Imitation, mirror neurons and autism.

@article{citeulike:637989, abstract = {Various deficits in the cognitive functioning of people with autism have been documented in recent years but these provide only partial explanations for the condition. We focus instead on an imitative disturbance involving difficulties both in copying actions and in inhibiting more stereotyped mimicking, such as echolalia. A candidate for the neural basis of this disturbance may be found in a recently discovered class of neurons in frontal cortex, 'mirror neurons' (MNs). These neurons show activity in relation both to specific actions performed by self and matching actions performed by others, providing a potential bridge between minds. MN systems exist in primates without imitative and 'theory of mind' abilities and we suggest that in order for them to have become utilized to perform social cognitive functions, sophisticated cortical neuronal systems have evolved in which MNs function as key elements. Early developmental failures of MN systems are likely to result in a consequent cascade of developmental impairments characterised by the clinical syndrome of autism.}, address = {Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK. justin.williams@abdn.ac.uk}, author = {Williams, J. H. and Whiten, A. and Suddendorf, T. and Perrett, D. I. }, citeulike-article-id = {637989}, issn = {0149-7634}, journal = {Neurosci Biobehav Rev}, keywords = {autism, development, imitation, mirror\_neuron, neural, theory\_of\_mind}, month = {June}, number = {4}, pages = {287--295}, posted-at = {2007-06-19 21:27:33}, priority = {2}, title = {Imitation, mirror neurons and autism.}, url = {http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11445135}, volume = {25}, year = {2001} }

TY - JOUR ID - citeulike:637989 L3 - citeulike-article-id:637989 TI - Imitation, mirror neurons and autism. JF - Neurosci Biobehav Rev VL - 25 IS - 4 SP - 287 EP - 295 AD - Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK. justin.williams@abdn.ac.uk SN - 0149-7634 N2 - Various deficits in the cognitive functioning of people with autism have been documented in recent years but these provide only partial explanations for the condition. We focus instead on an imitative disturbance involving difficulties both in copying actions and in inhibiting more stereotyped mimicking, such as echolalia. A candidate for the neural basis of this disturbance may be found in a recently discovered class of neurons in frontal cortex, 'mirror neurons' (MNs). These neurons show activity in relation both to specific actions performed by self and matching actions performed by others, providing a potential bridge between minds. MN systems exist in primates without imitative and 'theory of mind' abilities and we suggest that in order for them to have become utilized to perform social cognitive functions, sophisticated cortical neuronal systems have evolved in which MNs function as key elements. Early developmental failures of MN systems are likely to result in a consequent cascade of developmental impairments characterised by the clinical syndrome of autism. KW - autism KW - development KW - imitation KW - mirror_neuron KW - neural KW - theory_of_mind AU - Williams, JH AU - Whiten, A AU - Suddendorf, T AU - Perrett, DI PY - 2001/06// UR - http://view.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11445135 ER -