In terms of the mirror neuron system, could an autistic response to the emotion in music have something to do with the physicality of music its self? In a lecture earlier in the year we discussed the possibility that the fear and panic reactions sent out by the amygdala are based upon the physical reactions which occur immediately when in the face of danger. In the same vein but potentially triggered my mirror neuronal responses: Is it possible that the physical movements involved in producing music help the autistic brain better understand the emotion present in the piece?
The article says that some autistic children have exceptional musical abilities. Have studies been done investigating whether people with autism tend to have more acute auditory abilities?
Given that this study is going to look at autistic and developmentally typical children without considering in advance if they have extraordinary music abilities, it would be interesting to also look at children--autistic and typical--who are preselected as having extraordinary music abilities.
One has to wonder if the instrumentation used in the various pieces will affect how children respond. I wonder if pieces played on a violin for instance will differ from those on a piano. Also I wonder if there is a difference between those pieces that use a full orchestra and those which are one or two instruments.
In terms of the mirror neuron system, could an autistic response to the emotion in music have something to do with the physicality of music its self? In a lecture earlier in the year we discussed the possibility that the fear and panic reactions sent out by the amygdala are based upon the physical reactions which occur immediately when in the face of danger. In the same vein but potentially triggered my mirror neuronal responses: Is it possible that the physical movements involved in producing music help the autistic brain better understand the emotion present in the piece?
ReplyDeleteThe article says that some autistic children have exceptional musical abilities. Have studies been done investigating whether people with autism tend to have more acute auditory abilities?
ReplyDeleteGiven that this study is going to look at autistic and developmentally typical children without considering in advance if they have extraordinary music abilities, it would be interesting to also look at children--autistic and typical--who are preselected as having extraordinary music abilities.
ReplyDeleteOne has to wonder if the instrumentation used in the various pieces will affect how children respond. I wonder if pieces played on a violin for instance will differ from those on a piano. Also I wonder if there is a difference between those pieces that use a full orchestra and those which are one or two instruments.
ReplyDelete