Short memory-training can improve inhibition functions in children with autism spectrum disorder: Preliminary evidences using an eye-tracker

Background Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit atypical oculomotor behavior and deficits in executive functioning, particularly in tasks involving inhibition and working memory. Eye-tracking paradigms provide objective markers for assessing these functions. Objective To assess whether a brief memory-based cognitive training can modulate saccadic eye movements and improve executive functioning in children with ASD. Method Fifty-four children with ASD were randomly assigned to a training group (G1) or a control group (G2). All participants completed oculomotor tasks before and after the intervention. These tasks included prosaccades (reflexive responses to peripheral stimuli) and memory-guided saccades (requiring inhibition of reflexive responses and spatial memory). G1 underwent 10 min of visuospatial memory training, while G2 had a 10-minute rest period. The main outcome measures included saccadic latency, anticipatory saccades (indicative of impulsivity), and error rate in memory-guided saccades (indicative of working memory performance). Results No significant change in prosaccadic latency was observed in the two groups. In contrast, the occurrence of anticipatory saccades and error rates in memory-guided saccades decreased significantly in G1 only, while G2 showed no change. Conclusion A brief memory training significantly improved oculomotor markers of inhibition and working memory in children with ASD. These findings suggest that memory training may enhance attentional engagement and inhibitory control in this population.