[Functioning of memory in subjects with autism].

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder impacting social integration and learning.
• Memory function characterization in ASD is complex, with inconsistent findings across studies.
• Variations in participant age, intelligence, and ASD severity contribute to differing study outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and describe memory functions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
• To delineate which memory subtypes are intact and which are impaired in ASD.
• To synthesize recent findings on the nature and extent of memory deficits in ASD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on memory in autism.
• Analysis of findings across various memory subtype assessments (short-term, working, episodic long-term, source memory).
• Examination of factors influencing memory performance, such as task complexity and strategy use.

Main Results:

• Short-term memory (digit span) is generally intact; working memory shows inconsistencies but deficits are noted in spatial tasks with high cognitive load.
• Episodic long-term memory is intact for basic recall but declines with increased material complexity.
• Source memory deficits are specific to social context, and the self-reference effect is diminished; retrieval, not encoding, appears more impaired.

Conclusions:

• Memory impairments in ASD may contribute to core clinical symptoms, particularly in social and communication domains.
• Specific deficits in encoding social aspects of information and utilizing organizational strategies are evident.
• While certain memory capacities are preserved, highlighting potential for cognitive improvement, the neuroanatomical basis remains under investigation.