Understanding differences
First we want to help people to understand some of the crucial differences between neurotypical people and people on the autism spectrum
Mindblindness was a term used by Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues in 1993 (Baron-Chen, Tager-Flusberg & Cohen, 1993).[RC1]
Theory of mind video
It is also referred to in the literature as ‘theory of mind’. Theory of mind refers to our natural abilities to understand the thoughts and feelings and points of view of someone else.
In the following video, developmental psychologist Uta Frith explains in more detail what ‘theory of mind’ is, but if you find this too full of jargon feel free to skip to the next section.
A ‘theory of mind’ is the ability to understand your own and other people’s beliefs, desires, intentions and emotions. It is the ability to ‘put yourself in someone else’s shoes’.
People on the autism spectrum tend to struggle to guess what other people might be thinking or feeling and therefore find it challenging to predict what they might do next.
‘Theory of mind’ does develop in everybody with age and is actually a crucial social skill that we use all of the time. ‘Theory of mind’ is usually delayed in its development for people on the autism spectrum.