Development of a Manualized Intervention to Support Episodic Memory in Autistic Children: Elaborative Reminiscing Is Key

Abstract

Episodic memory (EM) is memory for past personal experiences. EM and social development are inextricably linked, and both are impacted in autistic persons. Parents of autistic children can be taught to engage in a unique conversational style (i.e., elaborative reminiscing) to support a child's memory and social development. This article discusses the importance of EM in autism and describes a new manualized caregiver training to support EM in autistic children. An uncontrolled pre-post study design was employed to test proof of concept. Results affirmed the potential of this intervention for increasing caregivers' elaborateness and improving children's EM in a family-centered, naturalistic way. Results suggest that further treatment development and examination of effectiveness are needed. We argue that these kinds of intervention are important: not only is EM theoretically potent for social cognitive development, it is essential for a sense of self-determination, social connection, and psychological well-being.

Scene construction and autobiographical memory retrieval in autism spectrum disorder

“…Rather, it is thought to support diverse functions that relate to oneself and to interactions with others. For example, a review by Bluck (2003) highlighted crucial roles of AM in supporting the continuity and development of the self (Conway, 1996; Pillemer, 1992); in anticipating and solving future problems (including social problems) by recalling aspects of past experiences (Gerlach et al, 2011; Goddard et al, 1996; Neisser, 1988); and in using communication to form and maintain social relationships (Brien & Hutchins, 2022; Davidson et al, 2012; Pillemer, 1992). Irrespective of other factors, the prominent roles of AM in social and self‐referential domains render it theoretically relevant to the study of ASD.…”