Faux pas detection and intentional action in Asperger Syndrome. A replication on a French sample.
In the present study, we investigated mind reading abilities in a group of adults with Asperger Syndrome (AS) by using the faux pas task, an advanced test of theory of mind (Baron-Cohen et al. (1999). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 29, 407-418). The faux pas is a particular case of a non-intentional action reflecting an involuntary socially inappropriate behavior. Here, individuals with AS over-detected faux pas stories, failed to provide correct justifications of the speaker's behavior and were unaware of the mistaken belief and of the resulting emotional impact, whereas they appeared to be responsive to social rule violations. We hypothesized that because of an impaired theory-of-mind, individuals with AS may develop compensatory cognitive strategies based on overlearned abstract knowledge about normative rules.
Zalla
Tiziana
T
Institut Jean Nicod, CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 75005, Paris, France. tiziana.zalla@ens.fr
Sav
Anca-Maria
AM
Stopin
Astrid
A
Ahade
Sabrina
S
Leboyer
Marion
M
D000328:Adult; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D001364:Awareness; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011932:Reading; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D012938:Social Perception; D013850:Thinking; D055815:Young Adult