Working Memory Weaknesses in Students With ADHD: Implications for Instruction

Abstract

Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at risk for academic underachievement. Children and youth with ADHD have been found to exhibit impairments on neuropsychological measures of executive functions, including working memory. Working memory is important to attentional control and learning. This article defines working memory, describes its importance to scholastic functioning, and highlights recent studies examining working memory functioning in students with ADHD. Finally, the authors discuss how educators can address working memory weaknesses in the classroom.