Application of Concept of Theory of Mind in Understanding Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Theory of mind impairments is seen in various neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurodevelopmental disorders are impairments of the growth and development of the brain or central nervous system. This also refers to the disorder of brain function that affects emotion, self-control, learning ability, and memory and that unfolds as the individual grows. India faces a great burden of neurodevelopmental disorders due to dual challenge of genetic and acquired disease burden posed by nutritional, infectious, toxic, and traumatic insults. Various neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental language disorders as well as acquired disorders of the right brain (and traumatic brain injury) impair Theory of mind. Theory of mind in everyday parlance is one of the subcomponents of social cognition, which embraces all the skills required to manage social communication and relationships in humans. Impairment of Theory of mind ability is often seen in children even in cases with a normal or high level of intelligence and other cognitive abilities. Ayurveda implies that whatever affects the body has its effects on the mind and vice versa. When critically viewed the Manovishayas like Chintya, Vicharya, Oohyam play a key role in the thought process, aim fixing, task completion and other behavioural patterns. Thus, eccentricity of Manovishayas can lead to behavioural abnormalities like Manovibrama, Budhivibrama, Anavasthithachithatwa, etc. Hence, the study of connections between fundamental neurophysiological mechanisms and highly complex social behaviour, such as Theory of mind which will enable us to better understand the respective roles of innate predisposition and cultural learning in human life. Studies in the social, cognitive, and affective sciences currently seem to be the most fruitful approach to successfully contrasting both the mind body dualism which is an integral part of Ayurveda in understanding the neurodevelopmental disorders.