Intuition and autism: a possible role for Von Economo neurons.

Bibliographic Collection:

MOCA Reference, APE

Publication Type: Journal Article

Authors: Allman, John M; Watson, Karli K; Tetreault, Nicole A; Hakeem, Atiya Y

Year of Publication: 2005

Journal: Trends Cogn Sci

Volume: 9

Issue: 8

Pagination: 367-73

Date Published: 2005 Aug

Publication Language: eng

ISSN: 1364-6613

Keywords: Animals, Autistic Disorder, Cerebral Cortex, Humans, Intuition, Neurons, Neurotransmitter Agents, Social Behavior

Abstract:

Von Economo neurons (VENs) are a recently evolved cell type which may be involved in the fast intuitive assessment of complex situations. As such, they could be part of the circuitry supporting human social networks. We propose that the VENs relay an output of fronto-insular and anterior cingulate cortex to the parts of frontal and temporal cortex associated with theory-of-mind, where fast intuitions are melded with slower, deliberative judgments. The VENs emerge mainly after birth and increase in number until age 4 yrs. We propose that in autism spectrum disorders the VENs fail to develop normally, and that this failure might be partially responsible for the associated social disabilities that result from faulty intuition.

DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2005.06.008

Custom 1:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16002323?dopt=Abstract

Alternate Journal: Trends Cogn. Sci. (Regul. Ed.)

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