A student asked a question during class. I opened my mouth to answer — and then what was the question again? This isn’t forgetfulness. It’s the working memory deficit of ADHD [1].
What Is Working Memory?
According to Baddeley’s (1992) model, working memory is the system that temporarily stores and manipulates information [1]. Think of it as a notepad — limited capacity, and what’s written gets erased.
Related: ADHD productivity system
Working memory deficit is one of the core symptoms of ADHD. A meta-analysis by Martinussen et al. (2005) showed that the working memory of children with ADHD is 0.74 standard deviations lower than non-ADHD children [2].
Impact on Daily Life
- Hearing instructions and forgetting them before you can start
- Forgetting what the previous paragraph said while reading
- Forgetting what you were about to say mid-conversation
- Forgetting the next step while cooking [3]
Coping Strategies
- Write it down immediately — Record what comes to mind within 3 seconds
- External memory — Smartphone notes, Post-its, whiteboards
- Chunking — Group information to reduce memory units
- Ask for repetition — Don’t be embarrassed to say “Could you say that again?”
- Visualization — Convert what you hear into a mental image
Application as a Teacher
During class, I always write key points on the board — not for the students, but for myself. It’s a survival strategy for a teacher with ADHD.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition.
Your Next Steps
- Today: Pick one idea from this article and try it before bed tonight.
- This week: Track your results for 5 days — even a simple notes app works.
- Next 30 days: Review what worked, drop what didn’t, and build your personal system.
Last updated: 2026-03-16
About the Author
Written by the Rational Growth editorial team. Our health and psychology content is informed by peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines, and real-world experience. We follow strict editorial standards and cite primary sources throughout.
References
- Baddeley, A. (1992). Working memory. Science, 255(5044), 556-559.
- Martinussen, R., et al. (2005). A meta-analysis of working memory impairments in children with ADHD. JAACAP, 44(4), 377-384.
- Brown, T. E. (2013). A New Understanding of ADHD. Routledge.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.