week 5 flashcards

What is Theory of Mind?

The ability to reason about others' mental states and recognize that these states can differ from one's own.

What characterizes Autism?

Challenges with social interaction, affects about 1% of the population, and is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition.

What percentage of individuals with autism may have learning difficulties?

Some may have learning difficulties, but around 40% possess average to above-average IQ.

What is the earliest indication of Theory of Mind in infants?

Joint attention, which typically appears around 18 months.

At what ages do neurotypical children typically begin to understand humor and jokes?

By ages 6-7.

What challenges do individuals with autism face in relation to Theory of Mind?

Difficulties in understanding others' thoughts and feelings, including challenges in understanding humor and interpreting mental states.

What are the two types of Theory of Mind according to Baron-Cohen (2009)?

Cognitive ToM and Affective ToM.

What does Modularity Theory suggest about Theory of Mind?

ToM is driven by innate neural mechanisms present from birth that develop through childhood.

What is the role of the Superior Temporal Sulcus (STS) in Theory of Mind?

Detecting biological motion, including eye gaze direction.

How does MPFC relate to reasoning about others' mental states?

It is involved in reasoning about others' mental states in relation to oneself.

What is an observation about the STS activation in autistic individuals?

Autistic individuals show no difference in activation during incongruent trials compared to congruent trials.

What does the vMPFC indicate in neurotypical participants?

Differential activation between self-oriented and other-oriented judgments.

How might stimulating the MPFC affect autistic children?

It may improve Theory of Mind in autistic children.

What do both the MPFC and STS contribute to in terms of social cognition?

They support aspects of simulation theory and reasoning about others in relation to oneself.