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Theory of Mind & Autism

Theory of mind refers to the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others, while autism is characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction. Several hypotheses attempt to explain the relationship between theory of mind and autism, including that individuals with autism lack an understanding of others' thoughts and beliefs (mindblindness hypothesis), have deficits in executive functioning making social interactions difficult, and have difficulty integrating information from different sources. Studies find children with autism are more likely to fail theory of mind tasks like the Sally-Anne task, suggesting impairments in theory of mind. Developing theory of mind in individuals with autism can be challenging but strategies using visual aids, perspective-taking practice, social interactions, and clear language

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Sanya Rohra
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1K views1 page

Theory of Mind & Autism

Theory of mind refers to the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others, while autism is characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction. Several hypotheses attempt to explain the relationship between theory of mind and autism, including that individuals with autism lack an understanding of others' thoughts and beliefs (mindblindness hypothesis), have deficits in executive functioning making social interactions difficult, and have difficulty integrating information from different sources. Studies find children with autism are more likely to fail theory of mind tasks like the Sally-Anne task, suggesting impairments in theory of mind. Developing theory of mind in individuals with autism can be challenging but strategies using visual aids, perspective-taking practice, social interactions, and clear language

Uploaded by

Sanya Rohra
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© © All Rights Reserved
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THEORY OF MIND

& AUTISM
UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL COMMUNICATION
CHALLENGES AND COGNITIVE DIFFERENCES

Several hypotheses have been proposed regarding the


Theory of mind refers to the
relationship between theory of mind and autism, including:
ability to attribute mental states
to oneself and others, while
autism is a neurodevelopmental Mindblindness hypothesis
disorder characterized by This hypothesis proposes that individuals with
impairments in social ASD lack a "theory of mind" or an understanding
communication and interaction. that other people have their own thoughts,
Understanding the relationship beliefs, and desires. This can lead to difficulties in
between theory of mind and understanding social cues and interactions.
autism is important for
developing effective Executive dysfunction hypothesis
interventions and improving This hypothesis proposes that individuals
outcomes for individuals with with ASD have deficits in executive
autism. functioning, which can make it difficult for
them to engage in complex social
interactions that require the ability to plan,
initiate, and monitor behavior.
Weak central coherence hypothesis
This hypothesis suggests that individuals with
ASD have difficulty integrating information
from different sources into a coherent whole,
which may lead to difficulties in
understanding social cues and mental states.

THE SALLY- ANNE TASK


The Sally-Anne task is a classic test used to assess theory of mind, which
involves understanding that others can have beliefs that differ from
one's own. Studies have found that children with autism are more likely
to fail the task than typically developing children, suggesting
impairments in theory of mind.
IMPAIRMENTS IN THEORY OF MIND IN AUTISM
In addition to difficulties with attributing false beliefs to others,
children with autism also have impairments in understanding
emotions, desires, and intentions of others.
These impairments are linked to social communication and
interaction difficulties commonly seen in autism.

Developing theory of mind in individuals with autism


Understanding theory of mind
can be challenging, but there are strategies that can impairment in autism is crucial for
developing effective interventions
help. and improving outcomes for
individuals with autism.
Using visual aids Continued research is needed to
Practice perspective-taking better understand the mechanisms
underlying the theory of mind
Encourage social interactions
impairment in autism and to
Use clear language develop more effective
Seek professional help interventions.

SANYA ROHRA || A91306920109 || SEM -6 SEC - C

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