Self-concept Clarity and Autobiographical Memory Functions in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Without Intellectual Deficiency

J Autism Dev Disord. 2020 Nov;50(11):3874-3882. doi: 10.1007/s10803-020-04447-x.

Abstract

The structural characteristics of self-concept refer to the way in which the elements of self-knowledge are organized and can be experienced by individuals in the form of self-concept clarity. It is intimately linked to autobiographical memory. Therefore, we sought to compare self-concept clarity and autobiographical memory between adults with ASD without Intellectual Deficiency and controls. We also explored the association between self-concept clarity and autistic traits, autobiographical memory functions and executive functions. Statistical analyses were performed using Bayesian methods. Our results showed both a lower clarity of self-concept and a lower social function of autobiographical memory in the ASDwID than in the control group. We also presented a link between clarity of self-concept and the self-function of autobiographical memory.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autobiographical memory; Self; Self-clarity.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / epidemiology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology*
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Executive Function / physiology
  • Female
  • France / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability*
  • Male
  • Memory, Episodic*
  • Self Concept*
  • Young Adult