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Children With ASD Do Not Understand Hidden Emotions Before False Belief Attribution
Morgane Burnel1, Stéphanie Durrleman2, Anne Reboul3
1Université de Poitiers, Université de Tours, CNRS, CeRCA, Poitiers, France.
Summary
Theory of Mind (ToM) development in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may not be deviant. This study suggests individuals with ASD acquire understanding of hidden emotions and false beliefs in a similar order to neurotypical development.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Cognitive psychology
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often characterized by atypical development of Theory of Mind (ToM).
- Previous research presents conflicting findings on whether ToM acquisition in ASD follows a deviant developmental trajectory.
- Specifically, the order of understanding "hidden emotions" versus "false beliefs" remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the order of acquisition of ToM-related concepts differs in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- To address inconsistencies in prior research through methodological improvements.
- To clarify the developmental trajectory of ToM in ASD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized improved methodologies compared to previous studies to assess ToM concept acquisition in ASD.
- Examined the developmental order of understanding "hidden emotions" and "false beliefs" in individuals with ASD.
Main Results:
- The study's findings support a non-deviant developmental trajectory for ToM in individuals with ASD.
- Individuals with ASD demonstrated a general ability to understand hidden emotions, which was not mastered before false belief attribution.
- Results challenge previous conclusions of a deviant ToM acquisition order in ASD.
Conclusions:
- The developmental trajectory of Theory of Mind (ToM) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is likely non-deviant.
- Individuals with ASD acquire the understanding of hidden emotions and false beliefs in a similar sequence to neurotypical development.
- Methodological advancements are crucial for accurately characterizing ToM development in ASD.
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