Two paradigms were developed to examine autobiographical memory (ABM)
and suggestibility in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Children with ASD (N = 30) and typically developing chronological
age-matched children (N = 38) ranging in age from 5 to 10 years
were administered an ABM questionnaire. Children were asked about details
of current and past personally experienced events. Children also
participated in a staged event, and later were provided with true and
false reminders about that event. Later, children again were interviewed
about the staged event. The results from both paradigms revealed that
children with ASD showed poorer ABM compared to controls. Generally, their
ABM was marked by errors of omission rather than by errors of commission,
and memory was particularly poor for early-life events. In addition, they
were as suggestible as the typically developing children. The results are
discussed in terms of applied and theoretical implications.This project was supported by a grant from
National Institutes of Health (RO1 HD39282) to M.B. Thanks to the many
children, parents, teachers, and school staff who took time and interest
in participating in this study. The assistance of Kendra Tannenbaum,
Jennifer Betkowski, Katie Whittaker, and Liz Marave is greatly
appreciated.