from: Mirror-touch synesthesia is linked with empathy- Nature Publishing Group
Research done on mirror-touch synesthesia is consistent with the notion that we (non-synesthetes) empathize with others through simulation. The recent discovery of mirror neurons in humans suggests that the existence of mirror systems between humans occurs not only with actions but with emotions and sensations. This system helps us empathize better because it emables us as the observer to simulate another's experience by activating the same areas in the brain that are active if we were to actually be experiencing what we are observing. Even though most of us don't have synesthesia, when we see someone stub their little toe on the edge of a coffee table, most of us will go "oooooof ouch" and for a moment we can almost feel the other person's pain. these are our mirror neurons at work.
Studies on mirror neurons also provide some insight on Autism. There is some evidence that impaired activity in the action mirror system may be responsible for the deficits in imitation and empathy observed in people with ASD.
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