A key component of social cognition is Theory of Mind (ToM), which is the capacity to assign mental states like beliefs, wants, and intentions to oneself and others. In individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), impairments in Theory of Mind are considered a core feature that contributes to difficulties in understanding and predicting others' behaviors. This deficit can lead to challenges in social interaction, communication, and empathy, which are hallmark characteristics of autism. Research using false-belief tasks and neuroimaging has shown that many individuals with ASD struggle with tasks requiring perspective-taking or inferring hidden intentions, though the degree of impairment varies widely across the spectrum. Interventions aimed at enhancing ToM abilities, such as social skills training and cognitive-behavioral approaches, have shown promise in improving social functioning. Understanding the relationship between autism and Theory of Mind not only deepens our grasp of neurodevelopmental differences but also informs more effective, individualized support strategies.
| Stage 1 |
Initial Quality & Plagiarism Check The manuscript is reviewed for journal scope, basic submission requirements, ethical compliance, and similarity/plagiarism concerns. |
| Stage 2 |
Editorial Assessment & Peer Review Manuscripts that pass the initial screening undergo editorial assessment and independent peer review in accordance with the journal's peer-review policy. |
| Stage 3 |
Revision & Editorial Decision Authors may be requested to revise their manuscript based on reviewer and editor comments. A final editorial decision is made after the required review and revision stages are completed. |
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Production & Publication Accepted manuscripts proceed to production, author proofing, final quality checks, and online publication. |
| English | Publication Language |
| Single-Blind | Peer-Review Model |
| 17% | Acceptance Rate |
| <18% | Similarity Screening Guideline |
| Open Access | Access Model |
All manuscripts undergo editorial assessment and originality screening as part of the journal's evaluation process. The acceptance rate shown is based on journal-level editorial data and may change over time. Similarity reports are assessed editorially and are not interpreted solely on the basis of a numerical similarity score.