Episodic future thinking-induced forgetting: Exploring memory inhibitory mechanism in adults with autism

Abstract

[EN]Background: This study examined memory inhibitory control in adults with autism. Our interest stemmed from the idea that malfunctioning cognitive inhibition may contribute to symptoms such as thought perseverance and inflexibility of social interactions in this disorder. Method: We drew from work in retrieval-induced forgetting which shows that retrieving items from memory causes forgetting of other competing information. We tested individuals with ASD (n = 19) and without ASD (n = 20) using a task whereby engaging in episodic future thinking (EFT) reduces the subsequent retrievability of related autobiographical memories (AMs). We also looked at a sample of AM and EFT narratives using an overall-richness measure expressed by a quantitative experiential index. Results: Although adults with autism showed overall lower levels of richness in their AM and EFT productions, and contrary to our prediction, they demonstrated levels of memory inhibition that were comparable to controls. Conclusions: The results suggest that memory inhibition, as measured by EFT-induced forgetting, is relatively intact in ASD and are discussed in terms of how automatic and effortful inhibitory processes in autism might be differentially affected.