Autism and metacognition

Abstract

This paper explores the link between metacognition—thinking about thinking, or the awareness of one’s own mental states—and mindreading—the ability to interpret the mental states of others—in people with an autism spectrum disorder. The purpose of this research is to understand how well autistic children can understand their own minds, as well as the minds of others. Findings from numerous experiments suggest that people on the autism spectrum have difficulty interpreting others, but metacognitive abilities are intact. Although mindreading is a challenge, theory of mind is unimpaired; they can understand their own mental life, judge accurately, and use feedback to correct mistakes. The finding that theory of mind remains unimpaired in people with autism is significant. Understanding the way autistic-like traits interfere with metacognition and mindreading abilities broadens therapy alternatives for people with autism.