Open AccessSocial decision making in autism: On the impact of mirror neurons, motor control, and imitative behaviors
Author(s) -
Khalil Radwa,
Tindle Richard,
Boraud Thomas,
Moustafa Ahmed A.,
Karim Ahmed A.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
cns neuroscience and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1755-5949
pISSN - 1755-5930
DOI - 10.1111/cns.13001
Subject(s) - autism , psychology , neurophysiology , empathy , mirror neuron , perception , cognitive psychology , neuroscience , social neuroscience , autism spectrum disorder , neuroimaging , social cognition , theory of mind , action (physics) , developmental psychology , cognition , psychiatry , physics , quantum mechanics
Summary The Mirror Neuron System ( MNS ) plays a crucial role in action perception and imitative behavior, which is suggested to be impaired in Autism Spectrum Disorders ( ASD s). In this review, we discuss the plausibility and empirical evidence of a neural interaction between the MNS , action perception, empathy, imitative behavior, and their impact on social decision making in ASD s. To date, there is no consensus regarding a particular theory in ASD s and its underlying mechanisms. Some theories have completely focused on social difficulties, others have emphasized sensory aspects. Based on the current studies, we suggest a multilayer neural network model including the MNS on a first layer and transforming this information to a higher layer network responsible for reasoning. Future studies with ASD participants combining behavioral tasks with neuroimaging methods and transcranial brain stimulation as well as computational modeling can help validate and complement this suggested model. Moreover, we propose applying the behavioral paradigms, and the neurophysiological markers mentioned in this review article for evaluating psychiatric treatment approaches in ASD s. The investigation of modulating effects of different treatment approaches on the neurophysiological markers of the MNS can help find specific subgroups of ASD s patients and support tailored psychiatric interventions.