Two systems for action comprehension in autism: mirroring and mentalizing

Action comprehension depends on both mirror neuron systems and mentalising systems in the brain; current evidence suggests that only the latter are abnormal in autism. In this chapter, we first describe the functions and anatomy of mirror neuron systems and mentalising systems during action comprehension tasks. We then evaluate these systems in autism. Both behavioural and fMRI data point to abnormal mentalising in autism. In contrast, both behavioural and fMRI data suggest that the mirror neuron system is largely intact in autism, at least in tasks requiring basic goal comprehension. We highlight the study of comprehension of irrational and complex actions as an interesting area for future research that may help us understand the integration of these different brain systems.