Working Memory and Neurodivergent Children
How Parents Can Support at Home and School
Have you ever noticed your child walk into a room and immediately forget why they went there?
Or perhaps they start a chore, then abandon it halfway through, completely distracted by something else?
This isn’t carelessness — it’s often a sign of working memory challenges, which are very common in neurodivergent children.
What Is Working Memory?
Working memory is like a sticky note in the brain.
It temporarily holds information while we use it.
- Remembering a phone number long enough to type it in.
- Holding the first instruction while moving onto the second.
For many autistic and ADHD children, that “sticky note” doesn’t stick for long.
It’s like writing in pencil on a foggy window — the information fades before it’s used.
What It Feels Like for Children
From the inside, working memory slips can feel like:
- A thought vanishing mid-sentence.
- Panic when they suddenly forget what they were about to do.
- Static in the brain, making it impossible to hold onto information.
For children, this can mean:
- Struggling to keep up with multi-step instructions.
- Forgetting where they put their things.
- Appearing distracted in class when in fact they’re still processing the previous step.
How Parents Can Support at Home
Here are some ways to ease the load on your child’s working memory:
- Externalise everything. Write reminders down, use sticky notes, or keep a visual schedule on the wall.
- Use visual cues. Place items where they’ll be noticed — e.g., school bag by the front door.
- Break tasks into steps. Give one instruction at a time instead of three in a row.
- Repeat and clarify. Encourage your child to repeat instructions back to you to help them “stick.”
- Create routines. Always putting keys, shoes, or schoolbooks in the same spot removes memory demands.
Supporting in the Classroom
Teachers and parents can work together by:
- Providing written or visual instructions.
- Allowing extra time for multi-step tasks.
- Using checklists to guide learning.
- Breaking lessons into smaller, manageable chunks.
These small changes make a huge difference in how children experience learning.
Watch the Video
In this video, I take you through working memory issues and what it feels like from a personal perspective, as well as tips that I use to stay on track.
Looking Ahead
Working memory challenges are real — but they’re not a flaw. With the right supports in place, children can thrive in study and daily life.
✨ Coming Soon 🗓️
In January, I’ll be launching a Study Skills Program for Neurodivergent Students, designed to help kids build tools and strategies that work with their brains.
💛 If you’d like to register your interest, contact me here.