Citation

McCullough E, Stedmon J, Dallos R. Clin. Child Psychol. Psychiatry 2013; 19(3): 392-411.

Affiliation

University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1359104513503353

PMID

24121230

Abstract

This paper offers research case studies of four severely maltreated children who had received a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder. A range of measures were employed to explore the children's psychological and emotional functioning, including Theory of Mind assessment (Sally-Anne Test), attachment measures (Story Stems Assessment Profile and Relationship Problems Questionnaire), along with measures to assess general psychological and emotional well-being. Contrary to the diagnosis, the children did not reveal a theory of mind deficit. However, they did indicate a profile of difficulties in mentalisation on the Story Stems. The findings are discussed in terms of the extent to which mentalisation and theory of mind are influenced by situational factors, especially the anxiety evoked by the Story Stem attachment scenarios. Clinical implications regarding mentalisation as a state vs. trait phenomenon are discussed.

Language: en