Video self-modeling may help children with autism improve behavior

Kylee and her mother, Dawn, read a book together in the library at South Park Elementary Center. Kylee, who is autistic, was a participant in a new teaching technique designed for children with autism. Dawn is a first-grade teacher at the school, and spends time with her daughter whenever their schedules allow. Kylee loves books, according to her mother, with this one, "Dog and Bear," being her current favorite.

Children with autism may benefit from watching videos of their proper interactions with others, according to research in two Pennsylvania districts. Educators film children while prompting them to act appropriately, then edit out the prompts and show the video to the children until they master the skill. "This is a great technique," said Ann Huang, an assistant professor at Duquesne University's School of Education. "It's a very, very effective way of teaching children with autism the appropriate behaviors. We should be promoting this technique more in classrooms." Pittsburgh Tribune-Review