Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist despite being out of sight. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with this concept, meaning they can easily forget about tasks, events, or items that are otherwise outside of their current perspective. Over time, object permanence deficits can lead to personal, professional, and relational problems.
ADHD Management Tools
Inflow App is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
What Is Object Permanence?
Object permanence means understanding that something or someone continues to exist outside our immediate viewpoint or vicinity. For example, you recognize that your keys still exist even though you’ve misplaced them. Object permanence also encompasses relationships and responsibilities, such as faraway relatives or work projects at the office.
Why Does ADHD Affect Object Permanence?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that results in increased inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity that impairs daily functioning. While object permanence issues are not a core symptom of ADHD, many individuals with the condition report such difficulties.1
Think of the phrase, “out of sight, out of mind.” For those with ADHD, this concept is often a reality. They may have difficulty visualizing and remembering an item, person, or event because they do not encounter this thing daily. Something is truly “out of mind” when they cannot physically sense it (through sight, taste, touch, etc.).
Examples of poor object permanence in ADHD may include
Children
- Failing to complete tasks: A child may fail to complete a project because they are distracted by other things. They may dedicate their attention to a new task, completely forgetting about the original.
- Becoming upset when they cannot find something: A child may become distressed when they misplace or lose something because they believe the item (or person) is gone forever.
- Feeling overwhelmed when a parent leaves the room: A young child might think a parent or loved one is not coming back, as they believe that if a person is not in front of them, they might not exist.
Adults
- Forming insecure attachments: Poor object permanence in infancy can contribute to insecure attachment styles in adulthood.
- Spending less time with friends and loved ones: Those struggling with object permanence deficits might spend less time with family or loved ones because they forget to stay in touch.
- Buying extra products in their home: An adult with ADHD may overlook previously bought items stored in closets, drawers, or cabinets, leading to unnecessary purchases.
- Forgetting to pay bills and missing payments: Forgetting about bills is easy enough for anyone. However, those with ADHD may frequently fall behind on payments if they do not set reminders or set up automatic withdrawals.
Get Help For ADHD
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
Inflow App – Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
Effects of ADHD on Object Permanence
ADHD object permanence issues impact the person with ADHD and those around them. Unfortunately, poor object permanence can lead to conflict and friction in relationships. Loved ones may become frustrated with overlooked responsibilities, missed phone calls, or frequent absences. Outside of relationships, those with ADHD may forget about essential commitments, leading to less than favorable consequences.
Possible effects of object permanence issues in ADHD include:
Relationships
Someone usually expects a response when they reach out to a friend. However, simply responding to a text or call can be challenging for those with object permanence deficits. A person with ADHD may open a message and start typing only to be distracted by something else. While they intended to respond, they lost track once they put their phone down to focus on a different task. This forgetfulness is never done with malice but can leave others feeling neglected or disregarded.2
An additional layer of frustration may be evident in ADHD romantic relationships. Every person has specific needs in a partnership. These needs are not tangible or visible, so someone with ADHD may struggle to remember them. For example, they may forget about their partner’s request to have date night every Thursday because they do not have a physical reminder set. These challenges can cause conflict, as partners may feel unappreciated or neglected.
Responsibilities
Simple daily responsibilities can be overwhelming. Many individuals pass through these tasks without a second thought. For those with ADHD and poor object permanence, life is a bit more challenging. They may jump from task to task because their brain overrides their original intent.
For instance, consider your laundry–you may put dirty clothes in the washing machine to focus on another task only to realize you’ve forgotten about them the next day. Behaviors like this can be a normal part of daily life for those with ADHD.
Furthermore, difficulties with object permanence can prove challenging at work and school. For example, a person with ADHD may forget the instructions for a project or homework assignment after returning home. Outside of academic or professional environments, object permanence issues may mean forgetting about doctor appointments or taking medication.
Online Psychiatry For ADHD Covered By Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
6 Tips for Coping With Object Permanence Challenges
Difficulties with object permanence can cause problems, but a person with ADHD can take steps to improve these deficits. Implementing visual reminders, organizational tools, and routines is essential when navigating poor object permanence.3
Here are six tips for coping with object permanence challenges:
1. Set Reminders
Setting reminders will help you keep track of bills, medications, and important dates. For example, create visual notes on your calendar, computer, or phone so you can see exactly what tasks are incomplete and when to attend your next appointment. You can also set reminders to text, email, or call someone to avoid neglecting your relationships.
2. Exercise Regularly
Exercising has many benefits, including improved memory and cognition.4 Over time, you may notice an increase in your ability to retain information, possibly helping combat object permanence deficits. Regular exercise also offers opportunities to build a reliable routine!
3. Don’t Open Text Messages
Avoid opening text messages until you are ready to respond. Leaving a loved one on “read” does not foster mutual appreciation and can leave the other person feeling undervalued.
4. Keep a Cleaning Routine
Start a chore to-do list for different areas of your home. Doing so can help you stay on track with obligations at home, especially when feeling overwhelmed by other responsibilities. Additionally, organizing may uncover purchases you’ve forgotten about! This can be great for those who tend to overbuy household items.
5. Be Honest With Loved Ones
Be honest with friends and family to ensure your relationships remain healthy and intact. Discuss your difficulties with object permanence so they can better understand your struggles. Expressing your interest in their feelings also shows them you appreciate their support.
6. Join a Support Group
Meeting others who experience similar challenges can help you learn tools and tips for improving object permanence. Joining a support group brings new light and perspective while offering a space to feel validated and find ways to make valuable changes.
Final Thoughts
Object permanence issues in ADHD can be challenging, but coping skills can help you deal with symptoms. Finding treatment and support that works for you will make all the difference in the world! While many things in life can be “out of sight, out of mind,” support does not have to be. Reach out to loved ones, join a group, and make healthy changes to start pursuing a healthier tomorrow.
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
ADHD Management Tools
Inflow App Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
Online Psychiatry
Circle Medical – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment, including possible controlled substances medication if clinically appropriate. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same & next day appointments available. Visit Circle Medical
Online Therapy
BetterHelp Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. Take A Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment
Free ADHD Newsletter
A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by ADHD. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up
Choosing Therapy Directory
You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today
Do you think you have ADHD?
Answer an evidence-based questionnaire for Circles Medical to learn more. Takes 45 seconds.
Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.