Action observation and imitation in autism spectrum disorders: an ALE meta-analysis of fMRI studies

eview question / ObjectiveThe authors conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis o f t a s k -b a s e d f u n c t i o n a l m a g n e t i c resonance imaging studies examining motor observation and imitation in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Condition being studiedAutism spectrum disorder is characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction, accompanied by restrictive and repetitive behavioral patterns.Emerging evidence suggests these deficits may stem from abnormalities within the mirror neuron system.This neural network exhibits activation not only during motor execution but also when observing identical movements performed by others.Through creating an internal simulation mechanism, the MNS facilitates mapping between self-generated and observed actions, thereby contributing critically to comprehension of i n t e n t i o n a l b e h a v i o r, i m i t a t i v e l e a r n i n g , interpersonal engagement, and linguistic processing. METHODSParticipant or population People with autism spectrum disorder. Intervention None.Comparator People with normal development. Study designs to be included Case-control study and cohort study. Eligibility criteriaInclusion Criteria Studies were included in the present meta-analysis if they met all of the following criteria: 1.Participants and groups Studies recruited at least one group of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and one group of typically developing (TD) participants as controls.Studies that included ASD participants together with other clinical groups were also included, provided that brain activation results for the ASD group were reported separately.2.