Table 7.

Sample Preschool Probes Distinguishing the Symptoms “Blurts Out” and “Intrudes/Interrupts”

Impulsive symptom	Disambiguation
Blurts out
Does the child speak too soon (before the question is completed or the other person has finished or before being called upon)?	Child is already in a speaking relationship so “content is on topic”
Intrudes/Interrupts
Does child “butt into” conversations? When parent is talking to other adults or on phone?	Child is not part of the conversation or activity
Or intrude into space or activities of others without an invitation?
Does the intrusiveness or interrupting lead to social difficulties (e.g., grabbing a toy so as to ignore the rights of other kids)?