All you need to know About ADHD Impulsivity - Plexus

2. Brief Overview of ADHD and Impulsivity • Common childhood developmental condition • Challenges in the prefrontal cortex affecting impulse control

3. What is ADHD? ADHD is one of the most common childhood developmental conditions. It affects a child’s ability to control their spontaneous responses. ADHD may also result in behaviors such as: • Difficulty controlling spontaneous responses • Inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity

4. Hyperactive Behaviors in ADHD • Difficulty sitting still • Impulsively interrupting others • Constantly fidgeting

5. ADHD Signs in Children • Appearing demotivated • Trouble paying attention • Jumping from activity to activity • Difficulty completing projects • Trouble concentrating in noisy environments • Misplacing items

6. Symptoms of ADHD Impulsivity • Acting without thinking • Restlessness or hyperactivity • Difficulty waiting turns • Interrupting others • Inconsistent performance • Emotional impulsivity • Excessive talking • Risky behaviours

7. Impact in Adults • Strained relationships • Inability to cope with workplace dynamics • Poor time management • Poor interpersonal communication • Indecisiveness • Cognitive and emotional regulation challenges • Interruptions in daily routines

8. Children with ADHD • Social challenges: Children with ADHD may struggle with sharing, taking turns, or understanding social cues. This can lead to social isolation or conflicts with others. • Academic troubles: Due to their inability to focus, follow instructions, and/or complete their tasks, children with ADHD may not be high academic performers, as their behaviors can hinder their learning experience.

9. Strategies for Parents, Caregivers, and Educators • Structured routines: Consistent schedules help minimize surprises and support better impulse control. They provide a sense of order for children with ADHD. • Visual aids: Charts, timers, puppets, etc. can help children understand and anticipate transitions. These aids represent a tangible shift of time, aiding in impulse control between activities. • Positive reinforcement: Encouraging and reinforcing positive behaviors is crucial. They motivate children to continue making positive choices. • Clear instructions: This helps children understand expectations. Break tasks into smaller, doable steps. Offer simple and direct guidance. • Behavioral interventions: Token systems, behavior charts, etc. help promote and track positive behaviors. • Self-regulation and coping mechanisms: Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, and self-awareness strategies can be introduced gradually.

10. Tips for Parents, Caregivers, and Educators • Identify and minimize possible triggers • Plan your day into small, manageable sessions (use calendars, planners, journals, checklists, etc.) • Stick to your routines and plans • Minimize intake of even your favorite stimulants like coffee, sugar foods, etc. • Take a break, reset, refocus • Set realistic goals • Check-in with yourself regularly, reflect, readjust, restart • Engage in hobbies and creative pursuits

11. Managing ADHD Impulsivity at Plexus with Early Intervention It is crucial to identify and address ADHD during early childhood. This helps set the stage for improved long-term outcomes. Timely interventions can improve social interactions and academic progress, and is also beneficial for the development of self-regulation skills. At Plexus, we use a combination of the below approaches: Behavioral Therapies Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, fostering self-awareness, and developing coping mechanisms to regulate impulsive behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) promotes mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. With DBT, we provide valuable skills for managing emotions and making more considered decisions. Cognitive Restructuring This typically involves replacing impulsive thoughts with more reasoned and acceptable alternatives. Cognitive restructuring supports individuals in arriving at decisions after careful consideration rather than acting on immediate impulses.

12. Managing ADHD Impulsivity at Plexus with Early Intervention Executive Functioning Training Interventions are tailored and targeted to enhance planning, decision-making, organization, and other critical executive functions. This can help build skills essential for improved impulse control in various scenarios. Structured Routines We can help you to establish structured daily routines for your little (and you) that help reduce surprises, minimize anxiety, and promote a sense of order that supports better impulse control. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques Mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques are known to enhance self-regulation and reduce impulsive reactions. Environmental Modifications We will help you to create an environment that reduces the triggers for impulsive behavior. Typically, this involves organized home or work spaces, lesser distractions, and clear boundaries to improve focus.

13. Social Skills Training at Plexus We will help your child to practice turn-taking, active listening, and appropriate ways to express thoughts and emotions. Our social skills training program at Plexus includes: • Occupational Therapy to improve coping mechanisms, improves time management and organizational skills. • Parent Training Programmes to educate parents with specific ways to talk to and play with children. • Sensory Integration Therapy to help children effectively process and integrate sensory information. • Play Therapy to help children express their emotions and resolve psychological issues in a safe and supportive environment.

14. Lifestyle Changes Apart from making sure your child receives the best in class therapies at Plexus, here’s a list of what else they need: • Adequate sleep • Well balanced meals • Regular exercise • Less external stress • Supportive loved ones and caregivers

15. If you wish to know more about our early intervention programs for ADHD, reach out to our centres today. WhatsApp +91 89048 42087 Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)