Why do children with ADHD choose smaller rewards immediately?

When children with ADHD face the choice between waiting for a more significant reward or taking a smaller one right away, they often opt for the immediate gratification. This tendency sheds light on the immediate reward preference characteristic of ADHD. The concept of Delay Aversion is crucial here; it shows a general inclination to avoid waiting among these children. This aversion to delay helps us understand why the immediate reward often wins over the potential for a greater one later on. In a study where children aged 7-9 were given the choice between a hypothetical $10 available after various delays or smaller amounts immediately, those with ADHD showed a distinct preference for the latter, highlighting their lower tolerance for waiting.

Children with ADHD exhibit a marked preference for smaller, quicker rewards, a trait that underscores their impulsiveness. This preference points to a 'shortened reward delay gradient' in ADHD, where immediate rewards hold disproportionately higher value than delayed ones. A study involving 360 children with ADHD and controls assessed this by offering choices between smaller immediate rewards and larger delayed ones. The findings revealed that kids with ADHD were significantly more inclined to choose the immediate but smaller rewards, underscoring the impulsivity and delay aversion traits of ADHD.

It appears that all children, to some extent, prefer immediate rewards over waiting for something larger. However, this preference is notably stronger in those with ADHD. This insight comes from a study where children, both with and without ADHD, were offered smaller immediate rewards or the option to wait for a larger sum. While the tendency to choose immediate gratification was observed across the board, it was significantly more pronounced in children with ADHD. This universal inclination towards immediate rewards highlights a broader theme of impulsivity, with ADHD amplifying this trait.

Delay Aversion is a straightforward yet critical concept when discussing ADHD. It's the strong dislike for waiting, even if it means missing out on a better outcome. This feeling is particularly intense for those with ADHD, for whom the act of waiting can be exceptionally challenging. Understanding Delay Aversion gives us valuable insight into why immediate rewards are often more appealing than the promise of greater rewards in the future for children with ADHD.

The choice of smaller, immediate rewards over larger, delayed ones by children with ADHD is not just about impatience. It's also about the disproportionate challenge and discomfort waiting poses for them. Recognizing this struggle is key to understanding their actions and finding better ways to support them. This perspective emphasizes the importance of considering the underlying difficulties in delay aversion and impulsivity when addressing the needs of children with ADHD.