Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder and Its Impact on ADHD
Posted on 15th December 2024 at 10:33
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. This can have a profound impact on daily functioning and is particularly relevant in the context of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), especially the inattentive type. This blog explores how we interact with our environment through our senses, the consequences when sensory processing doesn't function typically, and the link between sensory processing issues and inattentive ADHD.
How We Interact with Our Environment Through Our Senses
Our senses play a crucial role in our interaction with the environment. They act as intake channels for stimuli, which our brains then process to guide our reactions and behavior. For example, when you smell something burning, your sense of smell sends signals to your brain, which interprets these signals as a potential danger. This triggers a behavioral response, such as checking the kitchen to ensure nothing is on fire or leaving the area to avoid harm.
When Sensory Processing fails to alert the brain There are instances where the sensory processing system does not function as expected, leading to what is known as Sensory Processing Disorder.
Here are a couple of examples of how this can manifest:
Under-Responsiveness to Sensory Stimuli:
Consider a person who does not notice the feeling of a pebble in their shoe. This lack of response can lead to discomfort or injury, as their brain does not receive the usual signals of pain or discomfort that would typically prompt someone to stop and remove the pebble.
Missed Auditory Cues:
Consider a person who doesn't notice the beep of a microwave or oven timer. This missed auditory cue can lead to practical issues, such as overcooked food or even a kitchen safety hazard. Their brain fails to register the sound as significant or urgent amidst other ongoing activities, demonstrating a challenge with focusing on specific auditory inputs that are meant to prompt an immediate response.
These examples illustrate what happens when the sensory processing system fails to alert the brain adequately, affecting a person's ability to respond appropriately to their environment.
Sensory Processing and Inattentive ADHD Sensory Processing Disorder can significantly overlap with inattentive ADHD, where individuals have difficulty focusing, are easily distracted, and often appear not to listen when spoken to directly. The link between SPD and inattentive ADHD lies in the shared challenges of sensory under-responsiveness and poor sensory discrimination. Individuals with inattentive ADHD may struggle to filter out irrelevant sensory information or may not adequately tune into important stimuli, much like those with SPD.
For example, a child with inattentive ADHD may not respond when their name is called in a noisy classroom, not necessarily because they choose to ignore the call, but because their brain does not distinguish it as important amidst the background noise. Similarly, they might overlook or seem indifferent to sensory cues that typically would command attention, such as the touch of a hand on their shoulder.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricate ways in which sensory processing and ADHD interact can be crucial for parents, educators, and clinicians working to support individuals with these challenges. Recognising the signs of sensory processing issues and their potential overlap with inattentive ADHD allows for better targeted interventions. These might include sensory integration therapy or strategies to enhance attention and reduce distractions, ultimately supporting individuals to more effectively engage with their environment.
By acknowledging and addressing these sensory processing difficulties, we can help those with SPD and inattentive ADHD navigate their world more successfully, improving their quality of life and enabling them to reach their full potential.
Share this post: