Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and perspectives different from your own. It’s something we develop as children, and it plays a significant role in how we interact with the world around us. Imagine watching your child play with others—they might know that their friend is feeling sad because they lost their toy, or they might understand that their sibling wants a turn with the same toy, even if they don’t say it out loud. This understanding is ToM in action. For children, developing ToM is key to building social skills, communication, and empathy. It’s a big part of how they navigate relationships, understand jokes, and learn to work through problems with others. Speech Pathologists are often involved in helping children who struggle with developing ToM, as it can affect their communication and social interactions. In the following sections, we’ll explore the development of ToM and its relationship with Autism, as well as the significance of ToM in children’s social development and how speech therapy can provide support.
What is Theory of Mind?
ToM refers to our ability to recognise that other people have their own thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. It’s an essential part of social interaction, helping us understand why someone may act the way they do. For children, this concept often starts to form at around 2-3 years of age. It allows them to recognise that people can have beliefs and desires that are different from their own, for example, even if a child believes that chocolate is the best ice cream flavour, they can understand that others may have different preferences. This influences how they act and respond to others. In simple terms, ToM is what helps children figure out why someone might be sad, angry, or happy. It also enables them to understand that others may not know or believe the same things they do. A child might know that their friend is feeling upset, even though that friend isn’t saying anything, because they have developed the ability to infer emotions based on facial expressions and body language. This kind of social awareness is foundational for communication skills and empathy. For children developing speech and language skills, ToM is also linked to their ability to express themselves clearly. If a child understands that others have their own thoughts and emotions, they can begin to adjust their language and actions to better interact with those around them. This understanding grows over time, but Speech Pathologists can provide targeted strategies to support children who may be struggling with ToM.
What are the 2 Types of Theory of Mind?
ToM can be divided into two types: first-order ToM and second-order ToM. Each type represents a different level of understanding about others’ thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.
First-Order Theory of Mind
First-order ToM refers to the ability to understand that individuals can have an opinion or belief about something. This usually develops in children between the ages of 3 and 5. For example, a child knows that their friend, Alex, prefers vanilla ice cream, even though they themselves prefer chocolate. When choosing a dessert for Alex, the child picks vanilla, demonstrating an understanding of Alex’s independent preference. Children with first-order ToM are beginning to understand that other people can have different thoughts, feelings, and perspectives to that of their own. This is a critical step in social development, as it allows children to predict how others might act or feel based on their beliefs. In speech therapy, children can work on expanding their understanding of others’ perspectives, which enhances their communication abilities and social interactions.
Second-order Theory of Mind
Second-order ToM is a more advanced level of understanding. It involves the ability to recognise that someone might have a different opinion about another person’s belief. For example, a child hears their mom telling their dad, “I think Alex loves chocolate ice cream.” However, the child knows that Alex actually prefers vanilla. The child now understands that their mom has a false belief about Alex’s ice cream preference. This level of ToM typically develops around age 6 or 7 and allows children to engage in more complex social situations as they are now able to think about what one person believes about another person’s thoughts. Second-order ToM is important for managing more complicated social interactions. It helps children understand indirect communication, sarcasm, and deception. In terms of speech therapy, children working on second-order ToM often need support with recognising subtle social cues and understanding how others’ thoughts or feelings can influence their behaviour.
When Does Theory of Mind Develop?
Theory of Mind develops gradually across five levels as children grow. ToM development can start from as early as 18-months of age and typically continues until around 5 years of age, but this can vary depending on the child. At the age of 2, children begin to show signs of understanding that others have thoughts and emotions. By the age of 3 to 4, they can recognise that people can hold different beliefs and desires. Between ages 5 and 7, children continue to develop a more sophisticated understanding of how thoughts and feelings can influence behaviour and how this impacts social interaction. Speech Pathologists often assess ToM development in children who may be struggling with social communication. Delays in ToM development can be a sign of language disorders or other developmental concerns. Early identification is important, as it allows for intervention to support children in developing the social skills and communication abilities they need to succeed in school and life.
What is the Theory of Mind in Autism?
In children with autism, ToM development can often be delayed or occur differently from that of typically developing children. Many children with autism have difficulty understanding the thoughts and emotions of others. This can impact their ability to engage in social interactions, make friends, and respond to social cues. The differences in ToM for children with autism are varied. Some children may struggle to recognise basic emotions, such as happiness or sadness, while others may have difficulty understanding complex social situations or inferring others’ beliefs. This can make it harder for them to engage in conversations, follow social norms, or respond appropriately to social cues. Speech Pathologists often work with children on the autism spectrum to support their ToM development. Through targeted activities and interventions, Speech Pathologists can help children improve their understanding of emotions, social situations, and communication. The aim is to help children navigate social situations with greater ease and confidence, even if their ToM development is different from that of their peers.
How is Theory of Mind Measured?
