Part 1- ADHD Truth: The REAL REASONS Your ADHD Symptoms Are Not Linked to Forgetfulness

Both adults and kids with ADHD often say how they often forget. The truth is, ADHD symptoms are typically not related to forgetting. This is because you can’t forget what you never remembered. 

ADHD forgetfulness in both adults and children with ADHD is linked to memory, and more specifically working memory. Working memory is the process of taking in new information, understanding the information, and transferring it from short- to long-term memory, to be recalled later. 

SIPSLOW: The Key to Success with Working Memory

With working memory, during any of the above mentioned steps, if a person is not successful, then all of the information is lost. ADHD symptoms are not associated with forgetfulness, rather they are linked to difficulties with working memory, used to form and store long-term memories.

If you or someone you know who has ADHD talks about being forgetful, try asking if they intentionally tried to learn the information they are trying to recall. If the answer is “no,” then the child or adult with ADHD didn’t forget the information. They never learned the information to be able to recall it. 

ADHD and When Working Memory Doesn’t Work…Now What?

Working memory is part of executive functioning (EF). EF includes the thought processes involved in planning, organizing, determining the importance of, and executing tasks. To improve working memory, you can use your strengths in learning to determine how you will best learn new information. Let’s discuss the first of four areas to improve working memory for kids and adults with ADHD.

Sensory Input

We take in new information with our five senses. Most people have preferences for the types of input that helps them learn best. The more senses that are incorporated in learning, the increased likelihood of being able to retain and recall information.

The next blog will discuss sensory input and how our senses can be used to take in new information, to improve working memory and EF.

Reference

Putri, N. K. R. S., & Juliana, I. P. (2022). TEACHING STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH STUDENTS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD). Innovative Education Journal, 1(1), 19–24. Retrieved from http://www.adianapublishing.com/index.php/inej/article/view/10