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.
I met Tammy when I was substitute teaching. Tammy was twelve years old, nonverbal, without any viable communication system; she did not talk, sign, select, or point to desired pictures or objects and appeared unable to discriminate. Tammy refused to participate in activities. She resisted assistance. She was angry, shut down. Tammy had been in the school for years and her progress was abysmal. Staffers reported that they had never heard Tammy talk; however, they told me her mother reported that she talked at home on occasion.