Brief Report: Examining the Links Between Language Processes and Working Memory Impairments in Toddlers and Preschoolers with ASD
Open accessAbstract
Deficits in working memory have not been fully explored in toddlers and preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigated the relationship between language (verbal ability, verbal self-talk) and visuospatial working memory in 2- and 4-year-olds with ASD (n = 65) and typical development (TD) (n = 54). Children with ASD displayed impairments in working memory and verbal ability, but not verbal self-talk, compared to TD peers. Verbal ability and working memory were positively correlated; this association was stronger for children with ASD. For 2-year-olds, self-talk and working memory were negatively correlated. Results suggest that verbal ability and working memory are linked, especially for young children with ASD. Self-talk may be a compensatory strategy for toddlers with less developed working memory.
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Meta-analyses have consistently identified working memory test deficits among individuals with ASD.
“Meta-analyses have also consistently identified deficits on tests of working memory among individuals with ASD61–63.”
From Executive function deficits in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder (2024) · cites this paper as [62]
The introductory passage (labeled Abstract in our copy; page unavailable) says school-aged children with ASD demonstrate working-memory deficits and cites a meta-analysis. It also says findings are mixed for children under eight. The paper's Results report lower working-memory scores in its own young ASD sample, but it does not establish that meta-analyses have consistently found deficits across individuals with ASD generally. (LLM, conf=0.84)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredIn ASD, working memory deficits appear greater on visuospatial tests (d>0.72) than on verbal tests (d=0.44-0.67).
“Studies suggest greater deficits on visuospatial (d>0.72) compared to verbal (d=0.44–0.67) tests.61–63”
From Executive function deficits in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder (2024) · cites this paper as [62]
The paper’s background passage says working-memory deficits in school-aged children with ASD may be more pronounced for visuospatial than verbal tasks. It does not give the claimed effect sizes (d > 0.72 and d = 0.44–0.67), and its own study tested visuospatial working memory rather than comparing both types of test. Page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.88)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredMeta-analytic work found that cognitively-informed tests of executive functioning greatly improved discrimination of executive function deficits such as working memory and reaction time parameters in individuals with ASD compared to typically developing and/or ADHD groups.
“meta-analytic work revealed that using cognitively-informed tests of executive functioning greatly improved discrimination in executive function deficits such as working memory62 and reaction time parameters68 in individuals with ASD compared to a typically developing group and/or a ADHD group.”
From Executive function deficits in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder (2024) · cites this paper as [62]
The Results (page not provided) report lower working-memory scores in toddlers and preschoolers with ASD than in typically developing peers. But this is a primary study, not meta-analytic work, and it does not show that cognitively informed tests greatly improved discrimination. The separate reaction-time citation is not assessed here. (LLM, conf=0.87)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredIn ASD, working memory effect sizes are larger among school-aged children (d=0.62) than adolescents (d=0.20), although some meta-analyses report no age effects.
“effect sizes are larger among school-aged children (d=0.62) compared to adolescents (d=0.20),61 although some meta-analyses report no age effects.62,63”
From Executive function deficits in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder (2024) · cites this paper as [62]
The cited paper says school-aged children with ASD show working-memory deficits, but its Methods and Results concern 2- and 4-year-olds. Searches for the stated effect sizes and an adolescent comparison found neither in our copy. The separate claim about meta-analyses is attached to citations 62 and 63, not this source. (LLM, conf=0.76)
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References 46 · Cited by 14
Research works printed but not linked: 2
- Lord C, Rutter M, DiLavore PC, Risi S, Gotham K, & Bishop SL (2012a). Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) Manual (Part I): Modules 1–4. Torrance, CA: Western Psychological Services.
- Lord C, Luyster RJ, Gotham K, & Guthrie W (2012b). Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) Manual (Part II): Toddler Module. Torrance, CA: Western Psychological Services.
- Authors
- Edmunds, S. R., Colman, C., Vidal, P., & Faja, S.
- Affiliations
- Boston Children's Hospital (US)
- Corresponding author
- Edmunds, Sarah R.
- Venue
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Published
- 2021-05-06
- Volume
- 52
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 1872-1880
- ISSN
- 0162-3257 (ISSN-L)
- 1573-3432
- PMC
- PMC8571117
- OpenAlex
- W3159852546
- Cited by
- 14
- References
- 46
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 3
- FWCI
- 1.45
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH113928)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Child and Animal Learning Development
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Language Development and Disorders
- Keywords
- autism spectrum disorder, working memory, toddlers, preschool children, verbal ability, visuospatial working memory, linguistic processes, compensatory strategies, early childhood
- MeSH terms
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Child, Preschool, Cognition, Humans, Language, Memory, Short-Term
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