Many parents and teachers have been known to say, "What can I do, besides medication, to help my child (student) pay attention?"

There are several reasons why children may have difficulty 'paying attention.'  Some of the following are typical reasons that have often been identified:

* is unmotivated
* is distracted
* is in sensory overload
* is in need of more sensory input
* requires a different teaching style other than sitting
* has a medical diagnosis of ADHD
* the work is too hard
* has language processing difficulties

But, in the work that I have done with students who have ASD/ADHD/LD,  I have found that many kids have deficient working memory.  Working memory can be compared to your "desk top"..... what you need to refer to, use frequently, or tuck away for a few minutes.  It's right in front of you, and you can bring it up easily when you need it.

For one reason or another, some folks' working memory is smaller than others.  If your desk top has decreased storage ability, you will most likely struggle with recalling directions, have difficulty with multiple choice question-type tests (holding each choice in your mind while deciding if another is better), following multi-step procedures to solve problems, or remembering a series of steps you are asked to do.

To compensate, provide a visual representation of the steps to be followed or a written list.  Many students can perform multi-step processes if they have this "cue" in front of them.   If the IEP or 504 says 'write AND say directions', this is most likely why.  Some kids need the visual supports to be successful when tasks are presented with auditory directions.

Working memory is just one of many executive functions!  But, it's a critical one that assists us in processing and completing many types of tasks -- from remembering the items on our grocery list to solving a math problem using the  order of operations.