The training imitation of on improving the ability of mind reading in children with high functioning autism disorder

This study discusses the effect of training from imitation of emotional facial actions on improving the ability of mind reading in children with autism. This study was of the experimental type with the single test design and covered the society of all the children with high functioning autism disorder between 1393-92 who for receiving the specialized services, had consulted with the centers located in Teheran. With a targeted sampling, three 5 to 7 year old children were chosen. The assessments were done in five steps; two weeks before starting the treatment, one day before starting the treatment, after five sessions of treatment, after 12 sessions of treatment, one day after finishing the treatment and finally, the follow up step (four weeks after finishing the treatment). The means used in test was the observer mind reading test, 38 theory of mind questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the single test design. The results obtained by analyzing the diagrams shows that the performance of participants in observer mind reading test, 38 theory of mind questionnaire has improved significantly. Also, the amount of effect showed that this training program had been effective in promoting the mind reading. This study showed that using the training based on imitation supports the children with high functioning autism disorder in restoring some levels of theory of mind and after applying the intervention, the skills of mind reading has improved significantly in these children.