ADHD primarily affects attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control (executive function), while Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) impacts how the brain interprets sensory input like sound, touch, or movement, leading to over- or under-sensitivity. The key difference is the root cause: ADHD is about regulation deficits, whereas SPD is about sensory misinterpretation, though they often co-occur, with SPD behaviors sometimes mimicking ADHD, but ADHD impulsivity isn't always sensory-driven. Treatments also differ, with ADHD often responding to medication, while SPD typically needs Occupational Therapy.
ADHD and sensory processing challenges can appear similar in some ways. And they often co-occur. But they have many differences, too, from what they look like to how they're treated.
Symptoms of sensory processing disorder
Feeling discomfort in certain types of clothing and fabric. Gagging when eating certain food textures. Needing to constantly touch things. Not recognizing personal space.
Kids with sensory processing issues often react strongly to things like loud noises, bright lights, or scratchy clothes, and they may get very upset over unexpected changes. These behaviors happen because the child is having trouble processing the information they receive from their senses.
There is no medication to treat sensory processing challenges. But there are therapies as well as practical changes you can make at home and at school to help your child feel better and do better. You'll want to rule out other causes for your child's symptoms.
If left untreated the child with a sensory processing disorder (SPD) may have difficulties with: Following instructions within the home, kindergarten or school environment. Managing a full school day due to poor strength and endurance and/or managing the increased sensory input.
SPD is a common co-occurring condition with autism spectrum disorder; sensory issues are included in the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Though not all with SPD have ASD.
Poor Motor Skills or Coordination
Sensory processing issues often affect motor development: Clumsiness, frequent tripping, or difficulty navigating spaces. Struggles with fine motor tasks, such as writing, cutting, or buttoning. Avoiding sports or physical activities that require coordination.
Sensory meltdowns can look different for every child. Some children may cry, some may scream, some may hit or kick, and some may withdraw completely into themselves. For many parents this may seem like “bad behavior” when it should be seen more as a child asking for help.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is commonly misunderstood and tends to be misdiagnosed as either autism or ADHD. And yet the reality is that SPD is believed to affect anywhere between 5% to 15% of school-going children.
The screening will normally consist of an evaluation of standardised testing and structured observations of the child's response to sensory stimulation, balance, coordination, posture and eye movements.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
Sensory Processing is the registration and interpretation of sensory input; it is the way your brain receives sensory stimuli, interprets, and responds to it in an effective manner. Sensory Integration (SI) is another term used for sensory processing.
The ADHD "30% Rule" is a guideline suggesting that executive functions (like self-regulation, planning, and emotional control) in people with ADHD develop about 30% slower than in neurotypical individuals, meaning a 10-year-old might function more like a 7-year-old in these areas, requiring adjusted expectations for maturity, task management, and behavior. It's a tool for caregivers and adults with ADHD to set realistic goals, not a strict scientific law, helping to reduce frustration by matching demands to the person's actual developmental level (executive age) rather than just their chronological age.
ADHD Meltdown Symptoms
While medication cannot directly eliminate sensory overload, it may help reduce core ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity or difficulty focusing. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate or amphetamine-based treatments can improve executive functioning, which might indirectly help a person better manage sensory inputs.
But SPD is not an official diagnosis. Sensory issues often develop in kids with autism. Signs of sensory processing disorder include sudden mood swings and strange behavior. Kids with sensory issues might avoid bright lights or loud noises, run around crashing into things, throw tantrums, or appear clumsy.
Sensory Symptoms
For example you may start to be bothered by the noise of other people chewing, the smell of the washing up sponge, or the sound of the computer fan. You might find that you feel an increased need to stim (stimulation seek) and that you are less able to mask this.
The developmental peak occurs between the 3rd and the 6th or 7th year of life [1,2]. The Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition characterised by a lack of skills which allow the person to organise the information received by the senses and use it in everyday life [3,4].
We are all neurodiverse. SPD exists as a neurotype of its own and often co-occurs in other neurodivergent populations. Research indicates that 80-90% or more of autistic individuals experience sensory integration and processing challenges.
ADHD and SPD may look similar at passing glance, but it is important to remember that they are two different disorders. They have different causes, effect different areas of the brain by different mechanisms, and have different evidence-based treatments.
Yes! Although they sound similar, sensory processing issues can be present without autism. Often children or adults with other neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions such as Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability, Anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders can also exhibit Sensory Processing Disorder.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
Some of the common therapies used include:
The three main symptom areas for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are persistent difficulties with social communication and interaction, restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, and often, different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention, all of which impact daily functioning. These core characteristics vary greatly but center on social connection challenges, rigid routines or repetitive actions, and sensory sensitivities.