Does theory of mind performance differ in children with early‐onset and regressive autism?

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7687.2011.01094.x
• Publication Date: 2011-09-29T05:41:39Z
• Authors: Nicole L. Matthews; Wendy A. Goldberg; Angela F. Lukowski; Kathryn Osann; Maryam M. Abdullah; Agnes R. Ly; Kara Thorsen; M. Anne Spence
• Keywords: Typically developing; Mental age

Abstract A deficit in theory of mind (ToM), or the ability to infer mental states others, has been implicated as one major characteristics Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, little attention devoted possible differences ToM within ASD. The current study examined performance children with early‐onset autism and regressive comparison typically developing children. Results indicated that group performed significantly better than on non‐verbal appearance–reality task. Additionally, Fisher’s exact tests a pattern lowest scores highest group, whereas tended score between groups. apparent heterogeneity ASD could account for lack universality found previous studies.