TY - JOUR
T1 - Links between theory of mind and executive function in young children with autism
T2 - clues to developmental primacy
AU - Pellicano, Elizabeth
PY - 2007/7
Y1 - 2007/7
N2 - There has been much theoretical discussion of a functional link between theory of mind (ToM) and executive function (EF) in autism. This study sought to establish the relationship between ToM and EF in young children with autism (M = 5 years, 6 months) and to examine issues of developmental primacy. Thirty children with autism and 40 typically developing children, matched on age and ability, were assessed on a battery of tasks measuring ToM (1st- and 2nd-order false belief) and components of EF (planning, set shifting, inhibition). A significant correlation emerged between ToM and EF variables in the autism group, independent of age and ability, while ToM and higher order planning ability remained significantly related in the comparison group. Examination of the pattern of ToM-EF impairments in the autism group revealed dissociations in 1 direction only: impaired ToM with intact EF. These findings support the view that EF may be 1 important factor in the advancement of ToM understanding in autism. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
AB - There has been much theoretical discussion of a functional link between theory of mind (ToM) and executive function (EF) in autism. This study sought to establish the relationship between ToM and EF in young children with autism (M = 5 years, 6 months) and to examine issues of developmental primacy. Thirty children with autism and 40 typically developing children, matched on age and ability, were assessed on a battery of tasks measuring ToM (1st- and 2nd-order false belief) and components of EF (planning, set shifting, inhibition). A significant correlation emerged between ToM and EF variables in the autism group, independent of age and ability, while ToM and higher order planning ability remained significantly related in the comparison group. Examination of the pattern of ToM-EF impairments in the autism group revealed dissociations in 1 direction only: impaired ToM with intact EF. These findings support the view that EF may be 1 important factor in the advancement of ToM understanding in autism. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
KW - autism
KW - theory of mind
KW - executive function
KW - cognitive development
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=34548190281&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1037/0012-1649.43.4.974
DO - 10.1037/0012-1649.43.4.974
M3 - Article
C2 - 17605529
AN - SCOPUS:34548190281
SN - 0012-1649
VL - 43
SP - 974
EP - 990
JO - Developmental Psychology
JF - Developmental Psychology
IS - 4
ER -