Rapid imitation training method for autistic young children
Tests a rapid behavioral training method for imitation in autistic children.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training
Key facts
- Where
- New Brunswick, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Trial code
- NCT05849376
- Record updated
- 19 May 2026
- Original 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.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Pilot Investigation of Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT)
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.
Inclusion: Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder; Age 5 or under; Maximum score of 40 on Motor Vocal Imitation Assessment; Demonstrates identity matching above chance levels.
Exclusion: Diagnosis of certain conditions that impact motor function (e.g., cerebral palsy); Visual impairment; Hearing impairment; Diagnosis of intellectual disability.