What is chronoception hypersensitivity?SIMPLIFIED EXPLANATION
Temporal hypersensitivity, or chronoceptive hypersensitivity, is a high degree of sensitivity to time, i.e. to the passing of the hour, to schedules and to waiting. The person may worry a lot, need a lot of precision in relation to schedules, or have difficulty sleeping. Autistic people have hyper- or hypo-sensitivities more often, but people without any particular developmental diagnosis can also have these conditions.
What is chronoception hypersensitivity?
Chronoceptive hypersensitivity manifests as an excessive sensitivity to time. Adherence to strict, precise schedules can take up a lot of space in their lives. A person with this condition may struggle with waiting and often show significant rigidity in planning and time management. The discomfort they experience is real and can cause suffering.
Why do many autistic people worry so much about the passage of time?
Many autistic people struggle with managing uncertainty and anticipating change. They often feel a strong need to plan and organize their time, which can cause anxiety and significant pressure related to schedules and deadlines.
Symptoms of time hypersensitivity
- Frequently checking the time
- Extreme precision with regards to timeliness
- Rigidity with regards to scheduling
- Difficulty with waiting
- Distress when there are delays
- Worry about schedule changes
- Difficulty with planning
Waiting makes me so anxious that I get dizzy and sick to my stomach. Since the advent of smartphones, even if I have 30 seconds to wait, I keep busy, which means I can put less pressure on those around me. On the other hand, my obsession with time makes me more efficient at work.
Consequences of hypersensitivity to chronoception
Anxiety caused by hypersensitivity to the passage of time can lead to several problems.
- Difficulty performing certain daily tasks
- Avoidance of situations with a risk of delay
- Unpredictable reactions
- Conflict
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Mood disorders
Important
It's important to remember that the person is not imposing their worry on purpose or to hurt others. While having an extremely time-sensitive loved one may affect relationships with those around them, it's more constructive to find compromises to make everyone more comfortable.
Scenario
Camille's teacher mentions that the exam will last 30 minutes. At the exact second marking the end of the thirty minutes, Camille raises her hand to stop the exam. Camille's classmates are displeased.
What are some solutions and strategies for chronoception hypersensitivity?
- Establishing structured daily routines
- Relaxation techniques
- Using tools to make waiting easier
- TimeTimer to help you wait
- Setting up clear, precise compromises
- Therapy
- Taking breaks without clocks or time markers, while respecting personal limits
- Leisure activities that don't involve time
Références
Meck, W. H. (2000). Neural basis of temporal processing. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 23(1), 167-180.
Wearden, J. H., & Barakat, S. (2017). The perception and measurement of time: How does the brain keep time?. European Journal of Neuroscience, 45(12), 1489-1498.
