Is it True: People with ADHD Forget Their Existence if They Can’t See Them?

Long-term misinformation on social media often leads to misunderstandings about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Here, we explore and debunk the myth that individuals with ADHD forget their existence if they can't see them due to a concept called 'object permanence.'

Understanding Object Permanence Misapplication

Someone has misapplied the term 'object permanence' in the context of ADHD, which has led to confusion. Object permanence is a psychological term referring to the concept that an object continues to exist even when not visible, a development in cognitive understanding that occurs naturally in childhood. This confusion has underpinned the notion that people with ADHD might have a problem with understanding this concept, and that individuals with ADHD have a fundamental misunderstanding of existence and object permanence.

The term 'object permanence' was taken to mean that people with ADHD truly do forget about things they can’t see, a misinterpretation that oversimplifies and inaccurately portrays ADHD symptoms. This misunderstanding has caused unnecessary fear and doubt about the cognitive abilities of those with ADHD, comparing them to lower animals.

Visual Reminders and ADHD

The idea that visual reminders can help individuals with ADHD is correct. However, it is often taken to an extreme, suggesting that visual reminders are the only solution. Reality is much more nuanced. While visual aids can help with organization and task management, people with ADHD can handle the lack of immediate visual reminders too.

ADHD symptoms might make it challenging to remember tasks or items without immediate visual cues, but this does not equate to forgetting the person’s existence entirely. The focus is more on the management of daily tasks rather than existential comprehension.

Challenging the Myth of LDR in ADHD

The concern about maintaining long-distance relationships (LDR) among individuals with ADHD is also a common myth. LDRs can be challenging for anyone, including people with ADHD, but it is not inherently impossible.

Long-distance relationships for individuals with ADHD can be affected by various factors. Communication can be extensive, but then the person might go quiet either because they are overwhelmed or because their brain fog leads to low energy.

It is important to note that people with ADHD are capable of sustaining relationships, but the nature of those relationships may require more effort and support. The key is to find communication methods that work for both parties, whether that be switching between email, phone, or video calls.

Physical and Emotional Sustaining of Relationships

The sustenance of a long-distance relationship is heavily dependent on how stimulating the relationship is, both physically and emotionally. A stimulating relationship can be physically engaging through gifts, photos, or even virtual meet-ups. Emotionally, it can involve sending messages of love, talking, or sharing experiences.

Intellectually stimulating activities, such as discussing books or movies, can also be helpful. These activities help create a connection and keep the interest alive, even when apart. With such strategies, an LDR with someone with ADHD can be just as rewarding and fulfilling as an in-person relationship.

Building and Maintaining the Relationship

To maintain an LDR, it is essential to create routines that keep the relationship active and engaging. One example is scheduling regular video calls at a specific time each week. Another is having a routine for remembering each other, such as thinking about them every morning or even praying for them. This helps in producing some of the same neurotransmitters that were experienced when together, thus reinforcing the emotional bond.

Furthermore, building the relationship can also involve reminiscing about past experiences, such as good memories from when the couple was together. This can help in maintaining a rewarding sense of connection, even when physical proximity is not possible.

Conclusion

Individuals with ADHD do not forget their existence when they can't see someone. While organization and memory can be challenges, these issues are manageable with strategies and support. Long-distance relationships with ADHD can indeed work with the right approaches and communication methods. Understanding and acceptance are key, as are patience and flexibility. LDRs can be just as fulfilling as in-person relationships, provided the right tools and strategies are employed.