Correlation Between the Theory of Mind and Pretend Play in 5 to 7-Year-Old Children with Autism and Their Typically Developed Peers

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental with 2 main symptoms of social and communication deficits stereotyped behaviors. Pretend play theory mind (ToM) have an essential role in child’s cognitive development. Objectives: In this study, different variables pretend levels ToM were examined groups typical children autism. Methods: case-control observational 45 18 autism aged 5 to 7 years participated. For both groups, the test was performed measure ToM, child-initiated assessment (ChIPPA) analyze plays groups. Both tests directly on children, scores recorded by examiner. Results: The results showed significant positive relationship between total score play. autism, there no difference regarding age (P > 0.05). There also percentage elaborate actions (PEPA), number object substitutions (NOS; P < 0.001). significantly Conclusions: Based findings, lower ASD than children. addition, who had higher PEPA better NOS scores.