The Link Between ADHD and Sensory Processing Issues

Discover tips, treatment options, and support strategies from the Finding Focus Care Team

Last Update: May 12th, 2025 | Estimated Read Time: 7 min

Introduction

Sensory discomforts that might seem minor or easily overlooked by others, such as the hum of fluorescent lighting, an itchy clothing tag, or the chatter of a crowded room, can feel intrusive or even overwhelming to individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While sensory processing challenges are frequently discussed in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), accumulating evidence underscores their prevalence and clinical relevance in ADHD as well. These challenges can affect emotional regulation, focus, academic or occupational performance, and overall well-being.

This article explores the neurological and behavioural intersections between ADHD and sensory processing difficulties, offers illustrative examples across age groups, and outlines evidence-informed strategies for intervention and self-management.

Understanding Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to the central nervous system’s capacity to detect, organize, and respond to sensory stimuli. These inputs span not only the traditional five senses, sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, but also proprioception (body awareness), interoception (internal bodily cues), and the vestibular system (balance and spatial orientation).

In individuals with sensory modulation difficulties, sensory input may be processed atypically. This can manifest in two primary ways:

• Hypersensitivity (over-responsivity): Everyday stimuli such as light touch, ambient sound, or background movement may be experienced as aversive or distressing.
  
  
• Hyposensitivity (under-responsivity): The individual may seek intense sensory input in order to feel regulated, for example, by engaging in movement, deep pressure, or loud vocalization.
  
  

Disruptions in sensory integration are not just a matter of discomfort. They can interfere with attention, emotional stability, and task persistence, compounding the challenges already associated with ADHD.

The Neurobiological Link Between ADHD and Sensory Processing

Multiple studies have confirmed a significant overlap between ADHD and sensory processing difficulties, with one systematic review reporting that a large proportion of children with ADHD exhibit clinically significant sensory modulation challenges, particularly in the auditory and tactile domains (Ghanizadeh, 2011).

From a neurobiological perspective, both conditions involve atypical functioning in overlapping brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, which governs executive functioning, and the thalamus, which plays a key role in filtering sensory information. Disruptions in dopamine transmission, a hallmark feature of ADHD, may further impair the brain’s capacity to prioritize and modulate sensory input appropriately.

Moreover, adults with ADHD have been shown to display heightened sensory sensitivity that correlates with emotional dysregulation. Bijlenga et al. (2017) found that atypical sensory profiles were not only prevalent among adults with ADHD but also significantly associated with symptoms of restlessness and affective instability. This supports the hypothesis that sensory dysfunction may be a core, not peripheral, feature of the ADHD phenotype across the lifespan.

Everyday Presentations of Sensory Processing Difficulties in ADHD

The manifestation of sensory sensitivities is heterogeneous and can differ based on age, environment, and co-occurring conditions. Below are illustrative examples based on common developmental contexts:

Adolescents:

• Avoidance of school hallways or assemblies due to auditory overstimulation
  
  
• Difficulty wearing certain clothing fabrics or materials
  
  
• Poor concentration in classrooms with buzzing lights or visual clutter
  

Adults:

• Discomfort in open-concept workspaces due to overlapping conversations
  
  
• Heightened irritability or fatigue following exposure to crowded environments
  
  
• Need for routine sensory regulation (e.g., noise-cancelling headphones, movement breaks) to maintain productivity
  
  

These sensory experiences are often misattributed to anxiety or mood disturbances, which may delay appropriate identification and intervention.

The Interaction Between Sensory Sensitivities and Emotional Dysregulation

One of the more clinically significant implications of sensory processing issues in ADHD is their contribution to emotional dysregulation. When sensory input becomes overwhelming, it can trigger a stress response that bypasses higher-order cognitive control, particularly in individuals whose executive functioning is already compromised.

Shaw et al. (2014) observed that emotional reactivity in ADHD is frequently preceded by sensory overstimulation. The resulting physiological arousal can manifest as irritability, aggression, or withdrawal, further impairing social and academic functioning.

This cyclical interaction, sensory overload leading to emotional dysregulation, which in turn worsens attention and self-regulation, can be difficult to interrupt without intentional intervention.

Intervention Strategies: Evidence-Informed Approaches

While sensory processing differences cannot be “cured,” individuals with ADHD can benefit from targeted strategies that promote self-awareness, sensory regulation, and environmental control.

1. Sensory Profiling and Tracking

Maintaining a log or journal of sensory responses across different settings can help individuals identify triggers and effective coping mechanisms. This promotes self-efficacy and informed communication with educators, employers, or healthcare providers.

2. Environmental Modifications

Adjustments to one’s physical surroundings can significantly reduce sensory burden. These may include:

• Dimming harsh lighting
  
  
• Using soft, breathable fabrics
  
  
• Employing sound-dampening tools (e.g., earplugs or white noise machines)
  

3. Sensory Regulation Activities

Incorporating sensory activities into daily routines, often referred to as a “sensory diet”, can help maintain neurological balance. Examples include:

• Proprioceptive input (e.g., deep pressure exercises, stretching)
  
  
• Vestibular stimulation (e.g., swinging, paced walking)
  
  
• Oral sensory input (e.g., chewing gum, sipping through a straw)
  

Occupational therapists trained in sensory integration can customize such strategies to meet individual needs.

4. Professional Support

In cases where sensory sensitivities significantly impair functioning, therapeutic interventions may include:

• Occupational therapy with a sensory integration focus
  
  
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address secondary anxiety or frustration
  
  
• Medication management, particularly when sensory reactivity exacerbates core ADHD symptoms
  

It is essential to adopt a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the neurological and psychosocial aspects of these co-occurring conditions.

Conclusion

The intersection of ADHD and sensory processing challenges is both clinically significant and underrecognized. These difficulties are not merely incidental but may play a central role in how individuals with ADHD experience and navigate the world. From heightened auditory sensitivity to tactile defensiveness, these sensory differences can influence mood, focus, and social participation.

By acknowledging the neurological basis of these challenges and implementing supportive strategies, individuals with ADHD can build environments and routines that foster focus, emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of autonomy.

Understanding sensory processing through the lens of ADHD not only enhances diagnosis and care, it affirms the lived experiences of those for whom the world is not just fast-moving, but sometimes, overwhelmingly loud.

Finding Focus Care Team

We are a group of nurse practitioners, continuous care specialists, creators, and writers, all committed to excellence in patient care and expertise in ADHD. We share content that illuminates aspects of ADHD and broader health care topics. Each article is medically verified and approved by the Finding Focus Care Team. You can contact us at Finding Focus Support if you have any questions!  

References

Bijlenga, D., Tjon-Ka-Jie, J. Y., Schuijers, F., & Kooij, J. J. S. (2017). Atypical sensory profiles as core features of adult ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 21(10), 872–881. Link  

Ghanizadeh, A. (2011). Sensory processing problems in children with ADHD, a systematic review. Psychiatry Investigation, 8(2), 89–94. Link  

Shaw, P., Stringaris, A., Nigg, J., & Leibenluft, E. (2014). Emotion dysregulation in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(3), 276–283. Link