Summary
In this project, we investigate the neurocognitive basis of social cognitive processing in individuals with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is discussed that individuals with ASD have difficulties with understanding that other individuals have mental states that may differ from their own mental states and/or reality (so-called Theory of Mind). However, current cognitive research shows that differences in individuals with ASD were observed in some, but not all Theory of Mind tasks. Current neural research shows that brain activity and connectivity in the Theory of Mind network is altered in individuals with ASD. Thus, in addition to some similarities, there might be a few differences in individuals with ASD at both levels, cognitive-behavioral and neural. To address these controversial findings, we investigate the neurocognitive basis of Theory of Mind by measuring brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while participants are watching social situations (in a short movie). In addition to findings in neurotypical adults, we also expect to disentangle the uncertainty about Theory of Mind understanding in individuals with ASD.
Project management
Prof. Dr. Tobias Schuwerk
Senior Academic Advisor
Psychological Psychotherapist (VT, PP and KJP)
project staff member
Publication
Zimmer, L., Richardson, H., Pletti, C., Paulus, M., & Schuwerk, T. (2025). Predictive responses in the Theory of Mind network: A comparison of autistic and non-autistic adults. Cortex, 187 , 159-171. doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2025.04.006