Mirror neuron

“The mechanism by which humans perceive others differs greatly from how humans perceive inanimate objects … humans have the distinct property of being "like me" in the eyes of the observer … The authors propose that internal simulation mechanisms, such as the mirror neuron system, are necessary for normal development of recognition, imitation, theory of mind, empathy, and language.” Oberman, L. M. and Ramachandran, V. S. The Simulating Social Mind: The Role of the Mirror Neuron System and Simulation in the Social and Communicative Deficits of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Psychological Bulletin. 2007 Mar Vol 133(2) 310-327.