After reading the section on Piaget\'s theory of Cognitive Development and Theor

Question

After reading the section on Piaget's theory of Cognitive Development and Theory of Mind in the textbook (Chapter 6, Section 2)

Write a blog post explaining to parents of young children the concept of theory of mind in an accessible way. Make sure to address the following questions in your post: Why is this an important skill to develop? What are some of the things that children with autism may struggle with that are important for developing theory of mind (e.g., making eye contact with others)? How would you help a child with autism develop theory of mind?

Explanation / Answer

Being around children from their first cry to sseing them grow into tiny versions of ourselves is an enriching and learning experience.

As parents of young children we must have seen them trying to explore and understand the world from their own point of view. Children from ages 2- 6 generally view the world fro their own point of view and firmly believe that everyone else is looking at it the same way or feels the same way as they do. This may be seen even towards non living things. A child can be convinced that the Television needs to be switched off as it is tired after running for so long or that when they fall, the floor also got hurt the same way they did.

Another aspect of this thinking is being aware of what the other person is thinking or feeling , and how distinct it is from their thinking. A young child who knows which of the two boxes has a gift, if asked whether friend will be able to select the right box is likely say 'Yes, the yellow one with the toy car' without thinking that the friend has an equal chance of selecting any of the boxes.

This does not however mean that children don't understand other's mind at all, as the child understands that even his friend will like receiving the toy car box.

This ability of understanding and being aware of other people's emotions thoughts, point of view is also called Theory of Mind(TOM). Children of ages 2- 7 are constantly developing this ability.

It is a useful skill which we all apply in our daily lives especially our social lives. Attributing thoughts and feelings to others helps us in predicting and understanding behaviour. It is one of the key skills that help us in making friends, as we often like to be friends with people who feel and think similar to us. It is also the basis of empathy, understanding and sharing how another person feels. As we can see Theory of mind is an important factor in making good social bonds and interaction.

Children can develop TOM through various activities like

Development of TOM is seen to be inhibited at different levels in children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) including Asperger's Syndrome.

Children with ASD generally have difficulty in some aspects that are important for a healthy development of TOM like

It is important to understand that not all children have such difficulties and even if present the extent may differ. Their egocentric view of things does not mean that they feel superior to others, it is neurobiological innability to comprehend that other people have distinct thoughts and emotions and not in their control. If they COULD they WOULD.

Helping children with ASD to cope up with social interactions and develop some extent of TOM is possible.

It is important to understand that working or being around children with ASD requires a lot of patience and a need to understand that, If they COULD they WOULD. It requires a deep understanding of their perspective and why they fail to see yours.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.