Autism
and Theory of Mind
We
often hear or read that those with autism lack “Theory of Mind” (ToM). What
exactly does this mean? For the answer we went to our own Dr. Emily
Rastall. Here’s what she told us.
Theory
of Mind (ToM) is defined as an understanding that others have minds that are
different from our own. More specifically, it is the understanding that others
have thoughts, feelings and perspectives that differ from ours. In short, ToM
allows us to understand and predict the behaviors of others based on what we
think they might be thinking. For example, though we may not be
feeling sad ourselves, we can imagine another’s perspective and empathize with
someone who might be having a hard day.
The
classic Theory of Mind task (called the Sally-Anne task) exemplifies this
understanding that others have minds that are different from our own. In the
task a child must determine what another’s response would be based on false
belief. In the task, the child observes two models (Sally and Anne). One of the
models (Sally) places an object in a hiding spot and then leaves. The second
model (Anne) moves the object to a new hiding spot.
When
Sally returns, the child must indicate where she (Sally) will look for the
object. In order to respond correctly, the child must be aware that Sally did
not see the object being moved and therefore has the false belief that the
object is where she originally placed it. Researchers have shown that prior to
four years of age, children’s responses are inconsistent, with some children
showing this ability while others do not. However, between the ages of 4 and 6
years, this ability emerges and becomes consistent in typically-developing
children. This “mentalizing” ability appears to be impaired in individuals with
autism.
Within
the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), deficits in ToM may be at the
core of many of the behaviors associated with the disorder. For example, ToM
limitations may lead to misreading or failure to read emotions, intentions, or
cues from others. In addition, ToM challenges may lead to limited expression of
empathy toward others. ToM deficits may also result in one approaching a social
situation with assumptions that may not be accurate. Finally, reciprocity (the
give-and-take, mutual benefit of a relationship) may be impacted, as a result
of having challenges picking up on cues from the social environment.
ToM
may help parents and others to understand the often perplexing behavior of
children with ASD such as:
- Inappropriate reaction to the emotional expression of others (i.e.: laughing or not “getting it” when someone is angry or sad)
- · Difficulty understanding that their behavior has an effect on others
- · Assuming that what they think and feel is what others think and feel
- · Difficulty with taking turns in a conversation and asking questions about the other person or allowing him or her to share what their interests are
- · Difficulty understanding characters in a book or movie or engaging in pretend play
- · As such, it’s important for family members to remember that these perplexing behaviors are not willful or intentional, but the downstream effect of challenges with TOM.
