Time unbound – Managing time blindness for neurodivergent clients at work (July 12, 2024)

Presented by: Adam Ly, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Time management is an executive function that can be difficult for someone who is neurodivergent, particularly those with ADHD and on the autism spectrum (Ptacek et al., 2019). Time blindness has been proposed as a core trait of ADHD that should be seen as diagnostic (Barkley, 2009; Ptacek et al., 2019). Thus, occupational therapists must assess for time blindness in their clients, understand how it can impact a client's ability to function in their contexts, including work, understand cultural and societal norms on time, and provide practical strategies and recommendations to manage its effects. This webinar will explore time blindness in neurodivergent clients, particularly adults with ADHD or autism. An overview will be provided of the societal and cultural meanings assigned to time and how that can facilitate internalized ableism in neurodivergent clients, along with what time blindness can look like behaviourally and the common thoughts that clients have. Participants will learn how time blindness can impact occupational participation in work, social relationships, and activities of daily living; and how to use the 5 A's framework (Ly, 2024) to managing time blindness at work.

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

1. Define time agnosia and how it presents itself in neurodivergent clients, particularly clients with ADHD and autism.
2. Understand how time is context and defined by societal, cultural, and capitalistic expectations and how this can impact a neurodivergent individuals
3. How to use a neurodiversity-affirming lens on time blindness
4. Adopt the 5 A's Framework (Adapt, Adjust, Ask, Accommodation, Advocate) in providing time management strategies at work.

Areas of practice Autism/Neurodiversity, Cognition, Mental Health, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Return to Work Client age groups Adults (20-64 years old) Level Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)