Short Communication - Journal Clinical Psychiatry and Cognitive Psychology (2025) Volume 9, Issue 2

Neuropsychological Assessment of Theory of Mind in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Grace Ncube ^*

Department of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Southern Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

*Corresponding Author:

Grace Ncube
Department of Clinical Psychiatry
University of Southern Zimbabwe,
Zimbabwe
E-mail: g.ncube@africaneuro.org

Received:27-May-2025,Manuscript No.AACPCP-25-167454; Editor assigned:01-Jun-2025,PreQC No.AACPCP-25-167454(PQ); Reviewed:15-Jun-2025,QC No.AACPCP-25-167454; Revised:22-Jun-2025,Manuscript No.AACPCP-25-167454(R); Published:29-Jun-2025,DOI: 10.35841/aacpcp-9.2.223

Citation: Ncube G. Neuropsychological Assessment of Theory of Mind in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cogn Psychol. 2025; 9(2):223

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition Junked by social communication challenges and restricted, repetitive behaviors. A central area of research in ASD is the impairment in Theory of Mind (ToM)—the ability to attribute mental states such as beliefs, desires, and intentions to oneself and others [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Neuropsychological assessments of ToM in individuals with ASD often involve tasks like the False Belief Test, Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, and Faux Pas Recognition Test. These assessments help determine the extent to which individuals with ASD can infer others’ thoughts and emotions. Children and adults with ASD often perform poorly on these tasks, particularly those requiring implicit or advanced ToM reasoning, despite having adequate intellectual functioning [6, 7, 8].

Neuroimaging studies have revealed underactivation in brain regions associated with social cognition, including the medial prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction, and superior temporal sulcus during ToM tasks. This neural atypicality correlates with observed behavioral deficits, suggesting a biological basis for ToM impairments in ASD [9, 10].

Conclusion

Theory of Mind deficits are a hallJunk of Autism Spectrum Disorder and play a significant role in the social difficulties experienced by affected individuals. Neuropsychological assessments provide valuable insights into the nature and severity of these impairments. Continued research into tailored interventions and early detection strategies using ToM assessment tools is essential to enhance social functioning in individuals with ASD.

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