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Poor Working Memory

Beans on Toast

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

  • i agree with you. mouse clicks are so 'abstract.' you may have issues with parsing out words, multi-tasking..... so, at least you have an idea of some of your weaknesses. yeah, most find writing down instructions works - apparently not you. maybe you're anxious, also. and when someone is explaining something to you, you may have to work a lot harder just to process that - them communicating with you. that might not leave much of your processing available for what they were actually doing (giving you instructions, which you immediately vaporize on)

    on the other hand, you should investigate your strengths --- maybe you're unaware of them. 

    i don't think doing memory games will help, altho you could try. but since you're in an asd forum, i think your asd is the issue, or things that go with asd.

    for me, i gotta know a LOT about something before i can feel ok with memorizing or feeling okay with the task or material. i'm super slow, which is a drag. i've only discovered after a long time that i just need a lot of practice, trying out, experimenting with something before i get it. but sometimes i get it to a really solid degree. 

  • in reply to raspberrypie

    I think that last paragraph is me too.. super slow anyway, processing issues and a new thing to learn. I think because I can’t do it straight away or follow the written instructions, then the anxiety becomes the main focus and it stops me moving forwards with the next part as I panic that I’m stuck. I know I have lots of strengths  and have support  with this for as long as it takes. I just want to be more independent and to be able to do it on my own without the over reliance on others.  

  • in reply to Beans on Toast

    Absolutely; that's why I like things like Tai Chi, the guitar (I'm still not very good at this) and drawing. All are about repeating them many, many times and super slowly (fun fact, you practise tai chi and the guitar at a snails pace so you don't have to think about it going super quick...which makes the ethos of tai chi sound a bit more....erm, fighty.

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  • in reply to Beans on Toast

    Absolutely; that's why I like things like Tai Chi, the guitar (I'm still not very good at this) and drawing. All are about repeating them many, many times and super slowly (fun fact, you practise tai chi and the guitar at a snails pace so you don't have to think about it going super quick...which makes the ethos of tai chi sound a bit more....erm, fighty.

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