Child with ADHD fidgeting during a consultation, illustrating challenges with focus and attention.

July 24, 2025 Saskia Michele

Why Children With ADHD Often Forget - How ADHD Impacts A Child's Memory

Working memory is like a mental notepad that allows the brain to temporarily hold and use information. It helps with tasks like remembering a phone number long enough to dial it, following multi-step instructions, or keeping track of what comes next in a sequence.

For many children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), this mental “notepad” doesn’t work as effectively. They might start an instruction, like “Go to your room, grab your shoes, and bring them to the door,” but forget the second and third steps by the time they get there.

Young girl with ADHD looking distracted, representing working memory struggles and forgetfulness.

Why ADHD Affects Working Memory

Research shows that a significant number of children with ADHD experience weaknesses in working memory, particularly in the part that organises and manages information, known as the central executive function.

This happens due to differences in the brain:

The prefrontal cortex, which is key for planning and memory, is less active.
Levels of dopamine, a brain chemical that helps with focus and motivation, are lower than in neurotypical brains.

Because of this, even when a child is trying to pay attention, the brain struggles to hold onto information long enough to act on it.

How This Shows Up in Everyday Life

Working memory challenges in ADHD can look like:

Forgetting instructions moments after hearing them.
Struggling with tasks that require multiple steps.
Frequently losing personal items like books, schoolwork, or clothes.
Starting chores, homework, or activities but not finishing them.
Appearing easily distracted or “scatterbrained.”

This isn’t about laziness or not caring—it’s a real neurological difficulty that makes it harder to remember and organise information. It’s common for children with ADHD to be seen as “not listening” or “not trying.” In reality, they want to follow instructions but their brain simply processes and stores information differently.

Understanding this shift helps caregivers and teachers respond with support rather than frustration.

What Research Tells Us

Studies show that up to 80% of children with ADHD have working memory difficulties, making it harder to stay organised in school, follow conversations, and plan ahead.

A widely cited meta-analysis by Martinussen et al. (2005) found that deficits in the central executive part of working memory are one of the most significant cognitive challenges in ADHD, which explains why even intelligent, capable children may struggle with simple daily routines.

Ways to Support Working Memory in ADHD

The positive news is that there are many ways to help a child manage these challenges.

1. Build Predictable Routines

Keep mornings, evenings, and homework schedules consistent.
Use visual planners or charts so the child can clearly see what needs to be done next.

2. Give Step-by-Step Instructions

Instead of saying, “Clean your room, do your homework, and feed the dog,” break it into small steps:

“First, clean your room.”
Once completed, give the next task.

3. Use Visual Aids & Reminders

Post-it notes, charts, or color-coded folders can help prompt memory.
Timers and alarms are useful for time management.

4. Reinforce Through Repetition

Ask the child to repeat back instructions to help the brain retain the information.

5. Try Natural Remedies

Some gentle natural supports may help with focus and emotional balance, including:

BrightSpark – a natural remedy that helps improve concentration and mood balance.
Focus & Calm – a herbal support that promotes calmness and reduces restlessness, making it easier to focus.

6. Seek Professional Help if Needed

For families in South Africa, help can include:

Educational psychologists who specialise in ADHD and learning difficulties.
Occupational therapists who work on executive functioning skills.

Simple Steps to Start Today

Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Use visual aids like charts or checklists.
Set up a “launch pad” for school essentials.
Stay patient—remember, this is a neurological difference, not defiance.
Celebrate small successes to build confidence.

Key Takeaway

Children with ADHD aren’t forgetful on purpose. Their brains process, hold, and retrieve information differently, which can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. By creating structured routines, using memory aids, trying natural supports like BrightSpark and Focus & Calm, and seeking professional guidance when needed, children can better manage working memory challenges and feel more confident in daily life.