Theory of mind predicts severity level in autism.
Autism
; 21(2): 242-252, 2017 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27493232
ABSTRACT
We investigated whether theory of mind skills can indicate autism spectrum disorder severity. In all, 62 children with autism spectrum disorder completed a developmentally sensitive theory of mind battery. We used intelligence quotient, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) diagnosis and level of support needed as indicators of severity level. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, we found three distinct clusters of theory of mind ability early-developing theory of mind (Cluster 1), false-belief reasoning (Cluster 2) and sophisticated theory of mind understanding (Cluster 3). The clusters corresponded to severe, moderate and mild autism spectrum disorder. As an indicator of level of support needed, cluster grouping predicted the type of school children attended. All Cluster 1 children attended autism-specific schools; Cluster 2 was divided between autism-specific and special needs schools and nearly all Cluster 3 children attended general special needs and mainstream schools. Assessing theory of mind skills can reliably discriminate severity levels within autism spectrum disorder.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Trastorno Autístico
/
Teoría de la Mente
Tipo de estudio:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Autism
Asunto de la revista:
PSICOLOGIA
/
PSIQUIATRIA
Año:
2017
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Sudáfrica