Yes, many people with autism have very good memory skills, but it often depends on the type of memory. Autistic individuals tend to excel in rote memory, the ability to recall facts, details, or sequences with high accuracy. For example, they might remember dates, schedules, or specific conversations from years ago.
However, working memory which includes holding and using information in the moment can sometimes be more challenging. This means while someone may recall detailed facts easily, they might struggle with multi-step instructions or quickly changing tasks.
Another strength for many autistic people is visual memory. They may remember places, objects, or patterns far better than neurotypical individuals. These unique memory patterns can be a valuable tool for learning and personal growth.
It’s important to recognize that memory skills vary widely among individuals on the spectrum. Understanding and supporting their strengths can help them thrive in school, work, and daily life.
Want to help your child build on their unique strengths? At Epic Minds Therapy, we create personalized ABA therapy plans to support skill development and independence.
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SOURCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism_and_memory
https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/learning-about-autism/about-autism/learning-strengths-asd
Do Autistic People Have Good Memory? All You Need to Know
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2023/07/children-autism-memory.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/keep-it-in-mind/202204/autism-memory-superpower