Theory of mind
It’s past time to stop using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test
The widely used measure of “theory of mind” needs to be re-examined, along with the long-standing claim that autism is linked to a lack of this ability.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1200-reading-eyes-test-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
It’s past time to stop using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test
The widely used measure of “theory of mind” needs to be re-examined, along with the long-standing claim that autism is linked to a lack of this ability.
Change of heart and mind: Autism’s ties to cardiac defects
Children with congenital heart disease have an increased likelihood of autism. Why?
![Illustration of half of a brain on the left and half of a heart on the right](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-trends-heart-defects-autism-1.jpg)
Change of heart and mind: Autism’s ties to cardiac defects
Children with congenital heart disease have an increased likelihood of autism. Why?
People’s perceptions of ‘social’ animations don’t always square with researchers’ labels
The finding calls into question differences between autistic and non-autistic people on a decades-old theory-of-mind test involving interacting geometric shapes.
![Brain scans displaying activity in areas linked with social behavior.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-final-2.png)
People’s perceptions of ‘social’ animations don’t always square with researchers’ labels
The finding calls into question differences between autistic and non-autistic people on a decades-old theory-of-mind test involving interacting geometric shapes.
Noah Sasson: Connecting with the autistic community
Intentional interactions with autistic people led Sasson to refocus his research.
![Noah Sasson, a thin white man, stands in a courtyard with his hands in his pockets.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Noah-Sasson-autism-844.jpg)
Noah Sasson: Connecting with the autistic community
Intentional interactions with autistic people led Sasson to refocus his research.
Null and Noteworthy: Mind reading, specialist shortage, sleep problems source
This month, a commonly used emotion-recognition test doesn’t perform as expected — nor does a survey of past efforts to train autism specialists or a hunt for the sources of the sleep problems that often accompany the condition.
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/844_Null2_01.jpg)
Null and Noteworthy: Mind reading, specialist shortage, sleep problems source
This month, a commonly used emotion-recognition test doesn’t perform as expected — nor does a survey of past efforts to train autism specialists or a hunt for the sources of the sleep problems that often accompany the condition.
X chromosome exerts extra influence on brain development
The X chromosome holds stronger-than-expected genetic sway over the structure of several brain regions. The genes that may underlie this oversized influence have ties to autism.
![Four brains showing areas affected by the X chomosome in yellow](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fig2DBrains844-1.jpg)
X chromosome exerts extra influence on brain development
The X chromosome holds stronger-than-expected genetic sway over the structure of several brain regions. The genes that may underlie this oversized influence have ties to autism.
Getting eight arms around autism
Octopuses can solve some of the same problems as people but do so in unusual ways.
![Illustration shows two octopi interacting on a yellow background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/Octopus844.jpg)
Getting eight arms around autism
Octopuses can solve some of the same problems as people but do so in unusual ways.
Double empathy, explained
The double empathy theory challenges the idea that social difficulties are specific to autism and suggests that problems arise from a mismatch in perspective between autistic and non-autistic people.
![Illustration shows a woman whose mouth is covered by a cloud and whos eyes are covered by a cloud.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/20210722-Empathy844.jpg)
Double empathy, explained
The double empathy theory challenges the idea that social difficulties are specific to autism and suggests that problems arise from a mismatch in perspective between autistic and non-autistic people.
Single neurons may power key ‘theory of mind’ skills
A subset of brain cells signal when someone tries to infer another person’s thoughts, according to a new study.
![Man reaches into cabinet while a woman looks on](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/20210208-SingleNeuronal-844.jpg)
Single neurons may power key ‘theory of mind’ skills
A subset of brain cells signal when someone tries to infer another person’s thoughts, according to a new study.
‘Theory of mind’ does not fade with age among autistic adults
Autistic people's ability to understand another person's thinking does not diminish with age, as it does for non-autistic people.
![Photograph shows young woman and older woman discussing paperwork.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20201113-ageCognition844.jpg)
‘Theory of mind’ does not fade with age among autistic adults
Autistic people's ability to understand another person's thinking does not diminish with age, as it does for non-autistic people.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Understanding fragile X syndrome
Just in time for Fragile X Awareness Month, The Transmitter rounds up notable coverage.
![A research image of X chromosomes with Fragile X syndrome](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_FragileX-1024x683.webp)
Understanding fragile X syndrome
Just in time for Fragile X Awareness Month, The Transmitter rounds up notable coverage.
Future of BRAIN Initiative funding remains unclear
As the U.S. Congress begins to discuss federal science funding for 2025, any plans to compensate for this year’s cuts to the neuroscience program face an uphill battle.
![Image of a crumpled dollar bill whose edges suggest a line graph trending downward.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Funding-1200-1024x692.webp)
Future of BRAIN Initiative funding remains unclear
As the U.S. Congress begins to discuss federal science funding for 2025, any plans to compensate for this year’s cuts to the neuroscience program face an uphill battle.
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.
![Illustration of a fly with its life cycle represented on its left and a technological background on its right.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lede-Scott-1200-1024x692.webp)
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.