Alan Leslie Autism: Learning About Other People's Inner World

Alan, a professor at Rutgers University, discusses his research on the origins of the human mind, focusing on infants and preschoolers. He explores the connection between pretend play and social cognition, particularly in relation to autism. The Sally-Anne task is introduced as a tool to understand false beliefs and perspective-taking in children. The video highlights the rapid development of cognitive skills in early childhood and the challenges faced by children on the autism spectrum.

What challenges do children on the autism spectrum face in understanding others' perspectives?

What is the importance of the period from one to five years of age in cognitive development?

How does the understanding of mental states relate to social learning?

What role does genetic basis play in understanding autism according to the text?