3 Common Types of Sensory Issues in Those With ADHD

The world is filled with sights, sounds, smells and textures. For some people with ADHD, all of these sensations that cause stimulation can be a bit overwhelming. And trying to process all these overwhelming sensations can make it hard to focus on anything specific. 

This happens because some people with ADHD experience sensory sensitivities, which means their brains process sensory information differently. Let’s explore some common types of sensory sensitivities and how your child can navigate this wonderful world of theirs a little bit easier.

Sensory overload: When the world gets too loud

Think about when you go to the mall or big-box store. There are people calling out, music playing and colorful fabrics everywhere. For some people with ADHD, these sounds and sights can become super loud and distracting. Even quiet noises like someone munching on a snack can be overwhelming. 

There are three types of sensory sensitivities:

• Hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) — Hypersensitivity makes loud noises, bright lights or certain textures feel extra intense and distracting. Here are some examples:
• Auditory hypersensitivity — Auditory hypersensitivity can make it easy for a person to get distracted or annoyed by noises around them, like from conversations or machines.
• Tactile hypersensitivity — Tactile hypersensitivity may leave your child finding certain fabrics or tags on clothes uncomfortable or painful. Textures of certain foods may also be unpleasant. They’re not necessarily a picky eater; their brain just interprets the sensory information differently. 
• Visual hypersensitivity — Visual hypersensitivity can make it hard for your child to focus when they get overwhelmed by bright lights or busy visuals. 
• Hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) — Hyposensitivity may leave your child craving more intense sensory input to feel alert and focused. Here are some examples of hyposensitivity:
• Auditory hyposensitivity — When they’re experiencing auditory hyposensitivity, your child may not react to loud noises or may not hear when someone calls their name. 
• Tactile hyposensitivity — Tactile hyposensitivity may have your child seeking out rough textures or strong touches to feel things more. 
• Vestibular hyposensitivity — If they experience vestibular hyposensitivity, your child may like activities that involve a lot of movement, like spinning or swinging. 
• Sensory seeking behaviors — Some people with ADHD may actively seek different sensations to experience to help them feel more alert and focused. Your child may not even realize they are doing these:
• Movement — They may fidget, rock back and forth, or move around a lot to stay focused. 
• Touch — They may touch objects often or like holding things to help them stay grounded. 
• Noise — They may enjoy listening to music loudly or making noise themselves to help block out distractions. 

Coping strategies to help calm sensory overload

Even when things are overwhelming, it’s important for your child to remember that they’re in charge of their brain. Here are some tips that can help your child manage sensory overload and feel more comfortable in their environment:

• Learn their triggers — The first step is to figure out what your child’s sensory triggers are. Pay attention to what sounds, sights, smells or touches can make them feel overwhelmed. Once you know their triggers, you can start planning how to deal with them.
• Change their environment — If things seem like they’re too much for your child, take a break and change their environment. They can step outside for some fresh air, listen to calming music or do some deep breathing exercises. If noise is overwhelming, they can try headphones or earplugs. Use curtains or adjust lighting to make it less bright if they can be overwhelmed by lights. 
• Dress for success — Skip the itchy fabrics and choose clothes made from comfortable fabrics that feel good on their skin. 
• Create routines — Create a predictable routine and schedule. This helps provide structure and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and sensory overload. 
• Try sensory activities — If your child craves movement, fidget toys can be lifesavers. Fidget spinners, squishy stress balls or even clicking pens can help them focus their energy and feel more grounded. If they need pressure, you can give them a heavy blanket or vest to help them feel more comfortable. They can move around if they don’t feel comfortable staying still all day. 
• Help them regulate their feelings — If the sensory overload is also making your child anxious, they can practice deep breathing exercises, visualization or progressive muscle relaxation to calm themselves back down.
• Get help — Talk to a therapist or specialist who knows about sensory issues. They can give you advice that can help you make a plan to meet your child’s needs. 
• Teach others — You can help educate people about what it’s like to have a child with ADHD and sensory issues. Explain how you feel to teachers, family and friends. Ask for help to make things easier for your own child. 
• Help them speak up for themselves — Learn how your child can tell others what they need and want. Encourage them to use their strategies to help them stay calm and ask for help when they need it. 

Many people with ADHD experience sensory sensitivities, and that’s OK. If your child is one of those people, there are strategies and tools available to help them manage them. The most important thing is to remind your child to be kind to themselves and celebrate their unique way of experiencing the world. With a little understanding and some helpful strategies, your child can navigate the world of sensory input with confidence every step of the way. 

Overcoming sensory issues: How Beyond BookSmart can help your student thrive 

Every student has the ability to become the best version of themselves by improving their Executive Function skills, such as emotional regulation, organization and time management. All of these skills can be learned and applied for success. They can contribute to an effective study routine that leads to greater academic and personal achievements. 

At Beyond BookSmart, we help students improve these important, lifelong skills through our Executive Function coaching services. We also know that every child has unique strengths and challenges. That’s why we customize our coaching sessions for each student’s individual needs, learning differences and emotional patterns.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an inquiry call.