Are Sensory Issues Autism or ADHD? Key Differences Explained

Sensory issues—such as sensitivity to light, sound, textures, or movement—are common in both autism and ADHD. Many parents notice their child reacting strongly to certain stimuli, struggling with noisy environments, or seeking intense sensory experiences. But how do you determine whether sensory challenges stem from autism, ADHD, or a combination of both?

While sensory processing differences are often associated with autism, research shows that children with ADHD can also experience significant sensory difficulties. Understanding how these issues manifest in each condition can help parents, educators, and therapists provide the right support.

This blog will explore sensory processing challenges in autism and ADHD, highlight key differences, and offer practical strategies for managing sensory sensitivities in both conditions.

What Are Sensory Issues?

Sensory processing refers to how the brain interprets and responds to sensory information from the environment. This includes input from the five traditional senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) as well as proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular function (balance and movement).

Children with sensory processing difficulties may experience:

• Hypersensitivity (Over-responsiveness): Strong reactions to stimuli, such as covering ears in response to loud sounds or avoiding certain textures.
• Hyposensitivity (Under-responsiveness): Seeking intense sensory input, such as crashing into objects or enjoying deep pressure.
• Mixed Sensory Responses: Fluctuating between over- and under-responsiveness in different situations.

These challenges can significantly impact daily life, affecting behavior, learning, and social interactions.

Sensory Issues in Autism

1. Sensory Processing and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Sensory processing differences are a core feature of autism, meaning they are included in the diagnostic criteria. Many autistic individuals have heightened or diminished responses to sensory input.

Common sensory traits in autism include:

• Auditory Sensitivity: Discomfort with loud noises, echoing sounds, or specific frequencies.
• Tactile Sensitivity: Disliking certain fabrics, avoiding hugs, or reacting strongly to light touch.
• Visual Sensitivity: Difficulty with bright lights, strong contrasts, or busy visual environments.
• Taste and Smell Sensitivities: Avoiding certain foods due to texture or strong flavors.
• Proprioceptive and Vestibular Challenges: Seeking deep pressure (e.g., weighted blankets), enjoying spinning, or struggling with coordination.

2. Sensory Meltdowns vs. Behavioral Responses

Autistic individuals may experience sensory meltdowns, which are intense reactions triggered by overwhelming sensory input. These are different from tantrums, as they are not goal-oriented but rather an involuntary response to overstimulation.

For example, a child who becomes overwhelmed in a noisy environment may cover their ears, cry, or shut down completely. Unlike a tantrum, this response does not stop when given a desired item or attention.

3. Sensory Regulation in Autism

Many autistic individuals develop routines or coping strategies to manage sensory input. This may include:

• Wearing noise-canceling headphones in loud environments.
• Preferring dim lighting or sunglasses indoors.
• Engaging in sensory-friendly activities like swinging, weighted blankets, or fidget toys.

Sensory Issues in ADHD

1. Sensory Sensitivities in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

While not part of the official ADHD diagnostic criteria, sensory processing differences are common in individuals with ADHD. Many children with ADHD experience sensory over- or under-responsiveness, though their reactions may differ from those seen in autism.

Common sensory traits in ADHD include:

• Sensitivity to Sounds: Difficulty tuning out background noise, frustration with repetitive sounds.
• Tactile Sensitivity: Disliking tags, seams in clothing, or the feeling of socks and shoes.
• Movement Seeking: Constant fidgeting, tapping, bouncing, or the need for frequent movement.
• Taste and Smell Sensitivities: Preference for strong flavors or avoiding certain food textures.

2. Sensory-Related Hyperactivity

Many children with ADHD engage in sensory-seeking behaviors due to their need for constant movement. This may include:

• Tapping on surfaces or drumming fingers.
• Rocking back and forth in a chair.
• Touching objects constantly.
• Biting on pencils, chewing on shirt sleeves.

These behaviors are often a way to regulate attention and focus, rather than a response to discomfort like in autism.

3. Impulsivity and Sensory Reactions

Unlike autistic individuals, who may withdraw from overwhelming sensory input, children with ADHD may react impulsively. For example:

• A child with ADHD might shout or react loudly to an unpleasant sound, rather than covering their ears.
• They may struggle to filter out distractions, leading to difficulty focusing in busy environments.
• Impulsive touching of objects or people may occur due to sensory curiosity rather than sensory distress.

Key Differences Between Autism and ADHD Sensory Issues

Some children may have both autism and ADHD, leading to a combination of these traits.

Strategies for Managing Sensory Issues in Autism and ADHD

For Hypersensitivity (Over-responsiveness):

• Create a sensory-friendly environment with dim lighting and quiet spaces.
• Use noise-canceling headphones in loud areas.
• Provide clothing with soft, seamless fabrics.
• Offer gradual exposure to uncomfortable stimuli in a controlled way.

For Hyposensitivity (Under-responsiveness & Sensory-Seeking):

• Allow safe movement, such as wiggle seats, standing desks, or fidget toys.
• Provide deep pressure activities like weighted blankets or compression vests.
• Encourage sensory breaks, such as jumping, stretching, or squeezing stress balls.
• Offer strong-flavored snacks or crunchy foods for oral sensory input.

For Impulsivity and Sensory Regulation:

• Establish clear boundaries for touching and personal space.
• Use movement-based learning strategies (e.g., pacing while studying).
• Incorporate mindfulness and breathing exercises.
• Teach self-awareness skills to recognize sensory triggers.

Final Thoughts

Sensory issues are common in both autism and ADHD, but they manifest in different ways. While autistic individuals may experience sensory overload leading to meltdowns, those with ADHD often exhibit sensory-seeking behaviors and impulsivity. Understanding these differences can help parents, teachers, and therapists provide the right support.

At All Star ABA, we specialize in helping children with autism navigate sensory challenges through individualized ABA therapy. Our approach focuses on developing coping strategies, emotional regulation, and structured routines to help children thrive. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your child’s sensory needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

1. https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-processing-disorder
2. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/meltdowns/all-audiences
3. https://www.steadystridesaba.com
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3149116/
5. https://phillyintegrative.com/blog/kids-with-adhd-who-are-sensory-seeking