Time and memory in autism spectrum disorder

This paper reviews research investigating working memory performance in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of the present review is to offer a critical examination of this research, drawing together the main findings that emerge, and considering possible directions for future research. After a brief overview of the concept of working memory and it‘s role in human cognition, evidence relating to short-term and working memory performance in ASD is evaluated. Following a summary of the main findings in this area, the review goes on to discuss some of the limitations with the current body of research, and suggests possible avenues for future research. The paper also considers alternative accounts of cognitive task performance in ASD, and how these may relate to the findings which have been reviewed. The clinical implications of reduced working memory capacity are described, and approaches which have been designed to ameliorate these effects are discussed. The review suggests that our knowledge of working memory in ASD is still very limited, and further research addressing the methodological limitations of previous research is needed.