Debate and argument: on modularity and development in autism: a reply to Burack.

Abstract:

Burack (this issue) reopens questions first raised by my 1989a article in this Journal, on whether children with autism have a specific delay in the development of a theory of mind, or whether the data reflect deviance rather than delay. His paper is of considerable value in highlighting points for debate. In my response, I focus on three issues: First, the logical possibility that delay and deviance can occur together. Second, the evidence that autism may instantiate this possibility. Finally, the important question of the modularity of theory of mind.