- Preschoolers as young as three years old are capable of understanding others’ intentions and imitating their actions, thanks to the activation of mirror neurons in their brain.
- A study published in PNAS led by researchers from the University of Parma and Università Cattolica, Milan Campus, demonstrates the presence of mirror neuron activity in young children.
- The researchers measured the activation of the mylohyoid muscle in preschoolers while they observed and imitated goal-directed motor actions performed by others.
- The results showed that preschoolers were able to organize a sequence of motor actions based on their understanding of another individual’s intentions, although at a slower pace compared to older children.
- This discovery has implications for early diagnosis of developmental disorders such as autism, as it provides insights into the fundamental precursors for the development of social skills in children.
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Neurology, Pediatrics