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Mirror neuron dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders
journal contribution
posted on 2010-10-01, 00:00 authored by Thomas Perkins, Mark StokesMark Stokes, Jane McGillivrayJane McGillivray, R BittarAutism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and obsessive/stereotyped patterns of behaviour. Although there is no reliable neurophysiological marker associated with ASDs, dysfunction of the parieto-frontal mirror neuron system has been suggested as a disturbance linked to the disorder. Mirror neurons (MNs) are visuomotor neurons which discharge both when performing and observing a goal directed action. Research suggests MNs may have a role in imitation, empathy, theory of mind and language. Although the research base is small, evidence from functional MRI, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and an electroencephalographic component called the mu rhythm suggests MNs are dysfunctional in subjects with ASD. These deficits are more pronounced when ASD subjects complete tasks with social relevance, or that are emotional in nature. Promising research has identified that interventions targeting MN related functions such as imitation can improve social functioning in ASDs. Boosting the function of MNs may improve the prognosis of ASDs, and contribute to diagnostic clarity.
History
Journal
Journal of clinical neuroscienceVolume
17Issue
10Pagination
1239 - 1243Publisher
Churchill LivingstoneLocation
Kidlington, EnglandPublisher DOI
ISSN
0967-5868eISSN
1532-2653Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2010, Elsevier Ltd.Usage metrics
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No categories selectedKeywords
autistic disorderautism spectrum disordershigh functioning autisminferior frontal gyrusinferior parietal lobulemirror neuronsmu rhythmScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineClinical NeurologyNeurosciencesNeurosciences & NeurologyVENTRAL PREMOTOR CORTEXHIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISMCORTICAL ACTIVATIONMU-RHYTHMIMITATIONSYSTEMCHILDRENFMRIDISGUSTHUMANS
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