ABSTRACT
Evidence for differences in theory of mind between persons with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has arguably contributed to the enormous interest in studying theory of mind since the mid-1980s. Early accounts of ASD suggested that the impairments in social communication and interaction observed in those with ASD could be attributed to a general theory of mind deficit. This chapter attempts to integrate a selection of contemporary research on theory of mind in ASD – with a particular emphasis on middle childhood and adolescence. Over the years, our research team has done several studies on autism and theory of mind in this age group, and we will put some of this work in perspective here. We examine the origins and consequences of theory of mind difficulties among children and adolescents with ASD, critically evaluate existing theoretical accounts of theory of mind deficits in ASD, and highlight important unanswered questions for future research.
