Impulsive behavior in children isn’t unusual. Children begin to learn how to manage their impulses as they get older. There are those who develop self-control sooner than others, and there are those whose impulsivity remains longer than what may be expected. For instance, a toddler may see a ball rolling and run after it despite possible cars. As that child gets older they become more aware of their surroundings. If you are concerned that your child’s impulse control is not where it should be, consulting with a professional may be helpful. 

Impulsivity can be worrisome. More than the risks that it may bring your child, it can also be a sign that your little one is struggling a behavioral condition.

Impulsivity: What is it?

A child’s “impulsive behaviors are those that are done quickly, without thought to the consequences.” The International Society for Research on Impulsivity defines it as “behavior without adequate thought, the tendency to act with less forethought than do most individuals of equal ability and knowledge, or a predisposition toward rapid, unplanned reactions to internal or external stimuli without regard to the negative consequences of these reactions.”

Child Mind Institute’s clinical psychologist Dr. Matthew Cruger points out that
“It’s not easy to identify unusual impulsivity in kids…” For a child, it can appear “normal” to be impulsive at times. This can make it difficult for a parent to identify if their child is just “being a kid,” or if there is “unusual impulsiveness” that needs attention. Excessive impulsivity may indicate something more.

The most common condition in children associated with impulsiveness is
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. ADHD is a brain-based condition that affects about 8 to 10 percent of all the American children aged 3 to 17. Statistics show that boys are more frequently diagnosed than girls.

Behavioral Manifestations of Impulsivity

According to Understood (For Learning and Attention Issues), some behavioral manifestations of a child’s impulsive behaviors can include:

• Blurting out answers in class rather than raising hands and waiting to be called on
• Grabbing toys from other children
• Pushing or shoving other children when angry or teased
• Butting in to the front of the line
• Excitement seeking such as acting in dangerous ways to feel the adrenalin rush
• Getting up from seat even though it is not the time to move around
• Difficulty waiting their turn when playing games with other children, yelling or getting angry while waiting
• Interrupting others during conversations
• Rushing into tasks without listening to directions

The Roots of Impulsivity

Impulsivity is a symptom that may indicate a behavioral health disorder. Aside from ADHD, impulsivity can also be a symptom of anxiety, autism, and sensory processing disorders.

Impulsivity could be an indication of an unrecognized anxiety. A child who has many fears and worries may have difficulty adjusting to or coping with stressful situations. Anxiety can cause a child to experience the “fight or flight” response more often than is necessary. Anxiety may also contribute to a child’s likelihood of developing other conditions.

A child who has difficulty expressing their thoughts because of a communication or learning disorder, may impulsively react to stimuli as a way to express their feelings and thoughts. Children with sensory processing concerns and/or autism, may be more prone to impulsivity as are children who experience trauma.

Could it be ADHD?

Impulsivity is a symptom that is often associated with ADHD. Just because your child is impulsive doesn’t mean they have ADHD. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder has three hallmark symptoms, to include inattention and hyperactivity. There are children with ADHD who are impulsive and hyperactive, though they do not struggle with attention. There are those who have difficulty with attention, but not hyperactive behaviors. 

Being more disruptive, children who are impulsive and hyperactive are the ones who are more likely to be diagnosed. Impulsive and hyperactive children with ADHD often have difficulty focusing on a task and have trouble sitting still without fidgeting. They don’t reflect on the consequences of their actions. As a result, they may perform poorly in school or have frequent clashes with other children for being excessively rowdy and/or unruly.

Finding the Help You Need

While impulsive behaviors are not unusual among children, they are not to be ignored when they are causing problems. You know your child best, if you are concerned about their impulsive behavior it is worth looking into. 

A skilled child counselor can assess what is going on for your child and create a comprehensive treatment plan to address their unique needs. Many find a combination of therapy and medication management the most effective when treating impulsivity. 

Carolina Counseling Services in Southern Pines, NC contracts with skilled, licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals who can help. Find the therapist that is right for you and your child with CCS. Call now to schedule your first appointment!

Related Articles:

• ADHD: What You Need to Know