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. 2022 Sep 1;127(5):369-389.
doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-127.5.369.

Working Memory Training in Youth With Autism, Fragile X, and Intellectual Disability: A Pilot Study

Catrina A Calub  1 , Songpoom Benyakorn  2 , Shuai Sun  3 , Ana-Maria Iosif  3 , Lauren H Boyle  3 , Marjorie Solomon  3 , David Hessl  3 , Julie B Schweitzer  3
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Working Memory Training in Youth With Autism, Fragile X, and Intellectual Disability: A Pilot Study

Catrina A Calub et al. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. .

Abstract

This pilot study sought to identify potential markers of improvement from pre-post treatment in response to computerized working memory (WM) training for youth (ages 8-18) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and comorbid intellectual disability (ID) in a single arm, pre-post design. Participants included 26 children with ASD and 18 with comorbid ASD and fragile X syndrome (ASD+FXS). Analyses were adjusted for age and IQ. The ASD group demonstrated greater improvement on WM training relative to the ASD+FXS group. Participants improved on WM and far transfer outcomes, however, there were no significant group differences in improvement except for repetitive behavior. Higher hyperactivity/impulsivity ratings predicted lower performance on visuospatial WM. Findings suggest cognitive training may be beneficial for youth with ASD and ID, warranting further exploration.

Keywords: Cogmed; autism; cognitive training; computerized training; fragile x syndrome.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Cogmed Average Maximum Span Across Training by Diagnostic Group Note. Average maximum working memory span length (and 95% confidence intervals) across training for participants with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and autism spectrum disorders and fragile × (ASD+FXS).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cogmed Average Maximum Span Across Training by Cogmed Version Note. Average maximum working memory span length (and 95% confidence intervals) across training for participants enrolled in Cogmed JM and Cogmed RM. JM = Cogmed for preschool-aged children; RM = Cogmed for school-aged children.
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