Tag: IDC

Most people feel scatterbrained, disorganized, and like they need to have a better handle on their schedule at times. Often it takes a simple pause and reset to get things back in order and on track. Other times, it takes much more than that.

Chronic disorganization defined

Chronic disorganization (CD) is a term used to describe people who find themselves living in disorganization for a long duration. An expert in Attention Deficit Disorder, Judith Kolberg, started using the term chronic disorganization. In her book What Every Professional Organizer Needs To Know About Chronic Disorganization, Kolberg shares a more in-depth description of CD, strategies for working with people with CD, as well as real-life examples of clients living with chronic disorganization.¹

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization states three PARTS that a person must have for their disorganization to be chronic.² Those are:

1. Persists for an extended period of time.
2. It undermines the person’s quality of life.
3. Despite a person’s efforts to get organized, it continues.

Characteristics of individuals with chronic disorganization

CD is behavioral. Individuals struggle with some of the following attributes:

• Has difficulty letting go
• Accumulates large quantities of possessions
• Finds it difficult to manage time and is chronically late
• Often loses or misplaces things
• Has many interests and unfinished projects
• Is easily distracted
• Is talkative, intelligent, and emotional

There are other elements involved, however, these are the most prevalent. Keep in mind that chronic means it has persisted for extended durations of time, affecting their quality of life.

What causes it

People that struggle with CD often have comorbid issues and other factors associated with their chronic disorganization.   Such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).³ Those with ADHD have an impairment in focus and uninterrupted attention. This can make staying organized an extremely difficult task.

Taking action

All hope is not lost for individuals living with CD. In fact, there are numerous supports available including professional organizers who are trained in working with individuals with chronic disorganization. They receive a certification through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization CPO-CD®.

Professional organizers provide helpful organizational systems and tips that restructure the layout of a space. They are also able to address topics of concern such as time management, procrastination, perfectionism, habits, and behaviors that lead to long-term organization over time.

Working together, healthcare professionals and professional organizers are able to address the emotional and behavioral aspects of CD to provide a comprehensive support system.

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¹ Kolberg, Judith. What Every Professional Organizer Needs to Know About Chronic Disorganization. (Squall Press, 2008)  

² https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/

³ https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888–017–1463–3

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD), is a nonprofit educational organization. It’s a community made up of medical, educational, and neuroscience professionals, Professional Organizers, and Productivity Specialists. This team of specialists educates subscribers to be better equipped to help clients affected by chronic disorganization.

Who is the ICD

The ICD’s “mission is to provide education, research, and strategies to benefit people affected by chronic disorganization and the professionals who work with them.”¹

This community is comprised of medical, educational, and neuroscience professionals, Professional Organizers, and Productivity Specialists. This team of specialists helps subscribers to be better equipped to help clients affected by chronic disorganization (CD).

Certifications and Certificates offered by ICD

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization offers numerous educational certifications and certificates. They all are focused on taking a holistic approach to working with individuals with CD. Some courses are taught by mental health and wellness professionals such as social workers, licensed professional counsellors, psychologists, etc.²

Five levels of certification can be earned.

1. Level I Certificates of Study – includes
   • ADHD – Certificate of Study in ADHD,
   • AGE – Certificate of Study in Understanding the Needs of the Aging Client,
   • HIC – Certificate of Study in Health Issues and Conditions and the Client Affected by CD,
   • HRD – Certificate of Study in Understanding Hoarding Behavior,
   • INT – Certificate of Study in Interpersonal Intelligence,
   • LT – Certificate of Study in Life Transitions and the Client Affected by CD,
   • MGMT – Certificate of Study in Client Management (formerly Client Administration),
   • SLT – Certificate of Study in Student and Learning Theories, and
   • TMP – Certificate of Study in Time Management and Productivity.
2. Level II Specialist Certificates – these are in-depth training offered in the areas of
   • Chronic Disorganization Specialist
   • ADHD Organizing Specialist
   • Hoarding Specialist
   • Aging Specialist
   • Time Management & Productivity Specialist
3. Level III Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization® – this is recertified every three years.
4. Level IV Communication Mentor – certification in training, presenting, coaching, motivation, communication, and leadership.
5. Level V Master Trainer in CD and Organization Overview – this is the highest level of achievement in the program.

These specialist qualifications have research and hour requirements that need to be met to earn these specialist certifications.

These certifications and certificates let your potential clients know you are a qualified professional, giving them confidence in your abilities, services, and process.

Other offerings

The ICD has resources, links, scales, and fact sheets available to its members, some of which include:

1. The Clutter Hoarding Scale
2. The Clutter Quality of Life Scale

They offer free and paid classes as well as hosting an annual conference.

A database is available to search for and find other organizers to collaborate and connect with.

Additional support

There are many other benefits for individuals and professionals that work with people with CD. ICD is dedicated to supporting people as they become educated.

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization is also a resource for those living with chronic disorganization looking for help and support.

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¹ https://icdorg.memberclicks.net/what-is-icd
² https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/certification