Virtually everyone has some familiarity with the term attention-deficit/
About sixty percent of those with ADHD also show signs of sensory processing disorder. This is a conservative estimate and a reality that demands our awareness.
We Live in an Age of Sensory Overload
Sensory input is a beautiful thing. Our senses allow us to experience and enjoy the richness of the world around us and within us. However, the digital age is a time of sensory overload. Of course, you walk into a store, a doctor’s office, a restaurant, or a gym, and there are televisions and music. But then there are our phones and other devices.
Non-stop notifications feed a fear of missing out (FOMO) and the next thing you know, you’re experiencing symptoms of sensory overload like stress, lack of concentration, sleep issues, irritability, mental fatigue, and high anxiety. Left unchecked, this can lead to sensory processing disorder (SPD). And this brings us back to ADHD.
The Interaction of SPD and ADHD
Here are four ways to recognize that both ADHD and SPD are present:
- The person demonstrates or reports high levels of sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, scratchy clothes, and more.
- They may have an inability to regulate emotions that are provoked by negative sensory input.
- Someone with ADHD and SPD will display inflexibility when it comes to transitioning from overwhelming experiences.
- People with ADHD may often often appear to be unorganized and easily distracted. When SPD is also present, this is exacerbated when they are triggered by sensory overload.
One possible cause for all of the above lies in a detachment from one’s surroundings. People with ADHD frequently report a sense of disconnection from their environment. If they do not feel grounded, they are less resilient in the face of sensory input. The sudden appearance of a strong new odor can be enough to trigger anxiety or even panic attacks.
Self-Help Suggestions for ADHD and Sensory Issues
Keep a Journal
Monitor your triggers and whatever self-soothing techniques work for you. It can be extremely helpful to review this information when you feel out of control. Remind yourself what’s happened in the past and how you managed it. This journal will also come in handy during your therapy sessions (see below).
Prepare in Advance
As you learn your triggers, you must take steps to plan ahead. Identify specific locations, people, etc. that can result in sensory overload. Parents can work with children with ADHD to create exit strategies and private signals to recognize when they’ve been triggered.
Ask for Support
Recruit loved ones to help out. Let them know what you’re feeling and why — and ask for their support when needed.
Practice Self-Care
From healthy eating choices to regular sleep patterns to learning relaxation techniques — self-care is a strong foundation for anyone coping with ADHD and sensory issues.
Connect with a Professional
Connecting with an experienced therapist is a proven option. Therapy can set you on a healthy path toward symptom relief. It affords you a secure space to talk freely about your emotions, sensations, and frustrations. Your sessions are where you can workshop new approaches without feeling unsafe. If the above information sounds familiar, I strongly suggest we connect and talk soon. You can also learn more about my qEEG swLORETA Neurofeedback training approach at Liliana Sacarin – Neurofeedback – Seattle, WA Additionally, I use the most advanced form of sound training based on Dr. Alfred Tomatis’ principles and beyond to help children and adults with Sensory Processing Disorder and ADHD. You can learn more about it at Sensory Processing Disorder—Dr. Liliana Sacarin—Seattle, WA
