Expert: Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell - 1/16/2007

Question
What did you think about using mnemonics to memorize and recall information?
Thanks,
Jim

Answer
Whatever works.

The only caveat I have to that is that the strategy has to work for that particular individual. A teacher can have a pet strategy that really suits him or her but may not be a fit for every student's learning style. There is no one right way to reach every child.

Memory difficulties are not at all unusual for kids with autism spectrum disorders. Some may have trouble with recalling auditory or information they hear yet when they can see or touch, they will remember far better. Like all of us, most kids with ASD can have terrific memories for things that interest them.

Mnemonics are tricks that help our minds to relate to or create meaning to that which we're trying to remember. How could that not but help?

Sometimes when we teach mnemonic strategies, we rely heavily on the auditory mode, talking and repeating. For a child with visual strengths but auditory weaknesses, this might not be as helpful as we'd hoped. And many people with ASD have strengths in the visual areas.

So, couple the verbal mnemonic with things the child can look at or better yet, things he can both see and touch. Try to create a mnemonic that has meaning to the child, rather than just being meaningful to the instructor. The more involved the child is in creating the mnemonic, the greater his chance of buying into the strategy. Plus, as an added bonus, you're teaching him a lifelong skill that he can use to create his own mnemonics when he does not have you by his side.

The University of Kansas has done extensive research and development on memory aids like mnemonics. You can read some of their suggestions here: http://www.kucrl.org/archives/ls/storage.shtml

Various mnemonic strategies are explained at this site: http://www.ldonline.org/article/5912

This site talks about the value of using imagery with your mnemonics, an ideal tact to use with someone with an autism spectrum disorder: http://www.memory-key.com/mnemonics/mnemonics.htm

And lastly, this site gives a good overview of what mnemonics are, ways to construct them and when/when not to use them: http://www.specialconnections.ku.edu/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/specconn/main.php?cat=instr...

Sharon A. Mitchell
www.autismsite.ca