Why is Theory of Mind Important?

As described previously, theory of mind ability has ramifications in a wide range of areas including language, social skills, behavior, and perspective taking. Obviously, for students with an impaired ability to take another’s perspective or to think what others might be thinking or feeling, behavior will be affected. So the day-to-day inability or impaired ability to mind read can have continuing and severe consequences.

Some researchers claim that this impairment has a much broader context. Indeed, several researchers (see Baron-Cohen, 1995) have argued that an impaired theory of mind is the core cognitive deficit for those with ASD and therefore the chief reason for an impaired social ability.

The basic research on theory of mind has led to an increased focus on research in the social realm of ASDs. Likewise, the CHAT (an autism screening tool; link to the assessment module) was developed because of research in this area. Research on theory of mind has also helped to broaden the field and identify skill deficits that are core to ASDs. Although all researchers don’t agree on the concept of theory of mind and the research is not definitive, most agree that the above behaviors are of primary concern for individuals with ASD and their families.