Origins of a theory of mind

Twenty-two pairs of typically developing toddlers (M = 24.32 months) and their mothers were observed in a play-room solving puzzles during 30 min. The target of the observations was hand-taking gesture. Researchers have thought that this gesture is rare among typically developing children and is more frequent among autistic children. Ten in 22 children showed this gesture in only 30 min. They should know “I can not do it by myself, but my mother can do it.” When we can assume that children know others’ mental mechanism, it might be the origins of a theory of mind.

► Twenty-two pairs of typically developing toddlers and their mothers were observed in a play-room solving puzzles during 30 min. ► The target of observations was hand-taking gesture. ► Ten in 22 children showed this gesture in only 30 min. ► This might be the origins of a theory of mind.