Theory of Mind and the Triad of Perspectives on Autism and Asperger Syndrome

Professor Olga Bogdashina, MA, PhD, DEd, CO-founder of and Programme Leader (Autism courses) at the International Autism Institute, KSPU and co-founder of the International Consortium of Autism Institutes.She has worked extensively in the field of autism as a teacher, lecturer and researcher, with a particular interest in sensory-perceptual, cognitive and communication problems. She is a Visiting Professor in Autism Studies at universities around the world, develops university (Autism Study) courses and training programmes for professionals and parents, presents at national and international autism conferences and is an autism consultant for services for children and adults.Olga has an adult son with autism and lives in Yorkshire, UK.

Inspired by the often uncomfortable interplay between autistic individuals, parents and professionals in understanding autistic spectrum conditions, Olga Bogdashina uses the concept of Theory of Mind (TOM) to consider these groups' different (and often conflicting) perspectives. TOM is the ability to imagine and make judgments about what others feel and think; its absence in autistic individuals is called 'mindblindness'. This book addresses the 'mindblindness' of people united in their interest in autism but divided by their different angles and perspectives. Divided into four parts, the book first defines autism, then the views of the three main groups working with it - autistic individuals, parents and professionals - under the headings of classifications, diagnosis, causes, development, theories and treatment. By comparing and reconciling the different perspectives in this way, the book helps each group to understand and predict each other's responses and behaviours. This enlightening and innovative book offers a unique way of 'stepping in each other's shoes' and is a valuable resource for all people living or working with autism.

Prologue: The Triad of Perspectives, the Theory of Mind and the Autism Jigsaw. How to use this book. Part 1: Autism as it is Officially Defined (External View). 1.1. Definitions and Classifications. 1.2. Diagnosis. 1.3. Causes. 1.4. Development. 1.5. Theories. 1.6. Treatments. 1.7. Miscellany: Thoughts to Share. Further Reading. Part 2: Autism from the Inside (Internal View). 2.1 Definitions and Classifications. 2.2 Diagnosis. 2.3. Causes. 2.4. Development. 2.5. Theories. 2.6. Treatments. 2.7. Miscellany: Thoughts to Share. Further Reading. Part 3: Autism: Parents' Perspective. 3.1. Definitions and Classifications. 3.2. Diagnosis. 3.3. Causes. 3.4. Development. 3.5. Theories. 3.6. Treatments. 3.7. Miscellany: Thoughts to Share. Further Reading. Part 4: Autism: Professionals' Perspective. 4.1. Definitions and Classifications. 4.2. Diagnosis. 4.3. Causes. 4.4. Development. 4.5. Theories. 4.6. Treatments. 4.7. Miscellany: Thoughts to Share. Further Reading. Epilogue: The APP Triad and the Theory of Mind. References. A contents list for `horizontal reading'. Index.