AD/HD: Highway to the....Oh look a squirrel
A bit about the magic and mystery of object permanence
A subscriber responded to the last article saying “This mornings neuromantics, :thumbsup:” and it has inspired this latest post. Oh and thanks to another subscriber for sharing the below meme with me, which made me chuckle a lot.
For me, certain things are a rabbit-out-of-the-hat exciting surprise. For example, I’ve got into the habit of writing these when I’m struck by inspiration and then scheduling them for a later date. The fun bit is I NEVER remember I’ve scheduled them, what I’ve written - and when I read them they often feel like they’ve been written by someone else. It’s kind of a weird thing, but it’s sort of fun.
The same goes for people, when I’m not thinking about them it’s sort of like they don’t exist. When a reminder of them (a photo, a connected thought, or if someone mentions them) it’s like WHUMP there they are again, in hyper colour. I hadn’t realised that this was a neurodivergent quality called ‘object permanence’ - so I thought I’d tell you about it today.
How Object Permanence Affects People with ADHD and ASD
Some people tend to lose or forget things easily or have trouble maintaining relationships with others. It might have something to do with their object permanence, which is the ability to understand that objects and people still exist even when they are out of sight. Object permanence is a cognitive skill that develops in early childhood, but some people may have difficulties with it due to various conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
What is object permanence?
Object permanence is the recognition that objects and people continue to exist even when they are not perceived by the senses. For example, if you hide a toy under a blanket, a baby who has not developed object permanence will act as if the toy has disappeared, while a baby who has developed object permanence will try to look for it. Object permanence is one of the milestones of cognitive development, and it usually emerges around 9 months of age1.
Object permanence is important for many aspects of functioning, such as memory, planning, problem-solving, and social skills. It helps us to remember information, organize our thoughts, anticipate consequences, and empathize with others. Without object permanence, we would have a hard time keeping track of our belongings, completing tasks, or forming bonds with others.
How does object permanence affect people with ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 5% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide2. It is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can cause difficulties in various domains of life, such as school, work, and relationships. As trailed in the last post, people with ADHD often have problems with executive functions, which are the mental processes that help us to regulate our behaviour, plan and execute actions, solve problems, and adapt to changing situations. Executive functions include skills such as working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, self-monitoring, goal-setting, and organization3.
One of the executive functions that is impaired in people with ADHD is working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind for a short period of time. Working memory is essential for object permanence, as it allows us to keep track of objects and people that are not in our immediate view. People with ADHD have poor working memory, which means they tend to forget things easily, especially if they are not reminded by sensory cues, such as sight, sound, or touch. This can lead to problems such as:
Losing or misplacing objects, such as keys, phone, wallet, or homework
Forgetting about tasks, activities, or appointments, such as paying bills, doing chores, or meeting deadlines
Being easily distracted by present thoughts, people, items, or tasks, and losing focus on the original goal
Having difficulty following instructions, rules, or directions, especially if they are complex or multi-step
Struggling to organize, prioritize, or sequence information, such as making a list, outlining an essay, or planning a project
These challenges can affect the academic, occupational, and social outcomes of people with ADHD, as well as their self-esteem and well-being. They can also create frustration and conflict with others, who may perceive them as careless, irresponsible, or lazy.
Fun story: at the weekend we were playing an after-dinner game with some friends. One of the games was a variety of ‘I went to the shop and I bought a……’. I was 3rd, and I got the first thing wrong. I could have sworn I was right. It’s a simple example of how these things can have a real effect, especially if you let them get to you.
How does object permanence affect people with ASD?
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 1% of the population worldwide4. It is characterised by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. People with ASD have different ways of perceiving and processing the world, which can affect their cognitive, emotional, and social development. People with ASD often have problems with theory of mind, which is the ability to understand and predict the mental states of others, such as their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions. Theory of mind is important for object permanence, as it allows us to relate to others and empathise with them. People with ASD have poor theory of mind, which means they tend to have difficulties with:
Recognising and expressing emotions, such as smiling, crying, or using facial expressions, gestures, or tone of voice (I’ve realised, it’s why I look bored and disengaged when I’m the opposite)
Understanding and responding to social cues, such as eye contact, body language, or turn-taking
Taking the perspective of others, such as understanding their point of view, motives, or feelings (This is the heart of my curiosity….always intruiged)
Developing and maintaining relationships, such as making friends, sharing interests, or showing affection
Cooperating and compromising with others, such as following social norms, rules, or expectations
These challenges can affect the social and emotional well-being of people with ASD, as well as their learning and functioning. They can also create isolation and misunderstanding with others, who may perceive them as aloof, rude, or insensitive.
How to cope with object permanence issues?
Object permanence issues can be frustrating and stressful for both the person who has them and the people around them. However, some strategies can help to improve object permanence and reduce its negative impact. Some of these strategies are:
Using external reminders, such as alarms, calendars, timers, notes, or labels, to help remember things that are not in sight.
Creating a routine, schedule, or checklist, to help organise and prioritise tasks and activities
Breaking down complex or multi-step tasks into smaller and simpler steps, to help follow instructions and directions
Using visual aids, such as pictures, diagrams, or charts, to help process and retain information
Seeking help from others, such as family, friends, teachers, or professionals, to provide support, guidance, or feedback
Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques, to help reduce stress, anxiety, or frustration
Seeking treatment, such as medication, therapy, or coaching, to help manage the symptoms and challenges of ADHD or ASD
Object permanence is a cognitive skill that affects many aspects of functioning and well-being. People with ADHD or ASD may have difficulties with object permanence, which can cause problems in their daily life and relationships. However, by using some coping strategies and seeking help when needed, they can improve their object permanence and enhance their quality of life.
It’s fair to say I don’t feel like I’ve cracked it yet, but in the main I think it works well for me in most areas and poorly in some. If you’ve experienced the some with me (or any other ADHD, ASD, or AuDHD people) then the best advice is to give us a gentle nudge.
Peace out. Look after yourself, and if you can, someone else
Michael