Studies of video modelling and video prompting interventions that focused on developing the adaptive behaviour or academic skills of children (under 18 years) and included at least one participant identified as having an autism spectrum disorder were eligible for inclusion.
Videos that did not include a behaviour or skill that study participants were to model were excluded. Relevant adaptive behaviours included social, communication, daily functional, behaviour management objectives and academic skills.
Most of the study participants (83%) were boys. Eighty-four per cent of the participants were reported with autism; other diagnoses described were Asperger's syndrome, high-functioning autism, pervasive developmental disorder (not specified) and autism spectrum disorders. Mean age of study participants was 7.6 years (range 2.6 to 17.4 years). The most common settings for studies were schools and home. Video models that performed the task or behaviour to be learned or imitated varied and included both adults and peers; two studies used animated material. Approximately half of the studies used reinforcement procedures such as verbal praise or edible treats in addition to video instruction. Most studies (approximately 70%) targeted social or communication skills.
After initial screening of titles and abstracts, two reviewers independently assessed retrieved full text articles for inclusion. It was unclear how many reviewers conducted initial screening.