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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

  • Hi, sounds a bit of a money spinner, to just 'assess' people for autism - but never mind, its something to work from.  

    The idea of Theory of mind is knowing that other people have their own mental states, thoughts, memories, etc., and they won't be exactly the same as ours.  Its controversial, you can read about it if you are interested, but don't get hung-up on it - autism covers different aspects, not sure if anyone here has had a ToM test as part of their diagnosis or childhood assessment.  However, autistic people tend to have difficulties in that kind of area, such as reading people or working out how they are feeling, or what they might be thinking.  With autism, Its not if you can or can't do certain things, its actually the difficulty with those things - and that's what the diagnosis is about, exploring those key areas and getting a measure of difficulty, or easiness.  

    The AQ test is useful, but its only a guide to your thoughts/feelings/behaviour so for a diagnosis they explore things more widely/deeply.  Take the time to explore yourself, you have listed some things that may indicate autism, but think back to childhood and teenager years, and when working - where you aware of any difficulties, did you cover them to get on with people (masking), did you keep yourself to yourself, the more you can add the better idea you will have if you are autistic and whether to seek a diagnosis, if you feel that would help.

    It may not be autism, bare that in mind, but also read about people's autism stories, blogs, etc. - especially by women, because there is no getting away from the fact that much of the autism story has been skewed heavily in favour of men/boys who prefer toys to people (systemisers), the stereotype of autism.  Its moved on from this now, but make sure you explore the female side of autism so you get the whole picture.  Autism is autism, there isn't male autism or female autism, you will see this reflected in autistic peoples writing, personalities, and how they align themselves in different aspects.  

Reply

  • Hi, sounds a bit of a money spinner, to just 'assess' people for autism - but never mind, its something to work from.  

    The idea of Theory of mind is knowing that other people have their own mental states, thoughts, memories, etc., and they won't be exactly the same as ours.  Its controversial, you can read about it if you are interested, but don't get hung-up on it - autism covers different aspects, not sure if anyone here has had a ToM test as part of their diagnosis or childhood assessment.  However, autistic people tend to have difficulties in that kind of area, such as reading people or working out how they are feeling, or what they might be thinking.  With autism, Its not if you can or can't do certain things, its actually the difficulty with those things - and that's what the diagnosis is about, exploring those key areas and getting a measure of difficulty, or easiness.  

    The AQ test is useful, but its only a guide to your thoughts/feelings/behaviour so for a diagnosis they explore things more widely/deeply.  Take the time to explore yourself, you have listed some things that may indicate autism, but think back to childhood and teenager years, and when working - where you aware of any difficulties, did you cover them to get on with people (masking), did you keep yourself to yourself, the more you can add the better idea you will have if you are autistic and whether to seek a diagnosis, if you feel that would help.

    It may not be autism, bare that in mind, but also read about people's autism stories, blogs, etc. - especially by women, because there is no getting away from the fact that much of the autism story has been skewed heavily in favour of men/boys who prefer toys to people (systemisers), the stereotype of autism.  Its moved on from this now, but make sure you explore the female side of autism so you get the whole picture.  Autism is autism, there isn't male autism or female autism, you will see this reflected in autistic peoples writing, personalities, and how they align themselves in different aspects.  

Children
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