ADHD & The 'String Theory' of Time-Blindness

JuliaArts Julia
Oct 3, 2021
#ADHD Awareness month.
(link to speed up the video at the bottom of the post - just in case 2 minutes seems like forever!)

It can be hard to imagine how utterly different an experience of life can be, with one seemingly small perceptual difference.
Perception of time affects everything. 
In reality, even the concept of distance and size, and thereby hierarchy. There is no measure of distance between point A and point B without the time it takes to travel between them.
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Linear flow of time is actually a trick of perception. 
A reflection of things being perceived as changing from one 'previous' state to the 'next' by the human brain.
ADHD brains which get called 'time-blind' may actually have a more accurate perception of time and state changes, more aligned with current scientific theories.
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In practice, in a culture that accepts and honours clock-based timings as being the 'really real', it will be incredibly hard for a non-time-blind mind to really grasp what that can mean.
It is not just life is 'X' and then you have a deficit that gives you some difficulties 'keeping up' and keeping things prioritised.
It is an utterly different perception of reality.
One that is honoured in many cultures as being the highest truth.
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So if you are working with a young person, or adult, or yourself as an individual I hope this post might give some extra insight.
Especially if all the laminated planners, picture diaries, discussions, goals and practice seem to consistently fall into ineffectiveness.
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With ADHD I find the most effective supports are the ones that open up to reality on many levels. not just 'structure':
Coaching and mentoring can help individuals find their own truths to 'play with'.
Companionship and aligned human interaction opens the door to a more naturally 'regulated' experience of time, than a clock or timer.
And of course, the ever present interest-based: Is flow of time more easily processed through music, sports, seasons and celebrations, food, drinks, connections, games?