ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type

Does your child never sit still, talk non-stop, interrupt others, act before thinking? These behaviours can be part of ADHD with a predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation. Here is how to recognise this form of the disorder and support the child. Understanding this form of the disorder better helps you respond more calmly.

A visible form

In this presentation, restlessness and impulsivity are dominant. The child moves a great deal, has difficulty staying seated, acts quickly, without always considering the consequences. The child does not act this way out of defiance. Their need to move and their difficulty in restraining their reactions are part of the disorder.

This form is more common in young children.

We explain this point in Mon enfant ne tient pas en place.

Signs of hyperactivity

Fidgeting in their chair, getting up in class, running or climbing in unsuitable situations, having difficulty playing quietly, talking a lot, always being on the move. These behaviours are present in several settings, at home as well as at school. They are more pronounced than in children of the same age.

This topic is covered in our page ADHD and restlessness in class.

Signs of impulsivity

Answering before the question is finished, having difficulty waiting their turn, interrupting others, imposing themselves in games or conversations. These reactions can hurt others without the child meaning to. They often regret it afterwards.

To find out more, read ADHD and impulsivity then My child interrupts.

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Consequences

Remarks, punishments, conflicts with other children, more frequent accidents: the child can quickly be labelled as disruptive. Their self-esteem suffers. Repeated remarks can lead them to see themselves as a bad child. It is important to also highlight their qualities.

Our article ADHD and punishments at school complements this advice.

It is not a matter of upbringing

ADHD is not caused by poor upbringing. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Parents are not responsible, even though the way they react can help the child. Parents can nevertheless learn strategies that help the child in everyday life. This is the purpose of parent guidance.

To find out more, see Common misconceptions about ADHD.

Diagnosis

An energetic child does not necessarily have ADHD. Diagnosis requires that the symptoms be numerous, persistent, present in several living environments and that they have a real impact. The doctor relies on interviews and questionnaires completed by the family and the school.

The article ADHD: when to be concerned covers this question in detail.

Support

Parent guidance, adjustments in the classroom, movement breaks, clear rules, praise for positive behaviour, and sometimes treatment: support helps the child channel their energy. The child’s energy can also become a strength, in sport or creative activities.

This point is explained step by step in Parent guidance and ADHD.