Children with ADHD have less sensory-motor abilities than typical children. Additionally, the patterns of sensory modulation in children with ADHD are significantly different from the patterns of sensory modulation in typical children. Particular behavioral problems like aggression and delinquency in ADHD are correlated with specific sensory issues. A child with ADHD who has greater sensory issues is more likely to have behavioral problems. Sensory functioning in a child with ADHD is also strongly correlated with academic achievement. Children with ADHD have more difficulties in tactile processing, balance and coordination, auditory processing, visual processing, and olfactory identification. 

Sensory Processing deficits in ADHD

The DSM-5 criteria for children with ASD includes deficits in sensory processing, specifically sensory modulation. Any sensory modality may be affected but some evidence suggests that individuals with ASD have a greater frequency of sensory deficits in the domains of taste and smell, as well as tactile sensitivity. 

- neurobiology of sensory symptoms in ASD

Sensory Processing Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder

In a sample size of 917 preschool-aged children, 20% of parents reported that their children had sensory over-responsivity in at least one sensory domain. 

Prevalence of sensory over-responsivity in preschool children 

In a sample size of 917 preschool-aged children, 43% of the children had both parent-reported sensory over-responsivity and anxiety diagnoses. In the same sample, a significant relationship was found between the presence of children with parent-reported sensory over-responsivity and who also met the criteria for other disorders like ADHD.  


Sensory over-responsivity and disorders in preschool children 

Preschool sensory over-responsivity has been found to significantly and positively predict anxiety symptoms at elementary school age (age six).  

Sensory over-responsivity in preschool children as a predictor of anxiety in elementary school children  

Preschool sensory over-responsivity was not found to be a predictor of non-anxiety disorders at elementary school age (age 6).  

Sensory over-responsivity in preschool not a predictor of non-anxiety disorders in elementary school children 

Overwhelm and stress in response to a sensory experience; a more intense response to sensory input; magnified, negative responses to typical sensory experiences in everyday life. 

Lawrence University

- overresponsivity
- underresponsivity
- sensory craving

Sensory Modulation Challenges

Types of sensory issues in autism. (2021, September 7). Behavioral Innovations - ABA Therapy for Kids with Autism. https://behavioral-innovations.com/blog/types-of-sensory-issues-in-autism-examples-and-treatment-options/

Hyperreactivity and Hyporeactivity reference

Schoen, S.A., Miller, L.J., & Sullivan, J.C. (2014). Measurement in sensory modulation: The sensory processing scale assessment. American Journal of Occupational Therapy 68(5), 522-530. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2014.012377

Sensory modulation reference

Overresponsivity/Hyperreactivity to sensory input

Under-responsivity to sensory input; Diminished or delayed responses to daily sensory stimuli. A person who is hyporeactive to sensory input is more likely to not register or attend to certain stimuli in their environment. 

Underresponsivity/hyporeactivity to sensory input

Insatiable urge for amplified sensory experience. 

Sensory Craving

- social participation
- play
- engagement in home and school routines

Areas affected by sensory modulation challenges

- children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder
- children who have ADHD

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