Do People with Autism Have Good Memory?

People with autism often have unique memory strengths and challenges. Many individuals show exceptional abilities in rote memory—the ability to recall facts, numbers, or specific details with accuracy. This strength can be particularly evident in areas of personal interest, such as dates, maps, or patterns.

However, working memory and episodic memory—used for multitasking or recalling personal experiences—may be more difficult. This means while someone might remember exact details from a favorite show, they could struggle to recall daily routines or social events.

Understanding these differences helps caregivers and educators tailor learning methods that play to a child’s strengths. Structured teaching, repetition, and visual supports can significantly enhance memory performance.

At Achieve Behavioral Therapy, our ABA programs help individuals build on their natural memory strengths while improving recall and organization skills for daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-memory/
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/keep-it-in-mind/202204/autism-memory-superpower