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Does ADHD cause time blindness and task forgetting? 

PostedOctober 17, 2025
UpdatedOctober 17, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, these two challenges often go together. ADHD time blindness is the tendency to lose track of how long things take, how much time has passed, or when something is due. It is not about being lazy or irresponsible. It is a symptom of how ADHD affects executive function and internal time awareness. 

People with ADHD frequently underestimate how long a task will take or forget to start it altogether. These attention problems make it hard to gauge time accurately or prioritise appropriately. The result is poor task management, missed deadlines, and a constant feeling of running behind, even when you have been busy all day. 

Complete your ADHD assessment

Why ADHD Disrupts Time and Task Awareness 

Here is how ADHD leads to time and memory distortions: 

Poor time estimation:  

Tasks may feel like they take forever or no time at all, skewing planning. Using external timers, alarms, or countdown apps creates structure and urgency. 

“Now” vs “not now” thinking:  

ADHD brains often see time in extremes: either something’s urgent or it doesn’t exist yet. Visual planners and daily checklists help reinforce task visibility over time. 

Working memory and task sequencing failures:  

Without reminders or structure, tasks get lost or skipped entirely. Anchoring tasks to routines and using task-batching techniques can boost follow-through. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations on managing time awareness, memory, and daily structure. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Losing track of conversations or tasks.

Complete your ADHD assessment
Victoria Rowe, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.