Working Memory: How it Impacts Daily Life and How Families Can Help
- All Care Therapies
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
What is Working Memory?:
Working memory is the ability to hold information in the mind for a short period of time and mentally work with it. It allows the brain to process information, make sense of it, and use it to guide actions in the moment. This skill supports thinking, learning, and decision-making.
How Working Memory Impacts Daily Life:
Supports following instructions, especially multi-step directions.
Helps with problem solving, planning, and organizing, such as keeping track of tasks and what comes next.
Supports learning and academic performance by helping the brain hold and use
information at the same time.
Influences independence with self-care and routines.
Activities Caregivers Can do at Home:
Working memory can be supported by strengthening the skills and by using strategies that make it easier to manage information in the moment.
Play games that challenge memory: Games that involve remembering rules, steps, and
sequences can help strengthen working memory in a fun way.
Practice repeating information: Have them repeat directions or information out loud to
help it stick.
Encourage visualization: Help them picture information in their mind, such as imagining
steps or visualizing what comes next.
Writing information down: Use lists, reminders, calendars, or visual schedules to reduce
how much has to be remembered at one time.
Breaking tasks into smaller steps: Giving few steps at a time can make directions easier
to remember and follow
Create predicable routines: Consistent daily routines help reduce memory demands and
make expectations clearer.
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