Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support
Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Sensory Processing Disorder or ADHD?

Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.  
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Sensory Processing Disorder or ADHD?

Jeanette Loftus

child with ADHD and sensory processing disorder getting dressed Sensory Processing Disorder or ADHD
Sensory processing disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are two conditions that are often misdiagnosed and not understood. SPD and ADHD are disorders that affect children and can have a significant impact on their lives.

They are two distinct disorders with different symptoms and treatments. Sensory processing disorder affects how the brain processes and responds to sensory input from our environments and surroundings.

Children with sensory processing differences may be over-responsive or under-responsive to different sensory input which will cause them difficulties when processing sensory input. ADHD is a disorder that is distinguished by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms can look different for everyone but usually you will notice difficulty focusing, easily distracted and possibly acting impulsively without considering consequences. Children with ADHD often struggle with doing things that will require attention and may have difficulties when following instructions or completing tasks.

One of the differences between sensory processing disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is that sensory processing disorder mainly affects sensory processing but ADHD mainly affects attention, focus and behavior.

There is an overlap in symptoms and that can make it challenging to be able to differentiate between the two disorders. A child with sensory challenges may also exhibit hyperactivity and impulsivity and this can lead to a misdiagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Just like a child child with ADHD may also have sensory processing difficulties and this can lead to a misdiagnosis of sensory processing disorder. A study by the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder found that 40% of children diagnosed with ADHD also had sensory processing difficulties.
child with ADHD and sensory processing disorder playing ADHD symptoms list
Both sensory processing disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can have a significant impact on a child's life. Children with sensory processing differences may struggle with everyday activities and this can cause them significant frustration and anxiety.
They may have difficulties socializing and engaging in play with their friends too but children who have ADHD may struggle in school and have trouble forming friendships due to their impulsive and hyperactive behaviors. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and sensory differences can be managed when a child receives a diagnosis and is being treated.
Occupational therapy is the most common approach for treating sensory differences because it focuses on helping children develop strategies to cope with sensory challenges.
This may include sensory activities that stimulate or desensitize the child's senses. These sensory activities will be scheduled in a child's sensory diet that will be created by an OT for your child's specific sensory needs. Medication may also be prescribed to manage symptoms such as anxiety or hyperactivity.
Children who struggle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a combination of medication and behavioral therapy is often recommended. Medications can possibly help your child to improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Behavioral therapy can help children develop coping strategies.
It is so important to get an evaluation for your child to accurately diagnose sensory processing disorder or ADHD. A child psychologist or a pediatric occupational therapist can provide an assessment for your child. 
My Socks sensory processing books for kids
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My Socks 

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abby the alligator needs hand squeezes sensory book for kids
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Abby The Alligator Needs Hands Squeezes

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Pickysaurus Mac sensory book for children
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Pickysaurus Mac 

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What Were You Thinking?: Learning to Control Your Impulses (Executive Function)
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What Were You Thinking? Control Impulses 

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A Dragon With ADHD: A Children’s Story About ADHD. A Cute Book to Help Kids Get Organized, Focus, and Succeed. (My Dragon Books)
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A Dragon With ADHD Children’s ADHD Story

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Sometimes I Get The Wiggles ADHD Children's Book
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Sometimes I Get The Wiggles ADHD Book

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sensory seeking sloth sensory childrens books
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Sensory Seeking Sloth 

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sensory ninja sensory book for kids
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Sensory Ninja 

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Sensory Seeking Sebastian sensory book for kids
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Sensory Seeking Sebastian 

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Ellie, The ADHD SuperGirl: ADHD Book for Children
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Ellie The ADHD Super Girl ADHD Kid's Book 

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Mrs. Gorski I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets: An ADHD and ADD Book for Kids
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Mrs. Gorski I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets

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My Busy, Busy Brain: The ABCDs of ADHD, a Resource and Children's Book about ADHD
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My Busy, Busy Brain The ABCDs of ADHD

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Ozo the octopus needs arm squeezes book
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Ozo The Octopus Needs Arm Squeezes

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Love for logan sensory book for kids
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Love For Logan 

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Faith the fox likes fireworks
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Faith The Fix Likes Fireworks 

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I Have Ants in My Pants Control your wiggles and be the BOSS of your ants. In I Have Ants in My Pants
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I Have Ants in My Pants Control Your Wiggles

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This Kid Can Hyperfocus ADHD Children's Book
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This Kid Can Hyperfocus ADHD Book

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Free Association Where My Mind Goes During Science Class: An ADD and ADHD Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Engage Their Creative Minds
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Free Association ADHD Growth Mindset Book

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Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support 

Sensory Processing Disorder Resources  

Supporting, learning, sharing and growing together.
Sensory Processing Disorder Sleeping Solutions For Kids
Sensory Processing Symptoms for Teens
Visual Picture Schedules
Self-Regulation with Fidgets And Chewelry
DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional. 
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