Video modeling is a teaching methodology that has been shown to produce rapid acquisition of a variety of skills in children with autism. Because children with autism often fail to develop the rich repertoires of pretend play seen in typically-developing children, teaching play is a critical component to an effective treatment plan. Researchers have demonstrated that children can learn daily living skills, how to have conversations and perspective-taking using video modeling. Now, evidence supports the use of video modeling to teach play skills like game playing and pretend play.

Video modeling typically involves presenting a videotaped sample of models engaging in a specific series of scripted actions and/or verbalizations. The videotaped model is shown two or three times and then the child is directed to perform the scripted behaviors. Video modeling has produced more rapid acquisition and greater generalization than in vivo modeling and a number of studies have shown that prompting and reinforcement were not necessary for acquisition to occur.

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