Ever looked at the clock, thinking only 10 minutes passed… but it was actually two hours?
Or maybe you set out to do one quick thing, only to get distracted and lose half the day?
✔ You struggle with estimating how long tasks will take.
✔ You get stuck in hyperfocus or lose track of time completely.
✔ You might feel like you’re always running late, rushing, or missing deadlines.
That’s time blindness and it’s common for autistic people. But when you’re Black and autistic, the pressure to be on time, stay organized, and “have it together” is even higher.
Let’s break down why time blindness happens and how to build routines that actually work for your brain.
What Is Time Blindness?
Time blindness is when your brain doesn’t naturally track time the way neurotypical people do.
✔ You overestimate or underestimate how long things take.
✔ You struggle with starting, stopping, or switching tasks on time.
✔ You lose time to hyperfocus or task paralysis.
And it’s not just about clocks, it’s about feeling disconnected from the passage of time itself.
Why Time Blindness Hits Black Autistic People Even Harder
✔ The Pressure to Be “Twice as Good”
- Black folks are often told we have to be twice as good to get half as much.
- If you’ve ever been told “being late makes you look unprofessional” or “you have to stay on top of things”, time blindness can feel even more stressful.
✔ Rushing to Mask & Code-Switch
- Many of us need extra mental preparation before going into work, social spaces, or public settings.
- By the time we finish masking, planning our words, and adjusting our tone, we’re already mentally exhausted.
✔ Hyperfocus Can Lead to Being “Accidentally Late”
- If you’re deeply focused on something, time ceases to exist until suddenly, you’re late for an important event.
✔ Shame Around Struggling with Time
- Society treats time management like a moral issue, as if being late means you don’t respect others.
- But time blindness isn’t a character flaw… it’s a neurodivergent experience.
How to Create Routines That Work for Your Brain
✔ Step 1: Use External Time Cues
- Since your brain doesn’t track time automatically, use tools to help:
- Timers & alarms (set multiple for important tasks!)
- Visual clocks (so you can see time passing)
- Task reminders (written down, not just in your head!)
✔ Step 2: Plan for “Transition Time”
- If switching tasks is hard, build in buffer time between activities.
- Example: Instead of planning to leave at 3:00, set a reminder at 2:45 to start wrapping up.
✔ Step 3: Create Anchors in Your Day
- Attach tasks to things you already do instead of just relying on “remembering.”
- Take vitamins right after brushing your teeth.
- Check emails right after making coffee.
✔ Step 4: Use “Time Blocking” Instead of Open-Ended Tasks
- Instead of “I’ll clean later,” schedule “Clean for 15 minutes at 4:00.”
- This helps prevent avoidance and procrastination.
✔ Step 5: Work with Hyperfocus, Not Against It
- If you get stuck in deep focus, use alarm reminders to check the time.
- If you struggle to stop working, schedule an “end-of-day wind-down activity” so you have a transition cue.
✔ Step 6: Forgive Yourself When Things Don’t Go as Planned
- Time blindness means you will mess up sometimes. That’s okay.
- Instead of beating yourself up, adjust your system and try again.
Time blindness isn’t about laziness or irresponsibility… it’s just how some of our brains work.
Instead of forcing yourself into neurotypical time management, create systems that work for you.
As always… take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and know that you are not alone in this journey. ❤