AUTISM, MOTOR DYSFUNCTIONS AND MIRROR MECHANISM

Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by a marked impairment in social interaction and communication, restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Although not listed among the core diagnostic domains of impairment in ASDs, motor abnormalities have been consistently reported across the spectrum. Converging evidence from a variety of studies suggests that a dysfunction of motor cognition might be at the basis of some of the social cognitive impairments seen in ASD individuals. Moreover, recent accounts proposed that dysfunctions in mirror mechanism might underlie aspects of ASD contributing to social deficits, particularly with respect to social interaction.Method: We conducted a systematic review of studies examining movement disorders in ASD and discussing the relation between the mirror mechanism and this syndrome.Results: The assessment and characterization of motor disturbances offer a new perspective on ASD, where they are not anymore considered as symptoms simply associated with the diagnosis, but rather as part of the underlying etiology of ASD.Conclusions: Motor impairments interfere with the developmental milestones of individuals with autism and the impairment in the organization of their own motor behavior could be at the basis of many social-cognitive impairments. We believe that, as these motor abnormalities precede the social-communication deficits, they may not only serve as an early disease indicator, but they could be also useful in exposing the neurobiological mechanisms at the basis of this syndrome and in identifying more specific treatments.