Males with fragile X syndrome (FXS) have difficulties with social interaction and many show autistic features. This study
examined whether the social deficits characteristic of FXS are associated with theory of mind difficulties. Two groups of
boys with FXS participated: a group with few autistic features and a group with many autistic features. An intellectual disability
control group also participated. In addition to using standard theory of mind tasks, new techniques were used that were able
to separate out the various processing demands of the task (e.g., memory, inhibitory control). Overall, the findings indicate
that both groups of boys with FXS have difficulty with theory of mind tasks compared to an intellectual disability control
group. However, both groups with FXS also performed worse on comparison trials that required working memory but not theory
of mind. Theory of mind difficulties are likely to be an important aspect of the FXS clinical profile, but are most likely
the result from a more basic difficulty with working memory.
Keywords Fragile X syndrome - Autistic spectrum disorder - Theory of mind - Inhibition - Working memory