Practical Theory of Mind Games

Theory of Mind (ToM) impairment has been identified as a core, cognitive feature of autism.  That is, children with autism report exactly what they see and know but miss what someone else might think, know, or believe (Baron-Cohen et al., 1985).

Childhood is flush with stories and games that develop ToM.  Practical Theory of Mind Games weave these stories and games into every lesson.  The lessons are organised in a developmentally progressive order to teach understanding of informational and emotional states.  With your expertise, students with social language/autism disorders will develop ToM skills alongside their peers.

The Therapy Manual is divided into three sections:

• Section 1
• information about Theory of Mind (ToM)
• its importance in social development
• how to test for ToM deficiencies 
• examples of therapy goals
• resource list of books, internet resources, and short stories
• Section 2
• Understanding Informational States: teaches students to understand seeing and hearing leads to knowing about things for themselves and others.  They learn that this knowledge can differ from person to person.
• Section 3 
• Understanding Emotional States: teaches students that emotional states in themselves and others differ.  This understanding helps students form friendships and relationships.

Ultimately, students are better able to not only imitate appropriate social behaviors but understand why they need to use them.

Help your students with autism develop their social intelligence and improve their social understanding and behaviors with Theory of Mind Games.

Copyright © 2013