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Theory of Mind

NAS78593

Hello all,

I have recently had three sessions with a clinical psychologist to explore whether difficulties I have had for as long as I can remember (depression, anxiety, intense social anxiety, difficulty maintaining relationships etc etc) might actually have an explanation, i.e. perhaps I am on the autistic spectrum.  

I approached this man in particular as his profile - on BUPA Finder - listed one of his specialisms as Autism Assessment.  I completed the Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and GADS questionnaires and I was told that I had 'autistic traits' but he could not go further than this - I would have to get an official assessment (which I thought I was getting but that is another story!).

The ambiguity of this has left me feeling quite confused and upset. 

However, from what I have researched, having issues around 'theory of mind' is fundamental to being autistic, and I don't think this is something I have difficulty with.  So, I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share real life examples of how difficulties with theory of mind might present itself/affect them?  

I should mention that I am a 44 year old woman.

Thank you so much.

Parents

  • I can struggle with understanding how other people think if it's in contrast to evidence and facts.

    So someone can disagree with me on masks. someone can disagree with me on vaccines. someone can disagree with me on a controversial topic and I'll presenter them the evidence the facts and they disagree and I'm like how do you disagree?

    Sometimes I honestly find it very difficult to understand how are the people think differently to me because the way I think is based on evidence and facts.

    Hope this helps.

Reply

  • I can struggle with understanding how other people think if it's in contrast to evidence and facts.

    So someone can disagree with me on masks. someone can disagree with me on vaccines. someone can disagree with me on a controversial topic and I'll presenter them the evidence the facts and they disagree and I'm like how do you disagree?

    Sometimes I honestly find it very difficult to understand how are the people think differently to me because the way I think is based on evidence and facts.

    Hope this helps.

Children
  • in reply to NAS78602

    The human brain works on the principle that things that you believe in will be absorbed, and it dismiss the rest - unless you actively open your mind to wider possibilities.

    Some people develop counter-beliefs that go against what most people think, and not necessarily to annoy as you might think.

    Global warming is fact + evidence.  But the earth has been hotter before - fact + evidence.

    Reality is something your brain is constantly constructing, except when you sleep and that's when things get more interesting.  People with some mental health conditions experience reality differently.

    There is your reality, and someone else will have theirs - there may be common bits, but there will be difference.

  • in reply to NAS78602

    You would think that basing your discussions and points of view on evidence, science and data would be enough to sway anybodies opinions or points of view. In the real and overly complicated world it often doesn’t work out like that. 

    I have developed my own theory as to why this happens and l call it the ‘Theory of Duelling Realities.’