Autism And Asperger Syndrome Blog

There are many symptoms that an individual with autism can experience; however, one of the most hard to understand is what has recently been named Theory of Mind. This problem has been discussed and studied a lot, but it is still a real mystery. Due of Theory of Mind problems, the social interactions are even more difficult for autistic people.

Theory of Mind causes these social behavior difficulties in almost every aspect, from playgroups such as kids and even with the world of adults. The concept behind Theory of Mind is that autistic people will not recognize that other people may have different ways of looking at things.

Although an autistic people may not be egocentric, but he or she probably inherently assumes that all the other people should think, feel, and know the same things he or she thinks, feels, and knows.

Most autistic people have an inability to lie, which of course it is not necessarily a bad thing, but in this world of lies, that is not natural at all. They don’t even think in lying as an option because they think everybody else knows the truth as they perceive it.

Because of this inability to lie, they also do not realize that other people do lie and may even be a lot. In fact, it is a rude awakening for autistic people when they find out that others lie or are not good people as they think everybody else is. This is especially problematic when they first experience this in the business world, and many autistic people do not know how to deal with it.

Since they believe that everybody else perceive the world as they do, it is difficult for them to put themselves in others’ shoes. Of course, this can be taught, but it is not an easy process, since, those with autism have to constantly remember to do, it did not come naturally.

Even kids have problems with Theory of Mind-they find very difficult to play games with other children that require keeping a secret. They also need to be reminded of sharing and releasing aggression in ways that are not harmful to other people.

Some of the frustration an autistic people feel from this inability to understand why others are not reacting in a situation in the “Right” way. Autistic kids also cannot understand why people don’t know certain facts-if they know it, so everybody else should know.

Theory of Mind still needs to be studied in order to be able to understand and treat this symptom of autism better. Right now, the best teaching method is continuous social interaction, along with role-playing and other games that require autistic kids to look into things from many angles.

Until modern medicine finds a better answer to Theory of Mind problems, the best thing to do is be patient with autistic people and be prepare yourself to explain your thought process to them, if you really want to help them.

What did you think of this Theory? Have you ever faced any individual with autism? If you do, remember why they take time to understand how to behave like others do.

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