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Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by impairments in the social, communication, and behavioral domains. Impairments in social cognition are considered a core symptom of the disorder. Dysfunction of an observation/execution matching system (the mirror neuron system) has been proposed to serve as a neural mechanism explaining the deficits in social cognition found in autism. Through direct matching of observed and executed behavior an individual can directly experience an internal representation of another's actions, and therefore, another's feelings, goals, and intentions. Dysfunction of this system would hinder this process. In this chapter, Bernier and Dawson review findings from behavioral research examining deficits in three areas of social cognition in individuals with autism: imitation, empathy, and theory of mind. They then discuss research implicating mirror neuron dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders; and explore the mirror neuron theory of autism. Autism research utilizing functional and structural brain imaging, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study the mirror neuron system is reviewed. Results from these studies suggest dysfunction of the mirror neuron system in both children and adults with autism. The mirror neuron theory of autism proposes that dysfunction of the execution/observation matching system interferes with the acquisition of internal representation of others' observed behavior, expressions, movements, and emotions. This precludes the individual with autism having an immediate, direct experience of the other through this internal representation. Social impairments, including impairments in imitation, empathy, and theory of mind, are hypothesized to cascade from this lack of immediate, experiential understanding of others in the social world.

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-479-7_12

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