Differential mirror neuron system (MNS) activation during action observation with and without social-emotional components in autism: a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies.

The included studies had small sample sizes, ranging from 5 to 21 participants per group, which increases the risk that the observed brain differences are exaggerated. The analysis excluded studies that only examined imitation, limiting what the results say about the ability to copy actions. The age range of participants was limited to 11 to 37 years, so the findings do not apply to younger children or older adults. Publication bias was detected in the amygdala results, meaning the reported differences in that region might not be real. The studies varied widely in the types of actions and body parts shown, making it difficult to draw a single clear conclusion about brain function.

Do not interpret these brain activation differences as a direct cause of imitation or social communication deficits, or as a target for therapy. This study only describes how brains look different while watching actions; it did not test any intervention or measure clinical symptoms directly.