The Need for the Extreme in kids with ADHD

Kids that have the need for the extreme.  You know the ones, like my son, who are risk takers.  They are the ones that constantly push the limits for movement and balance.   You'll find these kids swinging upside down, climbing trees higher than they should, and often excelling in sports.  They may have reduced impulse control as well.  Our control of impulses are the ones that keep us from saying things that we do not mean, trying physical activities that are risky, and even waiting to enter a conversation without interrupting.   The impulsive part of ADHD is the part that attributes to these children having a higher risk of injury than other kids.  We used to half laugh (half gasp) that my son never looked when he crossed a street...all part of impulsivity.  In fact there have been studies regarding the higher incidences of kids with ADHD getting hurt. 

Many kids like my son have ADHD and are also on the "go" constantly.  It really is like he is being driven by a motor.  Although exhausting for the parents at time, I have found that is is necessary to embrace the really positive things about ADHD.    Kids with ADHD need lots of movement as it centers them and allows them to learn.  Some kids (like my son) need pretty extreme movement (vestibular and proprioceptive input) which can be seen by the types of activities he chooses to engage in.  Once he gets all sweaty, climbs up and down trees, wrestles the dog, plays soccer, stomps all around the house, rides his pogo stick with one hand and one foot, growls loudly like a bear, and dribbles the basketball until all of the neighbors are jarred out of their beds THEN he is ready to learn.  Oh, and that all happened in an hour.