O treino do reconhecimento das emoções no desenvolvimento das capacidades da Teoria da Mente : um estudo com crianças com Perturbação do Espetro Autista

Abstract

The autism spectrum disorders are characterized by a change on global development. This change is observed, according to Lorna Wing (1981), in three key areas: communication, social interaction and imagination. According to Baron-Cohen (2009) the deficits presented in communication and social interaction are a consequence of a delay in the development of a theory of mind (ToM). The model of theory of mind suggests that the cause of autism is a difficulty in understanding other's minds, their emotions, feelings, beliefs and thoughts. Based on this model, the present study aims to test the effectiveness of a training on emotional recognition and false belief (considered precursors of ToM) in children diagnosed with high-functioning Autism. The sample consisted of nine children, eight boys and one girl, aged between 6 and 9 years. Participants were recruited in a private clinic where they attended weekly therapy. The results suggest a cognitive apprenticeship of emotional facial expression, as well as the notion of false belief pointing in the same direction of other studies already carried out. However, the limited sample number, as well as the absence of a reference group, requires the need to be prudent in drawing conclusions from the obtained outcomes.

Date of Award	2014
Original language	Portuguese
Supervisor	Maria Teresa Soares Souto (Supervisor)