The association between theory of mind, executive function, and the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
Catherine R G JonesEmily SimonoffGillian BairdAndrew PicklesAnita J S MarsdenJenifer TregayFrancesca HappéTony CharmanPublished in: Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research (2017)
The behaviours that are common to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been linked to differences in thinking ability. We assessed autistic adolescents and found that social communication difficulties and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviours related to difficulties in understanding other peoples' minds (theory of mind). In contrast, these behaviours were not associated with the general thinking abilities involved in planning and executing tasks (executive function).