Theory of Mind

I am in agreement with some of the people in the class regarding the Theory of Mind.  With a background in Applied Behavior Analysis and also furthering my education in Applied Behavior Analysis, I am on the fence about including it when assessing children with autism.  The Theory of Mind is making the assumption that one has different mental states which include thoughts, feelings and desires.  From a behavior standpoint, Theory of Mind is not an observable behavior that can be directly measured.  It would be rather difficult in assessing whether or not a child has a Theory of Mind because according to the videos, it is only assumed that children might be developing a Theory of Mind around the age of 5 or 6; there is nothing concrete to say whether or not a child has this mental state.  If there were observable behaviors that could be measured that indicated a Theory of Mind, I would agree that it would be important in assessing children with autism.  It is important in any and all areas that might be of difficulty for children should be assessed and the proper way of teaching them be taught for them to become a successful party of society.

For those professionals that are not coming from a behavior standpoint/background, I would agree for them to include the Theory of Mind in assessing children with autism.  It would provide more information to professionals on how children with ASD process information and view their world.  It might provide further understanding to the disorder and how it might develop and lead to ways in which it would be very helpful in teaching.

I do not personally find it helpful or valuable in assessing the Theory of Mind when assessing children with autism because it cannot be observed or measured.  Theory of Mind, from listening to the videos, sounds like a very interesting concept to learn more about.