Research: Spontaneous Imitation by Children with Autism during a Repetitive Musical Play Routine

Authored by Stephens, CE in Autism, Volume 12, Issue 6, p. 645-671, (2008).

Article summary (posted Jun 22, 2009):

Imitating musical play routines of children with autism may help increase their social interactions.

Imitation is an important way for infants and children to learn to interact socially with other people. Four children (5-8 years old) with autism were given musical instruments that matched ones the therapist had. They used tambourines, castanets, blocks, rhythm sticks, and maracas to imitate simple lively music. The music therapist gave either verbal praise or imitated the child's actions when the child played, danced, and/or sang. When the music therapist imitated the children's behavior, the children were more active and responded to the therapist.

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You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
autism, imitation, interaction, music therapy, play, play therapy, repetition, repetitive, rhythm, routine, social interaction, spontaneous, therapist, verbal
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