Sensory Processing Dysfunction in Autism and ADHD

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that children with both ADHD and autism often experience a wider range of sensory processing challenges compared to those with only one of these conditions or typical development. These challenges can significantly impact their attention and daily functioning, though the exact patterns can be quite varied.

Key findings

• Children with co-occurring autism and ADHD frequently display more severe sensory processing difficulties across various domains when compared to children with either diagnosis alone or typically developing children.
• Sensory processing issues related to attention seem to be particularly pronounced in children with both autism and ADHD, potentially making it harder for them to focus.
• Some research indicates that sensory processing patterns can overlap significantly between autism and ADHD, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms for these challenges.
• Individuals with co-occurring ADHD and autism may exhibit a
• broad spectrum of sensory differences, including being overly sensitive to certain sensations or under-responsive to others.
• The presence and nature of sensory processing dysfunction can be quite diverse among individuals with co-occurring autism and ADHD, highlighting the need for personalized approaches.

Studies cited (3)

1. Sensory processing related to attention in children with ASD, ADHD, or typical development: results from the ELENA cohort — Dellapiazza F, Michelon C, Vernhet C (2021, European child & adolescent psychiatry, observational)

   DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01516-5

2. Transdiagnostic Patterns of Sensory Processing in Autism and ADHD — Scheerer NE, Pourtousi A, Yang C (2024, Journal of autism and developmental disorders, other)

   DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05798-3

3. Sensory Processing Patterns in Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Typical Development — Little LM, Dean E, Tomchek S (2018, Physical & occupational therapy in pediatrics, other)

   DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2017.1390809