short term memory- organization?

[dadsconcerns]

What type of learnig disabilities will cause problems with short term memory - working memory and organization?

[Sandman2]

  If the child has a locker what grade is her/him in?  It would not be unusual for a,"very well behaved, polite and is very creative, has a strong vocabulary and communicates very well" child to be ignored by the school system until they were no longer able to compensate.  I have seen lots of posts on the ADHD forum by girls in particular who did not get diagnosed with ADD until quite late.  If they had been hyper kids, they would have been spotted much earlier.  You really haven't given much information about your child, but I would suspect ADD.  Check it out!!!!

[dadsconcerns]

Thanks specialmom that was very informative. If a child has difficulty only with retaining information to learn it but no motor function problems do you think this could still be an answer? The child is capable of running, playing, sports, etc with no difficulty. Symptoms are only seen with school work (classroom and home) and following directions. Also severe problems with organization (locker, bookbag, desk, bedroom, etc) The child is very well behaved, polite and is very creative, has a strong vocabulary and communicates very well.

[specialmom]

Part of the sensory system is called "Motor Planning".  It is the part of the nervous system that organizes and processes information in the brain.  If someone asks you a question for example------ the brain takes in the words.  It then processes them.  It then organizes the thought.  It then organizes the thought for the answer.  It gets the "plan" together and it then sends the message back out to the motor muscles (mouth) to answer.  It happens in a split second for most folks but if there is any issue in motor planning----------  the plan and process will be interrupted.

So kids with motor planning issues have great difficulty organizing thoughts/info in the brain.  Google sensory integration disorder and motor planning and see what you think.

FYI----------  a very thick piece of gum prior to memorizing or doing school work is helpful for "organizing" the brain to function at that time.  Chewing something thick helps.

[dadsconcerns]

I am wondering if there are other things besides ADD or ADHD that can cause these problems.

[Sandman2]

   The main things would be ADD and ADHD.  With these disorders it is very hard to focus for a period of time long enough to commit to memory.
    You might want to buy, "The ADD/ ADHD Answer book," by Susan Ashley.  She not only explains this but also gives ways to work with these disorders to overcome some of the problems.