Abstract
Episodic memory (EM) is memory for past personal experiences. EM and social development
are inextricably linked, and both are impacted in autistic persons. Parents of autistic
children can be taught to engage in a unique conversational style (i.e., elaborative
reminiscing) to support a child's memory and social development. This article discusses
the importance of EM in autism and describes a new manualized caregiver training to
support EM in autistic children. An uncontrolled pre-post study design was employed
to test proof of concept. Results affirmed the potential of this intervention for
increasing caregivers' elaborateness and improving children's EM in a family-centered,
naturalistic way. Results suggest that further treatment development and examination
of effectiveness are needed. We argue that these kinds of intervention are important:
not only is EM theoretically potent for social cognitive development, it is essential
for a sense of self-determination, social connection, and psychological well-being.
Keywords
elaborative reminiscing - episodic memory - parent training - autism - autobiographical
memory
