Abstract
Our study tests the effects of training to imitation on the development of imitative and communicative skills of children with autism spectrum disorder. We selected a group of 21 children, aged between 4 and 10 years, diagnosed according to ICD-10, the ADOS and ADI-R. We followed a three-step procedure: assessment of imitative performance, learning by imitation, nonverbal communication and intensity of the disorder; training in imitation using a protocol based on the development of imitation; and end revaluation of imitative behavior, learning by imitation, communication and intensity of the disorder after workouts. Comparing the average scores before and after the intervention, indicates a significant increase in the level of imitation and child communication, and decreased severity of autistic disorder. However, analysis of the links between changes in performance in children and clinical characteristics at the origin (sex, chronological age, developmental age, severity of the disorder and motor) shows that the improvement in communication depends on chronological age of the children and their levels of motor performance at the origin.