Triveni Goswami Vernal
(Registered Special Educator A64010)

Impulse control refers to the ability to resist the urge or the temptation to do something, and work on regulating one’s behaviour in a given situation. For a lot of individuals on the Autism spectrum, impulse control is a challenge. Even if they are theoretically aware of what is expected of them, and what they are supposed to do /not do in a given situation, they often cannot hold themselves back. For example, they might be aware of the fact that they shouldn’t eat food fallen on the floor, but in a given context, even though they are aware of that fact, they might still find themselves picking food from the floor to ingest.
Impulse control has a close relationship with Self-Regulation and Executive Functioning skills. Executive Functioning (that involves the processes of planning, attending, following instructions, and initiating steps to implement the plan) is often a challenge for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Self- Regulation involves the ability to wait between thinking and doing something. Hence, an individual who struggles with the processes of Waiting, Planning, Following Instructions and Implementing the plan, more often than not, will also struggle with Impulse Control.

HOW DO WE WORK ON BUILDING IMPULSE CONTROL?
1) Providing Clarity in Instructions, can help individuals on the Autism Spectrum be more aware of what is expected on them.
2) Providing Structure to their Environment, can also go a long way in ensuring there are no undue surprises, and help the individuals regulate themselves better.
3) Self- Regulation Activities: Activities targeting emotional regulation, body awareness, mindfulness, deep breathing etc can help, create better impulse control.


ACTIVITIES /GAMES TO WORK ON IMPULSE CONTROL:
1) Red means Stop, Green means Go.
2) Think and Say (You can give the child, a set of statements and ask whether those need to be “Spoken outright” or “Thought and Spoken”)

https://www.twinkl.co.in/resource/t2-p-452-thinking-it-or-saying-it-activity-sheet
https://www.twinkl.co.in/resource/t-s-764-think-or-say-it-scenario-card-activity
3) How Would you Feel activity in which the child is presented various scenarios in the form of cards, and they have to decide the emotion, they feel on seeing them. This can help work on creating awareness of self/ emotional regulation.
(https://www.twinkl.co.in/resource/t-s-1329-how-would-you-feel-if)
4) If I am Feeling, I can
(https://www.twinkl.co.in/resource/cfe-s-69-if-im-feelingi-can-activity)
5) When I am angry, I can (https://www.twinkl.co.in/resource/us-t-s-1122-when-im-angry-i-can-poster-and-cut-outs)
6) What do I do first (https://www.twinkl.co.in/resource/t-c-254745-what-do-i-do-first-activity-sheet)
7) Ordering the things I have to do (https://www.twinkl.co.in/resource/t3-p-175-ordering-the-things-i-have-to-do-activity-sheet)
8) Listen and Do (https://www.twinkl.co.in/resource/t-s-4399-listen-and-do-activity-pack)


Impulse Control, is a composite concept, heavily influenced by Self-Regulation and Executive Functioning Skills, therefore, in order to build upon Impulse Control, we must first work on its foundation – Self-Regulation, Emotional Regulation and Executive Functioning Skills.
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Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 12 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

Artwork Pansies,
Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Artist Kabir Vernal