Relationship between metaphor comprehension and theory of mind in children with autism spectrum disorder
10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.04.014
- VernacularTitle:孤独症谱系障碍儿童隐喻理解能力与心理推测能力的联系
- Author:
Fan LI
1
;
Keyu LIN
1
;
Yongtao XIAO
1
Author Information
1. 浙江中医药大学医学技术与信息工程学院,浙江 杭州市 310053
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
autism spectrum disorder;
metaphor comprehension;
theory of mind;
language rehabilitation
- From:
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice
2025;31(4):484-489
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the relationship between metaphor comprehension and theory of mind in school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD).Methods A total of 50 children with ASD(ASD group)and 50 age-and gender-matched typically developing(TD)chil-dren(TD group)were recruited from special education institutions in Hangzhou between August,2023 and No-vember,2024.Metaphor comprehension was assessed using a visual picture paradigm,covering conceptual,shape,appearance and mixed metaphors.The theory of mind was assessed using unexpected content/place tasks.Results The total score of metaphor comprehension was lower in ASD group than in TD group(Z=-5.625,P<0.001),particularly for shape,appearance and mixed metaphors(|Z|>5.625,P<0.01);as well as the scores of theory of mind(|Z|>5.255,P<0.001).There was positive correlation between the total score of theory of mind and total score(r=0.352,P<0.05),shape score(r=0.299,P<0.05)and mixed score(r=0.330,P<0.05)of metaphor comprehension.Regression analyses showed that the total score of theory of mind positively predicted total score(β=0.310,P<0.05),shape score(β=0.103,P<0.05)and mixed score(β=0.330,P<0.05)of metaphor com-prehension.Conclusion Children with ASD delayed in metaphor comprehension,which associates with deficits in theory of mind.
