The neural dynamic activity in children with autism spectrum disorders during the observation/execution tasks

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are largely characterized by deficits in imitation and social communication, some researchers explained hMNS dysfunctions may contribute to these deficits. This study compared the hMNS activities during observation and execution tasks between 8 children with ASD and 8 normal children using electroencephalography. Results revealed that children with ASD did not show significantly greater power suppression during execution than during observation, as observed in normal children. Moreover, both groups showed similar degree of suppression during observation of static and goal-directed actions. This suggested that children with ASD possess some hMNS functioning but their hMNS may operate somehow differently during execution. However, the notion that children with ASD may have impairments in understanding others‟ motor intentions remains unclear.