Question 1

What is time blindness in ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Time blindness is the impaired ability to intuitively sense how much time has passed or accurately estimate how long a task will take. It stems from differences in prefrontal cortex function and dopaminergic signalling in ADHD brains. Unlike forgetting to check the clock, time blindness means the internal clock itself runs inconsistently — minutes can feel like hours, and hours can vanish in what feels like moments.

Question 2

Is time blindness real or just an excuse?

Accepted Answer

Time blindness is a well-documented neurological phenomenon supported by research from Russell Barkley and others studying executive function. Brain imaging studies show measurable differences in how ADHD brains process temporal information. The prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum — all involved in time perception — function differently in neurodivergent individuals. It is not a character flaw or a lack of motivation.

Question 3

How do I explain time blindness to my employer?

Accepted Answer

Frame it as a neurological difference in time perception, similar to how some people are colour blind. You might say: "My brain processes time differently, which means I rely on external tools like visual timers and structured reminders rather than an internal sense of time passing. With these accommodations, I can manage my schedule effectively." Under the Equality Act 2010 in the UK and the ADA in the US, reasonable adjustments for ADHD are a legal right.

Question 4

Can autistic people have time blindness?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While time blindness is most commonly associated with ADHD, autistic individuals also frequently experience altered time perception. Differences in interoception (the ability to sense internal body states) can affect the perception of time passing. Autistic people may also experience time distortion during hyperfocus or when engaged in special interests. Those with AuDHD (co-occurring autism and ADHD) often experience the most significant time perception challenges.

Question 5

What's the best app for ADHD time blindness?

Accepted Answer

The best tools for time blindness make time visible rather than just audible. AskSheldon offers a flexible Pomodoro focus timer with visual countdown, a sensory-profiled smart alarm with graduated wake-up phases, and an AI companion (Sheldon) who can provide gentle time check-ins during work sessions. The combination of visual timers, structured time anchors, and body doubling support addresses multiple aspects of time blindness simultaneously.