The Understanding of Intentions, Desires and Beliefs in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Evelien Broekhof; Lizet Ketelaar; Lex Stockmann; Annette van Zijp; Marieke G N Bos; Carolien Rieffe

doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2363-3

The Understanding of Intentions, Desires and Beliefs in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

J Autism Dev Disord. 2015 Jul;45(7):2035-45. doi: 10.1007/s10803-015-2363-3.

Authors

Evelien Broekhof¹, Lizet Ketelaar, Lex Stockmann, Annette van Zijp, Marieke G N Bos, Carolien Rieffe

Affiliation

¹ Developmental Psychology, Leiden University, PO box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands, e.broekhof@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive picture of three core elements (Intentions, Desires, Beliefs) of Theory of Mind (ToM) in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n = 63, Mage = 55 months) and typically developing children (TD, n = 69, Mage = 54 months). Outcomes showed that ASD and TD children understood intentional actions equally well. Yet, children with ASD lacked the social interest to share intentions. Additionally, children with ASD had more difficulties in understanding others' desires and beliefs compared to their TD peers. It is discussed whether the ToM delay seen in children with ASD is a motivational or a conceptual problem.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology*
Case-Control Studies
Child
Child Development
Child, Preschool
Comprehension*
Female
Humans
Intention*
Language Tests
Male
Motivation
Theory of Mind*