Imitation Difficulties Among Children with a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Social Motivation or Motor-Execution Problem?

Imitation Difficulties Among Children with a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Social Motivation or Motor-Execution Problem?

Copying others is important for development. It provides a way to learn about the physical world, and a context for children to practice and develop their skills for interacting with others. There is evidence to suggest that children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism) imitate less often and less accurately than non-autistic children. While several explanatory theories have been put forward for these findings, the specific reasons for imitation difficulties remain unclear.

A close-up of a person's eye, showcasing a vivid reflection of the world in the iris

Using an eye tracker in Autism Research

How do Autistic individuals perceive and engage with the social world? This blog post explores groundbreaking research using eye-tracking technology and a conversation with a 12-year-old Autistic boy named Ludwig. Discover how autism influences social understanding and why simple interactions, like a guessing game, reveal deeper insights into the unique ways Autistic individuals process social information.