- Some have postulated whether autism is linked to a decrease in the amount/activity of mirror neurons 
- Autism includes a difficulty in predicting the thoughts/ behaviors of others 
- When trying to mimic the movements/expressions of others, autistic individuals see a lower degree of activity of their mirror neurons 

Mirror Neurons and Autism 

- Found in both adults and children 
- Suggested to be important in the imitation of action, and therefore working cooperatively 
- May also be important to the understanding of others on an emotional level (empathy)

Smith College

- Subregion of premotor cortex 
- Mirror neurons "fire" electrical impulses when a specific movement is being executed, or when a monkey (for example) watches another monkey or human  perform the same task

Mirror Neurons 

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

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