Résumé
Numerous studies have reported a deficit in Theory of Mind (ToM) in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) without intellectual disabilities. As ToM is defined as the ability to attribute mental states to others and plays a key role in social skills, this deficit may contribute to the social communication difficulties inherent to adults with ASD. In addition, ASD in women has recently been studied and highlighted. Studies described a different expression of ASD in women. They are described to have more conventional restricted interests and camouflage abilities, allowing them to adapt socially and to go unnoticed. Since ToM plays a crucial role in social adaptation, we might wonder whether the qualitative differences found between men and women with ASD could be explained by unequal ToM skills. Thus, the aim of this study is to observe possible differences in ToM skills between men and women with ASD in order to see if this could explain, in part, the social adaptation and camouflage skills of women with ASD. Furthermore, a better understanding of their functioning could contribute to earlier diagnosis and specific adaptations, thus contributing to a better quality of life. For this purpose, we recruited a population of 26 participants, 13 men and 13 women with ASD and a control population also composed of 26 participants, 13 men and 13 women. We administered several tests assessing several aspects of theory of mind (the TOM 15, the RMEt and the Faux Pas test) and compared the results obtained between the men and women in each group. Statistical analyses did not reveal any significant differences between the results of males and females with ASD SDI, although we did find some qualitative differences in test performance. This study highlighted the need for further research into the specificities of women with ASD.