What strategies help with forgetfulness in ADHD?

PostedOctober 1, 2025

UpdatedOctober 6, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD forgetfulness strategies are essential for managing memory difficulties and improving day-to-day functioning. People with ADHD often experience forgetfulness due to challenges with organisation, attention, and working memory. Fortunately, there are various strategies that can help reduce forgetfulness and improve memory retention.

One effective strategy is using reminders ADHD. Setting up alarms, notifications, or using digital reminders on your phone or computer can help ensure important tasks or appointments aren’t forgotten. Another method is to keep a detailed calendar or planner, where you can jot down deadlines, appointments, and daily tasks.

How It Helps

Coping with Forgetfulness

Coping with forgetfulness involves creating routines that make remembering easier. For instance, establishing a set time each day to review tasks or check schedules can help reinforce memory. Creating a designated space for essential items like keys, wallets, and phones also reduces the risk of misplacing them.

Executive Dysfunction Memory Support

Executive dysfunction memory support can also include using visual aids such as sticky notes, whiteboards, or to-do lists to serve as constant reminders. Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps and checking them off as you go can also reduce forgetfulness and increase task completion.

In conclusion, ADHD forgetfulness strategies like using reminders ADHD, setting routines, and visual aids can greatly improve memory and reduce the impact of executive dysfunction memory support, leading to better organisation and less stress.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Executive Function Deficits.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.