Imitation and intention understanding in typically developing children and children with autism spectrum disorder

ABSTRACT

Imitation has an important place in the observational learning process. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience limitations in imitation ability. These limitations are associated with deficits in abilities associated with ASD including understanding intention. In this study, the imitation skills and intention understanding levels of children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children were compared. Relationships between imitation, intention understanding levels and symptom severity in children with ASD, and the predictive status of these variables on symptom severity were examined. Findings showed that children with ASD experienced limitations in spontaneous imitation and in different areas of understanding intention, compared to their TD peers. There were significant relationships between imitation, intention understanding levels and symptom severity; the level of spontaneous imitation and intention understanding predicted symptom severity.

KEYWORDS:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• intention understanding
• elicited imitation
• spontaneous imitation

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest with any institution or person.

Additional information

Funding

This study is based on the master's thesis of the first author, prepared under the supervision of the second and third authors. The thesis, which is the basis of this study, was supported by Ankara University Scientific Research Projects Coordinatorship as a thesis project conducted by the second author [project number: 19L0630001].

Notes on contributors

Samet Burak Taylan

Samet Burak Taylan is a research assistant in department of special education at Ankara University.

Hatice Bakkaloğlu

Hatice Bakkaloğlu is a professor in department of special education at Ankara University.

Meral Çilem Ökcün-Akçamuş

Meral Çilem Ökcün-Akçamuş is an associate professor in department of special education at Ankara University