Prospective memory and executive functions in adults across the wider autistic spectrum

Abstract

Prospective memory (PM) refers to the cognitive ability of remembering to execute an intended action in the future. Empirical evidence indicates reduced PM performance in autistic individuals. This study aimed to explore PM performance across the wider autistic spectrum, including individuals with diverse cognitive profiles, and to investigate the impact of executive functions on PM. Thirty autistic and 30 non-autistic adults (18–65 years), matched for age, gender and non-verbal abilities, took part in the study. Participants completed an event-based PM task, and three executive function tasks measuring planning, inhibition and generativity abilities. Overall, non-autistic adults performed better in the event-based PM task in comparison to autistic participants. Better executive functioning was associated with better event-based PM performance in both groups; the completion time of the planning task significantly predicted PM performance. Results confirm earlier findings of lower PM performance in autistic individuals and close links of executive functions and PM. Considering the significant impact of PM on day-to-day life, future studies should develop practical interventions to support PM (e.g., targeted training in planning abilities, the use of agendas, to-do lists or assistive technologies), especially for autistic individuals who are dependent on external aid.