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Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

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Using Functional Connectivity to Examine the Correlation between Mirror Neuron Network and Autistic Traits in a

Thien Nguyen¹, Helga O Miguel¹, Emma E Condy¹

¹Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 49 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-4480, USA.

|April 3, 2021

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This study found that neurotypical adults with higher autistic traits exhibit stronger mirror neuron network (MNN) connectivity. This suggests a potential link between MNN function and social attributes in adults.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Science
Social Psychology

Background:

The mirror neuron network (MNN) is vital for understanding actions and emotions, influencing social interaction.
Limited research exists on MNN connectivity and its association with social traits like autistic traits.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate MNN functional connectivity in neurotypical adults.
To examine the relationship between MNN connectivity and subclinical autistic traits.

Main Methods:

Used functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) on 30 healthy adults during action observation and execution tasks.
Derived functional connectivity from oxy-hemoglobin data to identify MNN connections.
Correlated MNN connectivity with subclinical autistic traits using Pearson correlation.

Keywords:

action-execution action-observation angular inferior parietal superior parietal supramarginal

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Last Updated: Nov 10, 2025

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

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Published on: September 12, 2011

EEG Mu Rhythm in Typical and Atypical Development

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Main Results:

Identified specific MNN connections in the precentral, supramarginal, inferior parietal, postcentral, and angular regions.
Found significantly higher MNN connectivity in individuals with elevated subclinical autistic traits.
Observed this increased connectivity during both action-observation and action-execution tasks.

Conclusions:

Higher subclinical autistic traits correlate positively with MNN connectivity in neurotypical adults.
Findings provide a basis for future research on MNN in autism spectrum disorder populations.
MNN connectivity may serve as a biomarker for social processing differences.