COGNITIVE AND EFFECTIVE THEORY

Running head: COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE THEORY
COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE THEORY
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COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE THEORY
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Introduction:
Autism is called autism spectrum disorder ( ASD). The people who are diagnosed
with autism spectrum disorder have troubles related to communication and behavior. The
symptom includes a wide variety of behavior and characteristics. According to a study, it is a
misconception that all people diagnosed with autism spectrum have huge problems and
complications and need full time care (Baio, J., 2014). Some people might need full time care
while some might have minor inconveniences that can be handled on their own. The purpose
of this piece of writing is to compare and contrast the two theories related to autism that is
cognitive theory and affective theory. The similarities in the approach of both of the theories
as well as the differences in the approach will be discussed.
Autism spectrum disorder:
Autism most commonly known as the autism spectrum disorder ( ASD) is a said to
include a very wider range conditions characterized by challenges with social skills,
repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Autism can not be explained is a
simple line since it has many sub types. Each person having autism spectrum disorder has
few challenges as well as strengths. The challenges basically include the problems they have
to deal with issues related to communicating, socializing, bonding with somebody and
understanding concepts related to emotions and feelings. The question whether an autistic
person can deal with their issues alone or not depends on which type he falls and to which
extend is he or she autistic. According to a study the people who are believed to be having
autism spectrum disorder ( ASD) have an innate ability to form the usual biologically
provided affective contact with people (Christensen et al., 2013). The children diagnosed
with autism spectrum disorder ( ASD) ha difficulties dealing with their families
Cognitive theory in relation to autism:

COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE THEORY
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The cognitive theory explains that the children who are believed to have autism
spectrum disorder suffer from mindblindness. This a state where a person becomes unaware
of the mental status of other like what the other person is thinking, perceiving, feeling,
believing or intending. They become blind to the other’s perception of a particular thing or
act. The fundamental ability to understand or guess what a person’s intentions are is very
necessary for survival. To know or to guess whether a person is a friend or a foe is very
crucial and the inability to do so makes the people suffering autism at the mercy of the other
people. The absence of the very basic or fundamental ability to make out or know a person’s
intentions can be very dangerous and can at times be life threatening. The concept can be
clear understanding a simple example; a person approaching is going to ask the other person
to play with him or to smash that particular person’s head with it is important to know. At
times the decisions and judgments taken suddenly can save your life and the autistic have a
great disadvantage to this.
Extreme male theory:
According to the author of a study, The extreme male theory of cognition explains
that there are two types of brain namely; empathizing or it can also be termed as the female
brain and the other is called the systemizing which works in a very systematic manner like a
whole process(Iossifov et al., 2014). According to the author of a report, it is believed that
any normal person would have the these two brain types in equal measures to make a
balanced decision (Pasalich, Dadds and Hawes, 2014). However, the man leans more towards
systematic type which includes processing everything in a very systematic and natural
manner and the women leaning more towards the empathizing side. According to the author
of a report, people suffering from autism lack the ability to empathize that is to read a
person’s intentions through expression, body language, gestures, words, perceptions,
intentions or emotions (Mathersul, McDonald and Rushby, 2013).