To explore the relationship between theory of mind (ToM) and executive function (EF) in a sample of individuals from mainland China, 20 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), 26 children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and 30 normal control subjects were compared on two batteries of ToM tasks and EF tasks. Children with ASD had a significant theory of mind impairment relative to the other controls, while non-verbal IQ removed group differences in executive function. ToM was significantly correlated with inhibitory control. Performance on inhibitory control tasks, however, did not affect performance on ToM tasks.

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