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The Association Between Past and Future Oriented Thinking: Evidence From Autism Spectrum Disorder

Williams, David M., Lind, Sophie E. (2012) The Association Between Past and Future Oriented Thinking: Evidence From Autism Spectrum Disorder. Learning and Motivation, 43 (4). pp. 231-240. ISSN http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2012.05.004. (doi:10.1016/j.lmot.2012.05.004) (KAR id:41196)

Abstract

A number of recently developed theories (e.g., the constructive episodic simulation, self-projection, and scene construction hypotheses) propose that the ability to simulate possible future events (sometimes referred to as episodic future thinking, prospection, or foresight) depends on the same neurocognitive system that is implicated in the recall of past events (episodic memory). In this paper, we argue that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) offers an ideal test of such theories, given that it is a developmental disorder that is characterized by impairments in episodic memory. Each of these theories would predict concomitant impairments in episodic future thinking among individuals with ASD. We review evidence concerning episodic future thinking in ASD, as well as studies of prospective memory (remembering to do something in the future), planning, navigation, and theory of mind, which some theories suggest also rely on the same mechanism as episodic future thinking.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.lmot.2012.05.004
Uncontrolled keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; episodic memory; episodic future thinking; mental time travel; planning; prospective memory
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: David Williams
Date Deposited: 27 May 2014 13:40 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:16 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/41196 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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