Managing complexity: impact of organization and processing style on nonverbal memory in autism spectrum disorders

J Autism Dev Disord. 2011 Feb;41(2):135-47. doi: 10.1007/s10803-010-1139-z.

Abstract

The contributions of cognitive style and organization to processing and recalling a complex novel stimulus were examined by comparing the Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test performance of children, adolescents, and adults with ASD to clinical controls (CC) and non-impaired controls (NC) using the Developmental Scoring System. The ROCF task involves a complex structure with strong organizational or integrative processing demands. The individuals with ASD relied on a predominantly part-oriented strategy to cope with the complexity of the task and did not make the typical developmental shift to a configurational approach. Both processing style and organization (whether pieces of information were perceived as connected to one another in a meaningful way) contributed to structural recall in the ASD group.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology*
  • Cognition
  • Executive Function
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory*
  • Mental Recall
  • Psychological Tests