Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This impulsivity is the result of the brain's decreased ability to inhibit. There is a lack of self-control even at the neurological level. Impulsivity is found in two areas. There is behavioral impulsivity, and there is cognitive impulsivity.
Behavioral impulsivity would involve actions, what one does. ADHD er's with behavioral impulsivity don't stop and think first before they act. No matter how many times you tell this kid, "stop and think first," the next time the situation comes up, he may well do the same impulsive thing again.
Kids with ADHD often aren't learning from their past mistakes. Their learning threshold is very high, and if you don't excite them, or motivate them enough to get them above that learning threshold, they don't learn, and they make the same the same mistake again and again.
ADHD er's with behavioral impulsivity act without thinking first, cut in line, can't wait their turn in line or in a game, blurt out answers in class, speak when they're supposed to be quiet, maybe show aggressive behaviors, are often a little too loud, and sometimes fights. They often have poor social skills, which of course is the death socially for teenagers with ADHD. They impulsively say the wrong thing at the wrong time. They can get one date, but they can't get the second date because they might impulsively blurt out something goofy, and then say, "Why did I say that?" Other teens are asking, "Who is this guy?" and often begin to avoid him.
Also, sometimes these kids fail to learn those subtle social cues that everybody else has learned, and so they're socially awkward and often don't know why.
Cognitive impulsivity is different. One with cognitive impulsivity is impulsive at the neurological level. This means that they guess a lot. In fact, guessing is their problem solving method of choice.
Cognitively impulsive ADHD kids will make a multiple number of guesses in a short period of time. On a matching task, or if you give them multiple choices orally, you'll see them guess for the right answer very quickly, "it's this one, no, its this one, no, wait, its this one," until finally you step in and, when he guesses right, you'll say, "That's it!" Of course this just reinforces his guessing.
These cognitively impulsive ADHD kids have very limited problem solving strategies. They don't stop and look and the problem and then say, "Well, I could do it this way first, then do that, then I'll be done." They don't approach problem solving that way. They usually just guess and let trial and error take its course. Now remember, being fast is not a problem. Some have pointed out that "being fast and accurate is good." It's fast and inaccurate that is a problem.
Impulsive kids are often seen interrupting others in conversations, or blurting out answers in class. They often have trouble waiting their turn in games, or have trouble lining up at school. They just don't wait... or think...before they act. To learn how to help children, teens, and even adults who have problems with impulsivity, visit the adhd information library.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including adhd information library, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
house refresh service Morton Grove ..Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
Diapers..Changing a dirty diaper is not the best part of... Read More
As mothers, we play so many different roles and most... Read More
The Flow of WaterWater is essential for life on the... Read More
Have you ever wondered why toys for babies tend to... Read More
How to Get Your Child to Love Reading was conceived... Read More
Children and teenagers are relentlessly bombarded with merchandise that entices.... Read More
Q. How do we decide what our teens should be... Read More
When my daughter was born, I must admit there was... Read More
"My son won't go to bed at night without a... Read More
Most people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More
Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many... Read More
Demanding children ? children who have entitlement issues ? seem... Read More
One of the implications of the current trend toward smaller... Read More
Economist John Kenneth Galbraith has said that more people die... Read More
All children will likely have many different health problems during... Read More
There's a phrase that's become popular over the past few... Read More
Former students would probably attest to the fact that few... Read More
Once your little boy/girl goes off to school, you may... Read More
For over fifty years, public-school officials and politicians have tried... Read More
A common problem many times facing parents is Colic. Estimates... Read More
We all wish that our children should not smoke or... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
Q. We are getting to the stage with our kids... Read More
The legend and myth of the Tooth Fairy is a... Read More
cleaning service near Mundelein ..I was in the life insurance sales industry for over... Read More
In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is... Read More
Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle with... Read More
When my oldest daughter was born, I walked the floor... Read More
Do you want your child to cooperate with you more?Children... Read More
Is there a difference between lazy and unmotivated? Why do... Read More
It was a hot summer day in august and The... Read More
NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier,... Read More
"I wipe my baby's chin with my college diploma and... Read More
What are we teaching our children about money? Hopefully something!I... Read More
Recess has begun disappearing in states all around the country.... Read More
Criticism is punitiveOur children judge themselves on the opinions we... Read More
What would it be like to have a clone? What... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
Economist John Kenneth Galbraith has said that more people die... Read More
Kids today no longer live the kind of privileged lives... Read More
Jason Roberts listened to his son's explanation of the missing... Read More
By the time your children reach their teens, there is... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
Q. When you consult with a family with teens, what... Read More
Is Homework Really That Important?Dear Friends,I no longer teach in... Read More
Do you know what these famous people have in common?Alexander... Read More
How in the world do you get your child to... Read More
Although many parents are concerned with our children's intelligence quotient... Read More
When my firstborn arrived into this serene and peaceful household,... Read More
Parenting |