title: Promoting imitative play through generalized observational learning in autisticlike children.
abstract: Three autisticlike boys with deficits in imitative and appropriate play behaviors were taught to play with an unfamiliar toy by observing a peer model demonstrate appropriate play with the toy. Generalization was assessed across toys and models, and temporal maintenance was assessed at 1 and 3 weeks following generalization. Following training each child demonstrated increases in imitative play concomitant with decreases in the frequency of nonmanipulated self-stimulatory behavior. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the amelioration of social isolation and self-stimulatory behavior.
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007100:Imitative Behavior; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior