13.8 Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Mental States of Others

Question 1

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Answer 1

refers to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that include autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified.

Question 2

white matter connectivity patterns

Answer 2

Changes in the white matter connectivity patterns have been observed in 6-month-old babies and adults with ASD. Some researchers point out that these changes in connectivity patterns are at the root of the behavioral changes associated with ASD.

Question 3

theory of mind by people with ASD,

Answer 3

it is shown that the theory-of-mind-skills of patients with ASD are not developed properly, that is why social interaction is one of the more symptoms associated with ASD.

Question 4

Default mode network by people with ASD

Answer 4

shows no change in activation between “rest” and doing an
active task.

Question 5

deficit, observed in the mirror neuron network

Answer 5

results in a failure of linking motor acts into action chains that allow motor intentions to be understood.