Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some research suggests that people with ADHD may also experience sensory hypersensitivity, meaning they are more sensitive to sensory input like sounds, touch and visual details. This article will explore the connection between ADHD and sensory sensitivity, looking at the evidence and personal experiences.
What is sensory sensitivity?
Sensory sensitivity, also called sensory over-responsivity, refers to an unusual intensity of response to sensory input like sounds, textures, tastes or smells. A person with sensory sensitivity may find certain sounds, lights, textures or other stimuli intolerable when most people can tune them out. For example, tags in clothing, fluorescent lights or sirens might be extremely irritating or even painful.
Sensory sensitivity occurs when the brain has trouble filtering and regulating incoming sensory information. As a result, ordinary sensory input is perceived as overly intense. This can make it hard to concentrate and lead to emotional distress. Sensory sensitivity is common in disorders like autism spectrum disorder but may also affect people with ADHD.
ADHD and sensory sensitivity
Several studies have found links between ADHD and sensory over-responsivity:
– A 2019 study found that 45% of children with ADHD showed symptoms of sensory over-responsivity, compared to 5% of typically developing kids.
– A 2018 study of adults with ADHD found that 36% had sensory over-responsivity, compared to 18% of adults without ADHD.
– Research shows children with both ADHD and autism have higher rates of sensory issues than those with only ADHD. But even children with ADHD alone are more likely to have sensory sensitivities than neurotypical kids.
– Brain imaging studies reveal that people with ADHD have structural and functional differences in sensory processing areas of the brain. This aligns with their symptoms of hypersensitivity.
So while not everyone with ADHD has sensory issues, research clearly shows a connection between ADHD and sensory over-responsivity. Some experts believe sensory sensitivity should be added as a symptom of ADHD in diagnostic manuals.
Sensory overload in ADHD
Many people with ADHD describe being easily overwhelmed by sensory input. Fluorescent lights, scratchy clothes, loud chatter and other stimuli can feel intolerable. This “sensory overload” makes it hard to focus and stay regulated.
Sensory overload tends to happen more easily for people with ADHD for a few reasons:
– They struggle to filter out excess sensory information, so noises and other stimuli feel more intrusive.
– Poor impulse control and emotional dysregulation also make it harder to cope with unpleasant sensations.
– Since attention is limited in ADHD, there are fewer mental resources left to process sensory input.
In response to sensory overload, people with ADHD may act out or shut down. Coping strategies include escaping the environment, wearing noise-cancelling headphones or using fidget toys to self-soothe.
ADHD, emotions and sensory sensitivity
Interestingly, ADHD and sensory sensitivity may also interact through emotions. Research shows people with ADHD have a harder time regulating their emotions. At the same time, poor emotional regulation is linked to greater sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
One theory is that overwhelming sensory input triggers emotional distress in ADHD. For example, loud fire truck sirens may cause intense irritation or anxiety. Emotional outbursts may then stem from the effort to escape unpleasant sensations.
On the flip side, emotional states may influence sensory processing. For instance, people with ADHD tend to have negative bias and more frequent emotional outbursts. When in a bad mood, they may perceive sensory stimuli as more bothersome.
More research on the interplay between emotions, sensory sensitivity and ADHD is needed. But it appears these factors influence one another in complex ways.
Coping with sensory sensitivity in ADHD
If you have ADHD and deal with sensory sensitivities, some lifestyle changes and coping strategies may help:
– **Escape overwhelming environments** when possible. For example, work in a quiet office or leave a loud restaurant.
– **Use headphones** to listen to calming music and block intruding sounds. Noise-cancelling headphones work best.
– Try **fidget toys** like squishy stress balls and fidget spinners to self-soothe.
– **Wear comfortable, tag-free clothes** made of soft, breathable fabrics. Avoid scratchy tags or seams.
– Use **sunglasses** to dim harsh lighting. Try tinted lenses to filter fluorescent lights.
– **Minimize clutter** at home and work to reduce visual chaos.
– **Have a sensory-friendly space** like a bean bag or tent to retreat to when overloaded.
– **Use calming scents** like lavender or vanilla to counter unpleasant smells.
– **Avoid sensory triggers** when possible. For example, take the stairs to avoid loud elevator sounds.
– ** stimming behaviors** like rocking, chewing gum or listening to music can help regulate the nervous system.
Medication, therapy and ADHD coaching can also help manage sensory sensitivity.Speak to your doctor if hypersensitivity is lowering your quality of life. Some symptoms may overlap with sensory processing disorder.
Sensory sensitivity in daily life with ADHD
To understand sensory sensitivity in ADHD, consider how it may affect someone’s daily life:
**Morning routine**: Waking up to a blaring alarm clock is agony. The sound and flashing light is overwhelming first thing. Getting dressed is frustrating as certain textures and tags are unbearable.
**Commute**: Traffic noises, car horns and music feel too loud. The radio gets turned off to minimize audio input. Bright sun glaring through the windows is blinding.
**Work**: Buzzing fluorescent lights are extremely distracting and irritating. The scratchy office chair hurts to sit on. Chatter around the office steals focus.
**Chores**: The vacuum’s noise and smell of cleaning products are noxious. Nagging children create chaos. Sorting through paperwork and clutter is visually overwhelming.
**Leisure**: Reading is nearly impossible as pages rustling and birds chirping outside constantly pull on attention. Friends laughing loudly at dinner feels like sensory assault.
As you can see, sensory sensitivities can make life much more difficult for those with ADHD. From start to finish of each day, minor stimuli most people can ignore can be extremely distracting and distressing. Finding adaptive coping strategies is key.
The ADHD-sensory sensitivity link
In summary, research shows sensory over-responsivity is more common in people with ADHD, both children and adults. Brain imaging aligns with this link. Sensory overload seems connected to problems with emotion and attention regulation in ADHD.
If you have ADHD, here are signs that sensory sensitivities may be an issue:
– You’re easily overwhelmed by certain sounds, sights, textures or smells
– Fluorescent lights, scratchy fabrics and loud noises are unbearable
– You crave silence and dark rooms to minimize input
– Tag removal and special clothing accommodations help you cope
– Strong negative emotional reactions often stem from sensory discomfort
See a psychologist or occupational therapist if sensory issues are making everyday life much more difficult. Targeted treatment like sensory integration therapy can help manage ADHD and co-occurring sensory sensitivities.
Conclusion
ADHD involves more than just inattention and hyperactivity. Many people with ADHD also struggle with sensory over-responsivity, meaning ordinary sights, sounds and textures feel intolerable. Research confirms increased sensory sensitivities in both kids and adults with ADHD compared to the general public.
Sensory overload contributes to emotional dysregulation and attention deficits in ADHD. Coping strategies like noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses and tag-free clothing can help minimize input. Addressing sensory issues alongside other ADHD symptoms is important for improving daily functioning and quality of life.