Autism Neuropsychology

The following theories have been associated with autism:

Empathizing-systemizing Theory

Simon Baron-Cohen's theory proposes that autistic people, on average, score lower on empathizing (reading and responding to other people's thoughts and feelings) and the same or higher on systemizing (working out the rules behind how things work).

Theory of Mind Hypothesis

The Theory of the Mind hypothesis focuses on disabilities in reasoning about mental states. It explains the main behavioral symptoms that characterize autism. Although autism is defined on the basis of disabilities not only in social and communication skills but also with repetitive behavior patterns, the theory of mind does not explain the repetitive behavior patterns.
Some researchers proposed that differences in the brain's mirror neuron system explain social difficulties in autism, but later reviews have not found consistent evidence for this idea (Hamilton, 2013). Mirror neurons are a class of neurons that discharge when individuals perform a given motor act and when they observe others perform that same motor act. The human mirror system is involved in understanding others' actions and their intentions behind them, and it underlies mechanisms of observational learning (Cattaneo L, Rizzolatti G, 2009).

Executive Dysfunction Theory

The executive dysfunction theory is best explained through understanding what an executive function is. Executive function is the ability to maintain an appropriate problem-solving set for the attainment of a future goal (Griffith, E. et al, 1999). Some researchers have argued that executive function difficulties contribute to how individuals with autism perform on theory of mind tasks (Joseph, R. 1999).

Executive dysfunction hypothesizes that behavior patterns in individuals with autism are products of impairments in the following:

• Working memory
• Planning
• Inhibition
• And other forms of executive functions A strong point in the Executive Dysfunction theory is predicting stereotyped behavior patterns and limited interests, while the weaknesses are that executive function is something that is hard to measure.

Other Theories on Autism and Cognition

Weak central coherence theory revolves around the idea of characterizing the style of stimulus processing that could give rise to a pattern of responding (Plaisted et al, 2003). This theory can predict special talents individuals with autism may possess. A separate idea, the underconnectivity theory, proposes that weaker coordination between brain regions plays a part; research findings on it are mixed.

Griffith, E., Pennington, B., Wehner, E., Rogers, S. (1999, August) Executive Functions in Young Children with Autism. Retrieved May 11, 2011, from http://www.du.edu/psychology/dnrl/executive_function_autism.pdf

Hamilton, A. F. de C. (2013). Reflecting on the mirror neuron system in autism: A systematic review of current theories. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 3, 91–105.

Cattaneo L, Rizzolatti G. (2009, May) The mirror Neuron System. Retrieved May 11, 2011 from pubmed.gov

Joseph, R. (1999, November) Neuropsychological Frameworks for Understanding Autism. Retrieved May 11, 2011, from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Plaisted, K. , Saksida, L. , Alca´ntara, J. and Weisblatt, E. (2003, January). Towards an understanding of the mechanisms of weak central coherence effects: experiments in visual configural learning and auditory perception. Retrieved May 11, 2011, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1693121/pdf/12639334.pdf

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