Imitation and the Social Mind: Autism and Typical Development [Hardcover]

Sally J. Rogers PhD (Editor), Justin H. G. Williams MRCPsych (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2006

From earliest infancy, a typically developing child imitates or mirrors the facial expressions, postures and gestures, and emotional behavior of others. Where does this capacity come from, and what function does it serve? What happens when imitation is impaired? Synthesizing cutting-edge research emerging from a range of disciplines, this important book examines the role of imitation in both autism and typical development. Topics include the neural and evolutionary bases of imitation, its pivotal connections to language development and relationships, and how early imitative deficits in autism might help explain the more overt social and communication problems of older children and adults.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The importance of imitation as a fundamental component of social communication, and of its failure in autism, cannot be overstated. This is why imitation is one of the most active research themes in social-cognitive neuroscience. The leading researchers in the field have contributed to this volume, which is vital reading for all those currently trying to understand the social mind in both typical and atypical development."--Uta Frith, PhD, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, University College London, UK

"Truly an outstanding achievement! This unique volume brings together the world's foremost developmental psychologists, clinicians, and neuroscientists studying social cognition to provide critical, in-depth, and fresh perspectives on a topic that has captured the interest of philosophers and scientists for centuries. After reading the book, one appreciates more than ever how studies of typical and atypical populations mutually enhance our understanding of development. Scientists and practitioners alike will value this exceptional book."--Geraldine Dawson, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Washington

"This outstanding volume brings together developmental and neurobiological research on the central role of imitation in the development of empathy, theory of mind, language, and social-affective reciprocity. The editors have brought together leading researchers whose work focuses on foundational aspects of imitation in typically and atypically developing children. The broad scope of this volume provides new theoretical insights on the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in imitation processes, highlighting the significance of the child’s interactions with others. A timely publication, the book is likely to stimulate renewed interest in imitation and generate investigations into novel therapeutic approaches for children with autism and related disorders. It should be required reading for anyone interested in basic and clinical perspectives on social development."--Helen Tager-Flusberg, PhD, Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston University School of Medicine

About the Author

Sally J. Rogers, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis. Her work in autism represents a lifetime interest in developmental disabilities. Dr. Rogers's research on imitation in autism grew out of her clinical and research experiences while Professor of Psychiatry at JFK Partners at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She was intrigued by the puzzling lack of normal mirroring and coordination with others' movements, gestures, and emotional displays that she experienced during interactions with children and adults with autism. This set in motion a line of studies focused on imitation problems in autism, and the creation of interventions to promote social responsivity and communication development.

Justin H. G. Williams, MRCPsych, commenced his scientific career in 1993, studying ecology and evolutionary biology before pursuing postgraduate training in psychiatry. He specialized in child psychiatry and moved to Scotland, where he started working with Andrew Whiten and David Perrett from the University of St. Andrews. Together, they considered the relationship of imitation to autism at a time when "mirror neurons" were a new phenomenon. In 2000 Dr. Williams became Senior Lecturer in Child Psychiatry, University of Aberdeen, where he has developed a research program to understand the neural substrate of autism. He also serves as Honorary Consultant in Child Psychiatry at Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 466 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (May 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593853114
• ISBN-13: 978-1593853112
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,815 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful book., September 10, 2011

By 

lili_chouchou - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Imitation and the Social Mind: Autism and Typical Development (Hardcover)

This is just exactly what i expected. It discussed imitation from a broad range of perspectives. Most of the discussions focused on Autism. I want to read the imitation on typical developed children, and several chapters discussed about that.
The shipping is fast and brand-new.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially recommended for field scientists and professionals., November 4, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Imitation and the Social Mind: Autism and Typical Development (Hardcover)

Edited by psychiatry experts Sally J. Rogers and Justin H.G. Williams, Imitation and the Social Mind: Autism and Typical Development is an anthology of essays by learned authors concerning the process of imitation as a building block of social development, and the interference that autism brings to the process of imitation. Essays ponder such topics as "Does Imitation Matter to Children with Autism?", "A Cognitive Neuroscience View of Imitation", "Longitudinal Research on Motor Imitation in Autism", and much more. A highly scholarly and technological collection of the latest up-to-date research, especially recommended for field scientists and professionals.