title: Memory in autistic spectrum disorder.
abstract: Behavioral evidence concerning memory in forms of high-functioning autism (HFA) and in moderately low-functioning autism (M-LFA) is reviewed and compared. Findings on M-LFA are sparse. However, it is provisionally concluded that memory profiles in HFA and M-LFA (relative to ability-matched controls) are similar but that declarative memory impairments are more extensive in M-LFA than in HFA. Specifically, both groups have diminished memory for emotion- or person-related stimuli. Regarding memory for nonsocial stimuli, both groups probably have mental-age-appropriate nondeclarative memory, and within declarative memory, both groups have mental-age-appropriate immediate free recall of within-span or supraspan lists of unrelated items, as well as cued recall and paired associate learning. By contrast, recognition is largely unimpaired in HFA but moderately impaired in M-LFA, and free recall of meaningful or structured stimuli is moderately impaired in HFA but more severely impaired in M-LFA. Theoretical explanations of data on declarative memory in HFA identify problems in the integrative processing, or the consolidation and storage, of complex stimuli or a specific problem of recollection. Proposed neural substrates include the following: disconnectivity of primary sensory and association areas; dysfunctions of medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, or posterior parietal lobe; or combinations of these associated with neural disconnectivity. Hypothetically, perirhinal dysfunction might explain the more extensive declarative memory impairments in M-LFA. Foreseeable consequences of uneven memory abilities in HFA and M-LFA are outlined, including possible effects on language and learning in M-LFA. Finally, priorities for future research are identified, highlighting the urgent need for research on memory in lower functioning individuals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, City University, London, United Kingdom. Jill Boucher.1@city.ac
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Boucher
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mayes
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bigham
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005145:Face; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012107:Research Design; D012720:Severity of Illness Index