One of the biggest struggles we face with ADHD—perhaps the struggle—is time blindness. Nothing feels more important than what we’re doing right now. Because of that, planning ahead or organizing our lives around future goals often feels nearly impossible.
In the following clip, Dr. Russell A. Barkley explains this concept with clarity and humor. He even summarizes ADHD in a single phrase: “ADHD is time blindness.”
ADHD and Time Blindness: Living in the Now
Dr. Barkley defines time blindness as a kind of nearsightedness to the future. In a story that’s as funny as it is revealing, he describes how people with ADHD often get pulled along by the moment—no matter what their plans were.
He also explains how the frontal lobe helps us organize our behavior over time, and how ADHD disrupts that process.
“People with ADHD cannot deal with time, and that includes looking back to look ahead—to get ready for what’s coming at you. (…) The now is more compelling than the information you’re holding in mind.”
—Dr. Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.
For Parents of Children With ADHD
Dr. Barkley reminds parents that ADHD isn’t about a lack of knowledge or intelligence—it’s about difficulty using what you already know.
“ADHD is a disorder of doing what you know. It is not a disorder of knowing what to do. (…) So you can get the smartest person on this planet, and you’re still gonna do some pretty stupid things. Because it’s not what you know—it’s doing it.”
—Dr. Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.
If you’ve ever wondered why ADHD makes it so hard to follow through—even when you want to—this short talk will make a lot of sense. I hope you enjoy it!
