Why Imitation Matters in Early Development
Imitation is the foundation for learning. It’s not only how babies begin to communicate, develop motor skills, but also connect socially. From waving “hi” to pretending to stir a pot, imitating actions helps children make sense of the world around them.
But for many autistic children, imitation can be challenging. That’s why it’s important to break it down into simple, achievable steps—and that’s exactly what this Imitating Actions With Objects resource is designed to do.
What’s Included in the Resource?
This hands-on resource makes it easy to start working on imitation using real objects and engaging visual cues. In summary, here's what you’ll find inside:
- ✅ 3 Sets of Flashcards – Each set includes 12 action cards (36 total), featuring simple actions using everyday objects.
- ✅ Pre-Made Data Sheets – Track your student’s progress over time with ready-to-use data sheets for each flashcard set.
- ✅ Blank Data Sheet – Customize your own action list based on your student's needs.
- ✅ Materials List – No guesswork! A full list of common toys and tools you’ll need is included to help you prep quickly.
Note: Objects shown on the flashcards are not included, but they’re all easy-to-find items commonly found in early childhood or therapy settings.
“Awesome visuals! Imitation is something that we focus on heavily in my preschool autism classroom. I have been working on functional play with my kiddos and these visuals have been great to organize into each drawer in my play center.” -Marissa M.
Objects You'll Need
Here are the objects you’ll need to gather for these imitation activities:
Maraca, frog, 2 toy cars, 2 wooden sticks, play-doh, toy airplane, drum, rolling pin, toy train, figurine, cookie cutter, 6 blocks, toy bed, candles, cup, blanket, plastic knife, small pitcher, brush, ball, doll, put-in activity, spoon, and bowl.
To make organizing easier, we recommend using transparent zipper pouches to store each set. Because we want to simplify things, you can grab them here.
Who This Resource Is For
This imitation activity set is perfect for:
- Early childhood special education classrooms
- Autism support classrooms or therapy sessions
- Parents and caregivers working on early developmental skills at home
- Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists
So, if you’re supporting a learner who is just beginning to imitate others—or needs extra practice using real-life objects—this is a great place to start.
“This is a great resource! It was wonderful using it with my students with autism. They really enjoyed how interactive it is!” -Emily Marsters
Start Today
Imitation is a critical stepping stone in learning to communicate and connect. With these Imitating Actions With Objects flashcards and data tools, you’ll have everything you need to support this foundational skill in a fun and practical way.
👉 Grab your set now and help your students build new skills—one action at a time.
Autism & Play: Themed Visual Supports
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