Study and Comparison of Working Memory Components in Autism and Normal Children

Introduction: Cognitive processes deficits is considered a common feature of autism spectrum disorder, it seems that any deficit in this processes might impact on the abilities and behaviors in this group. Aim: The aim of this research was study of working memory components in autism children and comparison with normal children. Method: The design of this research was ex post facto that done on 40 children aged 4-6 (20 autistic and 20 normal children).Sampling method for Autism children was available and for normal children was multistage random sampling method. The instruments were Autistic Behaviors Assessment Scale, Direct Digit Span, Indirect Digit Span, Corsi Blocks Task. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: The results showed that there is a significant difference between autism children and normal in central executive, phonological loop and visual-spatial sketchpad components of working memory. Conclusion: Children with autism had deficits in working memory components. This problem should be assessed in order to plan appropriate interventions in autism children based on components of working memory.