Deficits in social interaction, communication and repetitive patterns of behaviour are common characteristics of autistic spectrum disorders (Autism). Visuo-motor neurons (known as mirror neurons), that fire both when observing or executing goal directed actions, have been shown by research to play a role in motor action and intention understanding. This has led to a link suggesting that a dysfunction of mirror neurons may be involved in some aspects of Autism difficulties. Frequent research updates are providing a greater understanding and clarification for the important specification of this hypothesis. This leads the way to suggesting the possibility of the further development and support for novel interventions such as neurofeedback for this condition. This review represents a selective overview of core documents on the topic area. Declaration of Position My interest in the potential link between Autism and a dysfunctional mirror nemon system (MNS) was inspired by reading literature on the topic 'while I was completing a Masters in Neuropsychology. What became clear to me, both from the literature and from my limited clinical exposure, is the considerable heterogeneity of Autism. Furthermore, in the absence of distinct and consistent, nemo or physiological markers, accurate identification and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders can be problematic and consequently the ability of clinicians and researchers to detect this condition early in development is often restricted.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:616310 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Henning-Pugh, Mariette |
| Publisher | University of Surrey |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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