Autobiographical memory begins to develop at age 2 ½ to 4-years of age. Prior to age 4, most children recall the general pattern of events (script memory), although children as young as 2 ½ can have a distinct memory of an event that happened four to five months previously, if the event was singular or important. Children tend to remember more than they can relate.

Three-year-old children commonly report script memory, but can also accurately report specific events. Young children are dependent on adults to assist in recall through the use of direct questions.

Articles cited by Dutton:
Fivush, 1993; Roberts, 2002; Roediger & Gallo, 2002.
Areas of Inquiry and Summary for Expert Testimony and Supporting Research Citations
Wendy A. Dutton, M.A., Ph.D., LPC, February 2022