Visual working memory performance is intact across development in autism spectrum disorder

Visual working memory (VWM) typically improves across childhood and adolescence. Yet, it remains unclear whether such improvement occurs in autism (ASD). We measured color, shape, and pattern VWM performance in children (N=49; Mage=11y; 41 males), adolescents (N=46; Mage=15y; 38 males), and adults (N=51; Mage=24y; 47 males) with and without ASD (91% White, 6% Black or multiracial). By adulthood, color VWM accuracy among 4 items was better in the TD group relative to ASD (p2=.039). In childhood, shape VWM RT among 8 items was faster in the TD group relative to ASD (p2=.063). While VWM capacity was intact in ASD, VWM performance differences between ASD and TD may depend on age and visual feature.