Does impaired working memory account for significant variance in language skills among children with high-functioning autism?

Impaired working memory does account for significant variance in language skills among children with high-functioning autism. Research indicates that children with high-functioning autism often experience challenges with working memory, which can affect their ability to process and use language effectively. Working memory is crucial for tasks that involve not only recalling information but also integrating and manipulating that information in real-time, such as during conversation or when learning new vocabulary.

Children with high-functioning autism may struggle with language skills due in part to difficulties in holding onto and processing contextual information, leading to issues with narrative skills, vocabulary usage, and understanding complex sentence structures. As a result, the level of working memory impairment can significantly influence how well these children understand and produce language, making it a key factor in their language development.

In light of this understanding, the assertion that impaired working memory accounts for significant variance in language skills among this population is validated by numerous studies highlighting the relationship between cognitive abilities and language function, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.