ADHD and sensory differences

People with ADHD often experience sensory differences due to differences in how their brains process and regulate sensory information. These differences can make them hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to sensory input, affecting their ability to focus, regulate emotions, and engage with their environment.

Why Do Sensory Differences Occur in ADHD?

1. Differences in Sensory Processing

ADHD affects the brain's ability to filter and prioritise sensory input. Neurotypical brains can tune out background noise or ignore certain stimuli, but ADHD brains often struggle with this, leading to sensory overload or, conversely, sensory seeking behaviours.

· Hypersensitivity: Overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or certain textures.

· Hyposensitivity: Seeking strong sensations like loud music, fast movement, or physical pressure.

2. Executive Function and Regulation Issues

Executive function deficits in ADHD impact self-regulation, making it harder to manage sensory input. This means:

· Difficulty filtering out distractions (e.g., struggling to ignore background conversations).

· Challenges adjusting responses to stimuli (e.g., reacting intensely to minor discomforts).

3. Dopamine and Reward System Differences

ADHD brains have lower dopamine levels, which affects motivation and sensory processing. Sensory-seeking behaviours (like fidgeting, tapping, or chewing) may be the brain’s way of self-stimulating to increase dopamine and maintain focus.

4. Co-Occurrence with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Many people with ADHD also experience Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), which affects how the brain interprets sensory information. While not all ADHD individuals have SPD, there is a strong overlap in sensory challenges.

5. Emotional Dysregulation and Sensory Sensitivities

People with ADHD often have strong emotional reactions to sensory input. A loud noise or an itchy clothing tag might trigger frustration or anxiety because their nervous system reacts more intensely to stimuli than a neurotypical person’s would.

How This Affects Daily Life:

·       In Work: Struggling with background noise, bright lights, or uncomfortable seating.

·       In Social Settings: Feeling overwhelmed in crowded places or needing constant movement to stay engaged.

·       With Clothing & Food: Sensory aversions to textures, tags, or certain food consistencies.

·       With Sleep: Sensory sensitivities can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.

Coping Strategies:

·       Sensory-friendly tools (e.g., noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets).

·       Movement breaks to regulate sensory input.

·       Adjusting environments (e.g., softer lighting, less clutter).

·       Self-awareness & accommodations to manage sensory overwhelm.

Working with a counsellor can help you to become more aware of your experience, helping you to make adjustments which can help