Adhd sensory overload symptoms
ADHD sensory overload: Causes, treatment, and more
Sensory overload can occur as a symptom in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the senses becomes overstimulated in some way.
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition in which the individual has trouble paying attention to their surroundings, controlling their impulses, or managing their energy levels.
Although sensory overload can affect anyone, it is most common in people, particularly children, with ADHD or other sensory or neurodevelopmental conditions. Anything that stimulates multiple senses can lead to sensory overload.
Keep reading to learn more about sensory overload and ADHD, including the causes and how to manage the symptoms.
Sensory overload occurs when something, usually an environmental factor, overstimulates one or more of the five senses. Different stimuli can compete for attention, making it impossible for the brain to process the information it receives. When this happens, the person experiencing sensory overload may overreact to a situation by lashing out or underreact by shutting down.
Anyone can experience sensory overload, but it is most likely to affect people with:
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- anxiety
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- autism
- other sensory processing disorders
ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people in the United States. It is especially prevalent in children. This is in large part because their brains are still developing, and they have not fully learned how to handle the conflicting stimuli around them.
Although not all individuals with ADHD experience sensory overload, these conditions often co-occur. Common factors associated with ADHD that could increase the likelihood of sensory overload include:
- difficulty self-regulating actions or emotions
- hyperactivity or hyper-focus
- impulsiveness
- inability to concentrate or inattentiveness
- overly intense response or lack of reaction to different stimuli
- lack of awareness of one’s own environment
As sensory overload occurs when the brain becomes overwhelmed by the input it receives from the senses, these factors often lead directly to sensory overload.
Anything that stimulates one or more of the senses could trigger sensory overload, although triggers vary among individuals. Research into ADHD and sensory overload is still ongoing, but some of the most common triggers include:
- Touch: A touch that is too light, firm, or sudden could lead to sensory overload. The same goes for unexpected physical contact, such as a spontaneous hug or a pat on the shoulder.
- Texture: Certain food textures or scratchy, rough, or restrictive clothing could overwhelm the sense of touch. For some, even the feeling of water when swimming or showering could trigger a response.
- Smell: Strong smells or odors could cause sensory overload. Scents that may not bother most people may be overwhelming to those with a heightened sense of smell. Possible culprits include artificial fragrances, perfumes, detergent, shampoo, and food.
- Sight: Harsh or flashing lights may be a trigger for some people.
- Sound: Many people with ADHD are hypersensitive to auditory stimulants such as multiple simultaneous conversations, loud music, fireworks, or grating noises. For these individuals, such sounds could result in a stress reaction.
- Taste: Certain spices, strong flavors, or food temperatures can sometimes lead to sensory overload.
The symptoms of sensory overload in individuals with ADHD vary widely, so it may be difficult to recognize the signs at first. Depending on the person and situation, people may overreact, underreact, or react at inappropriate times. They may exhibit certain behaviors, such as a higher, or possibly lower, sensitivity to their surroundings.
ADHD makes it difficult for many people to regulate their emotions or actions, even in relation to things that may seem simple to other people. When people with ADHD become overstimulated, they may be unable to focus as environmental factors or sensations crowd their brains.
Moreover, people with ADHD and sensory overload may be unable to quickly “switch gears” in terms of the activity in which they are taking part. They may also find it challenging to register new stimuli or changes in their environment. This could lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed when something unexpected happens.
After encountering a trigger, some people with sensory overload cannot function properly until their senses normalize again. In extreme cases, they may experience a kind of physical pain, even from everyday things such as a light touch or being able to hear several ongoing conversations.
Research also suggests that children with ADHD have more difficulty than adults regulating their emotional responses and processing input from their senses. Common symptoms of sensory overload include:
- trouble focusing
- restlessness
- anxiousness
- extreme irritability
- agitation
- panic attacks
- difficulty sleeping
- avoidance of specific places, such as the kitchen or bathroom
About 15% of children have sensory processing difficulties.
Those with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders are more likely to exhibit signs of sensory overload than those without these conditions.
A child with sensory overload may react by throwing a temper tantrum, screaming, crying, kicking, or trying to hide. They may shield their eyes or ears to get away, or they may shut down completely for a time. This response is often due to their instinctive desire to protect themself from whatever is triggering their senses.
ADHD can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially when sensory overload is involved. Although there is no cure, individuals with ADHD can lead a healthy, full life with the right treatment and management of the condition.
The following may help people with ADHD manage sensory overload and other symptoms:
- Being proactive: It is a good idea to find out what is causing the sensory overload and implement ways to deal with it.
- Watching out for triggers: Anything from a crowded theater to a series of flashing lights could overwhelm a person with ADHD.
By identifying common triggers, it is possible to avoid them in the future. - Learning self-calming techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga are all ways to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and minimize the risk of overreaction. For children, introducing sensory toys, a pet, or a security blanket may help redirect their focus.
- Devising coping mechanisms: Anything from listening to a specific song to counting backward from 30 could help reduce the impact of sensory overload.
