Investigate role of Language and executive function in Theory of mind development in deaf children

Theory of Mind is a comprehensive and general term about the state of intention that determines the quality of a person's social interaction and without it; we would not be able to interpret the actions of others. While researchers express the causative role of language in Theory of Mind’s development as a social and fundamental capacity, recent studies have suggested a close link between the executive functions and Theory of Mind. On the one hand, despite the devastating and degrading effects of hearing loss on the development of language and communication in children with impaired hearing, and on the other hand the relationship between components of language with the development of Theory of Mind and executive functions, the study of Theory of Mind’s developmental trend in these children becomes necessary. Thus, the purpose of this study is to review the role of language and its main components (Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics) in the development of children’s Theory of Mind and examine how is the development of theory of mind among deaf children according to their language problems. Finally, we have tried to explain the relationship between language, executive functions and Theory of Mind among deaf children.