The Effect of Video Modeling on Gymnastics-Based Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background and Objectives: While the effectiveness of video modeling (VM) in teaching academic, daily living, and social skills to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is frequently investigated, studies examining the use of VM in teaching gymnastics-based motor skills are limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of VM on the acquisition and maintenance of a gymnastics-based motor skills in preschool children with ASD. Methods: The study employed a multiple-probe method across participants in a single-subject research design. Three preschool children diagnosed with mild ASD participated in this study. Baseline, intervention, and follow-up data were systematically collected and analyzed. Social validity data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with parents and special education teachers. Results: The percentage of correct responses increased throughout the VM intervention sessions, and all participants reached the proficiency criterion. Follow-up data collected after the intervention showed that the acquired skill was maintained, and the percentages of correct responses ranged from 80% to 100%. Social validity findings revealed that both teachers and parents perceived VM as an effective and feasible teaching approach for teaching motor skills to children with ASD. Conclusions: The research findings demonstrate that VM is an effective and socially valid teaching method for teaching and maintaining gymnastics-based motor skills in preschool children with ASD. These results contribute to the existing literature by demonstrating the applicability of video modeling in the context of gymnastics-based training.