Time management
Why Do Autistic People Struggle With Time Management?
There’s a common stereotype that autistic people always seek structure. While there’s some truth to this, many of us struggle to create the structure we need.
The main reason for this is often linked to difficulties with executive functioning. Tasks like sequential planning (carrying out steps in order) and forethought (anticipating future events) can be particularly challenging for us.
Awareness of these difficulties is the first step of improving time management skill.
Make deliberate plans for sequencial planning – planning for various steps to achieve a task. Use Planning and prioritising tools t record the sequence and visualise it. Attach time to these. Making it deliberate and making time for this makes it more likely that you will do it.
Unother reason for autistic difficulty with time is monotropism and flow states. We are too involved with our tasks to keep track of time and break on time. This is where planning a routine could help. Making a routine of planned task slots for out flow states activities and also time slots for checking our planner and give way for other activities.
Here are the practical tips for time management.
Time Management Tips for Autistic Adults
Here are five strategies that autistic adults have found helpful for managing their time more effectively. These tips might benefit both you and the autistic individuals in your life.
- Visual Aids Many autistic individuals are visual learners. Visualizing tasks or destinations can help jog memory and reduce anxiety by providing a clear idea of what to expect. Illustrated “to-do” lists, for example, can enhance time management and ease uncertainty. However, creating and consistently using visuals can be time-consuming, which might be challenging for busy parents.
- Daily Planners Writing down tasks step-by-step can alleviate the mental burden of trying to remember everything. While often used by neurotypical individuals, some autistic teens and adults find this method very effective for staying organized.
- Alarms Alarms can be useful for staying on schedule, especially since autistic people can become so engrossed in tasks that they lose track of time. However, alarms can be irritating, particularly for those with hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound), making this a less ideal option for some.
- Weekday and Weekend Schedules Changes in routine, such as the difference between weekdays and weekends, can be challenging for autistic people. Creating separate schedules for each can help ease this transition. By having a routine for weekends, autistic individuals can better prepare for the shift.
- Practice and Patience Time management, like any other skill, takes time to develop. Just as we didn’t learn to tie our shoes overnight, mastering time management requires practice and patience from everyone involved.