- Establishing a routine: Some people create a “sensory diet.” This is a series of scheduled activities designed to help with the individual’s needs and prevent overwhelming them. People primarily use it with kids, but it can be effective for adults as well.
- Consulting a primary care physician: A doctor may provide mental health resources, anti-anxiety medication, or antidepressants.
- Creating a calm environment: It can be beneficial to eliminate known sensory triggers, such as certain types of lighting, coarse textures, or loud sounds.
- Introducing new activities in the right way: For those who become stimulated by loud sounds, it is advisable to introduce new activities in a calm, slow manner. For those who need more stimulation, people can make something mundane seem more exciting or fun by incorporating music, dance, or another activity.
- Exercise: Exercise can reduce pent-up energy or stress, thus reducing the likelihood of sensory overload.
People should also remember that although ADHD produces some challenging symptoms, it can also come with beneficial traits and characteristics. Learn more here.
Sensory overload can become more manageable with time, age, and practice. Some ways to lessen the impact of sensory overload include:
- therapeutic options
- prescription medication
- coping tactics
- mental health resources
- self-care techniques
- trigger identification and removal
With a consistent routine, the right treatments, and a proactive approach, ADHD sensory overload may be avoidable.
In some cases, it may even be preventable.
Sensory overload happens when the information from at least one of the five senses overwhelms the brain’s ability to process it. Common reactions include extreme irritability, agitation, and a fight-or-flight response.
Individuals with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions have a higher chance than other people of experiencing sensory overload or another sensory processing disorder.
Although ADHD is a lifelong condition, people with it can prevent and manage sensory overload with certain treatment techniques and the right support.
Coping with Sensory Overload - CHADD
Attention Magazine October 2021
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For many adults and children with ADHD, sensory overload can affect relationships.
When we are flooded with sensory information, lights feel brighter, sounds are louder, and crowds seem to close in on us. Sensory bombardment and overwhelm can make situations draining and anxiety-provoking.
To reduce the effects of overstimulation, we may try to cope by going quiet or avoiding eye contact.
For many adults and children with ADHD, sensory overload can affect the impression we make, how we are perceived, and our relationships. A quick exit from a party, avoidance of social situations, or the sharp tone we employ in the moment may make some people think we are rude, distant, or upset with them.
First, we must understand how sensory information affects the ADHD brain.
When you experience sensory overload, do your friends and family think it is a rejection? Often our loved ones, partners, and friends do not understand why we adults and children with ADHD avoid certain situations, grow quiet, or flee the scene. Their rebuke or confusion adds to the feelings of shame and guilt, their misinterpretations add to the overwhelm. You may even wonder, why not just stay home?
Well, rather than opting out of all connection, you can employ strategies to cope with sensory overload.
1. Share the struggle.
Rather than turning down invitations, ghosting texts, and fleeing parties with no explanation, confide in close family and friends. Your struggle is real. People who do not struggle with sensory bombardment may not understand or cannot parachute into our minds. Have a go-to phrase you can use, such as “I get very bombarded, this is not the best environment for me.” Without your sharing this, others can’t support you.
2. Propose alternatives.
Rather than cocooning away from those to whom you want to connect, propose an alternative. If you know that an environment is difficult to navigate and that it is going to push all your sensory buttons, perhaps it is not the best place to be social. Where else can you go together? Is there another activity that works? Weigh the benefits.
3. Watch for triggers.
If you are aware that sensory overload impacts you or your child, consider when and where circumstances are particularly triggering. Children with ADHD may not be able to fully identify and express the impact of sensory stimuli on their behavior. Watch for reactions and look for events and settings that precede a meltdown. Ask your child what the place or circumstance felt like to help them better forecast an upcoming trigger.
4. Engage in a pre-game strategy.
Parties, concerts, hallways, or subway stations crushing with people can be full of competing sensory information. Identify calming techniques that help you avoid or lessen a tailspin. Before the event, practice techniques such as mindfulness and self-talk to center, reassure, and calm your limbic system. Self-care such as hydration, sleep, and nourishment can be beneficial, too.
5. Preplan for the event.
If you must go somewhere that is a triggering, have a plan.
Perhaps enter with a buddy, arrive later or earlier, or plan to stay only until things are at a tipping point. Bombardment of sensory stimuli and the cascade that leads to fight, flight, or freeze will make it hard to pay attention to social cues and read the room. Take steps to protect yourself like lessening auditory triggers with earphones, choosing seats out of the fray, and going at times with less traffic, noise, and people to prevent overwhelm.
SENSORY OVERLOAD IS COMMON FOR PEOPLE WITH ADHD OF ALL AGES. Some of the symptoms of ADHD—such as self-regulation and trouble paying attention to what’s going on around you—may themselves induce sensory overload. When you’re not tuned in, sensory information can sneak up on you.
If you are still affected strongly even after employing these strategies, you may need to seek medical advice. There are treatments for sensory overload, so don’t hesitate to bring this challenge up to a medical professional.
Whatever it takes, be sure to stay connected.
Life is so much better when it is shared.
