What is video modelling?
Video modelling is a way to help autistic children learn new skills or behaviour. The video shows someone doing a skill or behaviour. The child watching the video copies the skill or behaviour.
There are 4 types of video modelling:
- Video modelling by others – this uses videos of other adults, peers or animation as models.
- Video self-modelling – this uses videos of the autistic child as the model.
- Point-of-view video modelling – this shows what completing the task would look like from the child’s point of view. For example, the video shows a pair of hands doing a task.
- Video prompting – this breaks up a task like brushing teeth into steps that the child watches as they complete the task.
Who is video modelling for?
Video modelling can be helpful for autistic children and teenagers who find verbal instructions challenging to understand.
It can also be helpful for children with other developmental disabilities.
What is video modelling used for?
Video modelling is used to help autistic children learn new skills like communication skills, play skills and daily living skills. It’s also used to help children change their behaviour. For example, it might help children learn to get the teacher’s attention by putting their hand up in class.
Video modelling shouldn’t be used to make children mask their autism or behave in neurotypical ways.
Where does video modelling come from?
Video modelling was first used for an autistic child in 1982 by researchers Monika Steinborn and Terry J. Knapp. They used videos of local streets to help the child learn pedestrian skills.
Since then, various professionals have used video modelling to help autistic people learn a range of skills and behaviour.
What is the idea behind video modelling for autistic children?
Video modelling is based on Albert Bandura’s social learning theory (1977). According to this theory, people learn from each other by watching and copying.
Experts think that video modelling is a helpful way for autistic children to learn because it’s more motivating and comfortable for them than face-to-face modelling. It also lets autistic children focus on one aspect of a skill or behaviour at a time. And it makes it easier for children to learn because they can see and repeat a skill as many times as they need to.
What does video modelling involve?
Each video models one or more behaviours or skills – for example, turn-taking, saying hello or brushing teeth. Your child watches the video then copies the behaviour. The aim is for your child to build up to doing the skill or behaviour in other settings without needing to watch the video first.
Your child might use video modelling at school or home or in therapy sessions with professionals like speech pathologists, occupational therapists or psychologists.
Your child might use video modelling for a short time while they’re learning a new skill. Or they might use video modelling as support to learn and use many skills over many years.
Anyone can make videos for use in video modelling. This includes you, the professionals working with your child, and your child themselves if they’re old enough. You can also buy ready-made videos.
Does video modelling help autistic children?
Research shows that video modelling is an effective way to help autistic children learn many skills.
Most studies are small but consistently show positive effects for communication, social, daily living and play skills, as well as some behaviour skills.
Video modelling might be most helpful for skills that children can imitate closely. Some children might need extra support to learn to use their new skills in different settings and with different people.
Who can do video modelling with autistic children?
Anyone can do video modelling with autistic children. For example:
- You might use videos with your child at home.
- Teachers might use videos with your child at school.
- Psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and play therapists might use videos in your child’s therapy sessions.
Where can you get help with video modelling?
You can talk about video modelling with your GP or one of the other professionals working with your child. You could also talk about this approach with your NDIA planner, early childhood partner or local area coordinator, if you have one.
How are parents involved in video modelling?
The time you spend on video modelling depends on how your child uses this therapy.
If you’re doing video modelling at home, you might be involved in recording videos and showing videos to your child. Your time and involvement will be much less if your child is doing a short therapy program using video modelling at a clinic or if they’re using video modelling at school.
How much does video modelling cost?
The cost of video modelling depends on how you and your child use it.
If you make videos at home using yourself, your child or other family members as models, all you need is a phone or tablet that can record video.
If a professional like a speech pathologist, occupational therapist or behavioural psychologist helps you make and use videos, you’ll need to pay for this service.
The cost of visits to these professionals might be covered by Medicare. Whether the cost is covered depends on the professional providing the consultation and the number of consultations. Some private health funds might cover some of the consultation fee. This can be claimed immediately if the provider has HICAPS.
You might be able to include the cost of using video modelling in your child’s NDIS plan. You can contact the NDIS to find out.
Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.