Childhood autism is a disorder characterized by a disturbance in reciprocal social interactions, abnormalities in verbal and non-verbal communication, poor imaginative activity, and a restricted repertoire of activities and interests. The causes of autism are unknown, but there are different approaches that try to explain the neurobiological causes of this syndrome. Recently, the theory of a dysfunction of the mirror neuron system (SNE) has been studied.

The SNE is a neuronal complex, originally described in monkeys and also found in humans, that is related to our movements and that responds specifically to the movements and movement intentions of other subjects. It is also believed that this system is at the basis of imitation processes and in the realization of forms of learning by imitation. It is also thought to participate in language acquisition, emotional expression, understanding what happens to others, and empathy. Because these functions are altered in children with autism, it is believed that there is a dysfunction of the ENS in autistic people that could explain the symptomatology observed in children with autism.

JO Cornelio-Nieto Read full article. Source: Journal of Neurology_ Childhood autism and mirror neurons.