Preserving the past: an early interview improves delayed event memory in children with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

This study examined the influence of an early interview on later recall and changes in children’s reports (N = 194) of an experienced event in children with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities (CWID) (7-12 years) and typically developing (TD) children matched for chronological (7-12 years) or mental (4-9 years) age. Children reported more information, were more accurate, and less suggestible when they had previously been interviewed. CWID (mild) recalled as much information as TD mental age matches, and were as accurate as TD chronological age matches. CWID (moderate) recalled less than TD mental age matches but were as accurate. Interviewers should elicit CWID’s recall as early as possible and consider developmental level and severity of impairments when evaluating eyewitness testimony.