What is Theory of Mind?

Theory of Mind (ToM) is one of the three so called ‘cognitive styles’. The other two are Cognitive shifting and Central Coherence.
Here is an overview of the most relevant autistic characteristics.

Theory of Mind is the ability to impute mental states to oneself and to others. The ability to make inferences about what other people believe to be the case in a given situation allows one to predict what they will do.

Although this concept is often used loosely it should not be confused with empathy.