My Theory of Mind

Theory of Mind (Baron-Cohen 1977) is seen as a break through in the understanding the brain function of people with Aspergers Syndrome.  The theory suggests that children with aspergas have difficulty with their 'meta-cognition' (thinking about thinking.)  They tend to find it difficult to see the world from the perspective of others.

The famous diagnostic stories are:
Smarties-  A child is shown a smartie tube and asked what they think is in it.  They normally say 'smarties'.  Actually the tube contains pencils.  They are then ask if they were to ask 'Sally', (a child not present) what they would say, the child with aspergers classically says 'pencils'.

Sally-  Sally is playing with Mary.  She leaves her teddy under a basket and asks Mary to guard it as she is going to get something.  While she is away, Mary moves the Teddy and puts it in a cupboard.  Mary comes back.  The child is asked where Mary will look to find her Teddy.

There are lots of other similar tests, developed to take into account developmental stages (see http://www.psychblog.co.uk/a-selection-of-strange-stories-theory-of-mind-autism-693.html)

My theory is to try to spot 'theory of mind' situation which occur naturally. (This is analogous to the 'everyday memory movement'.)

1) Sitting in the front passenger seat of a car, ask the question what can you see out of the wing mirror?  Do you think the mirror is set incorrectly?

2) Standing in my bedroom I can look over to other houses and notice that windows where the lights are off (during the day) appear dark.  Nothing can be seen.  If the light is off in my room, can anyone see me?

These examples do not involve the concept of deception, which often sits uncomfortably with child with aspergers.

A teacher once asked me when children start to develop empathy.
My colleague Pete suggested "21, if ever."