Even though the "Stop and Think" movement in ADHD treatment has lost some momentum lately, the basic strategies and techniques are still worth teaching your children. My favorite version of the technique it the "Five Step Problem Solving Strategy," and it goes something like this. . .

Teach your child this five step problem solving strategy:

1. Ask yourself, "What is the problem?" 2. Think up three possible solutions (options) to the problem. 3. Look at each option for a minute. Ask yourself, "Is this a good move or a bad move?" 4. Pick the best option/solution. 5. Try it out and see if it works.

I use Checkers in my practice to teach this formula. It is a great way to practice without it effecting anything in the "real world." I use this formula:

We have often felt sorry for those impulsive children who blurt out the first thing that comes to their mind when asked a question, especially if they are about to get into trouble. As most parents know, that first thing that comes out as the answer is usually a lie. And then the child has to spend the rest of the hour covering up the lie, that both he and his parents know is a lie. This is a classic scene of a child with ADHD getting into trouble because of his impulsivity.

As a remedy, we encourage parents to warn the child that they are about to be asked a very serious question, and that their honesty is absolutely required. And that the child is not to answer the question for 30 seconds after being asked, so that they can clearly think about what they want to answer and get it right the first time. This works.

But that is not what this article is about...

Impulsivity in ADHD

Impulsivity in ADHD is seen in two ways: (1) either doing or saying something without thinking first; or (2) not saying "no" to yourself, inhibiting yourself, when you ought to do so.

It seems that a person with impulsivity as a part of their ADHD has a normal ability to say "Go" at the neurological level, but their ability to say "No" or "Stop" comes just a fraction of a second slower. As a result, things are often done, or said, without much self-control practiced.

Why does it seem that there are so many children today with the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADD ADHD? As I get older the answer becomes clearer to me.

The reason there are so many children diagnosed with ADHD today is that physicians, psychologists, therapists, and/or parents, rush to this diagnosis without doing their "due diligence" in the diagnostic process.

Here is what happens...

• A physician, psychologist, or therapist is well versed in the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
• A parent brings in a child for an evaluation because of behaviors at home or at school.
• The child meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
• Therefore, the child has ADHD. Simple.
• Mission accomplished!

But this is absolutely the WRONG WAY to make the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder.