Over-imitation in children with autism spectrum disorders. A review

Abstract

[eng] Imitation has a pedagogical function, as it helps children learn new skills; and a social function, as it helps them aflUiate, and bond with others (Over & Carpenter, 2013; Uzgiris, 1981). As a flexible phenomenon, its function changas according to personal goals, social context, and the type of action observad (e.g., novel, or familiar). These factors shape the perception of the task encouraging either learning (focusing on the goal of the action) or affiliation (focusing on the style of the action) (Over & Carpenter, 2012).