Efficacy of Imitation Training for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

This systematic review of 38 studies evaluates imitation-based interventions for autistic children, finding that approaches like reciprocal imitation training produce moderate-to-strong gains in imitation skills with potential broader developmental benefits. Effectiveness varies by child age, delivery format, and skill level, with structured early intervention and tailored naturalistic approaches showing promise, though emerging methods like telehealth require further validation.