15. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Characteristics of ASD
Isolation and Lack of Empathy
Rationale: “Mirror neurons appear to be
performing precisely the same functions that are
disrupted in autism.”
19. Explanations for Symptoms
Not able to understand Intentions
Lack of empathy
Problems understanding metaphors
get a grip on yourself : to get control of your thoughts
Poor Social Skills
20. Take-Home Message
MNS is a network that can reflect what you
observe and somehow activate motor areas
(sensorimotor integration)
Functions of MNS includes imitation,
understanding of intentions, empathy, language
learning etc.
Dysfunction of MNS may be the cause of Autism
Disorder
21. Reference
Rizzolatti G and Fabbri-Destro M(2008) The mirror system and its
role in social cognition.
Massimo G et al. (2004) Modulation of premotor mirror neuron
activity during observation of unpredictable grasping movements
Rizzolatti G, Sinigaglia C (2010) The functional role of the parieto-
frontal mirror circuit: interpretations and misinterpretations.
Iacoboni M, Dapretto M. 2006. The mirror neuron system and the
consequences of its dysfunction.
Maddalena F-D et al.(2008) Mirror Neurons and Mirror Systems in
Monkeys and Humans
Singer T et al.(2004) Empathy for pain involves the affective but not
sensory components of pain
22. Reference
Fadiga L.et al.(2002) Speech listening specifically modulates the
excitability of tongue muscles: a TMS study.
Vilayanur SR, Lindsay MO. 2007. Broken Mirrors: A Theory of
Autism
Oberman LM et al. (2005) EEG evidence for mirror neuron
dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders
Mirella D. et al.(2005) Understanding emotions in others: mirror
neuron dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorders.
Luigi C et al. (2007) Impairment of actions chains in autism and its
possible role in intention understanding
