Time blindness and ADHD: Practical approaches to understand time blindness, a critical executive function, in adults with ADHD (March 21, 2023)

Presented by: Zara Harris, MSOT

Given that the global prevalence of adult ADHD is 6.76% (Song et al., 2021) and that adults with ADHD may experience occupational challenges, occupational therapists work with adults with ADHD in many areas of practice. Time blindness, an executive dysfunction common in adults with ADHD is associated with "high time preference" where life choices such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, substance use, driving, friendships, etc., are based on immediate rather than delayed rewards (e.g., Barkley, 2012, 2018). It is therefore important that occupational therapists working with adults know how to recognize and remediate time blindness.

This webinar will explore the current science behind ADHD, time blindness and "high time preference", and how time blindness affects occupational participation and major life choices, which may result in shorter life expectancy. A majority of the webinar will focus on how to recognize these deficits and will describe practical tips and tools to use to help your clients make time "real" and "manageable".

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Recognize and describe time blindness as it relates to adults with ADHD.
2. Use everyday language to discuss and explain these deficits to their clients and their families.
3. Demonstrate the use of tools that make time "real" for their clients.

Level  Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific area of practice)

Area of practice Autism and neurodiversity, Generalist

Client age group Adults (20-64 years old) 

Language English

Please note that you will have access to the On-Demand Webinar for a period of one year or until the webinar expiry date listed in the CAOT Store, whichever is sooner. The terminology used in this webinar is reflective of the CAOT Style Guide at time of the webinar.