A person sitting at a desk but there is also a big elephant in the room.

Object permanence and neurodiversity

Summary

object permanence is all about the idea that if you can't see it you don't remember it, and that can sometimes be very tricky especially around the area of neurodiversity.

Ever had that sinking feeling when an important event or deadline seems to sneak up on you? Welcome to object permanence and neurodiversity. 

It is pretty common to be caught off-guard in this way, not because you don’t care, but simply because the event wasn’t at the forefront of your mind until it was happening.

Why out of sight can mean out of mind

Understanding object permanence and neurodiversity is not just child’s play.

Object permanence is the ability to understand that something continues to exist even when it’s not visible to us. Basically, if something can’t be seen, touched or actively experienced, it can disappear from our conscious thought, however important it may be. While typically discussed in the context of childhood development, this can have a significant impact on neurodivergent experiences throughout adult life, too.

When object permanence shows up and makes it look like you haven’t

For many neurodivergent individuals, challenges with object permanence can present as:

  • Misplaced or underused tools and equipment – Documents, devices, or tools that aren’t in constant designated visible spots might as well not exist.
  • Task? What task? – Without physical (visible or audible) reminders, critical assignments can slip from our memory causing panic when deadlines suddenly loom.
  • Calendar surprises – Recurring events like quarterly reviews or annual planning can feel unexpected – and unsettling – each time.
  • Mind the relationship gap – Colleagues who are not always physically present may unintentionally fade from our daily thoughts, giving the impression that we place no value on those relationships, even when the opposite is true.

The relationship dynamic: it’s not about not caring

One of the most profound impacts of object permanence affects workplace relationships. Let me share this personal example: my best friend Gavin and I rarely see each other and when we are apart, I seldom think about him. Not because I don’t value our friendship, but because he isn’t in my immediate environment. Yet, when we reconnect, it’s as if no time has passed at all. The bond remains strong — it just doesn’t surface when he’s not physically present.

This creates real challenges in professional settings where constant and consistent engagement is expected and required. Colleagues might assume that if they aren’t regularly contacted, they aren’t valued. Worse, they may label us as “standoffish or distant. In reality, neurodivergent team members often struggle with consistent communication due to the way in which their brains process the concepts of presence and absence.

Creating more effective work environments for object permanence and neurodiversity

For leaders and managers, understanding object permanence challenges can dramatically improve your team dynamics and productivity. You might want to consider implementing one or more of the following:

  • Visual workflow systems – Whiteboards, digital Kanban boards, and colour-coded calendars with notifications are all great for keeping work tangible and present.
  • Dedicated spaces – Encourage organised, visual systems for work materials to reduce the cognitive load that comes from trying to remember multiple locations.
  • Structured check-ins – Regular, scheduled touchpoints help maintain connection and engagement without relying on spontaneous memory.
  • Relationship scaffolding – Building team interactions directly into processes rather than leaving them to chance has been proven to be really effective in many workplaces.

Let’s talk: building better workplaces together

Object permanence challenges don’t mean that neurodivergent team members care less about projects, deadlines, or colleagues; far from it – — they just engage with them differently. By implementing thoughtful accommodations, workplaces become more inclusive, productive and effective for everyone.

What strategies have worked in your organisation? Have you found creative ways to support neurodivergent colleagues? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Taking the next step in understanding neurodiversity

In today’s world, creating a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent team members isn’t just good for them – it’s good for your business too. This topic is at the heart of our workplace coaching and training programs. If you’re ready to take the next crucial step in transforming your workplace, we’d love to chat to see how we can provide tailored strategies to address your specific challenges.

Contact us today to discover how our neurodiversity coaching can help your team grow stronger by harnessing the unique strengths of all employees. By addressing challenges like object permanence in practical and empowering ways, your team will be more connected and more productive.

Please reach out to me here if a chat would be helpful.