WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

The correct answer is theory of mind deficits. Theory of mind refers to the ability to understand that others have thoughts, beliefs, desires, and perspectives that may differ from one's own. This skill is essential for effective social interaction and communication. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience challenges with theory of mind, which can hinder their ability to interpret social cues, predict others' behaviors, and understand different viewpoints.

This impairment directly affects social functioning, making it difficult for individuals with ASD to engage in typical social exchanges and form relationships. When they struggle to recognize that other people may think or feel differently, it can lead to misunderstandings and social isolation.

Other cognitive issues, like working memory problems, executive functioning issues, and central coherence problems, may also be present in individuals with ASD, but they do not specifically address the core difficulties in perceiving and interpreting others' mental states. Working memory is more closely related to holding and manipulating information, executive functioning concerns planning and organization, while central coherence refers to the ability to integrate information into a meaningful whole. Although these areas may impact overall functioning, they do not specifically relate to the social cognitive challenges posed by deficits in theory of mind.