Lack of 'Mirror Neurons' Linked to Autism

FruFox writes "A recent study has pointed to a possible link between autism and lack of so-called 'mirror neurons' , either physically or functionally. This provides the first solid physical evidence to back up the theory that autism's root cause is a profound lack of empathy. This probably impacts the world of Asperger's Syndrome as well. Many Slashdot readers are undoubtedly familiar with the world of Asperger's / autism."

Comments

Cause or symptom?

[HotNeedleOfInquiry]

This provides the first solid physical evidence to back up the theory that autism's root cause is a profound lack of empathy.

Wouldn't lack of empathy be a symptom of autism rather than a cause? Or that since the lack of mirror neurons is the cause, it gets expressed as a lack of empathy?

Re:Cause or symptom?

[Gojira Shipi-Taro]

Good catch. I missed that in my initial response in this thread. Lack of empathy, inability to process non-verbal communication (particularly the non-verbal sort associated with inter-gender relations) in the same innate manner as the average person, are the symptoms of my own Asperger's that have impacted me the most.

THing is though, older aspies eventually work it out (the non-verbal communication/flirting/pass), just too late. It's almost as if the part of the brain that most people use for that sort of communication is wired into other reasoning processes in Aspergers and Autism subjects.

My great fear has always been that that part of my brain was (theoretically) repurposed to the skills that currently allow me to make a living, and that any cure might render me able to understand non-verbal subtext, but doom me to a life as a McDonald's manager.

Re:Good

[orgelspieler]

At first I just thought this was flame-bait. So I read the Wikipedia article on Asperger syndrome. I was surprised to find out that I apparently meet the DSM-IV definition. Hell, half of my friends meet either the DSM-IV criteria. Seeing as half of the requirements are basically not having other impairments, it's not surprising. The Gillberg criteria are a little more specific, but are no more useful. They seem to describe just about any Slashdotter, including orgelspieler

Let's see:

• lack of desire to interact with peers (OK... depends on how you define "interact" and "peers")
• lack of appreciation of social cues (any married man has this problem)
• repetative adherence to a narrow interest (pipe organs)
• superficially perfect expressive language (grammar facist)
• formal, pedantic language (hey look, a dupe!)
• misinterpretations of literal/implied meanings (jokes going over heads)
• peculiar, stiff gaze (at the computer screen)
• motor clmusienss

Yup, that's me.

Re:Good

[Anonymous Coward]

I agree that the diagnostic criteria leaves a lot to be desired as a method for identifying if you do or do not have Autism/Aspergers. Being able to reliably identify the condition with a biological marker would be good in getting children/adults the assistance needed to make the most of their abilities and minimize their difficulties. I don't understand the thought running through here that this activity is an "attack on our subculture". As a parent of 2 children with Autism and 1 child with Aspergers, I applaud the research efforts such as these as helping to clear away the "static" that is a distraction to my children and inhibit their ability to relate to me, their siblings and those around them. I don't see any competant researcher in this arena "attacking" anyone.