severe ID.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by an Autism Speaks Pilot Treatment Award (#7554) to the first and last authors.