03/22/2026
Working Memory
Working memory is our ability to hold information in our short-term memory that we reference while doing activities. This allows us to complete multi-step directions, hold instructions in our head while doing things, and remember where we are in the middle of doing things. Working memory also allows us to keep a mental picture of what the finished product should look like as we monitor our performance while doing it. We can monitor how we are doing things while doing them, plus know when it is good enough to be considered complete. Without working memory, we would forget directions that guide us through things, get lost in the middle of activities, and would not have a mental map of what we are doing.
Suggestions:
1. Visual instructions: Write out the instructions for the person to reference rather than just telling them. Even if they can repeat back to you what they need to do, they will often lose it once they can start working. Using graphic organizers, highlighting important points, flow charts, and thinking maps are all good strategies for giving concrete, visual cues to reference while doing the task. We must put the memory into a visual form to reference.
2. Avoid multitasking: Most autistic people that struggle with executive functioning will have difficulty with multi-tasking. They cannot keep multiple information and multiple tasks simultaneously organized in their memory. In both work and school, the teacher and supervisor need to present one project at a time and to break them down into concrete steps with specific timelines.
3. Preview before and during activities: Do not assume that the person knows what is expected without previewing it. Preview and clarify understanding expectations. Preview what they can expect to happen, what is expected of them, and clarify and verify that they understand. Again, since they have difficulty keeping this information in their memory while in the activity, reminders or written checklist may help keep them on track.
4. Smart Phone Apps: There are smartphone or tablet apps that can provide an individualize library of the events the person regularly experiences. This library may include step by step instructions of what to do when shopping, going to the bank, navigating public transportation, or when lost or need help. These apps store important information for people to reference when they get stuck or run into a snag in their daily routine. It is common for autistics to freeze and panic when there is a snag, especially while in the community. Having instructions, they can reference helps reduce anxiety and provide concrete directions when confused. You can individualize these libraries to meet the specific needs of the person. One man reported that he has his gym work out on his phone. He rotates between the treadmill, elliptical machine, and rowing machine with 10 minutes on each. The phone would show a picture of the activity with a timer for each. These apps can list “what if’s” in common situations for when the person runs into snags. It lowers anxiety and panic when snags happen and provide concrete directions to what to do during the conflict.
5. Photo Activity Stories: For those who cannot navigate apps and written checklists, photo stories can work well. Create a page with several photos sequencing the steps of an activity. The parent can preview it with the child ahead of time and use it during the activity to remind the child.
This article will be published in the upcoming book, “The Autism Discussion Page on stress, anxiety, shutdowns, and meltdowns”
https://www.amazon.com/Autism-Discussion-Anxiety-Shutdowns-Meltdowns/dp/178592804X/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=bill+nason&qid=1553451610&s=gateway&sr=8-3
