The difference between sensory processing challenges and ADHD
ADHD and sensory processing challenges can appear similar in some ways. And they often co-occur. But they have many differences, too, from what they look like to how they’re treated. This table compares the two.
| ADHD | Sensory processing challenges |
---|---|---|
What is it? | A neurodevelopmental condition that makes it hard to focus, sit still, and think before acting. | An over- or undersensitivity to sensory input such as sights, sounds, flavors, smells and textures. |
Signs you may notice | • Seems daydreamy, confused, or bored • Has tantrums due to lack of self-control • Struggles with organization and completing tasks • Has trouble following directions • Struggles to sit still during quiet activities • Fidgets and needs to pick up and fiddle with everything • Is constantly moving | Oversensitivity: • Has trouble focusing and filtering out distractions • Becomes upset and overwhelmed in noisy, crowded places • Has difficulty with new routines and other change • Shifts and moves around, can’t get comfortable • Is very sensitive to the way clothing feels Undersensitivity: • Constantly needs to touch people or things • Seem clumsy or uncoordinated |
Possible emotional and social impact | Trouble following social rules can make it hard to make and keep friends. Frequent negative feedback for acting out or not paying attention can impact self-esteem and motivation. | Feeling anxious in or avoiding crowded and noisy places can make it hard to socialize. Peers may avoid or exclude a child who plays too roughly or doesn’t respect their personal space. |
Professionals who can help | Pediatricians, developmental-behavioral pediatricians, nurse practitioners, child psychiatrists: • Diagnose ADHD and prescribe ADHD medication. • May also look for other issues like anxiety. Clinical child psychologists: • Provide behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy • Diagnose ADHD and mental health issues that may co-occur, like anxiety. • May also test for learning differences. Pediatric neuropsychologists: • Diagnose ADHD and common mental health issues that may co-occur. • May also evaluate for learning differences. Educational therapists and organizational coaches: • Work on organization and time management skills. | • Help kids learn coping skills for challenging situations. • Provide sensory integration therapy that helps kids respond to sensory input in an appropriate way. Clinical child psychologists: • Provide behavior therapy to teach kids skills to manage their actions and interactions. • Provide cognitive behavioral therapy to help with emotional issues related to their sensory challenges. • Diagnose ADHD and mental health issues that may co-occur with sensory challenges. • May also evaluate for learning differences. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians: • Prescribe medication for anxiety to relieve panic responses. |
Accommodations the school may provide under an IEP or 504 plan | • Extended time on tests, including standardized tests • A seat close to the teacher and away from distractions • A larger, more private work space to get work done • Long assignments broken into smaller chunks • Worksheets with fewer questions • Movement breaks | • A quiet workspace or calm down area • A seat away from bothersome sounds • Noise-canceling headphones or ear buds in busy places like assemblies • Warnings about loud noises like fire drills • A consistent daily routine • Sensory breaks |
Strategies that families can try at home | • Create daily routines to provide structure. • Use visual schedules and checklists to help your child stay organized. • Allow for breaks during homework and study time. • Give advance warning about changes in the schedule and explain what your child can expect in new situations. | • Prepare your child for social gatherings or new situations. • Keep earplugs or ear buds handy. • Teach about dangerous situations your child may not be sensitive to, like bitter cold and burning heat. • Buy divided plates if your child is bothered when foods touch. • Look for tagless, seamless clothes in super-soft fabrics. |
Explore classroom accommodations for ADHD and sensory processing challenges.
Get more tips for kids with sensory processing challenges and ADHD.