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Updated: May 19, 2026
09:13
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Why we need cognitive explanations of autism
1UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, London, UK. u.frith@ucl.ac.uk
Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology (2006)
|August 22, 2012
Summary
Autism research has evolved significantly over 70 years. This review updates cognitive theories like theory of mind and weak central coherence, proposing a framework linking brain, mind, and behavior for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Autism conceptualization has dramatically evolved since its initial description 70 years ago.
- Early cognitive theories, including theory of mind and weak central coherence, laid foundational groundwork.
- Advances in research methodologies have reshaped our understanding of autism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a personal perspective on the historical trajectory of autism research.
- To update and contextualize seminal cognitive theories of autism.
- To propose a novel framework for understanding neurodevelopmental disorder phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of autism research.
- Analysis of foundational cognitive theories (theory of mind, weak central coherence).
- Interpretation of experimental findings within historical and methodological contexts.
Main Results:
- The review traces the evolution of autism conceptualization over seven decades.
- Key cognitive theories are discussed and updated for contemporary relevance.
- A three-level framework is presented to illustrate the brain-mind-behavior causal chain.
Conclusions:
- Cognition serves as a central link between brain and behavior in neurodevelopmental disorders.
- The proposed framework aids in identifying phenotypes by mapping complex relationships across different levels.
- Understanding the history and evolution of autism research is crucial for future advancements.
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