It Can't be 5:00 Already!
by Ari Tuckman, PsyD., MBA

We all have an internal clock that tells us how much time has passed. For some people, this clock ticks loudly and they're pretty good at judging the passage of time and knowing when to go on to something else, like going to a work meeting or getting into bed. They have a loose schedule in mind and they know where they are in relation to that schedule-what they have left to do and how much time they have to do it. For others (like ADHD folks), the clock ticks too softly, so it doesn't guide their behavior reliably enough. As a result, too much time is spent on some things, like surfing the internet, and they stay absorbed in it when they should really transition to something else, like making dinner. This can even spill over into important things, like picking the kids up at school, a situation that causes great anguish for all involved. For example, a teenage client told of his friend's father picking them up from the park two hours late.

Besides the fact that their internal alarm clocks don't go off, they also aren't as good at predicting how long things will take. When planning ahead, they may use "best case scenario planning" where their predictions are based on everything falling into place perfectly without unexpected detours or delays. Of course, rarely does it work out this well, so they tend to run over their deadlines or show up late. (Some of this is also based in difficulties with getting going on things until the pressure of the last minute drives them into action.)

This sense of time is extremely important in today's society, not just at work but also with family and friends. Almost all parts of life require planning, forethought, and otherwise remembering what needs doing and, just as importantly, when it needs to be done. ADHD adults usually know what they need to do, but have trouble doing it at the best times.

There are several tricks you can use to stay on top of time better:

• Hang up a bunch of clocks. There is still no guarantee that you will actually look at the clocks, but it does increase the odds. Put them where they will be seen easily.
• Wear a watch with a chime. Set your watch to beep every fifteen minutes or hour to make you aware of the passage of time.
• Set an alarm to remind that it's time to do something else. You may still choose to continue doing what you're doing, but at least then it isn't due to lack of awareness.
• · Build in some extra time. Nothing goes exactly according to plan, so factor in some cushion.

ADHDSupport.com, an educational Web site recently re-launched by Shire, is designed to provide families, caregivers, educators and patients with tools and resources about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

ADHDSupport.com offers information about the recognition, diagnosis and management of the disorder, assistance with how to identify and select a healthcare professional and what to expect when meeting with a physician about ADHD. It also features a symptom tracker to help record ADHD symptoms to be used in follow-up discussions with the health care professional; practical tips on how to get organized, and stay organized, and the best ways to set and evaluate goals; and detailed information about events that may be helpful to people living with ADHD.

Below are some interesting articles on ADHD and related topics:

• ADHD Rates in Kids Rose but No Change for Learning Disability
• ADHD In Adults: Shire Announces Filing Of VYVANSE
• Dopamine Transporter Efflux in ADHD
• Ritalin-style Drug Set For Wider Role In Adult Mental Illness

Visit myADHD.com and use the follow tools this month to help children with ADHD establish household routines and to promote responsibility:

• My Daily Jobs
• My Morning Jobs List
• My Bedtime Jobs List
• Using a Home Token Economy Worksheet