It is important to understand:
👉 Some people only realise what they have done after it has already happened
This is common in people with ADHD, due to impulsivity.
- They may speak quickly
- Act before thinking
- Struggle to wait their turn
This is not intentional — it is how the brain processes information.
📘 Standard Version (for your book)
People with ADHD may sometimes act or speak before thinking. This is called impulsivity. It means the brain responds quickly, often before the person has time to stop and think.
For example, if a teacher asks a question, a student with ADHD might call out the answer straight away, even if someone else was waiting their turn.
Example:
Teacher: “When was the Battle of Hastings?”
Student: “1066, Miss!”
Teacher: “Right answer, Fred, but Freda had her hand up first.”
Student: “Whoops, sorry Miss.”
In this situation, the student did not mean to interrupt. They only realised afterwards that they had spoken out of turn.
🟦 Easy Read Version (with simple language)
💡 Acting Before Thinking
Some people with ADHD:
- Say things quickly
- Do things quickly
- Realise after
This is called impulsivity
🧑🏫 Example
Teacher asks:
👉 “When was the Battle of Hastings?”
Fred says:
👉 “1066, Miss!”
Teacher says:
👉 “Good answer, Fred, but Freda had her hand up first.”
Fred says:
👉 “Sorry, Miss.”
❤️ Important
- Fred did not mean to interrupt
- His brain answered quickly
- He understood after
📊 PowerPoint Slide Version
Slide 1 – Title
ADHD and Impulsivity
Slide 2 – What Happens?
- Acting quickly
- Speaking without waiting
- Thinking comes after
Slide 3 – Why?
- Brain works fast
- Hard to pause
- Hard to wait turn
Slide 4 – Example
Teacher:
“When was the Battle of Hastings?”
Student:
“1066, Miss!”
Teacher:
“Correct, but someone else had their hand up.”
Student:
“Sorry, Miss.”
Slide 5 – Key Message
- Not intentional
- Happens quickly
- Support and understanding helps
📝 Quiz Questions
Multiple Choice
1. What is impulsivity?
A. Thinking slowly
B. Acting or speaking quickly without thinking ✅
C. Forgetting things
D. Sleeping more
2. When might someone realise their mistake?
A. Before they act
B. While they act
C. After they act ✅
D. Never
3. In the example, why did the student call out?
A. To be rude
B. They didn’t know the answer
C. Their brain responded quickly ✅
D. They were told to
Short Answer
4. Give one example of impulsive behaviour.
→ Speaking without putting your hand up
True or False
5. People with ADHD are always being rude on purpose.
❌ False
📄 Printable Booklet Text (ready for Word/PDF)
ADHD and Acting Quickly
Some people with ADHD act or speak before thinking. This is called impulsivity.
It means the brain responds very quickly, and the person may not have time to stop themselves.
Example
A teacher asks:
“When was the Battle of Hastings?”
A student answers:
“1066, Miss!”
The teacher replies:
“That is correct, but another student had their hand up first.”
The student says:
“Sorry, Miss.”
What This Means
The student did not mean to interrupt. They only realised after they had already spoken.
Key Message
People with ADHD may need support to:
- Wait their turn
- Think before speaking
- Manage impulses
With understanding and support, they can learn strategies to help.
