Short-Term Memory

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Working memory is the ability to actively hold information in the mind needed to do complex tasks such as reasoning, comprehension and learning. Working memory tasks are those that require the goal orientated active monitoring or manipulation of information or behaviors in the face of interfering processes and distractions. The cognitive processes involved include the executive and attention control of short-term memory which provide for the interim integration, processing, disposal, and retrieval of information. Working memory is a theoretical concept central both to cognitive psychology and neuroscience...

...Today there are hundreds of research laboratories around the world studying various aspects of working memory. There are numerous applications of working memory in the field, such as using working memory capacity to explain intelligence, success at emotion regulation,[83] and other cognitive abilities,[84] furthering the understanding of autism,[85] ADHD,[86] motor dyspraxia,[87] and improving teaching methods,[63] and creating artificial intelligence based on the human brain.[88][89]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_memory

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Autism
ADHD
Motor Dyspraxia

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Working memory tests:

Rubik's Cube
Hi-Q peg game
Adding scores during a bowling game
Hearts vs Bridge (cards)

and so on.

Short term memory is non-coded information stored very briefly in the hippocampal neurons that retain it. Because there is no reinforcement, it is difficult to retrieve the memory as information after a time delay. (Hence the term "short term memory")
It differs from long term memory in the fact that long term memory requires reinforcement to consolidate it. As information is repeated and the neuron fires over and over, changes occur in the physical/chemical structure of the synapse between two neurons. The synapse is believed to be where the memory is stored. Because the structural changes are permanent, a person can recall an event from long term memory that took place many years ago with clarity and accuracy. This cannot be done with short term, or working memory: hence the difference between the two kinds of memories.

I have a really hard time with short term memory, yet I can remember things that I've read, done and said, years ago.