Imitation is at the core of most of the things we humans learn. Our kids are watching us constantly for cues on what to do, how to do it, how to behave, how not to behave, what to say and what not to say. 

And imitation starts EARLY. Almost as soon as babies are born, they imitate facial expressions of their caregivers. You stick out your tongue and they do too -- it’s just amazing! And it’s completely baked in. Automatic. 

Except when it’s not - more on that in a second.

When it comes to social communication, imitation is important in a couple of different ways.

1. Vocal tone -- have you ever heard a toddler who doesn’t say many words yet “talk” on the phone? They babble away, and it sounds just like they should be saying actual words. Only they’re not yet. They are imitating the way they hear adults talk on the phone. There’s a specific vocal cadence that people tend to use when they talk on the phone, and our kids can pick that up.

2. Volume - if you come from a house where most people are soft-spoken, chances are you will be too. If you come from a large boisterous household, chances are that loud will be your go-to setting for communication. (Unless it really didn’t work for you as a kid, in which case you’ll do the opposite!).
   

3. Language/phrases/words -- our kids use the same words and turns of phrases that we do starting at about 4-5 years of age. It’s why we have to watch our mouths around those preschoolers!

When brains are well-regulated and things are going well, imitation looks easy. Like no big deal. Like just something that happens automatically. And it should be. 

But that doesn’t mean it’s not complex. That doesn’t mean it’s not important. That doesn’t mean it’s not a skill to be learned and practiced.

And so, when we have kiddos who aren’t imitating easily or well, we know that they are missing out on a LOT of learning opportunities. We know that they are missing out on being able to practice skills. And when you don’t practice something enough, you don’t ever get good at it.

So, for kids who aren’t imitating, teaching them to imitate is REALLY important. Getting them to understand that they can learn by watching is huge. It can make all the difference.

A little guy I worked with not too long ago wasn’t talking at all when we met. He wasn’t even really making a lot of sounds. As we worked together, we focused on getting him to look at my and his parents’ bodies and try to do what they were doing. We enticed him to look at our mouths when we were saying certain sounds. And guess what happened after a few short months? 

He started imitating.

And once he started imitating, he started expressing his own thoughts, needs, wants and ideas. 

It’s not magic, but it sure feels like it sometimes!

As with most things related to communication difficulties, we most often don’t know why kids struggle. We know it’s a “brain thing”, but we don’t know exactly where in the brain or why or how. 

What we do know is that early intervention works to change brain function. We know that changing brain function earlier is easier. We know that kids who get the help they need can thrive.

And a lot of it starts with imitation.

If your little one is not imitating often or at all, take that seriously. And reach out. We’re here if you need us.

All my best -

Gabriele