Kimberly Frazier
University of Arkansas, USA
Title: Over-imitation in older children with High-Functioning Autism
Biography
Biography: Kimberly Frazier
Abstract
Over-imitation is defined as the disposition to copy clearly unnecessary actions while learning a new task. It is seen in both adults and in children, and is thought to be at least partly attributed to underlying social factors, such as a drive to conform to peers or to “bond” with the demonstrator during learning. Because of these social aspects, one would expect for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to over-imitate less often than typically developing children; however, in previous studies it has been found that these children over-imitate just as much or only moderately less. The purpose of this research was to collect more data regarding older children’s tendencies to over-imitate and to compare these results to a previous study conducted on a younger age group. To achieve this, ten typically developing children and ten children with ASD between the ages eight and twelve years old were recruited to participate in a one time, thirty-minute test. The test will involve two boxes, one opaque and one transparent, with prizes stashed inside. Following trials, results were analyzed by counting how many children over-imitated during their turn of the clear box trial. Data were evaluated via chi-square statistical analysis test. Results will be discussed in terms of how professionals such as speech-language pathologists can give children with ASD a greater chance of success by choosing methods or interventions that target this engagement.