Over the past 20 years, researchers in psychology have attempted to develop unifying theories of the central deficit present in individuals with ASD. While research into these areas is common, no one theory can truly explain all of the behaviors exhibited by any particular individual with ASD. A better understanding of deficits can help us understand challenging behaviors in a new light.
Psychological Concepts, Theories, and Models
One theory that is discussed when it comes to ASD is called the Theory of Mind or ToM. ToM was originally developed when researchers were examining characteristics that may or may not be unique to the human species. The idea was that an individual with a theory of mind should be able to identify mental states within themselves and others, and use this information to make predications regarding others’ behavior (Merrill, 2018). This theory suggests that it is impairment in taking the perspective of others that results in many of the common deficits in autism, such as intentional communication, pretend play, and inferring others’ emotions and beliefs- they refer to this deficit is often termed “mindblindness" (Merrill, 2018).
No models are really used when it comes to the discussion of Autism. This is because most models, such as the medical model, suggest that disabilities have to have a cure. Autism does not and some people with autism say that they enjoy their disability and it does not define what they can and can not do.
Lastly, We are going to talk about the Social Motivation Concept. The social motivation hypothesis proposes that autism may be due to differences in the brain’s reward system. Neurotypical individuals find social interactions, such as eye contact and conversation, inherently valuable while autistic individuals find social interactions difficult or uninteresting. Children with autism show less reward-related brain activity when anticipating social information than do neurotypical children (Sussex Publishers, 2022).
This video does a great job at discussing ToM when it comes to children with autism:
How Those in Their Environment Can Help
There are a lot of things that can be changed in a persons' environment to help with overstimulation in those with autism. Changing the environment can often reduce behavioral episodes. If possible, try to adjust or avoid situations that are triggers for challenging behavior and incorporate ways to reduce frustration and anxiety and increase understanding. First, something that parents can do at home (and teachers at school) is provide clear and consistent visual schedules, calendars, consistent routines, etc. so that the person knows what is coming next. Also, carrying things such as headphones and fidgets can be very helpful when someone with autism is feeling overstimulated. The headphones can easily drown out any noise and fidgets can help with body regulation back to homeostasis. Friends can help by asking someone with autism what sounds/tastes/places trigger unwanted behaviors. This can be asked to the parent or even the person with autism if the situation is appropriate and will not trigger the unwanted behavior. Parents can also help by seeking out therapy for their child. This could be talk therapy to discuss how this makes them feel or it can be something such as ABA therapy, or applied behavior analysis. The goal of ABA is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning (Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), 2022). Often in ABA they will do sensory kits which helps parents better understand the type of sensory stimulation their child is looking for when they stim or even have a meltdown. Support and community groups are also incredibly beneficial to those with autism!
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Autism Speaks. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis
Merrill, A. (2018, December 31). Linking theories to practice: Exploring theory of mind, weak central cohesion, and executive functioning in ASD. Reading Rockets. Retrieved from https://www.readingrockets.org/article/linking-theories-practice-exploring-theory-mind-weak-central-cohesion-and-executive
Sussex Publishers. (2022). Theories of autism. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/autism/theories-autism
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