Is developmental imitation related to rational imitation in young children with ASD?

This study used a correlational design to examine associations between instructed imitation, spontaneous imitation, and rational imitation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between 23–48 months of age (n = 40) and typically developing (TD) children between 12–24 months of age (n = 42). The study utilized seminal experiments, the head-touch paradigm, and the hidden box to measure rational imitation. Also, the study first utilized IMETCHASD as an alternative tool in the literature to measure instructed imitation and spontaneous imitation in an interactive play context. Results showed that spontaneous imitation was associated with rational imitation in ASD. These associations were observed after controlling for cognitive level. However, the study did not find significant correlations between instructed imitation and rational imitation in both groups. Implications for the relationship are discussed in terms of theoretical accounts for the occurrence of rational imitation and further research needs.