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12:21
Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
The self in autism: an emerging view from neuroimaging
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. lucina@stanford.edu
Neurocase
|January 6, 2011
Summary
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show altered psychological self-representation, not physical aspects. Research points to the medial prefrontal cortex as a key brain region involved in these self-related deficits in ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social interaction and communication difficulties.
- Research has primarily focused on social cognition and language deficits in ASD.
- Emerging evidence suggests alterations in self-representation (intrapersonal cognition) in ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on self-representation in individuals with ASD.
- To examine both physical and psychological aspects of the self in ASD.
- To identify potential neural correlates of self-related processing alterations in ASD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of empirical studies on self-recognition, agency, perspective-taking, self-knowledge, and autobiographical memory in ASD.
- Analysis of findings related to physical and psychological facets of self-representation.
- Identification of consistently implicated brain regions, particularly within the default mode network.
Main Results:
- Psychological aspects of self-representation (self-knowledge, autobiographical memory) appear altered in ASD.
- Physical aspects of self-representation (self-recognition, agency, perspective-taking) do not show consistent alterations.
- The medial prefrontal cortex, part of the default mode network, is implicated in self-related deficits in ASD.
Conclusions:
- Self-representation in ASD is complex, with specific alterations in psychological domains.
- Understanding intrapersonal cognition offers a more complete framework for ASD symptomatology.
- The medial prefrontal cortex is a critical area for investigating self-processing in ASD.
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