Let’s talk ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can affect sensory processing in various ways. 

Not every person with ADHD experiences sensory issues and not every individual who experiences sensory issues has ADHD. 

However, there are some common links between ADHD and sensory processing. 

Sensory Overload

Many people with ADHD may experience sensory overload. 

This means that they become overwhelmed by sensory information, and particularly competing sensory information such as noisy, bright, busy environments. 

When this happens it becomes difficult to focus and regulate. 

Hyperfocus

On the flip side, some individuals with ADHD experience hyperfocus. 

This means they become intensely absorbed in a task or activity to the exclusion of everything else, including other sensory input. 

When in a hyper focused state an individual may not notice sensory information that would typically be distracting or bothersome. 

Sensory seeking or sensory avoidance

Some individuals with ADHD may engage in sensory-seeking behaviors or sensory avoidance as a way to regulate their attention and arousal levels. 

For instance, they may seek out loud music or move more.

Or they might leave a situation or environment that is becoming overwhelming. 

Disrupted sensory integration

Sensory integration refers to the brains ability to organise and make sense of sensory information received from the environment. 

Some research suggests that individuals with ADHD may have difficulties with this. 

This can impact their ability to filter out irrelevant sensory input which is necessary for focusing on important tasks. 

Summary

Do you have ADHD and experience sensory processing issues?

Then reach out and we can explore this further with you, and identify a tailored sensory plan to help you find calm and focus.