Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most severe developmental disorders, usually diagnosed before the age of 3 years. While the symptoms and severity can vary from person to person, all forms of autism impair an individual’s ability to communicate effectively. Although there is no known cure for autism, early and intensive intervention significantly improves the quality of life for affected children. Research in social neuroscience suggests that deficits in social functioning observed in individuals with autism may be due to abnormalities in the neural systems responsible for processing social information. This study reviews the available evidence on the neurological foundations of ASD and highlights abnormal activity in areas of the mirror neuron system and its interconnected regions, including regions involved in social perception, action observation, and theory of mind. The findings suggest that ASD is characterized by dysfunction of neural circuits involved in social processing, affecting the ability to perceive social cues, understand actions, and develop a theory of mind. Furthermore, the posterior superior temporal sulcus emerges as a key region involved in all three systems, providing insights into the brain mechanisms underlying the social deficits seen in ASD.
