Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two conditions that can cause difficulties for children and adults in their daily lives. Although there may be some overlap in symptoms, the two disorders are distinct and require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder, also known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction, is a condition in which the brain has difficulty processing sensory information. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including hypersensitivity to certain stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights, or hyposensitivity, in which a person may not respond to stimuli in the same way as others.
SPD can affect any of the senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, and can impact a person’s ability to participate in everyday activities, including social situations, academic work, and recreational activities.
Hypersensitivity: People with SPD may experience hypersensitivity to certain stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, or strong smells. These stimuli can be overwhelming and cause a fight or flight response, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, or even physical pain.
Hyposensitivity: People with SPD may also experience hyposensitivity, which means they may not notice or respond to certain stimuli. For example, a person with hyposensitivity to touch may not feel pain from injuries, while a person with hyposensitivity to sound may not react to loud noises.
Motor coordination difficulties: SPD can also impact motor coordination, leading to clumsiness, difficulty with balance, and difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing or tying shoelaces.
Social difficulties: People with SPD may have difficulty with social interactions, as they may find certain social situations, such as crowded environments or loud parties, overwhelming and uncomfortable.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can lead to difficulties in school, work, and personal relationships, and can persist into adulthood. While the exact causes of ADHD are unknown, research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors may play a role. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Inattention: People with ADHD may have difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or activities, leading to poor academic performance, forgetfulness, and disorganization.
Hyperactivity: People with ADHD may also experience hyperactivity, which means they may have a constant need for movement and may find it difficult to sit still for extended periods of time.
Impulsivity: ADHD can also cause impulsivity, which means a person may act without thinking, leading to difficulties with social relationships and decision-making.
Different Approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis and treatment for SPD and ADHD differ based on the specific symptoms and underlying causes of each condition.
Diagnosis: SPD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional trained in sensory processing. This may include observation of behavior and responses to specific sensory stimuli, as well as questionnaires and interviews with the individual and their family.
ADHD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes observation of behavior, medical history, and rating scales. The diagnostic criteria for ADHD includes a specific number of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that must be present for a certain period of time.
Treatment: Treatment for SPD typically involves sensory integration therapy, which aims to help the brain process sensory information more effectively. This may include activities such as swinging, deep pressure, and brushing, as well as strategies to create a calm environment.
Treatment for ADHD often involves medication, such as stimulants or non-stimulants, as well as behavioral therapy aimed at improving executive function. This may include strategies for organization, time management, and impulse control.
In Conclusion
While SPD and ADHD may share some symptoms, they are distinct disorders with different underlying causes and treatment approaches. Seeking a professional diagnosis and individualized treatment plan is crucial for effectively managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
| ADHD | SPD | |
| What is it? | A neurodevelopmental condition that makes it hard for many children to concentrate and sit still. | An over- or undersensitivity to sensory input such as sights, sounds, flavors, smells and textures. |
| Signs you may notice | -Seems daydreamy or confused -Appears not to listen -Is prone to tantrums and meltdowns due to lack of impulse control -Struggles with organization and completing tasks -Gets easily bored unless an activity is very enjoyable -Has trouble following directions -Struggles to sit still during quiet activities -Is impatient and has trouble taking turns -Is constantly moving -Fidgets and needs to pick up and fiddle with everything –Interrupts people and blurts things out inappropriately -Doesn’t understand the consequences of actions -Plays roughly and takes physical risks | Oversensitivity: -Has trouble focusing; can’t filter out distractions -Dislikes being touched -Notices sounds and smells that others don’t -Has meltdowns, runs off, or becomes upset in noisy, crowded places -Worries about safety even when there’s no real danger -Has difficulty with new routines, new places 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 -Has trouble gauging others’ personal space -Seem clumsy or uncoordinated -Shows a high tolerance for pain -Plays roughly and takes physical risks |
| 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, making kids feel they’re “bad” or “no good.” | Feeling anxious in or avoiding crowded and noisy places can make it hard to socialize. Peers may avoid or exclude an undersensitive 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. Psychiatrists will look for other issues like anxiety. 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 ADHD. Diagnose ADHD and mental health issues that may co-occur, such as anxiety. May also evaluate for learning differences. Pediatric neuropsychologists: Diagnose ADHD and common mental health issues that may co-occur, such as anxiety. May also evaluate for learning differences. Occupational therapists and organizational coaches: Work on organization and time management skills. | Occupational therapists: 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 processing issues. Diagnose ADHD and mental health issues that may co-occur with sensory processing issues. May also evaluate for learning differences. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians: Prescribe medication for anxiety to relieve panic responses. |
| What the school may provide | Accommodations under a 504 plan or an IEP. Child might be eligible for an IEP under the category of “other health impairment.” Examples might include: -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 accomplished -A signal, nonverbal cue, or picture card to get the child’s attention -Long assignments broken into smaller chunks -Worksheets with fewer questions -Written or picture schedules for daily activities -Movement breaks | Accommodations and/or occupational therapy, under a 504 plan or an IEP. Child might be eligible for an IEP under the category of “other health impairment,” especially if the child also has ADHD. Examples of accommodations might include: -A seat away from distracting sources of noise -Sensory breaks -Physical activity to help regulate emotions, behavior and need for movement -Noise-canceling headphones or ear buds to reduce stimulation in busy places like assemblies -A chair that is a good fit so kids can put their feet flat on the floor and rest their elbows on the desk -An inflated cushion or pillow so they can both squirm and stay in their seat |
| What you can do at home | -Set rules and stick to them to help your child think before acting. -Create daily routines and rituals to provide structure. -Break tasks into smaller chunks. -Use visual prompts like checklists, visual schedules and sticky notes to help your child focus, stay organized and get things done. -Allow for breaks during homework and study time. -Create an organized homework and study area. -Help organize your child’s backpack and check that it’s cleaned out regularly. -Give advance warning about changes in the schedule and explain what they can expect in new situations. | –Track your child’s behavior patterns so you can anticipate tough situations. -Prepare kids for social gatherings or new situations so they know what to expect. -Keep earplugs or ear buds handy. -Find outlets for your child’s energy such as exercise routines, sports, or music. -Teach kids about dangerous situations they may not be sensitive to, such as bitter cold and burning heat. -Buy divided plates if they’re bothered when different foods touch. -Install and use dimmer switches or colored bulbs to modify lighting. -Shop with kids so they can pick out clothes that are comfortable. -Look for tagless, seamless clothes in super-soft fabrics. |
