Time-based and event-based prospective memory in autism spectrum disorder: the roles of executive function and theory of mind, and time-estimation

J Autism Dev Disord. 2013 Jul;43(7):1555-67. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1703-9.

Abstract

Prospective memory (remembering to carry out an action in the future) has been studied relatively little in ASD. We explored time-based (carry out an action at a pre-specified time) and event-based (carry out an action upon the occurrence of a pre-specified event) prospective memory, as well as possible cognitive correlates, among 21 intellectually high-functioning children with ASD, and 21 age- and IQ-matched neurotypical comparison children. We found impaired time-based, but undiminished event-based, prospective memory among children with ASD. In the ASD group, time-based prospective memory performance was associated significantly with diminished theory of mind, but not with diminished cognitive flexibility. There was no evidence that time-estimation ability contributed to time-based prospective memory impairment in ASD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Asperger Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Asperger Syndrome / psychology*
  • Attention
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology*
  • Cognition
  • Executive Function*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence
  • Male
  • Memory, Episodic*
  • Motion Perception
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Reference Values
  • Reversal Learning
  • Set, Psychology
  • Theory of Mind*
  • Time Perception*
  • Verbal Behavior
  • Video Games