Wednesday, April 10, 2013

ToM Theory of Mind/"Mind Blindness" and Autism


ToM Theory of Mind/”Mind Blindness” is much more complex than reading non-verbal expression, however it is described as a spectrum of abilities/challenges, where the described difficulties can be much different in individuals across the Autism Spectrum.

The described abilities/challenges are also associated with ADHD and Schizophrenia.

Interestingly, perhaps ironically, a developmental milestone missed - the common tendency for small children to "lie" to avoid punishment, is a sign there could be a "difficulty".

It is also associated with blunt descriptive assessments of other people that do not assess potential "feelings". I will never forget an Asperger’s support group meeting where a "little professor" asked the female speaker right in the middle of his monologue, "lady why are you wearing so much make up". His assessment was correct. :)  But....

I still have to catch myself from doing things like that, that are not as obviously offensive. :)

Also interesting, in the ability to sense the pain of others, studies show that people diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome are more sensitive to a personal distress of seeing others in physical and/or emotional pain, as a type of emotional contagion. This is described as a heightened instinctual ability though, rather than what is described as ToM/Mind Blindness or what some describe as Cognitive Empathy.


Excellent descriptions by Wiki linked below.

Theory of Mind:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_mind


Cognitive vs. Affective Empathy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empathy#Cognitive_versus_affective_empathy

Personal Distress:

 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_distress


Autism, the Internet and "Ideological First Identity", a Collection of Thoughts:

http://katiemiaaghogday.blogspot.com/2013/05/autism-internet-and-ideological-first.html






"AutisticS Peeks!"


It's Good

to Hear

ya
:)!
*


(:@@
@:)
!*




AS
P:

Autistic Spectrum
Perception

and

Perspective


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