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Yates L, Hobson H. Continuing to look in the mirror: A review of neuroscientific evidence for the broken mirror hypothesis, EP-M model and STORM model of autism spectrum conditions. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 24:1945-1959. [PMID: 32668956 PMCID: PMC7539595 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320936945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The mirror neuron system has been argued to be a key brain system responsible for action understanding and imitation. Subsequently, mirror neuron system dysfunction has therefore been proposed to explain the social deficits manifested within autism spectrum condition, an approach referred to as the broken mirror hypothesis. Despite excitement surrounding this hypothesis, extensive research has produced insufficient evidence to support the broken mirror hypothesis in its pure form, and instead two alternative models have been formulated: EP-M model and the social top-down response modulation (STORM) model. All models suggest some dysfunction regarding the mirror neuron system in autism spectrum condition, be that within the mirror neuron system itself or systems that regulate the mirror neuron system. This literature review compares these three models in regard to recent neuroscientific investigations. This review concludes that there is insufficient support for the broken mirror hypothesis, but converging evidence supports an integrated EP-M and STORM model.
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Reframing schizophrenia and autism as bodily self-consciousness disorders leading to a deficit of theory of mind and empathy with social communication impairments. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 103:401-413. [PMID: 31029711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Prior observations and studies suggest self-consciousness disorders in schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), two neurodevelopmental disorders sharing social communication impairments. First, the relationships between schizophrenia and autism are explored regarding social communication impairments. Then, self-consciousness disorders in schizophrenia and autism are described and discussed in relation with impairments of body self leading to impairments of self-other differentiation, a deficit of theory of mind and empathy, and their consequences on social communication. Also, neurological dysfunction involved possibly in self-consciousness disorders in schizophrenia and autism is presented. In conclusion, a new model is proposed integrating results of studies presented here and stating the existence of bodily self-consciousness disorders in schizophrenia and autism associated with altered/absent intermodal sensory integration (especially visual-kinesthetic-tactile integration). This would result in problems of self-other differentiation, leading in turn to a deficit of theory of mind and empathy as well as social communication impairments. This model opens new perspectives to understand better self-consciousness disorders and social communication impairments in schizophrenia and ASD and to develop therapeutic strategies.
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A Review of Functional and Structural Neurobiology of the Action Observation Network in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Coordination Disorder. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9040075. [PMID: 30925819 PMCID: PMC6523237 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has reported motor impairment similarities between children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and a subgroup of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there is a debate as to whether DCD is a co-occurring diagnosis in individuals with ASD and motor impairments (ASDd), or if motor impairments in ASD are distinct from DCD. However, the etiology of motor impairments is not well understood in either disorder. Clarifying comorbidities in ASD is important to determine different etiopathological phenotyping clusters in ASD and to understand the variety of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the disorder. Furthermore, this distinction has important therapeutic relevance. Here we explore the current neuroimaging findings in ASD and DCD and discusses possible neural mechanisms that underlie similarities and differences between the disorders.
