TY - JOUR
T1 - Atypical Memory Performance in an Autistic Savant
AU - Mottron, Laurent
AU - Belleville, Sylvie
AU - Stip, Emmanuel
AU - Morasse, Karine
N1 - Funding Information:
RequestsforrepritsnshouldbesenttoDr.LurenatMotrotn,Servicederecherche,HoÃpialtRivieÁ re des Priiaers, 7070 Bldv. Perras, MontreÂal, QueÂbec, Canada, H1E 1A4. Email: [email protected] This work was supported by a grant from the FSQR±CQRS to the fistrand second authors, and by special funding from the HoÃpialtde Malraictto tehfirst, second, and third authors. All authors are supported by the Fondde la Recherche en SanteÂdu QueÂbec. The autohrs are grateful to MicheÁ le McKerral, France Ginchereau, andEdith MeÂnard for their tstengiand research assistncae. Tey h would alosliekto thank Beth Randolph and Paul Di Biseafor ediintg tehEglishntext.
PY - 1998
Y1 - 1998
N2 - This study explored the mechanisms underlying the hypermnesia of an autistic savant (NM) through three experiments. The first two served to assess whether absence of interference was responsible for NM's exceptional list memory. The third investigated the type of cues used in recall. Results indicated absence of retroactive interference but presence of slight proactive interference in list recall of proper names. Normal interference effects were found, however, in list recall of common nouns. Exceptional performance was also demonstrated in a missing-name task involving spatial and verbal recall cues. The findings suggest that the outstanding episodic memory presented by some savant persons with autism might be related to an abnormally high resistance to interference.
AB - This study explored the mechanisms underlying the hypermnesia of an autistic savant (NM) through three experiments. The first two served to assess whether absence of interference was responsible for NM's exceptional list memory. The third investigated the type of cues used in recall. Results indicated absence of retroactive interference but presence of slight proactive interference in list recall of proper names. Normal interference effects were found, however, in list recall of common nouns. Exceptional performance was also demonstrated in a missing-name task involving spatial and verbal recall cues. The findings suggest that the outstanding episodic memory presented by some savant persons with autism might be related to an abnormally high resistance to interference.
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U2 - 10.1080/741943372
DO - 10.1080/741943372
M3 - Article
C2 - 10320865
AN - SCOPUS:0032196162
SN - 0965-8211
VL - 6
SP - 593
EP - 607
JO - Memory
JF - Memory
IS - 6
ER -