Mirror Neurons & Autism

Yung-Tsai Chu

2012/06/04

Outline Basic Neuro-Physiological Properties

Function Overview

Dysfunction of Mirror Neurons and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

BASIC NEURO-PHYSIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Mirror Neurons

Now…

Illustration

Motor Order(from

Premotor a.)

Observation(Sensory

Input)

MirrorNeurons

Motor Neuron

The Parieto-Frontal Mirror Network Sensorimotor Integration Basis of Imitation

FUNCTION OVERVIEW OF MIRROR NEURONS

Function Overview Sensorimotor Integration

Understanding the goal and intention

Empathy

Speech

Understanding the intention

Empathy

Speech “r” V.S “f”

Different tongue muscle activity

Language Learning

Mirror Neuron System

Sensory

MotorCognition

MIRROR NEURONS &AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

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.”

EEG evidence

EEG evidence

Correlation

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

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

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

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