Theory of Mind 10

Cards (9)

  • What is theory of mind
    Having an understanding that people have thoughts, emotions, desires, beliefs and intentions that may differ from our own.
  • Baron-Cohen
    People with ASD do not have a fully functioning ToM.
    2 foundations of ToM:
    Ability to distinguish between mental & physical things.
    Ability to distinguish between appearances and reality.
  • Precursors to ToM
    Seen in behaviours in early child development. The child’s ability to engage in pretend play, imitate others & follow a persons gaze. By doing these things the child is showing that they understand that people have goals or intentions different to their own.
  • Scraife & Bruner 1975
    Stated that typically developing children will show these skills (pretend play, follow persons gaze, imitate others) by 14 months. This is delayed in children with ASD.
  • Mental vs Physical Test
    2 characters
    1 holding a drink
    The other thinking of holding a drink
    Child asked ‘who can drink the juice?’
    Neurotypical 4 year old should answer correctly. A child with ASD will struggle to.
  • Sally - Anne Test
    Sally has a basket.
    Anne has a box.
    Sally has a ball. She puts it in the basket.
    Sally goes for a walk.
    Anne takes the ball out of the basket and puts it in the box.
    Where will Sally look for her ball?
    Child with ASD will say Sally will look in the box, not understanding Sally doesn’t have the same info they do.
  • Strengths of ToM
    Supporting evidence (Sally-Anne test)
    Biological basis (superior temporal sulcas has been identified as an area responsible for ToM. Cheng found that the STS functioned differently in people with ASD.)
  • Weaknesses of ToM
    Doesn‘t apply to everyone. (In Baron-Cohen’s research 20% children with ASD passed Sally-Anne test).
    Doesn‘t explain repetitive behaviours.
  • Applying methods of modifying
    RDI