Working Memory in ASD

Working Memory

Working memory refers to an individual's ability to retain information in memory for a short period of time for a specific goal. It is thought of as a component of Executive Attention.There are many types of Working Memory (e.g. object, spatial, etc). One popular task for measuring spatial working memory is the Oculomotor Delayed Response task(ODR). The ODR task is a memroy-guided saccade task.

Working Memory and ASD

Working memory appears to be abnormal in those with ASD through studies which have used working memory tasks in ASD populations and the general population. ODR studies involving high-functioning autistic participants suggest that the ASD groups have reduced accuracy in memory guided saccades. Deficits are present in both adults with ASD and adolescents with ASD, but there apears to be There have also been evidence that working memory is not significantly different in those with ASD. The discrepancies may indicate compensatory mechanisms employed by participants to improve performance.