Comparison of autistic children's imitation recognition and visual attention features with typically developing children

Due to its critical role in social cognitive development, Imitation has been extensively investigated in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of the study was to determine the visual attention differentiation levels and imitation recognition performance differentiation levels of children with ASD and typically developed children when they were imitated.The research was supported by TÜBİTAK within the scope of 1002 - A Rapid Support Module with project code number 122K820. A descriptive screening model was used to determine the differentiation levels of visual attention of children with ASD and TD, who constitute the study group of the research, when imitated, and the relationship between visual attention levels and imitation performances. Visual attention data were collected via Pupil-Core wearable eye tracking glasses with mobile eye tracking technique. 39 ASD children participant age ranges 17- 51 months and 42 TD children participant age ranges 13-25 months were included in the study. Research findings show that the visual attention levels of children with ASD significantly differ from typically developing children (TDD) when being imitated. Additionally, more mature imitation recognition behaviors were significantly less in ASD children when compared with TD children.