Below is a general skill sequence for teaching the first stages of fine motor imitation.

In the previous skill sequences that targeted imitation, the context of the task was used as an embedded prompt to aid the learner’s response. For example, previous imitation skill sequences targeted having the learner imitate actions during preferred activities and familiar routines. Additionally, skill sequences consisted of gross motor imitation and imitation with uni-functional objects. The current sequence removes the context and requires the learner to imitate a fine motor model.

Treatment Plan Goal Ideas

Treatment plan goal ideas for this particular skill area are as follows:

Learner will imitate 5 different fine motor actions or similar when given a model.

Learner will imitate 10 different fine motor actions or similar when given a model.

Component Skills

Your learner may need to be fluent in these component skills first before introducing this goal/skill area. Component skills for this skill sequence may include skill areas that are fundamental to other areas. Fluency in the skill areas listed below may increase the likelihood that your learner will succeed in this skill sequence and those afterward.

Intro to Reinforcer/Preference Expansion

Imitates Actions with Preferred Items

Imitates Actions During Familiar Routines

Imitation with Uni-Functional Toys

Imitates Gross Motor Actions

Skill Possibilities

Below is a possible skill sequence for working on increasing your learner’s ability to imitate fine motor actions. Note that every learner is different and that you likely will need to tweak and vary some programming to their needs. Click the triangle icon to view the full description for each skill in the sequence/area.

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#1 Imitates touching stomach

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#2 Imitates waving

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#3 Imitates making fist

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#4 Imitates folding hands

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#5 Imitates pointing

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#6 Imitates touching nose

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#7 Imitates thumbs up

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#8 Imitates touching index fingers together

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#9 Imitates two fingers

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#10 Imitates thumbs down

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#11 Imitates picking up marble

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#12 Imitates picking up penny

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#13 Imitates making mark on paper

Concurrent Skills

Working on these skills at the same time could help with goal mastery. Maybe your learner has mastered these skills already. Perhaps they are already listed as component skills above. That’s okay! Targeting other learning channels might help your learner.

Imitation with Multi-Functional Toys

Imitates Gross Motor Actions

Performs Fine Motor Actions (LR)

Imitates 2 Step Actions

Intro to Writing/Drawing

Intro to Zippers, Buttons, & Snaps

Composite Skills

These are the possible next steps for learners who have mastered, or are mastering, the skills listed above. Note that new skill areas may require fluency in other component skills not listed above. Also, you can introduce composite skill sequences prematurely to keep your learner progressing, as generativity may occur earlier than expected.

Intro to Writing/Drawing