Comparison of Theory of Mind and Self-Concept in School children with Attention deficit / hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Farzin Bagheri Sheykhangafshe¹ Reza Shabahang² Afsane Karami³ Nasrin Malakooti Asl⁴ Seyyed Masoud Mehri Shal⁵

1) M.A Student in General Psychology, University of Guilan
2) M.A Student in General Psychology, University of Tehran
3) M.A Student in Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, University of Guilan
4) M.A Student in Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, University of Guilan
5) M.A Student in Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, University of Guilan

IOI Code : XBHE-EGEED
Publication : International Conference on Exceptional Children(peec-uma.ir)
Abstract :
    The purpose of this study was to compare school-based theory of mind and self-concept in children with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. The research design was a descriptive causal-comparative study. The statistical population of the study consisted of high school students of Rasht city in 2017. A sample of 180 (90 students with attention deficit / hyperactivity syndrome and 90 students with autism spectrum) was selected by purposeful sampling and then data were collected using mind theory questionnaires (Morris et al., 1999) And school-based self-concept (Eisen Chen, 2004). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. The results show that there is a significant difference between school theory of mind and self-concept in children with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder (p<0.05). Based on this, it was found that students with autism spectrum had less mind theory than children with ADHD (p<0.05). Also, students with attention deficit / hyperactivity syndrome had a weaker school-based self-concept than children with autism spectrum disorder (p<0.05). Based on the findings of this study, planning and training for enhancing school self-concept and theory of mind in students with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder is suggested. It also emphasizes the need for parenting classes for these students.

Keywords : theory of mind self concept in school attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder autism spectrum disorder