Why is video modeling especially effective for children on the autism spectrum or who have other developmental disabilities?
Researchers have theorized that video modeling works best for children who have strong visual skills and good memories, and both of those characteristics are typical of children on the autism spectrum. Some researchers have theorized that for children on the spectrum, eliminating the social context associated with a live oneonone modeling and teaching allows these children (who often have sensory and attention issues and are easily distracted) to filter out extraneous stimuli. In fact, even just having to make eye contact with a teacher or parent may be stressful for a child with autism. Video modeling avoids that entirely, along with the burden of having to follow other appropriate social conventions such as taking turns in conversation. So when combined with video modelings ability to leverage strengths typical of children on the spectrum, it can be a very effective technique for those children. Video modeling has some other inherent advantages that make it an effective tool for all
