The TOM Test: A New Instrument For Assessing Theory of Mind in Normal Children and Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders

by Peter Muris, Pim Steerneman, Cor Meesters, Harald Merckelbach, Robert Horselenberg, Tanja van den Hogen and Lieke van Dongen. Jr. Autism and Developmental Disorders, 29, 67-80.

“This article describes a first attempt to investigate the reliability and validity of the TOM test, a new instrument for assessing theory of mind ability in normal children and children with pervasive developmental disorders.”

“Altogether, results indicate that the TOM test is a reliable and valid instrument that can be employed to measure various aspects of theory of mind.”(p. 67)

“Given the availability of reasonably successful treatment programs, theory of mind assessment instruments are important for two reasons. First, such instruments can be used to identify those children who display deficits in theory of mind. Second, such instruments can be employed to evaluate the efficacy of theory of mind training programs.”

“The TOM test comprises an interview that can be used in children between 5 and 12 years of age. The TOM test consists of vignettes, stories, and drawings about which the child has to answer a number of questions. The test lasts about 35 minutes and contains 78 items (i.e., questions).”

“Clearly, then, theory of mind consists of various aspects, such as the recognition of emotions, the assessment of how others think and the understanding of the motives underlying behavior of others.”