Re: Social language/Theory of mind

[Guest guest]

The theory of mind can be taught, but it is probably going to be

slow progress at that age.  It may, or may not, come on its own.  I

remember still being baffled by the whole idea of the existence of

others at the age of about 14 or 15, but did 'get it' sometime after

that.  Even now I have a problem that 'out of sight is out of mind'

when it comes to people.  I believe that most things are better

started early, even if progress is slow.  Each step forward gives

something to build on later.

 

Hi, my child (undiagnosed) is 2.5. He has tons of

language, but uses it strictly for labeling, commenting on

actions as they are happening, or requesting food and

toys. He also has a delay in pretend play and interest in

peers. There are a few other mild areas that are

spectrum-like as well (vocal stimming, repetitive play,

low joint attn, and low attachment to parents).

Can anyone explain whether at this early age the theory of

mind (empathy) and the language that goes along with it

can be 'taught', or will it come on its own as he matures?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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[Guest guest]

Thanks, any advice on which methods would help support this? And joint attention

as well?

> >

> > Hi, my child (undiagnosed) is 2.5. He has tons of language, but uses

> > it strictly for labeling, commenting on actions as they are happening,

> > or requesting food and toys. He also has a delay in pretend play and

> > interest in peers. There are a few other mild areas that are

> > spectrum-like as well (vocal stimming, repetitive play, low joint

> > attn, and low attachment to parents).

> > Can anyone explain whether at this early age the theory of mind

> > (empathy) and the language that goes along with it can be 'taught', or

> > will it come on its own as he matures? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > No virus found in this message.

> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com>

> > Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2114/4831 - Release Date: 02/25/12

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi there:

I'm pretty sure that in neuro-typical children ToM takes off in a " kind of

growth spurt " between 3 and 4 years of age. Mine is 5 1/2 (dxed with Asperger's)

and fails the Sally-Anne and Smarties tasks...

See if this helps you get a better feel for the timing of natural development of

theory of mind...I think if it doesn't develop on it's own then there are steps

you can take to try to encourage it...

http://www.thehelpgroup.org/pdf/guide/s_ASD1.pdf

There are some youtube videos out there that show false belief tasks too...

At two and half we still had no idea anything was " wrong " ...but everyone is

different and he was my first and everyone kept telling us everything was fine,

even with the sensory issues he had. Just follow your gut...

>

> Hi, my child (undiagnosed) is 2.5. He has tons of language, but uses it

strictly for labeling, commenting on actions as they are happening, or

requesting food and toys. He also has a delay in pretend play and interest in

peers. There are a few other mild areas that are spectrum-like as well (vocal

stimming, repetitive play, low joint attn, and low attachment to parents).

> Can anyone explain whether at this early age the theory of mind (empathy) and

the language that goes along with it can be 'taught', or will it come on its own

as he matures? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

>