What does 'theory of mind' mean to you; and how do you improve it as an Autistic person?

As above.

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  • I have heard about theory of mind some time ago. I find it interesting though what is written about religion. It is thought and information is out there that some autistics will struggle with religion/faith because of  theory of mind.  It has been written in the past that they may struggle with having a faith because of a need for evidence and therefore not being able to believe in anything without seeing. I find it interesting that work arounds shall we say exist for this to. Some new articles touch on this how autistics may be more graced with other gifts to circumvent this weakness.

    "Religiosity is possibly expressed differently in ASD with unique spiritual experiences and beliefs (“gifted, visionary, and truth-seeker”). In some circumstances, .

    pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/.../

  • This is interesting for me. I've not read the article, but when I was first diagnosed and had not met any fellow autistics online or offline, I just assumed that like me, none would be religious.

    I was surprised to see here and in real life, that there seemed to be an even higher amount of religiosity than the general population. (I accept that anecdotes are not data.) I think that I hadn't realised that religion can reach the same levels on intensity as a 'special interest'

    This is just my personal account of my expectations - I'm not knocking anyone's beliefs.

  • Very interesting reply SpikeyMark

    I have always had an interest in religion. I have my own faith but I wouldn't call it a special interest but it is the most important interest in my life to me.I am very sensory and have been gifted and graced in this area which has probably strenghtened my faith. Therefore, circumventing some of those weaknesses probably. I have been equipped to cope and I think everyone is possible of this in their own ways. Surely a creator would equip people to cope differently. Although, I had my faith before I knew I was equipped to cope, it may have helped me to cope and hang on.

    I have read of some accounts by autistics who haven't mentioned these gifts, so I don't know where they stand with them. Perhaps though as well their weaknesses may not be around this area.

    If interested David Derbyshire who is an autistic Christian talks about these gifts in an easy to understand way in his broad video on spirituality.

    www.youtube.com/watch

    youtu.be/yxCi4p-5nrM

  • Thank you for sharing, I have some thoughts and will reply more on this and will mention Hugh Ross to in a post I am going to reply to Phased in this thread. I haven't been able to find anything about Jonathan McLatchie and their autism though. Nick Peters is confusing to me as there are several of them online, I am not certain which one it is that you are referring to.

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