creators_name: Williams, Justin H.G.
creators_name: Whiten, Andrew
creators_name: Suddendorf, Thomas
creators_name: Perrett, David I.
type: journalp
datestamp: 2002-11-19
lastmod: 2011-03-11 08:55:06
metadata_visibility: show
title: Imitation, mirror neurons and autism
ispublished: pub
subjects: neuro-psy
subjects: neuro-psych
subjects: dev-psy
subjects: bio-ani-cog
subjects: cog-psy
subjects: phil-mind
subjects: evol-psy
full_text_status: public
keywords: imitation, mirror neurons, autism, theory of mind
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.
date: 2001
date_type: published
publication: Neuroscience and Biobehavioural Review
volume: 25
pagerange: 287-295
refereed: TRUE
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citation:   Williams, Justin H.G. and Whiten, Andrew and Suddendorf, Thomas and Perrett, David I.  (2001) Imitation, mirror neurons and autism.  [Journal (Paginated)]     
document_url: http://cogprints.org/2613/1/mn.pdf