Embodied simulation and the meaning of facial expression in autism. Comment on ‘The simulation of smiles (SIMS) model: Embodied simulation and the meaning of facial expression’ by Niedenthal et al KU Leuven
We outline three possible shortcomings of the SIMS model and specify these by applying the model to autism. First, the SIMS model assigns a causal role to brain processes, thereby excluding individual and situational factors. Second, there is no room for subjective and high-level conceptual processes in the model. Third, disentangling the different stages in the model is very difficult. © 2010 Cambridge University Press.