Aaron and I called this new explanation of the way we learn language and higher-order thinking abilities relational frame theory (RFT). Extensive research has confirmed that learning relations is crucial to developing our cognitive powers, and also to developing our sense of self. For example, in research with language-impaired children, who have not developed a normal sense of self, we found that if we taught them how to do relational thinking, they would then develop both stronger language skills and more normal self-awareness.