#autism #social #social-behaviors
idea
Theory of mind is realizing that one's mind is different from someone else's, and so others realize that their opinion and knowledge may differ. It is a key component to develop empathy, and patience in communication.
Theory of mind usually develops later and not as completely for people with autism.
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references
Holt et al. (2021) defined ToM as the “_ability to attribute mental states to others…understand that others have thoughts, beliefs, desires, and behaviors stemming from underlying factors and motivations._”
For example, Williams (2021) suggests that autistic children show different patterns of ToM development to their neurotypical peers as well as continue to progress in ToM abilities during schooling.
Theory of Mind Profiles in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Adaptive/Social Skills and Pragmatic Competence, Belen Rosello, Carmen Berenguer, Inmaculada Baixauli, Rosa García, Ana Miranda
Theory of Mind (ToM) is one of the most relevant concepts in the field of social cognition, particularly in the case of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Literature showing that individuals with ASD display deficits in ToM is extensive and robust. However, some related issues deserve more research: the heterogeneous profile of ToM abilities in children with ASD and the association between different levels of ToM development and social, pragmatic, and adaptive behaviors in everyday life.