Improving the Part C Early Intervention Service Delivery System for Children with ASD

RIT is a relatively straightforward, brief NDBI. It employs four simple strategies to target motor imitation and IJA during play: (1) contingent imitation of the child's verbal and nonverbal behavior, (2) linguistic mapping, (3) direct elicitation of object and gesture imitation following the child's interest, and (4) contingent reinforcement. It has been used at low intensities (e.g., 1-3 hours per week) over short periods of time (e.g., 10-12 weeks) to produce robust changes in pivotal skills. It is easy to learn and can be implemented with fidelity by undergraduate-level therapists with limited backgrounds in ASD, as well as by parents and siblings.