ABSTRACT
The most frequently cited theoretical models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are theory-of-mind, weak central coherence, and executive dysfunction. Cognitive functioning of individuals with ASD varies from severe intellectual disability to performance in the gifted range. Individuals with ASD have frequently been reported to have visuospatial Working Memory deficits even if no deficits occur on verbal Working Memory tasks. Memory load appears to be an important factor in the performance of individuals with ASD on visuospatial Working Memory tasks. The importance of differing task demands and the need for executive control in the function of visuospatial and verbal Working Memory in individuals with ASD is supported by research on related Executive Functions such as inhibition and attention. Research on the developmental trajectory of Working Memory in individuals with ASD is sparse but suggests that it differs from that of typically developing individuals.
