Verified Document

Autism Is Characterized By "Mental Reaction Paper

143). Far from being too simple an explanation for autism, Ramachandran notes that single causes often do lead to multiple symptoms. Ramachandran's hypothesis has been tested using a variety of brain imaging techniques including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Brain imaging did reveal dysfunctional mirror neurons in children with autism vs. those without it. In fact, Ramachandran calls the research using TMS "conclusive evidence" that mirror neuron function is the root cause of autism (p. 142). The study of embodied cognition enhances research into how mirror neurons impact autism syndromes.

Ramachandran also notes that mirror neuron deficiencies can cause dysfunctional language acquisition. After all, infants acquire language knowledge first from listening and then mimicking mother, father, and others. Autistic children struggle with mimicry....

Mirror neurons play a role in language mimicry as does mu-wave suppression, which is why autistic children have trouble both with certain audio stimuli and with mimicking phonemes.
Therefore, the mirror neuron hypothesis can explain many of the most salient symptoms of autism. The mirror neuron hypothesis might not explain all the symptoms of autism, such as heightened interest in inanimate surroundings, rocking back and forth, and aversion to change. Yet it is also possible that there are indirect links between the mirror neuron dysfunctions and the manifestation of other autism symptoms. The ability to empathize and to conceive of the self are two of the most important features of the human mind that distinguish it from those of other primates. In some way, these higher-level cognitive processes are linked whether by the network of mirror neurons or by…

Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Psychological Effects of Autism
Words: 1234 Length: 4 Document Type: Term Paper

Autism: Characteristics, Causes, And Treatments Autism is a complex developmental disorder that generally emerges before the age of three. Individuals with autism demonstrate difficulties in communication, both verbal and non-verbal, as well as difficulties in socially interacting with others, as well as leisure and play activities (Autism Society of America, 2003). Autism is one five disorders that are classified as Pervasive Developmental Disorders in the DSM-IV, which are all neurological disorders

Autism Is a Developmental Disorder As It
Words: 12944 Length: 32 Document Type: Literature Review

Autism is a developmental disorder as it is marked with pervasive and severe impairment revolving around areas of development such as communication, imagination, reciprocal interaction and behavior. The diagnostic criteria for autism as incorporated by the DSM IV TR includes symptoms such as impairment in the use of nonverbal behaviors like eye contact, gestures, bodily postures during the normal routine social interaction, the inability to form good peer relationships, delay

Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Keys
Words: 2870 Length: 10 Document Type: Thesis

As noted in the located research, "individuals with autism may have an IQ at any level. By convention, if an individual with autism has an IQ in the normal range (or above), they are said to have 'high-functioning autism' (HFA)." (Baron-Cohen, 1) For a parent with a young child who exhibits signs of true intelligence or even of prominent and unique talents, the understanding of autism as a disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorders Wang, K,
Words: 1243 Length: 3 Document Type: Term Paper

Identifying Autism Loci and Genes by Tracing Recent Shared Ancestry. Science 321(5886): 218-23. Introduction This article begins with a discussion of autism spectrum disorders and the social and mental impairments that typify the disorder, setting up an approach that is inherently humanistic and person-centered. Despite the highly technical and quantified nature of the ultimate research question and data collected and analyzed in this study, this person-centered focus and tone is observable

Mental Retardation in Adolescences Mental
Words: 1756 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

Vocational training can help place within the adolescent mind the strategies they will need to adapt to life as an adult. Further research is needed within the field of adolescents with the condition. According to research, "Unfortunately, most psychiatrists are ill-equipped to handle this situation, having received little or no formal training in this area," (Sebastian 2008). Therefore, more research can only open up new information to psychiatrists and physicians

Autism in Children Autism Is
Words: 2540 Length: 6 Document Type: Term Paper

In these environments, the problems in behavioral instincts might be more obvious compared to a doctor's home or his chamber. It is required on the part of the doctors to devote more time to test patients those who are less in age whom they expect to be having autism. A systematic neurologic, listening and testing the manner of his speaking must be done prior to making the detection; More

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now