Neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses associated with Short Term Memory Issues

Joe has many strengths as a person.  He is charming and friendly with a quick smile that accompanies his twinkling eyes.  He dresses sharp and always looks great.  He enjoys reading, movies, cats, and news events.

Joe can fit in at most events and few people know that he is struggling with short term memory loss and frontal lobe disengagement.

Joe blends in well because he has lots of supports in place.  Most people would not need all of his supports but a Universal Design can help everyone reach higher standards.

Lets take a look at the 3 learning networks of the brain that help us accomplish learning and how they can be supported to enhance learning and living opportunities.

Recognition Networks 

Recognition networks allow us to identify and understand information in parts and in complex patterns.

Strategic Networks

Strategic networks allow us to plan, execute, and monitor actions and skills.

Affective Networks

Affective networks allow us to feel connected in an emotionally important way to engage with our world.

These networks are in use all the time but some are keyed in more for certain tasks and at certain times. Every person uses these networks to learn and engage but each person processes information in a unique way.

A short term memory issue can be supported with tools that enhance the stronger network skills and reduce the weaknesses.

Joe has strengths in the recognition and affective networks.  He has a rich history of travel, reading, and educational enrichments.  He can recognize and attribute meaning to items that he connects to his past.  He enjoys museums and book stores.  His recognition and affective networks can be supported with historical frames of reference to aid new learning and to quantify with emotional significance.

Joe has a strength of dialogue regarding his strategic networks but weakness in action.  He can not independently begin or follow through on an action.  He can not dress or care for himself independently.  His clothes are laid out with picture cards to help him plan and execute dressing.

The UDL connection here is to engage learners with their strengths and support the weaker networks.  In Joe's case visual clues help him: daily planner with a verbal prompt.  He learns best with social engagement and visual reminders.  He can not use his tools independently with out an aide but the same supports could help an independent learner.


Network information was found in Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age by David H. Rose and Anne Meyer