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Fornazzari L, Leggieri M, Schweizer TA, Arizaga RL, Allegri RF, Fischer CE. Hyper memory, synaesthesia, savants Luria and Borges revisited. Dement Neuropsychol 2018; 12:101-104. [PMID: 29988344 PMCID: PMC6022980 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642018dn12-020001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we investigated two subjects with superior memory, or hyper memory: Solomon Shereshevsky, who was followed clinically for years by A. R. Luria, and Funes the Memorious, a fictional character created by J. L. Borges. The subjects possessed hyper memory, synaesthesia and symptoms of what we now call autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). We will discuss interactions of these characteristics and their possible role in hyper memory. Our study suggests that the hyper memory in our synaesthetes may have been due to their ASD-savant syndrome characteristics. However, this talent was markedly diminished by their severe deficit in categorization, abstraction and metaphorical functions. As investigated by previous studies, we suggest that there is altered connectivity between the medial temporal lobe and its connections to the prefrontal cingulate and amygdala, either due to lack of specific neurons or to a more general neuronal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fornazzari
- MD, FRCPC. Department of Medicine, Behavioural Neurology Division, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 1A8. St Michael's Hospital Memory Disorders Clinic, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 1A8. Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada, M5S 1A8
| | - Melissa Leggieri
- BSc. Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5B 1T8. Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 1A8
| | - Tom A Schweizer
- PhD. Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 1A8. Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5B 1T8
| | - Raul L Arizaga
- MD. Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Viamonte 430, 1053 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo F Allegri
- MD. Centro de Memoria y Envejecimiento. Ins Investigaciones Neurol "Raul Carrea" (FLENI) Buenos Aires, Argentina. Neurosciencias. Universidad de la Costa (CUC). Colombia
| | - Corinne E Fischer
- MD, FRCPC. St Michael's Hospital Memory Disorders Clinic, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 1A8. Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada, M5S 1A8. Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5B 1T8
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Topal Z, Demir Samurcu N, Taskiran S, Tufan AE, Semerci B. Social communication disorder: a narrative review on current insights. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:2039-2046. [PMID: 30147317 PMCID: PMC6095123 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s121124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Social communication disorder (SCD) is a novel diagnosis listed under the rubric of communication disorders within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) and it is reported to be characterized by impairment in use of verbal and nonverbal communication for social aims. This review attempts to summarize the current understanding of the SCD concept along with its evolution and presents data from previous studies conducted. Suggestions for further research are also delineated. As listed in DSM-5, the criteria for this novel diagnosis are vague, display elevated comorbidity with other neurodevelopmental disorders and other childhood psychopathologies, and show partial overlap with autistic spectrum disorders both in terms of genetics and family histories. Data on cross-cultural presentations and temporal stability are also limited. The social communication model proposed by Catani and Bambini may help integrate the neurobiological findings pertaining to SCD. Valid and reliable assessment methods need to be developed for SCD. This may involve either development of novel instruments capturing the DSM-5 criteria or application of statistical methods such as item response theory to existing instruments. The relationships between broad autism phenotype, pragmatic language impairment, nonverbal learning disorder, learning disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, and SCD should be evaluated with further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Topal
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hakkari State Hospital, Hakkari, Turkey
| | - Nuran Demir Samurcu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Izzet Baysal Hospital for Maternity and Pediatric Disorder, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Sarper Taskiran
- Department of Psychiatry, Koc University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Evren Tufan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Abant Izzet Baysal University Medical Faculty, Bolu, Turkey,
| | - Bengi Semerci
- Department of Psychology, Bengi Semerci Institute, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Fründt O, Schulz R, Schöttle D, Cheng B, Thomalla G, Braaß H, Ganos C, David N, Peiker I, Engel AK, Bäumer T, Münchau A. White Matter Microstructure of the Human Mirror Neuron System is Related to Symptom Severity in Adults with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 48:417-429. [PMID: 29027066 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3332-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Mirror neuron system (MNS) dysfunctions might underlie deficits in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Diffusion tensor imaging based probabilistic tractography was conducted in 15 adult ASD patients and 13 matched, healthy controls. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was quantified to assess group differences in tract-related white matter microstructure of both the classical MNS route (mediating "emulation") and the alternative temporo-frontal route (mediating "mimicry"). Multiple linear regression was used to investigate structure-function relationships between MNS connections and ASD symptom severity. There were no significant group differences in tract-related FA indicating an intact classical MNS in ASD. Direct temporo-frontal connections could not be reconstructed challengeing the concept of multiple routes for imitation. Tract-related FA of right-hemispheric parieto-frontal connections was negatively related to autism symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odette Fründt
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Robert Schulz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Schöttle
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Cheng
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Götz Thomalla
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Braaß
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christos Ganos
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicole David
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ina Peiker
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas K Engel
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bäumer
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric and Adult Movement Disorders and Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alexander Münchau
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric and Adult Movement Disorders and Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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