Autobiographical memory in the visually impaired: initial findings and impressions

We examine memory for personal events in a group of visually impaired children/young adults using a semi-structured interview technique and a word cueing task. Memories were assessed for specificity, detail, and emotional and sensory content. We also investigated the age of earliest autobiographical memory. The data suggests that visual impairment may be associated with a less detailed memory for personal experiences and a later onset of personal memory. Possible mechanisms which contribute to the characteristics of autobiographical memory in visual impairment are discussed.