Autism research has covered many areas but until now has not yet found a complete explanation for all aspects of autism. Several aspects however can be explained by three major theories:
1. Theory of Mind (TOM) explains the impairment of social interaction
2. Central Coherence (CC) explains the focus on details
3. Executive Function (EF) explains the love for repetitive behavior, problems in organizing and resistance against changes.
These three theories are complementary but do not cover the explanation of all aspects of autism behavior. Autism research has accomplished the explanation of all three impairments: social interaction, communication and imagination. These impairments can all be explained by the first theory.
1. Theory of Mind
Theory of mind is the capacity we have to understand mental states such as: believes, feelings, desires, hope and intentions. It’s the way we imagine other people’s feelings or thoughts. We can create a mental picture of our own emotions or other people’s feelings. This theory of mind enables us to understand the behavior people display is caused by their inner feelings, believes or intensions. We can predict some of those behaviors and anticipate on them. Whatever goes on in the mind of other people is not visible so it will remain a “theory” we create for ourselves
The absence of the ability to understand what people know, think or feel might be the root of most difficulties people with Asperger have in social interaction, imagination and communication. Go to http://www.Asperger-Advice.com for more information on this theory and how it can effect the life of those with autism disorders.
2. Central Coherence
Central Coherence is an ability the brain needs in order to process information from the world around us. This information comes into the brain in small bits and pieces and those details have to be glued together in order to see the “big picture”
Those with Autism Spectrum Disorders such as Asperger Syndrome, will perform low on tasks that demand the processing of detailed information into a meaningful whole.
However their focus on details can be unreal. Autism Research has shown those with Autism Spectrum Disorders will pick up on the smallest possible details that others are overlooking. This prevents them from integrating the small details or pieces into a whole picture. This is often referred to as “living in a fragmented world”. It’s hard to make sense of situations or interact socially accordingly when you are unable to see the “wood for the trees”. Go to http://www.Asperger-Advice.com to read more on how this weak Central Coherence can effect the lives of those with Autism dramatically.
3. Executive Function
Executive Function is a term used to describe a set of mental processes that gives people conscious control of what they think and do. This gives them the ability to organize, plan and control their own behavior. Executive function refers to making decisions and carrying them out for instance when you try to solve a problem. The abilities Executive Function addresses are considered higher- lever abilities and will take years for all children to learn.
Autism Research showed executive function problems are common in children with autism. They might have a normal intelligence but seem unable to get their actions into a solid plan, finish work on time, organize what they need and stay focused on the task until it is finished or ask for help when they need it. As a result their behavior may be impulsive and they might be failing to consider the consequences of their actions. Their love for repetitive behavior and sameness as well as their need for strict routines and resistance against change can be explained from this theory. For more information on how to help those with Autism Spectrum Disorders go to: http://www.Asperger-Advice.com
Once you are able to understand those with Autism Spectrum Disorder are unable to process information in their brain in the same way those without Autism do, you are more likely to understand their behavior and hopefully appreciate it.
After all like Helen Keller said: “The highest result of education is tolerance”.
Author is the mother of two children with Asperger Syndrome and has a degree in Social Sience. She has worked as a pedagogue educator for the past years to educate teachers, social workers and other parents on what children with Asperger Syndrome need in school or at home.
Tags: autism, autism disorders, autism research, autism spectrum disorders