The autism theory of mind tries to differentiate the consciousness of non-autistics from autistic sufferers. The theory is based on the theory of one self. Self is a state of the mind that determines our emotions, sensation, perception and thought. It is only when these processes blend together that our self functions properly and upon failure throws up complications. These complications cause one self to actively function in a few areas while become dull in the other.
Autism Theory of Mind: In order to study the autism theory of mind, it is necessary to compare the differences between the consciousness of both autistic and non-autistic people. Let us compare the differences in the mind functions.
- In autistic people, consciousness is more fact based and is subject to the order of occurrence of an event in the past. It is not spontaneous. When it comes to non-autistic people, their consciousness depends more on experiences.
- Autistic people simply avoid trouble and are only concerned about the fulfillment of their curiosity. Non autistics design ways to fulfill their curiosities and desires.
- For autistics, the emotions of other people are little understood when compared to their own. Non-autistics know how to respect other’s consciousness from learning experiences.
The above differences are a testimony to the fact that autistics fail to recognize that the thoughts and views of other people would be different from theirs. Further more, they cannot understand nor contemplate the beliefs and feelings of the other person.
Autism Theory of Mind as a Substitute: The major reason for the failure of autistics to understand normal people’s thoughts could be the lack of social intelligence which non-autistics tend to possess.
Autism theory of mind tries to instigate the experiences of non-autistics into autistics in order to develop a learning curve. The theory works on the principle that-
- autistics are not as experienced as normal people to understand the other person’s views.
- instigation of such experiences could prompt understanding and improve social behavior useful for mainstream living.
- experiences are only possible with the development of self as in non-autistics.
Therapists believe that the use of autism theory of mind in highly functioning autistics could pave to letting autistics understand the viewpoints and emotions of other people.
