Autism spectrum disorder and evaluation of Theory of Mind in the Algerian clinical environment

Abstract

Autism Spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental pathology characterized by symptoms which affect social interactions, communication and behavior. To evaluate them, it is necessary to apply valid and standardized tests. As we know, evaluation is an essential step in speech-language therapy management. This is why, our study aims to describe the reality of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and theory of mind evaluation in Algerian clinical environment. So, we want to know what tools are used by specialists in their assessments of TSA. To realize our purpose, we developed a questionnaire for practicing speech-language pathologists. This tool consists of sixteen (16) questions divided into three (3) axes. The first one concerns personal information of each specialist. The second and third axes are related to the autism spectrum disorder and the theory of mind evaluation. Forty (40) speech-language pathologists practicing responded to the questionnaire although we have distributed it to a larger number of practitioners. Using the descriptive method, the results show the existence of several problems particularly methodological ones as lack of language and cognitive adapted and standardized tests, and others in relation with the formation of those specialists. We can conclude that these results are not so different from those observed previously by Algerian and Tunisian psychologists.