Effect Non-Verbal Motor Imitation on Naming Ability in Autistic Children

This research was aimed to investigate the relation between non-verbal imitation and naming ability and effect of non-verbal motor imitation exercises on ability of naming in autistic children.

In the first phase of this research which was done comparatively, 22 autistic and 22 normally developed children were selected conveniently and their ability of naming and non-verbal imitation was examined. In the second phase, which was an experimental-interventional study with a pretest-posttest and control group design, the autistic children were assigned into two matched groups by balanced randomized method. Then non-verbal motor exercises intervention executed in experimental group for 60 days (one hour a day). During this period the control group received routine educational program. Before and after intervention, naming ability of two groups was assessed by naming test. Data were analyzed by Independent T- test and Variance analysis.

Research findings showed statistically significant difference between autistic group and normal group in naming ability (P<0.001). In autistic group, there was a positive correlation between naming ability and non-verbal imitation ability (r=0/878). Furthermore findings showed significant difference in naming ability between control and experimental group after intervention (P<0.001).

This finding reveals that non-verbal motor imitation has a positive correlation with naming ability and non-verbal imitation exercises increases the naming ability in autistic children.