Problem focusing on what's going on .Remembering one minute forgetting the next.

[Mimsi]

Hello

I wanted to ask if any of you have a problem like this where you know there is an extra event in your day.However as you get into your days routine you forget it.

Making you look a bit stupid if not dreamy.

Could be a meeting a work or something that you've organised like changing tyres and it flys out of your head?

This happens to me all the time.At the moment I have a job which is very active and it's very difficult to have lists about me or on my person.I find this problem very damaging to my selfconfidence. This is not new I have always had this problem as long as I remember.

Could this be dyslexia or more attention deficit? Any ideas?

Thank you in advance.

[pavarottislater]

I always have trouble forgetting things and being easily distracted by anything that it appears I am not listening. I guess I am not but this gives the same impression. I can have a complete blank of what was discussed in a meeting I had this morning. So if I am trying to relay the information to someone else I have to do that asap before I lose track and forget it. This isn't always the case some things I remember well but it is normally visual things rather than words people are saying. In the same way I can understand missing an event out the day is quite easy to do. I am 34 and still trying to figure out if it is my dyslexia or just me or something else. I guess it helps if you can put a name to it rather than feel a bit slow or stupid like I do sometimes, even though I know I am actually quite a good achiever and great at my job. I have to make notes and lists so I would try to come.up with a way to keep doing that. Maybe a lanyard round your neck with some notes or bullet points? Without knowing your job it is hard to say what would be inconspicuous. Good luck

[Kanani]

Hello Mimsi,

I think this a very typical of many dyslexics, and it seems to be central to my dyslexia. I use alarms on my mobile phone a lot to keep track of the time, and to store notes about where I need to be. Also, don't try to pack too many things into your time and run from one thing to another. Give yourself time to make notes, on whatever device you decide works for you.

I work with excellent administrators who are very linear. I'm a systems person and think visually like you, and in 3D spatial ways. Meetings with these administrators seemed to me to be about making and ticking off lists - which I have great difficulty following or processing. I used just wander off in my thoughts thinking about issues and lost track completely. It was noticed by those who knew me best, and they sometimes got annoyed, especially as I couldn't remember the arbitrary (so it appeared to me) items I'd agreed to (feeling I had to agree). But they knew I was good at doing things and understanding in ways they couldn't, so that balanced things. When I felt I could discuss my dyslexia with them, that suddenly made a lot of sense, and now we can work things out better. I feel they 'ambush' me less often.

I'll bet you do things in ways that are valued and beneficial. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Make room for developing an using strategies (a reminder system of some sort), and your colleagues will make room too!

All the best,

DH

[Mimsi]

Thanks for your replies.

I am working with quite small children and I don't have a desk.

I suppose I could find or develop a note pad for around my neck.I really enjoy my work but find that I often sound a bit silly asking about what we are doing next when we've just spoken about.

Or I start to explain something but not always from the begining.Sometimes fron somewhere in the middle.

I just think these two problems have hindered me before.Making me seem confused.

Thanks

[arjuna]

bad short term memory plays a significant role in my experience of dyslexia too and it can be really annoying! It's either me forgetting to do something really important or being blamed by someone else for being forgetful! I have severe dyslexia and my doctor thinks i may have ADD. Although I'm pretty sure I have ADD, I didn't want to get tested because it only leads to horrible medication.

What I find helpful to deal with it is sticking post sticks all around the house, the same message will be in every room etc. I also write important things on my hand. Yes, i people come into your house, they may think you're crazy but it might actually help....plus it makes the house look colourful Also, using a specific colour for a specific message all around the house will help you associate the colour with the task For example, changing the tyre will be on a blue note and going to the bank on a pink one. Stick the same message in each room, all the places you visit frequently in your daily routine.

[DyslexiaAction1]

This sort of thing can be a sign of dyslexia, or a kind of attention deficit, or it can arise from having a lot of stress and worry. It would be hard to say which without more information and, ideally, an assessment to look at memory. If reading and spelling are not a problem, then I would look more in the direction of attention and/or memory problems.

Dyslexia Action can help as we work with people who have memory problems related to dyslexia, but the same kinds of tools and strategies to help remember important things could be used. To contact your nearest Dyslexia Action Centre for further visit dyslexiaaction.org.uk/find-us