Object permanence is the ability to understand that objects still exist even when they are out of sight. This is a cognitive skill that develops in early childhood. Some people believe that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is related to problems with object permanence. They think that people with ADHD tend to forget about things or people that are not in their immediate environment. However, this is not a medically recognized symptom or diagnosis of ADHD. In this blog post, we will explain what object permanence is, what ADHD is, how they affect each other, and what strategies can help them cope.

What is object permanence?

Object permanence was first described by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget in the 1960s. He observed how babies reacted when a favorite toy was shown to them and then hidden from them. Babies who had not developed object permanence would appear confused or upset as if the toy had disappeared. Babies who had developed object permanence would continue to look for the toy, knowing that it still existed somewhere.

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, some babies can demonstrate an understanding of object permanence as early as 4–5 months of age. However, most infants do not grasp the concept until around 9 months old.

Object permanence is important for cognitive development because it helps children form mental representations of the world and understand the concept of causality. It also helps children develop memory, language, and problem-solving skills.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, activity, and impulses. It can cause problems with learning, behavior, and social skills. It is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children and often lasts into adulthood.

ADHD has three main types: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.

• Predominantly inattentive type: People with this type have difficulty focusing, organizing, following instructions, or completing tasks. They may be easily distracted, forgetful, or make careless mistakes.
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type: People with this type have difficulty sitting still, controlling impulses, or waiting their turn. They may be restless, fidgety, talkative, or interruptive.
• Combined type: People with this type have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but research suggests that genetics, brain structure and function, and environmental factors may play a role.

How does object permanence affect people with ADHD?

Some people have suggested that people with ADHD have problems with object permanence. They claim that people with ADHD have difficulty remembering things that are not in their sensory range, such as sight, sound, or touch. They argue that this leads to an “out of sight, out of mind” phenomenon, where people with ADHD ignore or neglect things or people that are not present.

For example, a person with ADHD may forget about their homework assignment once they leave the classroom. Or they may lose interest in their friend once they move to another city.

However, this is not a scientifically proven theory. Object permanence is not a recognized medical condition or symptom in ADHD. A person with ADHD cannot be diagnosed with object permanence problems.

The underlying cause of forgetfulness in ADHD is more likely related to poor working memory. Working memory is the ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind for a short period. It helps you perform tasks such as planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and learning.

People with ADHD have poor working memory compared to people without ADHD. This means they have trouble keeping track of multiple pieces of information at once. They may also have difficulty switching between different tasks or contexts.

Poor working memory can explain why people with ADHD forget about things or people that are not in their immediate attention. It is not because they do not understand that they still exist, but because they have trouble keeping them in their mental space.

How can people with ADHD cope with forgetfulness?

Forgetfulness can cause frustration, stress, and embarrassment for people with ADHD and their loved ones. It can also affect their performance and productivity at school or work. However, some strategies can help people with ADHD improve their memory and organization skills.

Some of these strategies include:

• Using external reminders such as calendars, alarms, timers, notes, lists, labels, or apps to keep track of important dates, tasks, or items.
• Creating routines and habits for daily activities such as getting ready in the morning, doing homework, or preparing for bed.
• Organizing your space and belongings in a way that makes sense to you and reduces clutter.
• Putting things back where they belong after using them or having designated places for frequently used items.
• Asking for help from others such as family members, friends, teachers, or coworkers when you need reminders or support.
• Seeking professional help from a doctor, therapist, coach, or tutor who can provide medication, counseling, training, or guidance for managing your symptoms.

Conclusion

Object permanence is the ability to understand that objects still exist even when they are out of sight. It is a cognitive skill that develops in early childhood. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, activity, and impulses. It can cause problems with learning, behavior, and social skills. Some people believe that ADHD is related to problems with object permanence. They think that people with ADHD tend to forget about things or people that are not in their immediate environment. However, this is not a medically recognized symptom or diagnosis of ADHD.

The underlying cause of forgetfulness in ADHD is more likely related to poor working memory. Working memory is the ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind for a short period. It helps you perform tasks such as planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and learning.

People with ADHD can cope with forgetfulness by using external reminders, creating routines, organizing their space, asking for help, and seeking professional help. These strategies can help them improve their memory and organization skills and reduce the negative impact of their symptoms on their lives.

References:

• What is ADHD? | CDC
• Psychiatry.org – What is ADHD?
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children