This study investigated the association between performance on laboratory measures of theory of mind (standard false belief tasks) and teacher-rated measures of social competence in a sample of children and adolescents with a mental handicap. Performance on the theory of mind tasks was not significantly correlated with any aspect of teacher-rated social competence but was correlated with verbal mental age. The findings replicate those of Frith et al. (1994, Soc. Dev. 3: 107-124) who also found no correlation between social competence ratings and false belief task performance for individuals with a mental handicap. Possible reasons for this lack of association in individuals with a mental handicap are explored.
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