Promoting imitative play through generalized observational learning in autisticlike children.

Three autisticlike boys with deficits in imitative and appropriate play behaviors were taught to play with an unfamiliar toy by observing a peer model demonstrate appropriate play with the toy. Generalization was assessed across toys and models, and temporal maintenance was assessed at 1 and 3 weeks following generalization. Following training each child demonstrated increases in imitative play concomitant with decreases in the frequency of nonmanipulated self-stimulatory behavior. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the amelioration of social isolation and self-stimulatory behavior.