Pat has recently been diagnosed as having autism. He has trouble making friends as he often gets into arguments about other children breaking the rules of games. He also finds it difficult to communicate with other people as he finds it hard to interpret their facial expressions. Pat does not like playing imaginative games with his brother, who does not have autism, as he finds it hard to imagine a cardboard box is a ship. His parents have read an article that suggests that the causes of autism are biological. Discuss how far one other explanation can account for Pat’s autism. You must make reference to the context in your answer.

A-Level AQA Psychology The Biological Approach: Pat has recently been diagnosed

One cognitive explanation for autism is the theory of mind, which posits that individuals with autism struggle to understand the perspectives of others. This theory indicates that Pat may have difficulty interpreting the emotions and intentions of his peers, contributing to his challenges in making friends.

For instance, when Pat plays with his brother, he cannot grasp why his brother finds a cardboard box imaginative. This misunderstanding illustrates his struggle with cognitive empathy, a characteristic that often leads to social isolation.

Furthermore, according to the theory of mind, children with autism often fail to recognize non-verbal cues and facial expressions, which further complicates social interaction. Pat's difficulty in recognizing emotions may result in frustrations during games where understanding others’ feelings is essential, often leading to arguments.

Additionally, the explanation of genetic factors also warrants consideration. Research indicates that there are diverse genes that can influence the development of autism. Pat's brother, who does not have autism, might possess a different genetic makeup which could explain the variance in their social abilities. This supports the view that genetic predispositions could play a significant role in the presentation of autistic traits.

In conclusion, while biological causes may provide one framework for understanding autism, cognitive factors such as theory of mind and genetic influences offer substantial insight into Pat’s experiences and challenges in social settings.

Pat has recently been diagnosed as having autism - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 13 - 2020 - Paper 2

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Pat has recently been diagnosed as having autism - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 13 - 2020 - Paper 2

Discuss how far one other explanation can account for Pat’s autism.

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