Continuing to look in the mirror : A review of neuroscientific evidence for the Broken Mirror Hypothesis, EP-M model and STORM model of Autism Spectrum Conditions

The Mirror Neuron System (MNS) has been argued to be a key brain system responsible for action understanding and imitation. Subsequently, MNS dysfunction has therefore been proposed to explain the social deficits manifested within Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), an approach referred to as the Broken Mirror Hypothesis (BMH). Despite excitement surrounding this hypothesis, extensive research has produced insufficient evidence to support the BMH in its pure form and instead two alternative models have been formulated: EP-M model and the Social Top-down Response Modulation (STORM) model. All models suggest some dysfunction regarding the MNS in ASC, be that within the MNS itself or systems that regulate the MNS. This literature review compares these three models in regard to recent neuroscientific investigations. This review concludes that there is insufficient support for the BMH, but converging evidence supports an integrated EP-M and STORM model.