forgetfullnes

[Estelle]

Hi,
My son is 10 years old and I don`t know what to do about his forgetfullnes! In school & at home he keeps forgetting everything assignements, hand in homework,clothes go to the lost and found, everyday there is something he fails to remember( this things are his day to day do`s and for anyone else normal rutines). The big paradox is that he has an incredible memory!!! He`s always kind of on the go( more his mind than body but a bit of each) and at night has difficulty winding down and disconecting in order to fall asleep.His teachers in school complain that he is often distracted about other things going on around him than the actuall class. Is there anything I`m missing? I would be so gratefull for any little hint how to help him remember his responsabilities.
Thank you in advance,
E.G

[zara23]

A related discussion, my son keeps forgetting was started.

[LeAnne]

HI THERE-

MY BOYFRIENDS DAUGHTER IS 12 & ALSO HAS ADHD.  SHE IS ALWAYS FORGETTING THINGS LUNCH, MEDICINE, BRUSH TEETH ETC.

I DESIGNED A GOAL CHART FOR HER THAT LISTS ALL HER DAILY REMINDERS & CHORES
1. BEAUTY ROUNTINE
2. BREAKFAST & MEDICINE
3. P/U ROOM
4. GET BACK-PACK
5. TAKE LUNCH OUT OF FRIDGE
ETC. ETC. ETC. YOU CAN MAKE IT FUN WITH STICKERS ETC.

SHE GOT MORE ORGANIZED & STAYED MORE FOCUSED, SOME MAY THINK THIS IS MORE FOR A 2 YR. OLD BUT THIS 12 YR OLD REMEMBERS & IS NOT FORGETFUL & FEELS BETTER ABOUT HER SELF

[LeAnne]

HI THERE-

MY BOYFRIENDS DAUGHTER IS 12 & ALSO HAS ADHD.  SHE IS ALWAYS FORGETTING THINGS LUNCH, MEDICINE, BRUSH TEETH ETC.

I DESIGNED A GOAL CHART FOR HER THAT LISTS ALL HER DAILY REMINDERS & CHORES
1. BEAUTY ROUNTINE
2. BREAKFAST & MEDICINE
3. P/U ROOM
4. GET BACK-PACK
5. TAKE LUNCH OUT OF FRIDGE
ETC. ETC. ETC. YOU CAN MAKE IT FUN WITH STICKERS ETC.

SHE GOT MORE ORGANIZED & STAYED MORE FOCUSED, SOME MAY THINK THIS IS MORE FOR A 2 YR. OLD BUT THIS 12 YR OLD REMEMBERS & IS NOT FORGETFUL & FEELS BETTER ABOUT HER SELF

[Kathy]

I've been searching desperately for answers to the behavior of my boyfriends 10 year old son.  Something that has been a routine for him is to forget where he put something, such as a toy, a watch, a belt and even his homework.  I know there is definitely disorganization because when questioned about what he did with something, he is in total shock as to what happened to the item.  I've read books, websites, spoken with many professionals because this is only one of the many odd behavior patterns that he's been having since coming to live with us a year ago.  It's exhausting to watch his behavior and his father doesn't think it will last very long.  I want him to get help because I think this is a sign of bigger problems as he gets older.  Not only does he "forget", but he will actually lie.  I feel for you, we're not alone and hopefully it's not too late to get help.  Puberty is just around the corner and I'm worried that without help, it will be too late.  Best wishes.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Estelle,

Your description suggests a couple of possibilities. Sometimes the appearance of forgetfulness is actually a problem with organization. As you point out, your son has a good memory, but at times he's not able to organize his activity to take advantage of what he remembers. At times, but not always, such lack of organization can be a sign of a non-verbal learning disability.

Another possibility is Inatentive-Type Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Children with this condition tend to be distractible and to 'forget' things (i.e., materials, assignments, handing in work) that are important to successful functioning in school. They are often not particularly hyperactive or impulsive, so don't strike people as typifying ADHD (which many people equate with extreme overactivity).