Video Modelling and Autism Ranking:

Aims and Claims

Aims

The main aim of video modelling is to teach an individual to change his or her behaviour and/or to learn new skills. For example, it may be used to teach an autistic child how to use the toilet by himself/herself or how to engage in conversation with other people.

According to Mason et al (2016), video modelling is based on social learning theory. The idea is that the person watching the video will learn by observing and imitating the person in the video.

Claims 

The supporters of video modelling claim that it has been used to teach a wide variety of social and functional skills, such as how to interact with other people or how to buy things. They also claim that video modelling can be used to teach an individual how to apply previously learnt behaviours and skills in new settings.

For example Nikopoulos claims that video modelling can be used to teach a wide range of behaviours and skills including generalised purchasing skills, daily living skills, conversational skills, social language skills, generative spelling, perspective taking, socially relevant behaviours, play skills, and toilet training skills. He also claims that it can be used to reduce disruptive transition behaviours.

Nikopoulos claims that, independently of whether video modelling has been examined alone or in combination with other procedures, it shows great promise as an efficient and effective instructional tool for autistic people. Videotapes can become individualised for any child, and because their use in treatment can encourage a structured teaching style, they may become an important means for parents and educators to enhance their children's functional skills that does not require extensive training.

Source: personal correspondence with Research Autism, 2009

Updated

17 Jun 2022

Last Review

01 Sep 2017

Next Review

01 Dec 2023