Organization and Time Management for the Neurodivergent Population

By: Becca Bordner, MSW Intern & Janelle Schenk, LLMSW

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity, a concept that was created in the 1990’s by the autistic sociologist Judy Singer, is the understanding that differences in brain functioning within the human population are normal and that brain functioning that is not considered “typical” should not be stigmatized (McGee, 2012). This concept, or movement, aims to bring acceptance and celebration to the differences that exist in individuals’ brains. The word “neuro” means brain, and the word “diverse” means differences, so neurodiversity essentially means diversity in the brain. The neurodivergent population includes any individuals with brain-based disabilities, or any brains that “diverge” from what society sets as typical (for example, Autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, or mental health disabilities). Neurotypical brains think the way that society has deemed as “typical”. Neurodiversity is an all-encompassing term used to describe both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals and the overall vastness of differences in the way we think and process information (Autistic Self Advocacy Network, 2022).

Executive Functioning & Neurodiversity

Due to neurodiversity, it can be difficult for some individuals to accomplish tasks that rely on executive functioning. Organization and time management skills are both executive functions, which can be defined as the neurocognitive processes that facilitate decision-making and goal attainment (Langberg, 2008). Differences in these neurocognitive processes is the reason that some strategies work well for some, while for others the same strategy may be overwhelming and ineffective. Because of this, it can be beneficial to try a variety of techniques when implementing organization and time management in the areas of your life.

Additionally, it is beneficial to be aware of the fact that the most commonly prescribed medications for the neurodivergent brain does not comprehensively target organizational differences and difficulties in executive functioning (Langberg, 2008). This leaves skill building and coping strategies as the primary intervention when looking to increase effectiveness of your organization and time management skills. Medication may help with overall motivation and ability to stay focused on the task you are trying to accomplish, however, having effective strategies for general organization and time management are also highly beneficial.

Benefits of Increasing Skills

There are also benefits in learning both organizational and time management skills, including an increase in both productivity and efficiency, potential reduction in anxiety or other symptoms related to the brain, and an increase in cohesiveness of the home and your family’s schedule. Organization and time management skills are often vital for individuals to successfully transition into a fulfilling adulthood, and these skills can be difficult to learn, especially since they are not always explicitly taught in schools and homes (Langberg, 2008).

Useful Tips & Tricks

Utilize rewards systems – try personalizing your rewards for yourself so you are more likely to complete them.

Ex: I enjoy watching netflix. If I complete a task for all of the days that I planned to this week, then I will let myself watch Netflix for longer than normal.

OR larger rewards – Ex: I completed my routine consistently for a month, so I will take myself out to do an activity I enjoy.

Use timers when completing tasks you don’t want to complete. And be creative – you can use hourglasses or any fun timers! You can also use a timer to time yourself so you have an accurate idea of how long activities will take to complete. The pomodoro technique is one that uses timers that could be beneficial.

Ex: Setting a timer for 10 minutes and doing the task intentionally for those 10 minutes without breaks or distractions

Create routines so you have dedicated time during the day to complete the tasks that need to be done.

Have a friend/family member help you with the task and hold you accountable to completing it.

Ask yourself what you are hoping to accomplish by implementing new techniques and remind yourself of that reason often.

Post visual reminders around your home to prompt you complete or start a task

Ex: Putting a sticky note or utilizing a dry erase marker in your bathroom on the mirror with the reminder to brush your teeth or putting up an entire month of sticky notes on your wall and ripping one off at the end of each day if you completed the desired task

Take a couple minutes at the beginning of each day to plan your priorities.

Give yourself grace. Schedule in time to take breaks to ensure you have time to rest but that you also stay on track!

Utilize Apps:

Utilize Books:

References

Autistic Self Advocacy Network. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2022, from https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/what-we-believe/

Langberg, J. M., Epstein, J. N., & Graham, A. J. (2008). Organizational-skills interventions in the treatment of ADHD. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 8(10), 1549-1561.McGee, M. (2012). Neurodiversity. Contexts, 11(3), 12-13.

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