ADHD Task Initiation & Time Blindness

Designed for parents, carers, educators and professionals supporting children and young people with ADHD, this resource focuses specifically on the moments where things often get stuck: starting tasks, managing time, and moving between activities.

 

Many ADHD children understand what is expected of them, but struggle with activation, sequencing and time awareness. Tasks can feel too big, time can feel invisible or endless, and transitions can quickly lead to overwhelm. This printable resource supports adults to scaffold starting and ending tasks in practical, low-pressure ways that increase access and reduce escalation.

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The focus is not on motivation or compliance, but on removing barriers to engagement.

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What’s Included

This downloadable PDF Toolkit includes:

• A clear explanation of why task initiation and time awareness are common challenges for ADHD children

• A practical Start Support Ladder, showing how adults can increase support without increasing pressure

• Strategies to externalise time, including visual timers, countdowns and predictable transition cues

• Guidance on how adult presence and language can support activation rather than trigger shutdown

• Reflection prompts to support repair and adjustment when tasks don’t go to plan

• The layout is concise and visual, making it easy to use in real-time rather than only during planning.

 

Who It’s For

This Toolkit is useful for:

• Parents and carers supporting ADHD children at home

• Early Years settings, schools and SEND provisions

• SENCOs, Educational Psychologists, therapists and support workers

• Professionals contributing to EHCPs, support plans or review meetings

• No specialist training is required to use this resource.

 

Why Choose this Resource?

• Difficulties with starting tasks and managing time are often misinterpreted as avoidance, lack of effort or poor attitude. In reality, these challenges reflect differences in executive functioning and time perception.

• Without appropriate scaffolding, children may experience repeated failure, increased anxiety and escalating stress responses. Providing clear start supports and making time visible can reduce friction, build confidence and support independence over time.

• This resource helps adults intervene earlier, more thoughtfully, and with less emotional cost for everyone involved.