Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training

Description

The goals of this project are to (a) incorporate empirical findings on imitation training and learning in autistic children into a comprehensive protocol for Applied Behavior Analysis practitioners designed to rapidly facilitate generalized imitation called Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT), and (b) collect pilot data on the efficacy of EMIT with a small sample of autistic children. EMIT will incorporate several features that are grounded in prior research including: (a) evidence-based procedures for establishing trained matching relations (a pre-requisite to generalized imitation), (b) concurrent training of different response types (e.g., motor imitation, object imitation, vocal imitation) to address restricted generalization, (c) multiple manipulative object imitation training, (d) evidence-based procedures for remediating slow acquisition, and (e) frequent tests for the emergence of generalized imitation. EMIT will be the first protocol designed for clinical use that reflects research findings on imitation learning spanning almost five decades.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The goals of this project are to (a) incorporate empirical findings on imitation training and learning in autistic children into a comprehensive protocol for Applied Behavior Analysis practitioners designed to rapidly facilitate generalized imitation called Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT), and (b) collect pilot data on the efficacy of EMIT with a small sample of autistic children. EMIT will incorporate several features that are grounded in prior research including: (a) evidence-based procedures for establishing trained matching relations (a pre-requisite to generalized imitation), (b) concurrent training of different response types (e.g., motor imitation, object imitation, vocal imitation) to address restricted generalization, (c) multiple manipulative object imitation training, (d) evidence-based procedures for remediating slow acquisition, and (e) frequent tests for the emergence of generalized imitation. EMIT will be the first protocol designed for clinical use that reflects research findings on imitation learning spanning almost five decades.

A Pilot Investigation of Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT)

Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training

Condition
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

New Brunswick

Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States, 08901

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
  • * Age 5 or under
  • * Maximum score of 40 on Motor Vocal Imitation Assessment
  • * Maximum raw score of 36 on Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-5
  • * Demonstrates identity matching above chance levels
  • * Diagnosis of intellectual disability
  • * Diagnosis of certain conditions that impact motor function (e.g., cerebral palsy)
  • * Visual impairment
  • * Hearing impairment

Ages Eligible for Study

12 Months to 6 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,

Meghan A Deshais, Ph.D., PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Rutgers University

Study Record Dates

2024-08-31