Why Do ADHD People Forget? The Truth Nobody Explains

It's not just being “scatterbrained”

There’s real neuroscience behind the forgetfulness

Okay, first of all — no, people with ADHD don’t forget stuff because they’re “lazy” or “not paying attention.” That one always makes my blood boil. I’ve got ADHD myself, and honestly? Forgetting things can be one of the most maddening parts of living with it.

I was literally talking with my friend Sara last week. She’s neurotypical, and she asked, “Wait, how do you forget your coffee in the microwave every single time?” And I laughed, but I also said: “It’s not that I forget. My brain just... moves on too fast.”

There’s actually a term for this: executive dysfunction. It's not that we can’t remember. It’s that our brains struggle with organizing, storing, and retrieving info at the right time.

The role of working memory (and why it betrays us)

What’s working memory, anyway?

Think of working memory like your brain's sticky note. Most people can hold a few bits of info in their head — like remembering a number while dialing it or holding onto a thought while they finish something else.

People with ADHD? That sticky note gets smudged. Or it straight-up flies out the window.

I’ll give you a personal example: one morning, I walked into the kitchen to get my wallet... and came out with a banana. I didn’t even realize I forgot the wallet until I was locking the door.

That’s how weak working memory plays out. It’s frustrating. It's not about not caring. It’s like your brain is juggling ten tabs open, and you accidentally close the one with your to-do list.

Time blindness and the “out of sight, out of mind” trap

If it’s not visible, it might as well not exist

Here’s a classic ADHD moment: I’ll put something “somewhere safe” — like tickets for an event — and completely forget where that safe place is. Two days later, panic. Why? Because unless I SEE the thing, my brain doesn’t hold onto the task.

They call this time blindness and object permanence issues (yes, even in adults). If a task or object isn’t directly in our visual field or immediate routine, poof. Gone.

I once missed a Zoom meeting because the reminder popped up… then I got distracted by a cat video. I know, I know. But if you're ADHD, you get it.

Emotional dysregulation adds another layer

Stress? Shame? Yep — that makes it even worse

One thing I didn’t understand for years: when I feel overwhelmed, my memory completely tanks. Like, I’ll forget basic things. I’ve even left the oven on once during a meltdown — and no, I’m not proud of it.

ADHD brains don’t just process logic differently, they also process emotion in a way that can override everything else. You get anxious, and suddenly remembering your appointment just isn’t a priority to your brain anymore.

And then comes the guilt spiral: “Why do I keep doing this?” “What’s wrong with me?” And that stress makes the forgetfulness worse. It’s a loop. A horrible, exhausting loop.

Strategies that actually help (no, not just more Post-its)

You can’t force your brain to be neurotypical — but you can work with it

Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Visual cues: If I don’t see it, I forget it. So I leave notes where I look — like my bathroom mirror.

• Timers and reminders: I set 3 alarms just to take my meds. One to warn me, one to do it, one in case I ignore the second.

• Body doubling: Working alongside someone — even virtually — helps me stay focused and on track.

Also, be kind to yourself. Seriously. If you’re forgetting things, it’s not a flaw. It’s a signal. Your brain is doing its best with what it’s got.

Final thoughts: Forgetting doesn’t mean you’re broken

If you’ve got ADHD and forget stuff constantly — you’re not alone. You’re not lazy. You’re not irresponsible. Your brain just works differently.

Honestly? I’ve learned to laugh at it sometimes. Like when I put my phone in the fridge (don’t ask). But I’ve also learned to advocate for myself. To explain to friends, like Sara, why I forget.

Because once people understand it’s not a choice — just wiring — things get a lot easier.

And you? You deserve that understanding too. From others, and from yourself.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.