Mirror Neurons, Imitation Learning and Empathy

Mirror Neurons help explain why watching someone perform a task is almost as important as doing it yourself. The human brain responds to both doing and watching in the same way. Mirror neurons may also play an important role in social interaction and the development of empathy. Researchers recently proposed that their dysfunction may explain some of the symptoms of autism. And speaking of autism, what about a possible link to early television exposure? This reinforces the AAP “no television under 2 years of age” recommendation.