Mnesic imbalance: a cognitive theory about autism spectrum disorders
2008

Mnesic Imbalance: A Cognitive Theory About Autism Spectrum Disorders

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Romero-Munguía Miguel Ángel

Primary Institution: Hospital Psiquiátrico 'Dr. Samuel Ramírez Moreno'

Hypothesis

The theory proposes that a mnesic imbalance between faulty procedural memory and relatively preserved declarative memory explains the symptoms of autism.

Conclusion

The mnesic imbalance theory suggests that autism symptoms may be attempts to compensate for deficits in procedural learning.

Supporting Evidence

  • Autistic individuals often have a strong declarative memory but struggle with procedural memory.
  • Impairments in procedural memory may lead to difficulties in social interaction and communication.
  • Research indicates that a mnesic imbalance could explain the core symptoms of autism.

Takeaway

This study suggests that people with autism might have trouble with automatic actions because their memory for doing things automatically is not working well, while they can remember facts and events better.

Methodology

The study reviewed existing literature and theories related to memory types and their implications for autism symptoms.

Limitations

The theory requires further empirical studies to validate its claims.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1744-859X-7-20

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