Understanding memory and planning challenges in high school

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Neurodivergent Learners in High School

Parents of neurodivergent learners often notice unique patterns in how their teens remember assignments, organize materials, and plan ahead. These challenges are more common than many realize, especially in high school, when expectations for independence increase. If your child is navigating ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or another learning difference, understanding memory and planning challenges in high school is key to providing the right support. Every student can grow their skills in their own way, and your encouragement makes a real difference.

Definitions

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help us plan, organize, remember, and complete tasks. Working memory is the ability to hold information in mind while using it, such as remembering a math formula while solving a problem.

What Are Memory and Planning Challenges?

High school brings a big jump in responsibility. Teens are expected to keep track of assignments, study schedules, extracurriculars, and social commitments. For many, especially neurodivergent learners, this can feel overwhelming. Understanding memory and planning challenges in high school means recognizing that forgetfulness, lost materials, and missed deadlines are not a lack of effort, but signs your child may need new strategies.

Experts in child development note that working memory, organization, and long-term planning skills develop at different rates for every teen. The brain regions involved in executive function are still maturing into the early twenties. High school students may forget homework, lose track of steps in a project, or have trouble starting multi-step assignments. These experiences are especially common for students with ADHD or other learning differences.

Why Are These Challenges Common in High School?

Many teachers and parents report that the shift to high school comes with new routines and higher expectations. Students move between classes, manage more complex coursework, and must juggle competing priorities. For neurodivergent learners, transitions or unstructured time can add to the challenge. The phrase understanding memory and planning challenges in high school is about making sense of these struggles as part of normal development—not a personal failing.

For example, your child may:

• Forget about an upcoming test until the night before
• Lose track of a research paper’s multiple due dates
• Have trouble remembering instructions given at the start of class
• Misplace important study materials or notes

These patterns are not signs of laziness. Instead, they reflect differences in brain wiring or the need for more practice with organization and planning skills.

What Do Memory Struggles for High School Students Look Like?

Memory struggles for high school students can show up in many ways. Some students may remember facts for a quiz, but forget to bring the right book to class. Others may have strong long-term memory, but struggle to hold directions in mind while completing a class activity. Parents often see their teens:

• Repeating the same questions or forgetting what was just discussed
• Needing frequent reminders about chores or assignments
• Having difficulty following multi-step directions (“First, read the chapter, then answer the questions, then turn it in online.”)
• Feeling frustrated or embarrassed when they forget

Understanding memory and planning challenges in high school helps parents respond with empathy, rather than frustration. Recognizing these signs allows you to work with your child on solutions, instead of assuming they are not trying.

How Do Executive Function and Organization Skills Intersect?

Strong executive function skills are the foundation for effective organization. Teens with executive function differences often find it difficult to prioritize assignments, break projects into steps, or keep their workspace tidy. For neurodivergent learners, these challenges can impact grades and self-esteem. Understanding memory and planning challenges in high school means seeing how memory skills, time management, and organization are linked.

For instance, a teen might forget to write down homework because they are distracted at the end of class. Later, they may not remember what was assigned, leading to late or missed work. This pattern is common and solvable with the right supports.

High School Memory & Organization: What Can Parents Do?

Parents are key partners in building memory and organization skills. Here are concrete steps you can take at home:

1. Establish routines: Set a consistent time and place for homework. Use visual schedules or checklists to support memory.
2. Break tasks into steps: Help your child divide big projects into smaller, manageable pieces with clear deadlines.
3. Use reminders: Calendar apps, phone alarms, or sticky notes can prompt your teen about important tasks.
4. Encourage self-advocacy: Teach your child how to ask teachers for clarifications or extra time if needed.
5. Model organization: Show your child how you organize your own tasks and talk through your planning process out loud.

Understanding memory and planning challenges in high school enables you to normalize the use of supports. Many successful adults rely on calendars, reminders, and checklists to stay on top of responsibilities. These are lifelong tools, not crutches.

Parent Question: How Can I Tell If My Teen Needs More Help?

Many parents wonder when forgetfulness crosses the line into a bigger concern. If your child’s struggles are causing significant stress, affecting grades, or impacting self-confidence, it may be time to explore additional support. This could include a conversation with teachers, a meeting to discuss IEP or 504 plan accommodations, or connecting with a tutor skilled in executive function coaching.

Understanding memory and planning challenges in high school is also about recognizing when to seek help. Trust your instincts—your observations and advocacy can open doors to new strategies and resources.

Real-Life Scenario: Forgetting a Big Project

Imagine your teen is assigned a science project due in two weeks. They are excited at first, but as days pass, other assignments pile up. The project slips their mind until the night before it is due. Panic sets in, leading to stress and a rushed final product. This scenario is common, especially for neurodivergent learners. Using calendars, breaking the project into steps, and setting reminders can turn this stressful experience into a learning opportunity.

Building Resilience and Independence

It is easy for parents to feel frustrated by ongoing memory or planning challenges. Remember, every step your child takes toward independence—no matter how small—is a victory. Celebrate progress, encourage effort, and remind your teen that everyone learns and grows at their own pace. Understanding memory and planning challenges in high school is a journey, not a destination.

When to Involve Teachers and School Supports

Open communication with your child’s teachers can make a big difference. Many teachers have experience supporting students with memory and organization struggles. They may offer accommodations such as extra time, reminders, or alternative formats for assignments. Do not hesitate to ask about school-based resources, such as executive function coaching or organizational skills workshops. For more strategies, visit our executive function resources page.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands the unique needs of neurodivergent high school students. Our tutors work with families to build custom strategies for memory, planning, and organization skills, helping students become more confident and independent.

Related Resources

• 5 Ways to Develop Your Child’s Organizational Skills – Scholastic Parents
• What Every Parent Should Know About Working Memory – CHC Online
• Working Memory in Children: What Parents Should Know – Novak Djokovic Foundation

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].