Abstract
Video modeling has been used to teach a variety of skills to children with autism including self-help, perspective taking, and play skills. Previous research suggests that video modeling is an effective tool to teach appropriate play and social skills to this population. The purpose of this study is to increase the unscripted or “spontaneous” play behavior and social interaction of children with autism. A multiple-probe across play-scripts design was used to examine the effects of a video modeling procedure. Participants viewed videos of two play scenarios and were then paired with a play partner to interact with. Results indicate that both children acquired the scripted behavior which increased interactions while their unscripted behavior significantly decreased. This suggests the videos may have suppressed the unscripted behavior of the boys. Implications for increasing unscripted and interactive play behavior are discussed as they relate to the social skill development in children with autism.