Do mirrors facilitate acquisition of motor imitation in children diagnosed with autism?

J Appl Behav Anal. 2015 Spring;48(1):194-8. doi: 10.1002/jaba.187. Epub 2015 Feb 12.

Abstract

We evaluated the efficacy of a procedure that incorporated a mirror to teach gross motor imitation with a 2-year-old boy who had been diagnosed with autistic disorder. Responses taught with a mirror were acquired more quickly than responses taught without the mirror and were maintained after the mirror was removed. These data indicate that a mirror can facilitate acquisition of motor imitation.

Keywords: autism; mirror; motor imitation; skill acquisition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Autistic Disorder / rehabilitation*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Imitative Behavior / physiology*
  • Male
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Reinforcement, Psychology