Hey ADHD brain-friends.

I’m seeing a lot of ADHD peeps using “object permanence” lately and can someone tell me what’s up with that?

I’m asking because I think we’ve got a case of “these words sound like a thing that I struggle with” going on here. Object permanence isn’t about forgetting things exist. It’s about developing mental schemas for things that you can’t currently see.

So if you can’t currently see your keys, but you can picture them in your head, that’s object permanence. Your understanding of the existence of keys hasn’t disappeared with the misplaced keys. You just can’t remember where you put them.

I think we’re really talking about executive function, and specifically working memory. I could be wrong but I’m not finding any research using the words “object permanence” in adults with ADHD. https://twitter.com/bivocado/status/1291404254129709057?s=21

Trust me, I understand the importance of having words for the thing. So I’m not shitting on anyone using the term to help express their experiences.

I’m just flagging that it’s not quite science and there may actually be a science word for the thing.

Also, neurotypical people often buy vegetables and forget them while they go bad in their fridge. We’ve all convinced ourselves we’ll eat more vegetables this week and then... not.

That’s not an ADHD-specific phenomenon. Zucchinis don’t discriminate, they’ll rot in any fridge.

I’m not trying to be flip or dismiss anyone’s lived experience here, folks.

I’m not denying that out-of-sight-out-of-mind is a real thing for ADHD brains.

I just don’t like using the term “object permanence” to describe it. I find it infantilizing.

If you like it, go for it.