Measuring ToM is often done through a series of tasks that assess a child’s ability to understand others’ beliefs, emotions, and perspectives. One common test is the False Belief Task, where children are asked to predict what someone else believes about a situation, even if that belief is incorrect. For example, a child might watch a character hide an object in one place and then leave the room. The child must then predict where the character will look for the object upon returning, even though the object has been moved. Other methods to assess ToM include Emotion Recognition Tasks, where children are asked to identify emotions based on facial expressions or scenarios. These tasks help professionals understand how well a child can recognise and interpret others’ feelings. For children with language or developmental challenges, Speech Pathologists often use these assessments to identify areas where ToM may be delayed. From there, targeted strategies can be implemented to support the child’s development in these areas, helping them to improve their communication skills and social interactions.
Building Strong Connections: The Role of Theory of Mind
Theory of Mind plays a fundamental role in how children connect with the world around them. As parents and caregivers, understanding its development and potential challenges can make a world of difference in supporting your child’s communication skills and social interactions. By fostering empathy, awareness, and a deeper understanding of others’ thoughts and feelings, children can better navigate the complex world of relationships. For some children, additional support from a Speech Pathologist may be necessary to develop ToM. With the right interventions, children can build the foundation for meaningful interactions and relationships, making the world feel a little more connected and understandable.
FAQs
When children develop theory of mind, can they recognise that?
Children with developed ToM can recognise that other people have thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are different from their own.
What best describes the theory of mind?
Theory of Mind refers to the ability to understand that others have their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives, which influence their behaviour.
How does theory of mind help a child interact with other people?
ToM helps children understand and predict how others will act, allowing them to engage in conversations and play and form relationships based on empathy and understanding.
Can theory of mind be taught?
Yes, Theory of Mind can be taught through targeted activities and interventions, especially for children who may need extra support in understanding social cues and emotions.
Further Reading: Supporting Your Child’s Social Development & Theory of Mind (ToM)
📖 Books for Parents & Educators
“The Whole-Brain Child” – Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson Explores brain development in children and how parents can use this knowledge to support emotional and social growth. “Mindblindness: An Essay on Autism and Theory of Mind” – Simon Baron-Cohen A foundational book on the link between autism and ToM, written by a leading researcher in the field. “Teaching Children with Autism to Mind-Read: A Practical Guide” – Patricia Howlin, Simon Baron-Cohen & Julie Hadwin A hands-on guide for parents and professionals, offering strategies to support children in developing ToM skills. “Promoting Social and Emotional Learning: Guidelines for Educators” – Maurice J. Elias et al. A research-backed book on fostering social and emotional intelligence in children, applicable for teachers and therapists. “Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and Social-Communication Problems” – Jed Baker A practical book with intervention strategies for improving social understanding in children with social difficulties.
📄 Journal Articles for Therapists
Hughes, C., & Devine, R. T. (2015). “Theory of Mind, Executive Function, and Social Competence in Middle Childhood”
- Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 19(6), 336-343.
- Examines the interplay between ToM, executive function, and social skills in children.
Wellman, H. M., Cross, D., & Watson, J. (2001). “Meta-Analysis of Theory-of-Mind Development: The Truth about False Belief”
- Child Development, 72(3), 655-684.
- A comprehensive meta-analysis of ToM development, focusing on the false belief task.
Slaughter, V. (2015). “Theory of Mind in Infants and Young Children: A Review”
- Australian Journal of Psychology, 67(1), 39-46.
- Reviews the early development of ToM, with relevance for early intervention.
Grosse Wiesmann, C., Friederici, A. D., Singer, T., & Steinbeis, N. (2020). “Two Systems for Thinking about Others’ Thoughts in the Developing Brain”
- PNAS, 117(12), 6928-6935.
- Discusses the neuroscience behind ToM and its development in children.
Peterson, C. C., Slaughter, V., & Paynter, J. (2007). “Social Maturation and Theory of Mind in Typically Developing Children and Those on the Autism Spectrum”
- Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 48(12), 1243-1250.
- Looks at differences in ToM development between neurotypical children and children with autism.
🌏 Websites & Online Resources
For Parents
Raising Children Network (Australia) – Social and Emotional Development
- https://raisingchildren.net.au
- A trusted Australian resource for parents with guides on child development, including ToM and social skills.
Autism Queensland – Theory of Mind & Social Communication
- https://www.autismqld.com.au
- Resources on ToM, autism, and practical strategies for parents and educators.
Speech Pathology Australia – Communication Milestones
- https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
- Information on communication development and when to seek speech therapy support.
Queensland Government – Early Childhood Social Development
- https://qld.gov.au/education/early-childhood
- Resources on social and emotional learning for children in Queensland.
For Therapists
The Hanen Centre – Building Theory of Mind in Children
- https://www.hanen.org
- Research-based strategies for speech pathologists and educators supporting social communication skills.
Australian Psychological Society – Social and Emotional Learning Resources
- https://www.psychology.org.au
- Information on ToM in child psychology and mental health.
Social Thinking – Evidence-Based ToM Resources
- https://www.socialthinking.com
- Tools and programs for clinicians supporting children with social learning challenges.
