Working Memory Deficits and its Relationship to Autism Spectrum Disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Limited research exists on working memory (WM) in high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) within developing countries.
• Previous studies in developed nations show varied findings regarding WM performance in individuals with ASD (IQ > 70).
• Cultural factors may influence working memory capabilities, necessitating further investigation in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate working memory (WM) performance in high-functioning individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
• To examine the relationship between ASD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and WM performance.
• To explore potential cultural influences on WM in a non-Western context.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional comparative study involved 30 participants with high-functioning ASD and 30 typically developing controls, aged 8-16 years.
• Data were collected in Tehran, Iran, between 2016-2017.
• Multivariate Analyses of Variance (MANOVA) and Pearson's correlation coefficient were employed to analyze WM task performance and symptom relationships using SPSS version 16.

Main Results:

• Overall, working memory (WM) was found to be impaired in individuals with high-functioning ASD compared to controls.
• Unexpectedly, the Social Interaction and Stereotyped Behaviors subscales of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition showed a significant positive correlation with Visual Digit Span and Digit Span Forward tasks.
• These findings suggest a complex interplay between specific ASD symptom clusters and WM performance.

Conclusions:

• Working memory (WM) impairment is evident in individuals with high-functioning ASD.
• The positive correlation between certain ASD symptoms and WM performance warrants careful consideration during therapeutic interventions.
• Therapists should select WM intervention tasks judiciously, acknowledging potential nuances in cognitive profiles within different cultural contexts.