The Sally Anne Test

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Hi, I recently heard about AS (via the slashdot link on the dude who wrote BT). So having looked all over then net, taken a a couple of the online tests (both saying most definantely I am an aspie) i went to the local library and have begun readign a book called "Loving Mr Spock" by Barbara Jacobs, about her experiences as a NT with an AS man.

Now I was about 80% convinced I was an aspie untill I read about the Sally Anne test, now I am 100% certian. So for those who have not heard of this test, here it is:

The answer aspies give is in Anne's box. Nt's give the corect answer of in her basket. Down's syndrom children of eleven witha mental age of 3 get it right, but it is expected that any aspie less than 12 years old will get it wrong.

Here is what finally convinced me that I am an aspie.



I am 35, have an IQ well above the "very superior" range, and I have not an clue. IT seriouslt freaked me out, I know that I should know that answer, most likey my 6 and 7 year old children know the answer, but I don't...

I heard of this test when I was reading a book on Autism and AS. Now as an AS person myself, I probably would've got the answer correct. Even though I may have to read it a few times just to be sure about it.

Would this mean I am not considered an AS patient if I had the answer right at a childhood or adolescent age? No. Because I do meet certain criteria about AS in other aspects.

I got it right. But I just can't even begin on the question "What does Anne think that Sally thinks?". It is bizarre to say the least. I don't even know what the question really means never mind attempt an answer.

I should have pointed out the first part is aimed at 4 year old's who should get it right.

Yeah, I have been thinking on it a bit over the last hour or so since I read it, I don't know where to begin.

No wonder my life is more difficult than other people I know...

I posed a this question to a friend.

He says that his NT children would probably answer: "They are dolls and aren't capable of thought".

I would assume that Anne thinks that Sally thinks her marble is still in the basket? Its a somewhat vague question.

Oh... dear. When I looked at the first question, I was thinking of exactly the same answer that was expected of an aspie child ("Sally will first look in Anne's box")! !!

The second question ("What does Anne think Sally thinks?"), I reasoned: "Anne would think that Sally thinks that Anne took the marble"

Assuming we imagine they are not dolls but real people Anne could be thinking any number of different thoughts so how can Sally possibly know what she is thinking without being psychic.

Also Sally herself could be thinking any number of different thoughts so how can we know what she is thinking without being psychic.

How on earth can anyone AS or NT possibly know what Sally thinks Anne is thinking?

My brain hurts!

I would think that Anne would think that Sally would think her marble was missing. Wouldn't that be the first thought of anyone? Where'd my marble go?

My answer to the second question would be practically impossible - yes.

How the hell would Sally know what Anne did, and why would Anne reason that Sally knew what she did; unless...

Both Anne and Sally were spying on each other!! !

The secret's out. It's a conspiracy.

Those dolls are taking over the world by numbing our minds with rediculous backward resoning

She might be wondering what she was going to have for tea, or pondering the existence of an omnipresent being for all I know.

I read the question several times and I admit to being a bit bewildered.

I don't think this test is suitable for adults. It must only be aimed at children since it seems to expect an obvious answer when there isn't one.

They obviously weren't raggy dolls.

Some autistic people got together and wrote this based on a bunch of discussions of the Sally/Anne test and Theory of Mind, then they apparently presented it or something like it at a conference:

http://www.autistics.org/library/AE2000-ToM.html

Very interesting. I haven't heard about this test before.