What Does the Research Say About the Use of Video Modelling?

Bellini and Akullian's (2007) meta-analysis of VM and VSM interventions for autistic children and adolescents suggested that VM and VSM were effective strategies for addressing social-communication skills, functional skills, and behavioural functioning in this population.

They deduced that VM and VSM met the criteria for designation as evidence-based practices. Since then, further systematic reviews have been undertaken analysing the effectiveness of VM:

Anderson, A., Furlonger, B., Moore, D.W., Sullivan, V.D., & White, M.P. (2018). A comparison of video modelling techniques to enhance social-communication skills of elementary school children. International Journal of Educational Research, 87, 100-109.

Bellini, S., & Akullian, J. (2007). A meta-analysis of video modeling and video self-modeling interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Exceptional Children, 7(3), 264-287.

Moustaka, M., Kossyvaki, L., & Terlektsi, E. (2025). Using point-of-view video modelling with young autistic students: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 1-14.

Steinbrenner, J.R., Hume, K., Odom, S.L., Morin, K.L., Nowell, S.W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N.S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M.N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute & National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice Review Team.

Wertalik, J.L., Duke, M.L., & Poole, D. (2025). A systematic review of point-of-view video prompting to teach daily living skills to individuals with autism. Journal of Special Education Technology, 40(2), 266-277.

Yakubova, G., & Chen, B.B. (2023). Parent-implemented video-based intervention to teach autistic children: An evidence-based systematic review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 10(4), 660-683.

Why Is Video Modelling Effective?

Using videos to demonstrate skills and concepts provides multiple benefits, including:

Presenting information visually, rather than relying on verbal explanation alone
Directing gaze toward a screen rather than requiring face-to-face interaction, which many people find more comfortable, relatable, and motivating
Focusing attention on one aspect of a skill or topic at a time
The ability to slow down, pause, and repeat content as many times as needed

For Further Information

Alzyoudi, M., Sartawi, A., & Almuhiri, O. (2015). The impact of video modelling on improving social skills in children with autism. British Journal of Special Education, 42(1), 53-68.

Cox, A., & AFIRM Team. (2025). EBP Brief Packet: Video modeling. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute.

da Silva Moro, J., Rodrigues, T.D., Kammer, P.V., de Camargo, A.R., & Bolan, M. (2024). Efficacy of the video modeling technique as a facilitator of non-invasive dental care in autistic children: Randomized clinical trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(2), 501-508.

LeBlanc, L.A., Coates, A.M., Daneshvar, S., Charlop-Christy, M.H., Morris, C., & Lancaster, B.M. (2003). Using video modeling and reinforcement to teach perspective-taking skills to children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36(2), 253-257.

McConnell, K., Keenan, C., Storey, C., & Thurston, A. (2024). Video-based interventions promoting social behavioural skills for autistic children and young people: An evidence and gap map. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 20(2), Article e1405.

Murray, S., & Nolan, B. (2012). Video modeling for young children with autism spectrum disorder: A practical guide for parents and professionals. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Schatz, R.B., Peterson, R.K., & Bellini, S. (2016). The use of video self-modeling to increase on-task behavior in children with high-functioning autism. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 32(3), 234-253.

Steinborn, M., & Knapp, T.J. (1982). Teaching an autistic child pedestrian skills. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 13(4), 347-351.

Thirumanickam, A., Raghavendra, P., McMillan, J.M., & van Steenbrugge, W. (2018). Effectiveness of video-based modelling to facilitate conversational turn taking of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder who use AAC. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 34(4), 311-322.