Mapping brain function underlying naturalistic motor observation and imitation using high-density diffuse optical tomography.

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition defined by deficits in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors, is associated with early impairments in motor imitation that persist through childhood and into adulthood. Alterations in the mirror neuron system (MNS), crucial for interpreting and imitating actions, may underlie these ASD-associated differences in motor imitation. High-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT) overcomes logistical challenges of functional magnetic resonance imaging to enable identification of neural substrates of naturalistic motor imitation. We aim to investigate brain function underlying motor observation and imitation in autistic and non-autistic adults. We hypothesize that HD-DOT will reveal greater activation in regions associat

SUBMITTER: Yang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12451301 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature