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Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can also experience sensory processing difficulties.
These difficulties extend beyond the commonly known five senses to include eight distinct sensory systems. Whilst each child’s experience is unique, here is how the eight senses may look like for a child with ADHD:
Children with ADHD may experience visual overstimulation, particularly in cluttered or visually busy environments. This can lead to difficulty focusing or becoming distracted easily. They may also seek certain visual stimuli, like flashing bright lights or patterns.
Auditory processing can be challenging for those with ADHD. They may have difficulty filtering out background noise or may be easily distracted by sounds that others might not notice. For some, they may need music or other preferred sounds to help drown out the noises of the world. For some children they may mishear or struggle to understand what they have heard.
Some children with ADHD may be hypersensitive to touch, finding certain textures or light touch uncomfortable. Others might seek out tactile stimulation as a form of self-regulation. Weighted items that create deep pressure sensations can be greatly beneficial to children with ADHD, both as a tool for focus and self-regulating.
Some children with ADHD may experience heightened sensitivity to smells, which can be distracting or overwhelming. For some they may find sniffing smells they like a good form of self-regulation. Try smelling herbs or aroma oils with your young person to find what they like.
Taste sensitivities can show up in some young people with ADHD. They may show strong preferences or aversions to certain flavours or textures. This can be one of the many elements that influence food fixations.
The vestibular system can be affected in ADHD, potentially contributing to symptoms like restlessness or the need for constant movement. For some you may notice slumped seated positions or leaning against walls and furniture to support their balance. Wobble boards, exercise boards or trampettes can be great additions to support vestibular processing.
Children with ADHD may have difficulties with body awareness, which can manifest as clumsiness or poor motor coordination. Some may seek out physical activities or fidgeting to improve their proprioceptive processing. Like frantic spinning and bouncing to aid regulation.
Interoception is all about our internal signals and feelings. Signals like hunger, temperature, tiredness. Sometimes you may see missed, ignored or mixed-up body cues, for instance not realising they need the toilet or continuing to eat even though they are full up.
For children with ADHD, sensory processing differences can significantly impact daily life. However, the specific sensory profile of each child can vary widely. Understanding these sensory differences is crucial for developing effective support for our young people.
