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document
Individual differences in the efficacy of a short theory of mind intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder : a randomized controlled trial . BACKGROUND Having a 'theory of mind ' , or having the ability to attribute mental states to oneself or others , is considered one of the most central domains of impairment among children with an autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) . Many interventions focus on improving theory of mind skills in children with ASD . Nonetheless , the empirical evidence for the effect of these interventions is limited . The main goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a short theory of mind intervention for children with ASD . A second objective is to determine which subgroups within the autism spectrum profit most from the intervention . METHODS This study is a randomized controlled trial . One hundred children with ASD , aged 7 to 12 years will be randomly assigned to an intervention or a waiting list control group . Outcome measures include the completion of theory of mind and emotion understanding tasks , and parent and teacher questionnaires on children 's social skills . Follow-up data for the intervention group will be collected 6 months after the interventions . DISCUSSION This study evaluates the efficacy of a theory of mind intervention for children with ASD . Hypotheses , strengths , and limitations of the study are discussed . TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register NTR2327 .
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Intervention_Educational
short theory of mind intervention
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Intervention_Educational
theory of mind skills
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Intervention_Educational
short theory of mind intervention
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Intervention_Control
control
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Intervention_Educational
completion of theory of mind and emotion understanding tasks , and parent and teacher questionnaires
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Intervention_Educational
mind intervention
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Outcome_Mental
completion of theory of mind and emotion understanding tasks
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Outcome_Mental
parent and teacher questionnaires on children 's social skills
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Outcome_Other
efficacy
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Outcome_Other
Hypotheses
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Outcome_Other
strengths
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Outcome_Other
limitations
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Participant_Condition
children with an autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) .