Imitation, mirror neurons and autism

JHG Williams, Andrew Whiten, T Suddendorf, David Ian Perrett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

714 Citations (Scopus)

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. Crown Copyright (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)287-295
Number of pages9
JournalNeuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume25
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2001

Keywords

  • imitation
  • mirror neurons
  • autism
  • 'Theory of mind'
  • GRASP REPRESENTATIONS
  • EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS
  • SPECTRUM DISORDERS
  • PREMOTOR CORTEX
  • TEMPORAL CORTEX
  • MIND
  • CHILDREN
  • LOCALIZATION
  • RECOGNITION
  • ACTIVATION

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