Abstract
Previous studies have reported working memory deficits in autism, but this finding has been inconsistent. One possibility is that deficits in this domain may be present only when working memory load exceeds some limited capacity. High-functioning individuals with autism performed the CANTAB computerized test of spatial working memory. Individuals with autism made more errors than a matched group of typically developing controls on this task, and were less likely to consistently use a specific organized search strategy to complete the task. Overall, these results demonstrate reduced spatial working memory abilities in autism, and extend previous findings by demonstrating that these deficits are significant when tasks impose heavier demands on working memory.
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Acknowledgments
Support for the preparation of this manuscript was provided by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Collaborative Program of Excellence in Autism (HD35469) and NS33355 & MH01433, and the National Alliance for Autism Research. We are grateful to the families who participated in this research.
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Steele, S.D., Minshew, N.J., Luna, B. et al. Spatial Working Memory Deficits in Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 37, 605–612 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0202-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0202-2