Individual 1) Theory of Mind

Question 1

Theory of Mind

Answer 1

Cognitive explanation that tries to explain ASD in terms of problems ASD people have in understanding the world in other peoples perspectives.

Question 2

Baron-Cohen

Answer 2

Reduced or delayed ability to recognise and understand the internal mental states others.
“Mindblindness” - core deficit of ASD.

Question 3

Precursors

Answer 3

Baron-Cohen - 2 foundation of ToM: ability to distinguish between physical and mental things, and the ability to distinguish between appearances and reality.

Question 4

Frith

Answer 4

ASD have severe difficulty “metalizing”/”mind-reading”.

Completely unaffected by this lack of ability to perform cognitive tasks.

Question 5

Lesley et al.

Answer 5

Theory - “Theory of Mind Mechanism”.
It is biological damage which has taken place before or after birth which has interfered with the usual cognitive mechanism.

Question 6

Incomplete Explanation

Answer 6

Doesn’t cover all factors of ASD.

Question 7

Real World Applications

Answer 7

Numerous interventions based on ToM.

Helps them overcome social behaviour deficits.

Question 8

Ineffectiveness of ToM Interventions

Answer 8

Some evidence ToM can be developed through interventions, but only for a short period of time.
Reduces validity.