A Plain-language Primer on the Theory of Mind and Empathizing-Systemizing Accounts of Autism Spectrum Conditions

I have recently observed that there exist large degrees of apparent confusion around two popular theoretical accounts of autism spectrum conditions (ASC). These are theory of mind (ToM) and the empathizing-systemizing (E-S) theory. While previous papers have reviewed both theories, they have all done so in a technical manner. Hence, in an effort to clear up existing confusions and enable a greater conceptual understanding for these two models of autistic cognition, it is my desire to clarify them here, briefly, in lay terms.