Overview

Impulsivity is often associated with high-risk or pathological behaviours. However, it is also a fundamental component of everyday decision-making, influencing how individuals respond to emotion, reward, stress, and environmental cues.

This webinar reframes impulsivity in neurodivergent students as a window into the developing brain rather than a behaviour requiring correction. The session walks through four distinct neurological pathways behind impulsive presentations, executive, emotional, sensory and cognitive load, and reward and delay, showing how each produces a different classroom picture and calls for its own response.

Two composite case studies anchor the content throughout: a student whose apparent defiance in math conceals a coherent internal logic, and a student whose disruption reflects cognitive overload rather than choice. From these, the webinar moves into the underlying neuroscience and back out into practical application.

The session covers seven neurocognitive profiles relevant to school-based work, ADHD, autism, dysgraphia and dyspraxia, dyslexia, alexithymia, developmental language disorder, and twice-exceptional presentations, with attention to how frequently these co-occur. It also addresses the influence of digital media and reward-seeking behaviour in the classroom, and introduces body-based approaches, drawn from Laban Movement Analysis, the Bartenieff Fundamentals, and dance and movement therapy research, as a complementary layer alongside established cognitive and behavioural interventions.

Throughout, the emphasis is on formulation over labelling, using assessment and consultation to identify which pathway is driving a presentation so recommendations can be specific rather than generic.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

Target audience

This webinar is suitable for psychologists, allied health professionals, and individuals interested in gaining a deeper understanding of impulsivity and its impact across both clinical and everyday contexts.

Level of Learning

Foundational/Intermediate. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic and those with some previous learning on the topic.

Professional competencies for psychology

The Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) have updated the Professional competencies for psychology, effective 1 December 2025. This activity addresses Competency 1.

Duration of access

This webinar will be recorded and made available to registered participants at the conclusion of the session. Information on how to access the recording will be provided at the conclusion of the webinar.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this introductory webinar, participants should be able to:

• differentiate between four neurological pathways of impulsivity (executive, emotional, sensory and cognitive load, and reward and delay) and identify which is most active in a given presentation,
• recognise the clinical features, assessment considerations, and evidence-based interventions relevant to seven neurodivergent profiles, including their patterns of co-occurrence, and
• apply a formulation-based approach to case conceptualisation, considering digital media influences and the role of body-based regulation strategies as an adjunct to established intervention.

Presenter(s)

Dr Yuliya Richard

About the presenter(s)

Dr Yuliya Richard is a clinical psychologist and director of Blue Horizon Counselling, where she works with individuals in her private practice. She holds a Professional Doctorate in Clinical and Health Psychology from the University of Newcastle, alongside postgraduate qualifications in Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, and Applied Psychology.
With more than 15 years of clinical experience, Dr Richard specialises in emotional, adjustment, and relationship challenges, with a particular focus on the psychological and physiological impacts of chronic stress and impulsive behaviour in high-responsibility, caregiving-intensive professions.
Dr Richard is also the creator of Impulsivity.com.au, an online training program supporting individuals experiencing impulsive behaviours, including addiction-related patterns. Originally from Ukraine, she brings a diverse academic background in philology, cross-cultural communication, and sociology, complemented by extensive experience working with charities and NGOs. Her practice is underpinned by a holistic approach to wellbeing, integrating social, emotional, physical, cultural, occupational, spiritual, and psychological dimensions. She is passionate about helping individuals build sustainable wellbeing while fostering longevity, resilience, and fulfilment in both their personal and professional lives. Dr Richard is an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society, a member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association, and serves on the APS Interest Group for Culture and Psychology Committee.

Website/s

https://bluehorizoncounselling.com.au/