Object permanence refers to the ability to understand that objects still exist even when they are out of sight.
Technically, that ability is not impaired in people with ADHD.
Essentially, it’s ‘out of sight, out of mind.’
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They don’t forget that things exist just because they can’t see them.
Objectconstancymight be a better term to describe this forgetfulness and the need for reminders.
While its often used to describe the forgetfulness people with ADHD experience, its not the same thing.
This happens because of difficulties with focus and memory.
If this sounds like you, visual cues, reminders, and social cues can be really useful.
What Object Permanence Issues Look Like in ADHD
Object permanence is adevelopmental milestone.
It’s the ability to understand that things exist, even when they can’t be seen.
They know objects continue to exist, but they may not actively remember them without some reminder.
Needing constant sensory cues to make it remember things can make life difficult.
Ill put a pot of water on the stove to boil for pasta.
Then, Ill leave the kitchen to do something else while I wait for it to boil.
Its not that I dont understand that objects keep existing.
Its just that I need constant visual or audio cues to prevent myself from forgetting them.
The same forgetfulness happens with people, too.
Im really good at maintaining contact with people who live in the same house as me.
Research suggests that people with ADHD have poor working memory (also calledshort-term memory).
Use Visual Cues Whenever Possible
In my experience, visual cues are the most effective.
An alarm on my phone reminding me to take my medication can be dismissed before Ive actually taken them.
Remind yourself of the date by picking out your outfit and hanging it on a door.
Instead, I’ve had more success with tying social activities to other activities that I already do regularly.
I do the same for other household chores, walks around the neighborhood, and drives to appointments.
It’s why you immediately forget something once you start working on a different task.
Visual and verbal cues are often the most helpful approach.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Cognitive development in infants: 4 to 7 months.
