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Allocentric Versus Egocentric Spatial Memory in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ABSTRACT: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present difficulties in forming relations among items and context. This capacity for relational binding is also involved in spatial navigation and research on this topic in ASD is scarce and inconclusive. Using a computerised version of the Morris Water Maze task, ASD participants showed particular difficulties in performing viewpoint independent (allocentric) navigation, leaving viewpoint dependent navigation (egocentric) intact. Further analyses showed that navigation deficits were not related to poor visual short-term memory or mental rotation in the ASD group. The results further confirm the need of autistic individuals for support at retrieval and have important implications for the design of signposts and maps.

SUBMITTER: Ring M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5948263 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Allocentric Versus Egocentric Spatial Memory in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Ring Melanie M Gaigg Sebastian B SB Altgassen Mareike M Barr Peter P Bowler Dermot M DM

Journal of autism and developmental disorders 20180601 6

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present difficulties in forming relations among items and context. This capacity for relational binding is also involved in spatial navigation and research on this topic in ASD is scarce and inconclusive. Using a computerised version of the Morris Water Maze task, ASD participants showed particular difficulties in performing viewpoint independent (allocentric) navigation, leaving viewpoint dependent navigation (egocentric) intact. Further analyses ...[more]

PMID: 29380269

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