Mindblindness (theory)

Mindblindness, or theory of mind, is the ability to understand that others have their own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and perspectives that may differ from one’s own. It allows us to predict and interpret other people's behavior based on what they might be thinking or feeling. When someone has difficulty with this, as often seen in autism, they may struggle to recognize that others have different mental states. This limitation affects social interactions, communication, and empathy, making it harder to navigate relationships effectively. Essentially, mindblindness is a challenge in understanding that other minds are separate and complex.