Broken Mirror or Unbroken Mirror? ; An Investigation for Mirror Neuron Dysfunction of the Autism Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACT

The discovery of the mirror neuron system (MNS) is one of the most important neuroscientific achievements in the 20th century. Some researchers had reported that MNS dysfunction was discovered in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Finally, the 'broken mirror' theory of ASD was announced in the mid 2000's. According to this theory, ASD cannot simulate the mind and behavior of others due to MNS dysfunction; therefore, they cannot imitate the behaviors and empathized with the mind of others. However, ASD does not always show imitation problems. The researchers who have criticized the 'broken mirror' theory proposed the 'social top-down response modulation (STORM)' theory. On STORM theory, the medial prefrontal cortex or temporoparietal junction, brain areas related with mentalising, might modulate MNS according to social context. We compared the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.