Teaching young children with autism imitation skills can help them draw attention to objects with hand gestures and eye contact.
The study from researchers at Michigan University analysed children between 27 and 47 months old, and found that toddlers and preschoolers who were taught imitation skills tried to draw the attention of the examiner with eye contact. Children with autism often lack the ability to interact and imitate others, an important development skill.
Children are usually diagnosed with autism between two and three years of age, but the research indicates that children as young as 12 months may show symptoms of autism.
Read more at Michigan State University