ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a widely — and often inaccurately — discussed topic. But how much do many folks know about sensory processing disorder (SPD)? As with all mental health issues, we must grasp the full context of what’s going on. In the case of ADHD, it can go a long way toward healing if we factor in the role of sensory issues.
We all need sensory input to process and enjoy the rich life we’re living. But if that turns into sensory overload, we can become overwhelmed. This reality is intertwined with ADHD — blending cause and effect — so let’s learn more.
Sensory Processing Disorder: Some Basics
It’s normal to sometimes feel overwhelmed. Especially in the digital age, it’s a challenge to find quiet, private moments. If this feeling becomes chronic, it could mean that SPD is present. Step one is to learn how to recognize the red flags.
Common Symptoms of SPD
In children, sensory overload can cause them to go to extremes to reduce the input that is disturbing them, e.g. covering their eyes, nose, or ears, and running away from any area that causes distress. When a child has a tantrum or meltdown that seems to come out of nowhere, it could be related to a smell, taste, sound, or texture.
When those kids become teens and adults, the discomfort of such sensory input continues and may intensify. This can manifest in signs like:
- Loss of concentration
- Picky eating habits
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Sleep disturbances
- Chronic anxiety
So, what does all of this have to do with ADHD?
ADHD and SPD
As many as 6 out of 10 people with ADHD may also display the symptoms of SPD. It is typically identified during childhood and then continues into adulthood. Most often, they’ve been diagnosed with ADHD. But far too often, the sensory overload component is not recognized. They feel highly sensitive to loud noises, scratchy clothes, bright lights, and strong odors — but the connection is not always made.
Hence, family members and health professionals need to look for symptoms of an ADHD-SPD co-morbidity. These may include:
- Low self-awareness: Some hallmarks of ADHD are distractibility, being unorganized, and rushing one’s way through important tasks. This low level of awareness is amplified when the person also feels triggered by any sensation they do not like.
- Difficulty with emotional regulation: This is an intersection of escalation. ADHD can make it difficult to control one’s emotions. Therefore, if SPD is also present, you may have some disproportionate reactions to any minor irritation.
- Inflexible thinking: Inevitably, we all face uncomfortable moments or even chapters in our lives. Someone with ADHD and SPD seems unable to transition out of such struggles. They seemingly prefer to fixate on the distress they feel.
Self-Help and Treatment
As you can surely imagine by now, your first move is to get assessed for SPD. Identifying its presence is how you know what needs to be done. In a therapeutic setting, this will frequently involve sensory integration therapy in addition to whatever treatment you’re getting for ADHD.
At the same time, you can complement your treatment with self-loving steps like:
- Self-soothing
- Identifying triggers
- Practicing relaxation techniques to help stay regulated
- Reduce sensory input wherever and whenever you can
- Making organized plans and sticking to your routines
When going through an ADHD-SPD rough patch, it can be tempting to believe things will never change. Fortunately, this is far from the truth. By connecting with an experienced therapist, you can get yourself on a healthy path towards self-empowerment and recovery. If the information above resonates with you, and you want to learn more about the approaches I use at my center to help individuals with ADHD-SPD you can contact us for a free 30 minutes consultation or read more about Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment.
