What Are The Sensory Issues Associated With ADHD?
Many people have a basic idea of what ADHD is. However, putting a blanket definition on the disorder or the symptoms is dangerous for those dealing with it, as well as those who haven’t been diagnosed.
While most people associate ADHD with a lack of focus or being “hyperactive,” it also often creates sensory issues that can be less noticeable or misdiagnosed.
So, what are the sensory issues associated with ADHD? Let’s take a closer look and dive into how those issues can be managed.
Sensory Overload Issues
It’s not uncommon for people with ADHD to struggle with overstimulation. Everything from loud noises and bright lights to being around crowded spaces can be triggering. This kind of overloaded stimulation can lead to emotional outbursts. It often makes the person who is overwhelmed struggle with concentrating on anything. It can lead to headaches, dizziness, and stomach issues.
There’s no question that we live in a loud, flashy, busy world. As a result, these triggers can be almost everywhere and have a severe impact on a person’s quality of life. It can be difficult for someone with ADHD to participate in certain activities or keep their focus in certain situations.
Underresponsivity
Not everyone with ADHD deals with sensory overload issues. Some struggle with underresponsivity to sensory stimuli.
What exactly does that mean?
In short, underresponsivity causes individuals to be less aware of their surroundings. If you struggle with this, you might have a hard time responding to stimuli, no matter how strong they are.
While that might not seem like a bad thing, it can be dangerous when it comes to things like feeling pain or environmental cues. You could be hurting yourself or feeling pain from something else without fully realizing it.
Sensory Seeking
Some people with ADHD seek out sensory experiences as a way of finding comfort or simply to cope with other symptoms. Do you tend to prefer certain sounds, tastes, and textures? Do you fidget often, whether it’s rocking back and forth or engaging in repetitive movements? You might be seeking out sensory experiences that stimulate you.
Unfortunately, almost all sensory issues associated with ADHD can cause difficulties. They can make it hard to stay focused and complete tasks, potentially impacting everything from relationships to careers.
What Can You Do To Manage Sensory Issues?
If any of these issues sound familiar, it’s not impossible to navigate them and cope in healthy ways.
First, create everyday environments that give you what you need. If you tend to experience sensory overload, surround yourself with environments that are quiet. If that isn’t possible, improvise with things like noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses to reduce the effect of stimuli.
If you’re a sensory seeker, consider using fidget toys or other textured objects to keep yourself engaged.
Most importantly, don’t hesitate to work with a professional when it comes to better understanding and treating your ADHD. If you have a low response to stimuli, it can also help to talk to your general practitioner to make sure you’re in good health and not in danger.
Therapy can help with ADHD by teaching coping skills and improving self-regulation. You’ll also be able to learn how to challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive ones. While therapy can’t change the stimuli caused by the world around you, it can provide effective ways of coping, so you can enjoy a greater quality of life without feeling overwhelmed by certain situations.
You don’t have to deal with the effects of ADHD on your own. Reach out today to set up a consultation about ADHD testing, and we’ll work on helping you understand your symptoms together.
