The Differences Between Object Permanence and Object Constancy and Tips for Coping With the Latter

“The keys, where are the keys?

Should I take my gloves?

Better to check the temperature.

Hmm, where did I put my phone?

Ah, there it is!

Oh, Rachel wants to grab a coffee sometime. I’ll check with her later.

It’s better to leave, I’ll be late for work.

Damn it, I don’t have the keys!”

Sounds familiar? If you are dealing with ADHD, then the answer is yes. It can feel like living in a world that’s not made for you.

Recently, a popular discussion created quite a controversy – object permanence. You have heard about it before, but you don’t know if it truly describes what are you feeling. For this exact reason, we want to explain to you what object permanence means. Plus, we will introduce another term that probably will better resonate with you – object constancy.

WHAT IS ADHD?

If you are dealing with it, then you know that ADHD, short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder. But what mean for you?

You can feel that you can’t concentrate, and sometimes you have impulsive reactions in certain situations. Also, making long-term plans is difficult and your goals are out of reach.

According to The National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms can vary a lot. It is hard to pay attention and you want to do every task at once. Both children and adults are affected by these symptoms. They can cause issues with finishing tasks, organization, and time management.

Those that don’t understand ADHD might define it as “forgetfulness”. But it’s way more than forgetting things. An article published by Psychology Today confirmed that ADHD people meet difficulties in remembering tasks and it is hard to keep their emotions under control. And this is how our discussion about object permanence and object constancy starts.

WHY ARE ADHD DIAGNOSES ON THE RISE?

First, living in an urban setting it is challenging. ADHD symptoms can be worsened by the high levels of pollution, the constant noise, and the fast-forward life that we all have. Living in a crowded place can be a burden for you, making it impossible to focus.

Secondly, the criteria used to diagnose ADHD are more diverse now, especially for adults. More and more people, many that have not been diagnosed before, are now diagnosed based on the new criteria.

Also, living in a digital era, it is easier to learn about ADHD and its symptoms. That said, spending more time in front of a screen and receiving constant notifications, attention issues are more common. These can bring to the surface symptoms that were unnoticed before.

Nowadays, access to mental health treatment has improved considerably. To get screened and treated is more facile and accessible. Therefore, people can get the help they need.

Thereby, it’s clear now that ADHD is not just a social trend. All these factors contribute to the rising number of ADHD diagnoses.

WHAT IS OBJECT PERMANENCE?

Object permanence was first defined by the psychologist Jean Piaget. He realized that infants can’t comprehend the fact that objects or people still exist when they are not in their sight. Object permanence was a great discovery at that time. However, this concept doesn’t totally describe what adults with ADHD are facing. It is more about the children’s mental incapacity to perceive objects at that age, and less about their neurodevelopmental levels.

That’s why, if you have ADHD, you can feel misunderstood when people link your experiences and feelings with object permanence. And it’s perfectly understandable. You don’t just “forget things”. Instead, if something is outside your visual center, it is difficult to maintain it on your mental to-do list. A more appropriate term for all of these experiences is object constancy.

WHAT IS OBJECT CONSTANCY?

We can say that object constancy has a similar definition. It refers to the capability to remember objects or follow with your tasks when they are not in plain sight. Most of the time, people with ADHD can struggle with this. As an example, you can completely forget to take your vitamins, even if you know you need them. You are aware that they are there somewhere, but without a visual reminder, it’s easy to slip your mind.

Another example is that you never forget where you parked your car. But, without any kind of reminder, is very possible to forget to water the plants or to take out the trash.

Therefore, you can see now how object constancy can bring many challenges in your day-to-day life. And, because one thing leads to another, you can easily find yourself in a cluttered situation. This issue can affect many areas of your life, at home, at work, or even when it comes to your relationships.

If you can’t see items or tasks right away, it’s easy to forget them. That’s why you can forget to pay the bills or respect deadlines until they are back in the front of your mind. It’s easy to realize how all of these can lead to clutter. You leave stuff out in the open to serve you as reminders. Once they are tucked away, it happens to not notice them anymore.

When it comes to work, your productivity can be affected. It becomes overwhelming to keep track of all your tasks and files if you don’t have a reminder system in place. You will feel disorganized, and frustrated. You want to be more productive, but it seems like everything is out of your control.

And, unfortunately, that’s not all. Object constancy can have an impact on your relationships too. Probably you heard many times the phrase “out of sight, out of mind”. Friends, family, or partners might feel uncared for, even though your feelings for them are untouched. That’s why, often those close to you may mistaken forgetfulness as negligence. But truth be said, it involves a lot of work and effort to be mentally present all the time.

Because we understand all of this and we want you to have a fulfilling life, here are our top tips when it comes to managing object constancy.

TOP 5 TIPS TO DEAL WITH OBJECT CONSTANCY DAILY

1. USE VISUAL SIGNS

Can be very helpful to keep important items on your central vision. For example, if you place your vitamins next to your toothbrush, you will remember to take them. Or, what about keeping your keys right near the door? All of these visual reminders work like a charm. When objects are out in the open, it will be effortless for you to remember them.

2. SET ALARMS AND REMINDERS

Another great strategy is to set daily reminders on your phone. The wonders of technology sometimes affect your attention, and other times they are really helpful. Setting alarms will ensure that you will accomplish each of your assignments.

3. CREATE VISUAL ORGANIZATION SYSTEMS

You know that it’s facile for you to leave things out in the open. Try using clear bins and open shelves. This can bring a sense of organization while you are still able to keep track of everything.

4. PRACTICE BEHAVIOR CHAINING

Have you ever heard of behavior chaining? It means connecting smaller tasks to your daily routines. For example, every morning after brushing your teeth, you can take your vitamins. These types of links help you build durable habits.

5. USE CHECKLISTS OR HABIT TRACKERS

Checklists and habit trackers are great for keeping up with daily tasks and goals. They remind you of what you need to do and show how far you’ve come. It’s motivating and super helpful.

Phrases like object permanence and object constancy are here to help us explain better some of the ADHD challenges. But, if we are honest, ADHD it’s different from person to person. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Whenever you feel that you can’t deal with the clutter and organization, just remember that there is help available. Many strategies can be put in place, and there are people who are ready to support you.

Therefore, if all these challenges are familiar to you, check out Get Organized. We offer structured support tailored for neurodivergent clients.

Let’s team up to create spaces and routines that work for your ADHD needs. Reach out to us today to kick off your journey toward clarity and control!