Our nervous systems drive how our brains process sensory information, and various factors come into play in how effective our senses are, such as age and gender, as well as neurodevelopment factors such as ADHD.Â
We can all feel overstimulated at times, whether thatâs lights that are too bright or noise levels that are too high, the difference for those with a sensory processing disorder, however, is consistent overstimulation of the senses and how it impacts their ability to react and interact.Â
What is Sensory Processing?
The brainâs sensitivity threshold is what determines an individualâs response to sensory stimuli, such as light, touch, smell, sound, and temperature. Our sensory system plays an important role in how we engage in the world, each sense playing a unique role, informing our brain how to react and interact with our environment.
If an individualâs brain has issues with how this information is received, it can lead to a sensory processing disorder. If a personâs sensitivity threshold is low, then it can lead to sensory overload, causing the person to experience sensations and emotions around the stimuli more intensely than others. This overstimulation can lead to a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response and cause difficulties with daily functions.
Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, crowds and crowded spaces, and, multitasking are common causes of sensory overload, making it difficult to control emotions and possibly experience:
Feeling faint, nauseous, light-headed, or experiencing headaches and dizziness.
Irritability, agitation, and emotional outbursts.
Increased anxiety, stress, and possible panic attacks.
Feeling restless and having difficulty sleeping.
Three Types of Sensory Processing Disorders.
Sensory Modulation Disorder â which regards the ability to regulate and organise reactions to sensory input.
Sensory Discrimination Disorder â this regards the ability to interpret information, compare various details, and disregard irrelevant information.
Sensory-Based Motor Disorder â regards difficulties stabilising, moving, or planning a series of movements in response to sensory demands.
How Does Sensory Processing Affect People with ADHD?
Sensory processing disorders tend to be more common in those with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, ASD, and dyslexia, this is due to the areas of the brain associated with sensory processing being different in the brains of people with ADHD. The severity of ADHD also comes into play, with recent studies showing that higher ADHD symptoms were a good indicator of having sensory processing issues.
Of the above 3 sensory processing disorders, sensory modulation disorder is the most relevant to ADHD and can be further subdivided into 3 different forms:
Sensory Over-Responsivity â where individuals are more sensitive to sensory stimulation than most. They may feel sensations too easily and they enter into a fight, flight, or freeze response.
Sensory Under-Responsivity â where individuals do not notice, or process information received from the senses like those without sensory processing issues. They may appear always on the go and unable to sit still, whilst also tiring easily and appearing clumsy.
Sensory Seeking â can also be linked to under-responsivity, where the individual looks for more sensory stimulation to make up for a lack thereof. They may seek sensory input from standing too close to people, touch people and objects often, seek out or make loud noises, and enjoy more physical movement than most.Â
How to Cope with Sensory Overload
Lifestyle modification and treatment are the most effective in helping to minimise the impact of sensory processing disorders, including:
Understanding your triggers and tuning into your surroundings, creating strategies to avoid them.
Utilising sensory aids such as noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs, sunglasses, weighted blankets, and calming scented products.
Reducing exposure to your triggers where possible like avoiding crowded places, planning more time for events or gatherings, buying clothes that feel comfortable, using fragrance-free soaps and detergents, and installing dimmable lights or blackout blinds for sleep.
Try relaxation methods like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing to ground yourself and focus your attention inward, blocking out external factors.Â
Help from a private ADHD clinic in Manchester to fully understand you and your ADHD. Itâs imperative to help you cope through important daily activities, and contacting a private ADHD clinic in Manchester, like Beyond Clinics, can put you on the path to a happy, more fulfilled life.Â
Beyond Clinics: How a Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester can Help
We are a dedicated group of specialist psychiatrists and practitioners with a shared passion for helping individuals with ADHD. Our comprehensive and robust ADHD assessment and evidence-based interventions help you to understand your unique ADHD personality, ultimately helping you to cope better with sensory overload and other symptoms
