What is Object Permanence?
Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget developed the concept of object permanence, which explains the developmental understanding that circumstances, things, and people all still exist, even if they can’t be seen or heard by the person.
For an example of a lack of object permanence, we can look at babies and toddlers playing peek-a-boo. Until they acquire object permanence — typically around 8 to 12 months old — babies genuinely believe someone has disappeared during the game.
Why Does Object Permanence Occur in ADHD?
The object permanence ADHD relationship is complex, and a large part of it is related to how executive functioning works in the ADHD brain.
We know from research that working memory deficits are prevalent in people living with ADHD. This ADHD symptom could impact the ability to maintain awareness or actively hold information about unseen objects or tasks.
It can be thought of like this:
- Have you ever lost your keys while they’re still in your hand?
- Have you misplaced your glasses when they’re on top of your head?
- Have you looked for your phone while you’re holding it?
You haven’t forgotten about these items, but you momentarily lost focus on their existence, even though they were within reach — we can apply poor working memory to how a lack of object permanence feels or works for those with ADHD.
"Individuals diagnosed with ADHD often have this aura of “forgetfulness” around them. To a point, it is accurate, but it’s more in the direction of object permanence. Individuals may struggle to complete tasks because something else takes their focus away from them. They know on some level that other tasks are there to complete, but new tasks appear that make them “forget."
— Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
Object Permanence Challenges in ADHD
While it’s easy for anyone with ADHD to have difficulty staying focused on things that aren’t right in front of them, the object permanence ADHD impact can vary in children vs adults.
Object permanence in children with ADHD
Children with ADHD can quickly forget about their favorite toy when it’s not in front of them. In part because their brains are still developing, they can need reminders of things that aren’t clearly visible. Object permanence challenges for children with ADHD might include:
- Finding it hard to finish tasks
- Becoming upset when a parent, caretaker, or friend leaves the room
- Feeling distraught if they can’t find something
Object permanence in adult ADHD
Though the experience will likely change with age, adults with ADHD can also find difficulties with object permanence.
For example, some adults might forget to finish a task or job when a new responsibility appears. They also might put things away and then forget where they placed them. Adults with ADHD and object permanence concerns might find they:
- Aren’t spending as much time with friends and loved ones
- Keep forgetting to pay bills
- Start to develop insecure attachments
- Accidentally purchase the same thing more than once
The Effects of Object Permanence on ADHD
The reality of having an out-of-sight-out-of-mind perspective can cause severe repercussions in a person’s daily life. The effects of ADHD object permanence issues can lead to frustration and wasted time and energy. For example:
- Work productivity and quality can suffer: Losing or misplacing essential work, tools, or projects can affect productivity and performance at work.
- Social relationships can deteriorate: Continuously forgetting about people, appointments, or social commitments can strain relationships, as people might interpret the behavior as either carelessness or disrespect.
- Mental health can be impacted: The constant cycle of losing and then searching for items can cause an increase in anxiety and stress.
"With children, issues with object permanence can mean that they struggle at school to complete assignments or stay focused on tasks or lectures. This could lead to poor grades — not because they don’t know the material, but because they aren’t completing gradable assignments. It may be difficult for adults to stay organized at work and home, leading to poor performance reviews and unhealthy living conditions. Like symptoms of any diagnosis, it’s important to remember that severity scales matter. Not all individuals with ADHD struggle immensely with object permanence. How severe it can be is based solely on the individual."
— Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
How to Deal with Object Permanence Challenges in ADHD
ADHD and object permanence can be tough to overcome, but with the right strategies and tools, learning to manage it is possible.
Use alarms or reminders
Alarms and reminders can help keep tasks on your radar so you don’t forget about them. Digital calendars or smartphone apps are effective tools that can remind you of things you need to start or return to.
Honesty is the best policy
Being honest about your object permanence ADHD challenges can go a long way with friends, colleagues, and loved ones. It will help them understand what ADHD struggle you’re dealing with, and they might even have ideas and coping tools you can try.
Visual clues are powerful
Since the very premise of object permanence deals with visual representation, using something like a sticky note or a marked-up calendar can be an effective ADHD hack for some people. Visual reminders offer clues about things you must focus on or finish.
Ditch your phone when you can
It’s not always possible, but sometimes, putting your phone away during focus times can eliminate distractions so that you can be more productive.
Don’t open new text messages unless you’re ready
All of us have read and forgotten about a text from time to time, even if the message was about something important. For people dealing with ADHD and object permanence challenges, this probably sounds very familiar. Tackle the issue by leaving messages unread until you have the time and bandwidth to deal with them fully and appropriately.
Work out
It’s well-known that working out releases endorphins and can help with everything from mood to energy levels. Frequent workouts can improve brain function, keeping object permanence and object constancy issues at bay.
Find support
Joining a support group can help you find a wealth of practical advice and understanding. Sometimes, just knowing that you’re not alone can make a world of difference. If you want some professional support, consider getting therapy for ADHD.
Manage ADHD Symptoms with Talkspace
Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be difficult on several levels. The good news is you don’t have to deal with this alone. Talkspace can be a game changer in helping you identify and manage all of your ADHD symptoms, including if you lack object permanence.
Talkspace offers online treatment for ADHD that connects you with licensed and experienced ADHD therapists, all from the comfort and convenience of your home. Together with your therapist, you’ll gain the tools and strategies you need to effectively manage a variety of ADHD symptoms that are interfering with your life, relationships, and happiness.
Reach out to Talkspace today to learn more about how to regain control of your life — managing your ADHD can be easier than you think.
