Imitation and dyspraxia in autism: Clinical and therapeutic implications

It is known that ASD is often associated with defects in imitating other speech and behaviors as well as with self-other mapping problems, not simply referable to general factors such as memory, spatial reasoning, motor control, or attention. It has also been suggested that disturbances of posture, also known as dyspraxia, as well as impairments in locomotion, facial expression, interests and affect, and inattention to other people's expressions, could be early markers of ASD. Meanwhile, by employing intense interaction, imitation, or “expressive art” therapies, which respond intimately to motor activities, some improvements could be made for these symptoms of ASD.

Starting from these premises, the aim of this short communication is to discuss some works on the clinical basis and therapeutic perspectives of imitation defects and dyspraxia in autism spectrum disorder.