Do you remember back when Britney Spears shaved her head? Since we know that she struggles with mental health issues sometimes, she likely struggles with executive function skills and impulse control.
I think going out for the evening and coming home with a shaved head is an example of lacking impulse control skills. Impulse control is a crucial aspect of executive functioning that enables individuals to regulate their behavior and make appropriate decisions.
However, some people may struggle with impulse control due to various reasons, including neurological conditions, developmental disorders, or mental health issues.
Understanding Impulse Control
Impulse control refers to the ability to resist immediate gratification and delay rewards to achieve long-term goals. It involves inhibiting impulsive behaviors, thoughts, or emotions that may interfere with one’s ability to function effectively. The inability to plan results in lack of impulse control. It is explained well in the video below which is a must watch.
We’ve probably all used the term “impulse purchase” to describe something we bought. And that’s just what this is about. Deciding to do something or purchase something without weighing out all the consequences.
Impulse control is a critical skill that enables individuals to make appropriate decisions, regulate their emotions, and manage their behavior in different settings, such as school, work, or social situations. But, some people weigh out all the pros and cons of a decision, and still sometimes make a decision we would not make. That is not the same thing.
Also Read: IEP Goals for Impulse Control
Understanding Impulse Control
Impulse control is the ability to resist immediate urges and impulses in favor of long-term goals and values. It is an essential aspect of self-regulation, which is necessary for healthy social and emotional functioning.
Individuals who struggle with impulse control may engage in risky or impulsive behaviors that can lead to negative consequences, such as addiction, financial problems, or legal issues. We watch a lot of sports on TV at my house, and you frequently see pro athletes do this. Antonio Brown comes to mind. He infamously took his stuff off and walked off the field, mid-game. But, of course, since not everyone discloses their cognitive history, we don’t know if these folks struggle with mental health issues resulting in a lack of EF skills or not.
Making a bad decision that results in negative consequences can lead to other problems with trust (from others), confidence, and self-esteem. I believe Antonio Brown has not been signed nor played football since that infamous day he made a spectacle of himself.
Those negative consequences may be:
- loss of money
- not “winning” when it’s a game- or sport-related decision
- punishment or disciplinary consequences
- safety issues or safety consequences
- not being happy, filled with regret
We all have made decisions that we regret. Kids with ADHD and other conditions are more prone to lacking this important executive function.
How to Help Kids with Impulse Control
Here are some IEP or 504 accommodations for impulse control. If you keep scrolling and reading, you will find 20 more that are listed and separated out by category.
- Finding a Comfortable Spot: We’ll seat the student in a quieter area of the room, like towards the sides, where there’s less hustle and bustle.
- Freedom to Move: They’re free to move around a bit! Whether they prefer standing, sitting on the floor, or shifting between desks, they’ve got options.
- Buddy System: Pairing them with a peer who sets a positive example can really help them stay on track.
- Break Time: Breaks are important! Letting them stretch, lend a hand, or take a breather can make a big difference.
- Choosing Battles: Sometimes it’s best to let small things slide and focus on the bigger picture. “But if I let them get away with this, they’ll get away with everything!” is kind of an outdated idea. Remember, kids do well when they can.
- Fidget-friendly Environment: If they need to fidget a bit, that’s okay! Tapping a foot or playing with a pen can help them stay focused. Plus, asking for their input can spark some great ideas.
- Quiet Test Space: Providing a quiet, distraction-free area for tests ensures they can perform their best without disturbing others.
- Recognition for Effort: Acknowledging when they’re doing well, like waiting their turn or participating appropriately, can encourage positive behavior.
- Varied Tasks: Mixing it up keeps things interesting. Avoiding too much repetition or overly challenging tasks helps keep them engaged.
- Protecting Playtime: Recess is a vital part of the day, not a punishment. Everyone needs a break to recharge.
- Respectful Communication: Using tools like a talking stick during discussions ensures everyone gets a chance to speak and be heard.
Is there medication for impulse control?
The decision to medicate a child is a highly personal one. I am not a doctor nor do I play one on the internet. Talk with your doctor about options. I will relay a conversation I had recently with a parent, though, who was feeling guilty about medicating her child for ADHD and anxiety. She said to me, “I feel terrible that I have to give him all these meds.”
And I said to her, “You wouldn’t feel bad if they were working, but they’re not.” Just food for thought.
Impulse Control at School
In classrooms, students with impulse control challenges may struggle to focus on classwork and have difficulty completing assignments. They may also be more likely to interrupt the teacher or other students, disrupting the learning process for everyone involved.
