Autism Therapy: theory of mind deficit

Several types of therapies may help children develop "theory of mind," which is important for social interactions.

"Theory of mind" is the ability to recognize beliefs, intentions, desires, and other mental states. People learn to recognize these mental states in themselves and others. Theory of mind is very important for social interactions, allowing people to understand what others might be thinking or feeling. The authors said to think of it as "mind-reading." The authors describe theory of mind deficits in people with autism. Several different types of therapies are being used to teach theory of mind to children with autism. These include behavioral therapy, computer-assisted learning (or CAI), and Social Stories. These and other therapies have helped children learn these skills.