Modeling Social Cognition and its Neurologic Deficits with Artificial Neural Networks

Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are computer models loosely inspired by the functioning of the human brain. They are the state-of-the-art method for tackling a variety of Artificial Intelligence (AI) problems, and an increasingly popular tool in neuroscientific studies. However, both domains pursue different goals: in AI, performance is key and brain resemblance is incidental, while in neuroscience the aim is chiefly to better understand the brain. This PhD is situated at the intersection of both disciplines. Its goal is to develop ANNs that model social cognition in neurotypical individuals, and that can be altered in a controlled way to exhibit behavior consistent with individuals with one of two clinical conditions, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Frontotemporal Dementia.