Poor Working Memory

Hi, I have issues with poor working memory. I can see/ read/hear something and  a minute later I have forgotten it. In day to day life, it doesn’t really matter- it frustrates me, but I get by. However, it’s causing significant problems at work in following sequences to access a new computer program we are using.

I’ve watched someone about twenty times complete the process, but I can’t remember what to do when it’s my turn....it’s like I’m looking at information I have never seen before even though I’ve just watched someone complete the same process. I’ve tried writing a step by step list of instructions and and have visuals, but the problem is I look at the instruction/ visual one by one and then by the time I look at the screen to complete that one specific step, I've forgotten. It’s literally seconds. I think it’s harder also because the information I need to remember is so abstract- a series of clicks with a mouse. If someone stands by me and tells me what to press I can complete the instructions, so maybe working memory and problems with visual processing, I don’t know. 

Do I just accept that this is part of my difficulties, and let someone else complete the process- they can do- or do I persevere? I find it frustrating that no matter how hard I try to remember, I can’t. 

Parents
  • Would it be possible to take a video of the process being followed? Including asking someone to move the mouse a bit slower than usual so the video can capture each step?

    I kind of know a bit of the struggles with working memory. I struggle with this area a fair bit. I also struggle with people giving directions. If the directions are any more than two or three steps, my memory hasn't a chance. So, in such situations, I'd need to video the person giving directions so that I could replay the vid when I get to each new step of the journey.

    I hope you can find a good tool or workaround to support you.

    Best wishes
    Ed

  • Yeah, I could take a video and play back and actually that has worked well for other instructions. I suppose the only issue would be is that I have to repeat the process 4/5 times a day within a short space of time. Is is usually to have poor memory where I can’t even remember from looking at the paper to carrying out the task? My memory in all aspects is poor, but if it’s something I’m interested in/ understand I sometimes remember more. 

Reply
  • Yeah, I could take a video and play back and actually that has worked well for other instructions. I suppose the only issue would be is that I have to repeat the process 4/5 times a day within a short space of time. Is is usually to have poor memory where I can’t even remember from looking at the paper to carrying out the task? My memory in all aspects is poor, but if it’s something I’m interested in/ understand I sometimes remember more. 

Children