Short-term or working memory refers to information that the brain stores temporarily for immediate use. Remembering to stick with tasks after leaving a meeting is an example of using short-term memory. Long-term memory refers to information that the brain permanently stores for future use. Remembering data from a professional event you attended three years ago is a function of long-term memory.
For many people with Asperger syndrome and NLD, poor short-term memory negatively affects job performance. The ubiquitous vocational requirement to multitask, for example, requires rapid attentional switching and good short-term memory to keep track of all input.
Although short-term memory cannot be repaired, there are techniques that can improve it. Although the following ideas may not be feasible in all work situations, chances are you will find at least one or two that you can implement.
Create a quiet workspace and limit interruptions throughout the day. Depending on your job, you may lock the door or post a “do not disturb” sign outside your cubicle so you can work without interruption for a period of time. If you’re in the middle of an important task and a coworker interrupts you, politely ask if you can connect later: “I’m working on a deadline right now… can we talk at 3:00?” (Keep in mind that in most workplaces you are expected to stop what you are doing if the interrupter is your supervisor or a senior executive.)
Another way to manage interruptions is to schedule two to three specific times each day to check email and voicemail. Turning off the email notification system on your computer lessens the temptation to read and reply to messages as they arrive. You can reduce auditory distractions by wearing noise-canceling headphones or using a white noise machine.
Use your preferred learning style whenever possible. Visual learners, for example, perform better when information is presented in graphs, diagrams, and photographs. Written instructions and color coding are helpful for visual learners. Auditory learners prefer lectures, audio recordings, and discussions. Repeating information out loud often helps them retain it better. Tactile/kinesthetic learners prefer demonstrations and hands-on learning. Writing sequential steps on individual cards and placing the cards in order can speed up learning. (For more information on learning styles, visit www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm)
Look for connections to what you already know about a particular situation or person. If you are writing a training document, for example, write down the essential features and elements found in training manuals. Then fill in the details for your specific project.
Practice “chunking” information. The average (neurotypical) adult can store about seven pieces of information in their short-term working memory. Categorizing small bits of information into chunks uses less short-term memory capacity and aids in recall.
A classic example of fragmentation is the telephone number. The sequence 5556789123 is hard to remember. But when the digits are categorized into area code, prefix, and line number, remembering them is much easier: (555) 678-9123.
Here is an example of how this technique can be used at work. Lynn works at a restaurant and had trouble remembering the details of various tasks. Setting the table for lunch involved a long sequence of items: knife, fork, spoon, place mat, lunch plate, butter dish, coffee cup and saucer, water glass, napkin. Lynn would often forget an item or two for the table setting.
He then classified the individual items as “a place.” She formed a visual image in her mind of the final product (a complete table) that effectively cut the data in her working memory from ten to one.
Think about the categories you can create for the tasks you perform. Visual reminders, such as photos or icons, can help you remember what the finished product should look like. (Google Images has graphic examples of just about everything!)
Create routines instead of relying on short-term memory to plan daily activities. Repetition allows information to go into permanent storage in long-term memory.
Write things down. The physical act of writing helps memory. Some of my clients carry small pads with them throughout the day for this purpose.
Investigate some of the technologies available for scheduling and organizing.
Finally, keep in mind that stress, anxiety, and fatigue make it difficult to concentrate and affect memory. Adding periods of exercise and relaxation to your day will increase productivity.