My Child has ADHD and is Highly Sensitive, How Can I Help Them?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves delays in how a person processes information and their control and regulation of emotion, behaviour, and attention. These symptoms are also similar to a child’s underdeveloped brain.

Raising a child with ADHD is a unique and challenging experience for parents, add to this a child that also has high sensitivity, and both child and parent can quickly become overwhelmed. Below are some ways to help manage yourself and your child’s behaviours when it comes to ADHD and high sensitivity.

ADHD and High Sensitivity: Why Do They Co-Exist?

High sensitivity refers to a heightened response to sensory stimuli, emotions, and environments which can create a complex mix of emotions and feelings both for child and parent.

Many people with ADHD have trouble filtering what comes out in terms of words and actions but where high sensitivity is involved, they also have difficulty filtering what goes in. A child dealing with ADHD and high sensitivity will find it difficult not to let their surroundings affect them and it takes less than the neurotypical child for them to feel overwhelmed. In addition to this, both emotional and physical pain are experienced in the same part of the brain and the more sensitive a person is, the more likely they are to feel pain.

High levels of sensitivity can also be used as an advantage if a child is given the right support, management and control by their parents and caregivers. This way, the positive aspects like creativity, empathy and depth of perception can shine through.

Raising a Child with High Sensitivity.

A child struggling with high sensitivity or SPD (sensory processing disorder) finds it hard to process and act on the information they receive, through sound, sight, movement, touch, smell, and taste. This means the child is vulnerable to distraction and anxiety as they don’t have the necessary tools to turn their attention off.

If this sounds familiar, then it’s vitally important that you become their support network and help them through their struggles. 

• Validate their feelings and emotions, let them know it’s ok to feel the way they do and that you understand them.

• Help your child to develop emotional regulation skills such as deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation and relaxation, and exercise.

• Encourage them to express their emotions through writing, talking, or art.

How Can You Help a Child with High Sensitivity?

Understanding what works for your child beforehand is important because every child is unique, therefore every child’s ADHD and level of sensitivity is different. Without understanding these vital aspects first, it may not be possible to fully help your child.

Prioritise Tasks and Routines.

Keeping tasks and routines simple and short is the key here. No child can process information if it’s given to them all in one go, so a child with ADHD and high sensitivity needs a task to be broken down and be clearly visible so they know exactly how they’re supposed to get to the endpoint. For example, tidying their room could be broken down into:

• Put toys into their labelled bins.

• Pick up papers and wrappers and put them in the rubbish bin.

• Throw bedcovers over the bed and flatten out.

Tailor Their Environment.

Create a structure for tasks given to your child to outline the steps involved that may not be obvious to them. This helps keep them focused and keeps overwhelm and frustration to a minimum. For example, if your child finds it difficult to get dressed in the morning, then think about clearly labelling with pictures where they can find tops, trousers, underwear etc. and also try to eliminate clutter and extra stuff that makes it difficult for your child to complete the task. Not easy with toys when it comes to children, but putting toys and books in bins with wheels enables them to be easily moved and stored out of sight in cupboards when needed.

Regulate Sensory Input.

Help to minimise sights, sounds, and other stimuli in your child’s environment by using noise-softening headphones when in crowded areas or giving them a mint or chewing gum before entering a place with different odours. Try creating sensory zones in their bedrooms or playroom for children who need more sensory input and use soft blocks they can stack and crash into or a rice bin they can dig with their hands. You can use this area as a “sensory break” when a child is feeling overwhelmed and needs to re-focus their attention.

Speak to a Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester.

It’s vitally important that as a parent you have the capacity to manage your child’s feelings and emotions when it comes to ADHD and sensory processing, but it is equally important that you take what you need to be this person for them. Adapting to this role can be incredibly challenging, that’s why you need to understand and spend time on yourself in order to be there for your child. This is where the help of an ADHD clinic can be a huge support to children and parents.

Beyond Clinics: Comprehensive Child ADHD Assessments.

Our team at Beyond Clinic is a private ADHD clinic in Manchester. Our dedicated group of specialist psychiatrists and practitioners share a passion for helping adults and children with ADHD. 

We understand that undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can bring some tough challenges for children and young people, both at home, in school and in their peer relationships. We also recognise the struggles of parents and families. We are a holistic service, offering a range of support to you, your child and your family needs.

If you would like a confidential chat to discuss any concerns you may have then don’t hesitate to contact us today.