ADHD vs. Sensory Processing Disorder: What’s the Difference?
Jun 8, 2025
Is your child’s inability to sit still a sign of hyperactivity or a need for more sensory input? Does their difficulty focusing stem from inattention, or are they overwhelmed by their environment? For parents, educators, and caregivers, the overlapping behaviors of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can be a source of confusion and concern. While they often present in similar ways, they are distinct conditions with different underlying causes. Understanding these differences is the first step toward providing the right support for a child’s unique needs.
This article will provide a comprehensive look at ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder, highlighting their key distinctions, the possibility of co-occurrence, and the pathways to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to better understand and support the neurodivergent children in your life.
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development.
Common symptoms of ADHD fall into three main categories:
- Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, seeming not to listen, being easily distracted, and struggling with organization and completing tasks.
- Hyperactivity: Constant fidgeting or squirming, inability to stay seated, excessive talking, and feeling restless.
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, and having difficulty waiting for their turn.
These symptoms can significantly impact a child's daily life, affecting their academic performance, social relationships, and emotional regulation. Challenges with executive function, the mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, are at the core of ADHD. This can make it difficult for individuals to manage their emotions, leading to frustration, anger, and anxiety.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), sometimes referred to as sensory integration disorder, is a neurological condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. An individual with SPD may be over-responsive, under-responsive, or even crave sensory input.
Sensory processing issues can manifest in various ways, often categorized as:
- Sensory Seeking: These children are under-responsive to sensory input and actively seek it out. They might be in constant motion, enjoy crashing into things, or have a high tolerance for pain.
- Sensory Avoiding: These children are over-responsive and find sensory input overwhelming. They might be distressed by loud noises, bright lights, certain textures of food or clothing, and avoid touch.
- Sensory-Based Motor Disorder: This can affect balance, coordination, and the performance of motor tasks.
SPD is rooted in the way the nervous system interprets sensory information from the eight senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing, vestibular, proprioception, and interoception). This difficulty with sensory integration can lead to challenges with motor skills, behavior, and emotional regulation.
Key Differences Between ADHD and SPD
While the behaviors may look similar on the surface, the underlying reasons for them differ significantly. The primary distinction lies in the root of the behavior: ADHD is fundamentally a disorder of attention and executive function, whereas SPD is a disorder of sensory integration.
Let's break down some of those overlapping behaviors:
- Inattention: A child with ADHD might be inattentive because their brain struggles to filter out distractions and maintain focus on a single task due to executive function deficits. A child with SPD, however, might appear inattentive because their sensory system is overwhelmed by classroom noises or fluorescent lights, making it impossible to concentrate.
- Hyperactivity: In ADHD in children, hyperactivity often stems from an internal feeling of restlessness and an inability to inhibit the impulse to move. For a child with SPD, that same constant motion might be a form of sensory-seeking; their body is craving intense vestibular or proprioceptive input to help them feel regulated and aware of their body in space.
- Fidgeting and Impulsivity: A child with ADHD may fidget to help their brain focus or act impulsively due to poor self-control. In contrast, a child with SPD might fidget to receive calming tactile input or react "impulsively" by lashing out as a defense against an overwhelming sensory experience, like an unexpected touch.
- Emotional Regulation: The emotional outbursts seen in both conditions also have different origins. A child with ADHD might become frustrated and dysregulated due to the persistent challenges of their executive function deficits. A child with SPD is more likely to have a meltdown because their nervous system is in a state of overload from sensory input they cannot process.
Understanding these neurological vs. sensory-based roots is critical for an accurate ADHD diagnosis vs sensory processing evaluation.
Can a Child Have Both ADHD and SPD?
Yes, it is common for a child to have both ADHD and SPD. Research suggests that a significant percentage of children with ADHD also experience ADHD and sensory challenges. This co-occurrence can make diagnosis particularly difficult, as the symptoms of one condition can mask or be mistaken for the symptoms of the other.
An accurate and comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional is crucial to differentiate between the two or to identify if both are present. This ensures that the subsequent treatment plan addresses all of the child's needs as a neurodivergent individual.
Diagnosis and Testing
Navigating the diagnostic process can feel overwhelming. The first step is to consult with your child's pediatrician, who can provide initial insights and refer you to the appropriate specialists.
- For ADHD: A diagnosis is typically made by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician based on the criteria in the DSM-5. The process often involves detailed questionnaires for parents and teachers, clinical interviews, and sometimes, psycho-educational testing.
- For SPD: An occupational therapist (OT) with specialized training in sensory integration is the primary professional who diagnoses SPD. The evaluation will involve standardized testing, clinical observations of the child's response to various sensory stimuli, and a comprehensive parent interview.
A key challenge in differential diagnosis is the significant overlap in symptoms. A thorough evaluation will consider the context and underlying reasons for the behaviors to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options and Support Strategies
A correct diagnosis paves the way for a tailored and effective support plan.
For ADHD, treatment often includes:
- Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications can be effective in managing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Behavioral Therapy: This helps children develop healthier behaviors and coping strategies.
- Parent Coaching: Parents are taught strategies to help their child manage their ADHD symptoms.
- Classroom Accommodations: These can include preferential seating, extended time on tests, and frequent breaks.
For SPD, the primary treatment is:
- Occupational Therapy (OT): OTs use a play-based approach called sensory integration therapy to help children learn to process and respond to sensory information more effectively. This might involve activities like swinging, crashing onto soft mats, or playing with different textures.
When a child has both ADHD and SPD, an integrated approach that combines strategies for both conditions is most effective.
Practical Tips for Parents and Educators
Whether a child has ADHD, SPD, or both, there are many practical strategies that can help them thrive:
- Recognize Triggers: Keep a log to identify what situations, environments, or sensory inputs trigger challenging behaviors.
- Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: At home and in the classroom, try to minimize overwhelming sensory input. This could mean using calming colors, providing noise-canceling headphones, or ensuring a quiet space for the child to retreat to.
- Provide Opportunities for Sensory Input: For sensory-seeking children, incorporate "sensory breaks" into their day. This could involve jumping on a trampoline, using a weighted blanket, or playing with fidget toys.
- Establish Routines and Predictability: Children with both ADHD and SPD often do best with structured and predictable routines.
- Teach Emotional Regulation Skills: Help children identify their feelings and teach them coping strategies like deep breathing or taking a break.
Conclusion: Your Path Forward
The journey of understanding and supporting a neurodivergent child can be complex, but you are not alone. While ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder share overlapping symptoms, they are distinct conditions requiring different approaches to diagnosis and treatment. By seeking a comprehensive evaluation and working closely with a team of professionals, you can gain clarity and develop an effective support system for your child.
Remember to be patient and compassionate, both with your child and with yourself. With the right knowledge, strategies, and support, you can help your child navigate their challenges and celebrate their unique strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can sensory issues be a symptom of ADHD?
Yes, many individuals with ADHD also experience sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors. These are often referred to as sensory processing issues. However, when these sensory challenges significantly impact daily functioning, a separate diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder may be considered by a qualified professional, like an occupational therapist.
Who diagnoses SPD in children?
Occupational therapists (OTs) with specialized training in sensory integration are the primary professionals who diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder in children.
Is SPD in the DSM-5?
No, Sensory Processing Disorder is not currently a standalone diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). However, it is recognized as a valid diagnosis by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and its symptoms can be considered as part of an evaluation for other developmental disorders.
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