Autism and Photographic Memories

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have many unique talents and skills. Some, in fact, have what’s called Savant Syndrome, a condition in which a person with a developmental disability also possesses at least one skill that far exceeds the general population.

Of course, not every person on the autism spectrum also has Savant Syndrome, but they do exhibit quite astonishing skills in certain areas. For instance, people with autism may excel in areas such as art, music, mathematics, engineering and architecture.

It’s also been said that people on the autism spectrum have great memories. Some people are even known to have photographic memories, in which they can capture a moment in time as if it were a photograph in their mind and then recall intricate details about that moment down the line.

Let’s take a closer look at autism and photographic memories.

Learn more about the specialized talents of people with autism

Table Of Contents

What Does Autism Have to Do with Memory?

The autistic brain functions much differently than that of the brain in a neurotypical individual. This can cause many challenges, such as with social interactions and communication, and can also result in people having restrictive interests, repetitive behaviors and/or sensory sensitivity.

Professionals often describe it as the autistic brain is just “wired” differently. In many ways, that’s true.

Those differences can have a very real effect on how a person with autism processes information and then uses that information in their life. Since memory is an important cognitive function, it can also be affected by the neurodevelopmental disorder.

There are many layers to memory. Not only does the brain need to store information accurately, it also has to extract that information at the right time in order to use it for beneficial purposes in the future.

Both short- and long-term memory helps people feel comfortable in certain situations, recognize people with whom they should be familiar and understand how to navigate certain scenarios based on past experiences.

Learn more about the memory of people with autism

Do All People with Autism Have Photographic Memory?

People on the autism spectrum have a wide range of challenges, strengths and abilities. Memory is no exception to this.

Some people with autism struggle with memory processing and have a hard time recalling certain information and applying it to everyday scenarios. Other people, by contrast, have what is known as a photographic memory and can recall very minute and specific details about past experiences.

That being said, it is not uncommon for people with ASD to display strengths with visual memory. In essence, they are able to almost capture a still picture of a situation in their mind that they can later use to recall pieces of information with outstanding precision.

Research has shown that children with autism possess great skills with visual working memory compared to some of their peers. They do particularly well with details about personal experiences, even being able to recall sensory details about a situation.

At the same time, it’s not uncommon for people with ASD to struggle with some types of memory. Working memory in particular might be challenging to people on the autism spectrum, and unfortunately, this can create difficulties for them in gaining and maintaining independence because of how it affects their ability to process information and take action.

Can Memory Skills Be Improved?

Even people with autism who have photographic memories may struggle with certain parts of their memory and/or their ability to use the information they store and recall in their brain in practical ways to benefit themselves.

Luckily, it’s been proven that memory can be improved over time. Memory pathways can be fortified, for instance, which can help people capitalize on the unique abilities and strengths that they have.

This can be done in informal ways, such as playing memory games, reading and playing Sudoku. Many people on the autism spectrum, though, require more purposeful and intensive help in this regard, and it’s often done through applied behavioral analysis.

Also known as ABA therapy, this science- and evidence-based approach to learning and behavior helps people on the autism spectrum gain the social, communication and daily life skills with which they typically struggle.

By using repetition and positive reinforcement, ABA therapists help their patients gain various skills, including working on their memory. This is often done through fun and interactive games and play scenarios, which keeps patients engaged and helps them better.

Blue Gems ABA Helps Children with Autism Build Memory Skills

Some people on the autism spectrum are known to have photographic memories. This exceptional ability allows them to take a snapshot of a moment in time that they can later recall with exceptional detail.

Even people who have photographic memories, though, may struggle with processing information and using that information to their advantage.

At Blue Gems ABA, we help children on the autism spectrum build their memory skills through a variety of means. Our BCBAs work one-on-one with all patients, creating a customized ABA therapy treatment plan that’s catered specifically to each patient’s unique strengths and challenges.

To learn more, please contact us today.