Evaluating Causal Psychological Models: Causes of Altered Imitation in Autism Using a Large Sample

Abstract

We used a large convenience sample (n=22,228) from the Simons Powering Autism Research(SPARK) dataset to evaluate theories positing various psychological factors as causes of altered imitation in autism. We used a highly theory-constrained approach, formalizing statistical models based on the proposals of Hobson & Lee (1999), Baron-Cohen (1988) and Smith & Bryson (1994). These theories specified key roles of social engagement, metarepresentation and the effect of restricted and repetitive behaviors on motor development. Our results disconfirmed a key role of any of these factors in the development of altered propensity to imitate, within the limitations of the convenience dataset.