To help these students succeed, educators can provide a variety of accommodations, such as:
- Frequent breaks: Allowing students to take short breaks can help them refocus and stay on task.
- Visual aids: Using visual aids, such as charts or diagrams, can help students better understand complex concepts and stay engaged in the learning process.
- Alternative seating: Providing alternative seating options, such as a standing desk or a fidget cushion, can help students who struggle to sit still and stay focused.
- Social skills training: Teaching individuals specific social skills, such as initiating and maintaining a conversation, can help them feel more confident and capable in social situations.
- Behavioral contracts: Developing a behavioral contract that outlines specific expectations and consequences can help individuals better understand appropriate behavior in social situations.
- Role-playing exercises: Practicing social situations through role-playing exercises can help individuals build confidence and develop effective communication skills.
By providing accommodations tailored to the specific needs of individuals with impulse control challenges, educators and others can help them succeed in various settings.
How to Help an ADHD Child with Impulse Control
Impulse control accommodations are designed to help children with impulse control issues manage their behavior and emotions effectively. If the impulse control is the result of a learning disability like autism or ADHD, you may want to try some of the following ideas.
What you choose to help a child with ADHD vs another child will vary based on what behaviors they are exhibiting and in what situations.
Behavioral Interventions
Behavioral interventions are one of the most common types of accommodations used to help individuals with impulse control issues. Some common behavioral interventions include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their impulse control issues.
- Social skills training: This type of training helps individuals learn how to interact with others in a positive and appropriate manner.
- Relaxation techniques: These techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help individuals manage stress and anxiety, which can contribute to impulse control issues.
Environmental Accommodations
Environmental adjustments are another type of accommodation that can be used to help individuals with impulse control issues. These adjustments are designed to modify the individual’s environment to reduce the likelihood of impulsive behavior. Some common environmental adjustments include:
- Reducing distractions: This can be done by creating a quiet workspace or using noise-cancelling headphones.
- Minimizing triggers: This can be done by removing items or situations that trigger impulsive behavior.
- Providing structure: This can be done by creating a routine or schedule that helps the individual stay on track.
Assistive Technologies
Assistive technologies are tools and devices that can be used to help individuals with impulse control issues. These technologies are designed to provide support and assistance in managing impulsive behavior. Some common assistive technologies include:
- Reminder apps: These apps can be used to create reminders for important tasks or events.
- Time-management apps: These apps can be used to create schedules and reminders for important tasks.
- Self-monitoring apps: These apps can be used to track behavior and provide feedback on progress.
By implementing these accommodations, kids with impulse control issues can better manage their behavior and improve their overall functioning in different settings.
How to Improve Executive Function Skills
- Simon Says Ideas: Free Printable List and Simon Says Card PDF
- 20 Popular Critical Thinking Games
- How to Teach Executive Functioning Skills (at Home)
- 20 Executive Functioning Strategies to Add to Your IEP
- Printable List of Executive Functioning Accommodations for an IEP or 504 Plan
- Task Avoidance Behavior: Replacement Behaviors, IEP Accommodations and More.
- What is ADHD Overwhelm and How do you Overcome It?
- How to Teach Task Initiation
- Difficulty Following Instructions? 15 Ways to Increase a Child’s Ability to Follow Directions
- 5 Easy Strategies: How to Improve Matching Skills
- How to Teach Inference for Kids (Picture Cards + IEP Accommodations)
- Stay Organized and Productive with these Free ADHD To-Do List Templates (PDFs)
- 40 Working Memory IEP Accommodations (PDF)
- 17 Work Completion IEP Accommodations (Preferred and Non-Preferred Tasks)
- How to Improve Slow Processing Speed in Kids at School and at Home
- What is an Executive Functioning Coach and What do they Do?
- How to Overcome Task Paralysis, an Important Executive Function
- Study Skills and Note-Taking: IEP and 504 Plan Accommodations and Strategies
- 60 Free Graphic Organizer Template PDFs
- 10 Common Executive Function Assessments Parents Should Know About
- Time Blindness and ADHD or Autism: How to Manage It
- 20 Free Apps for Executive Function Skill Deficits for Students and Adults
- Improve Focus and Attention: 10 IEP Accommodations and Strategies
- 20 IEP and 504 Plan Accommodations for Impulse Control
- Beyond Checkers and Chess: 8 Unusual and Educational Board Games for Older Kids
