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Visual Working Memory in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Mackenzie N Cissne1, Katherine R Bellesheim2, Nelson Cowan1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|October 23, 2024
Summary
Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower working memory (WM) capacity than peers. However, their ability to allocate attention remains comparable, suggesting WM capacity issues may resolve by adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Cognitive psychology
- Developmental neuroscience
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with working memory (WM) challenges.
- Previous studies indicate potential disruptions in attentional allocation in adults with ASD.
- The specific nature of WM deficits in adolescents with ASD requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate working memory capacity and attentional allocation in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
- To compare WM and attention in adolescents with and without ASD.
- To examine potential sex-based differences in WM performance within the ASD group.
Main Methods:
- A computerized working memory task was administered to 38 adolescents with ASD and 39 controls (ages 11-15).
- Participants recalled visual stimuli (colored circles and squares) after a delay.
- Task design incorporated strategic attentional cuing based on stimulus probability.
Main Results:
- Adolescents with ASD exhibited significantly lower overall working memory capacity compared to controls.
- No significant group differences were found in the ability to allocate attention based on strategic cues.
- Working memory performance did not differ between male and female adolescents with ASD.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents with ASD demonstrate deficits in working memory capacity, distinct from attentional allocation.
- These findings suggest that working memory capacity challenges in ASD may improve with age.
- Longitudinal studies are recommended to track developmental trajectories of WM components in ASD.
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