Autistic traits are associated with enhanced working memory capacity for abstract visual stimuli

Bibliographic Data

ID21282193
AuthorsLouise A Brown Nicholls (0000-0003-3520-6175, University of Strathclyde, corresponding author), Mary E Stewart (0000-0002-4365-8916, Heriot-Watt University)
Year2023
Volume236
Pages103905
Publication date2023-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueActa Psychologica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0001-6918 • E-ISSN: 1873-6297
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103905
PMID37086664
OpenAlexW4366495253
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited65

We tested whether the association between autistic traits and enhanced performance in visual-perceptual tasks extends to visual working memory capacity. We predicted that any positive effect of autistic traits on visual working memory performance would be greatest during domain-specific tasks, in which visual resources must be relied upon. We used a visual 'matrix' task, involving recall of black-and-white chequered patterns which increased in size, to establish participants' capacity (span). We assessed 144 young adults' (M = 22.0 years, SD = 2.5) performance on abstract, 'low semantic' versus 'high semantic' task versions. The latter offered multimodal coding due to the availability of long-term memory resources that could supplement visual working memory. Participants also completed measures of autistic traits and trait anxiety. Autistic traits, especially Attention to Detail, Attention Switching, and Communication, positively predicted visual working memory capacity, specifically in the low semantic task, which relies on visual working memory resources. Autistic traits are therefore associated with enhanced processing and recall of visual information. The benefit is removed, however, when multimodal coding may be incorporated, emphasising the visual nature of the benefit. Strengths in focused attention to detail therefore appear to benefit domain-specific visual working memory task performance

Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Autistic traits · Coding (social sciences) · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Memory span · Perception · Recall · Task (project management) · Trait · Visual memory · Visual perception · Visual short-term memory · Working memory · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Child Development and Digital Technology · Computer Science · Neuroscience · Psychology

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