Caroline Maguire, MEd, ACCG, PCC, works with children who struggle socially and the families who support them. She earned her master’s degree with a specialization in social emotional learning from Lesley University. The author of the award-winning book, Why Will No One Play with Me, Maguire is the founder of the SEL training methodology designed to teach emotional regulation, social and self-awareness, and responsible decision-making skills. She founded the only coach training program accredited by the ICF, The Fundamentals of ADHD Coaching for Families. Maguire practiced as a social skills clinician at the Hallowell Center Boston then formed her private practice. She is a sought-after lecturer and workshop facilitator, a social skills columnist for CHADD’s Attention magazine, and a contributor to numerous other many revered publications. Follow her @AuthorCarolineM and download her free video “How to Tell a Tighter Story.
” Learn more at CarolineMaguireAuthor.com.Sensory overload and interventions for ADHD
ADHD comes with a lot of preconceptions. Often the "H" in ADHD gets the most attention, and many people assume that kids with ADHD are constantly bouncing off walls, fidgeting, and not paying attention. However, this is a narrow understanding of ADHD, and at best it demonstrates a tiny fraction of the complexity of ADHD and how it affects people who are diagnosed. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is named for its varied and multifaceted alterations in consciousness. It's not just about being easily distracted; on the contrary, it is a neurological difference in which paying attention, remembering information, controlling impulses, and remaining still are all extremely difficult or impossible.
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The problems associated with ADHD are difficult for both children and adults.
They affect how you work in everyday situations, including school, work, and relationships. However, for some, ADHD is not the only operating condition; for some, sensory processing disorder and similar processing problems are also added, making things that may seem simple or mundane extremely overwhelming.
What is
Sensory overload? ADHD and suppress Sensory overload can be an actual condition called sensory processing disorder or can describe a person who is particularly sensitive to external stimuli such as sounds, sights and smells. Sensory overload is commonly used to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed or lacking in the sensory system. In fact, 8 senses have been identified in the human nervous system, including five typical senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell), as well as the vestibular system, the interoceptive system, and the proprioceptive system. The vestibular apparatus determines where your body is in space. Your proprioceptive system determines where your limbs are in relation to the rest of your body, and your interoceptive system determines internal cues such as hunger and the need to pee.
Sensory overload can affect one of these systems, several of these systems, or all 8 systems at the same time. When even one of these systems is overloaded (for example, by the noise of a large crowd), your body and brain can begin what is essentially a 'shutdown' sequence, with all your energy and attention focused on staying calm and turning off the suppression. It can feel like rocking, buzzing, banging your hands against your ears, or even stalling. Meltdowns may look like they actually create more problems, but some people may find comfort and peace in being able to control the loud pitch of their voice or the tactile sensation of punching the ground; this may seem to overwhelm the body system even more, but it takes control of that sensation back.
ADHD Sensory Overload
It's easy to imagine how overwhelming the sensitivity of any one of the eight senses can be. It is necessary to have very little control over external stimuli, especially in settings outside the home, at school, in a busy grocery store, or in a parking lot.
Understandably, many children with sensory disorders have difficulties with communication, socialization, and academic work; there are so many uncontrollable, unknowable factors that the slightest hint of overload can make concentration impossible. This is especially true for people with ADHD and sensory overload.
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ADHD is characterized by a struggle to concentrate and a lack of impulse control, both of which can be negatively affected by sensory overload. Children with SPD or other sensory issues may have difficulty concentrating and controlling impulses without the addition of ADHD. Adding struggles with ADHD to dealing with sensory issues can mean the difference between successfully overcoming overwhelming situations and needing substantial help getting through one day of school or work.
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How to treat ADHD and SPD
Fortunately, the treatment for ADHD and SPD or undiagnosed sensory overload often overlaps.
In the same way that people with ADHD can benefit from seeking help from an occupational therapist, many with SPD or general sensory overload find great relief when working with an occupational therapist.
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Occupational therapy aims to involve children and adults in certain activities that cause the most fear or discomfort in a controlled and safe environment. Exposing yourself to sources of pain, discomfort, or fear can help eliminate some of the fear and allows you to develop tools and strategies for practical, practical management of symptoms of discomfort with someone close to you to guide you and offer some help. Occupational therapists can work with any of the 8 sensory systems to eliminate some of the sensory overload systems.
8 feelings: how treatment works
During treatment, feelings can be separated, but they are more likely to be treated as a whole - at least in part. For example, children might be encouraged to listen to music while solving a puzzle.
The presence of both auditory and visual stimuli can be overwhelming, but a slow pace and a guiding hand can eliminate some of the difficulty.
Children can also be encouraged to walk on difficult terrain to help create more balance and safety in the proprioceptive and vestibular systems. At first, the occupational therapist can hold the child's hands during the hike, before moving to the assistant with one hand and closing it without assistance at all. For some children, this task may take weeks or more to complete, as the struggle to maintain balance in agreeing steps and achievements can be completely overwhelming and can lead to failure or collapse at first.
When creating a treatment plan for children with ADHD and sensory overload, occupational therapists first conduct an assessment to determine which systems and coping strategies are most challenging for the individual. The auditory systems of some children are especially sensitive, while visual stimuli do not cause much struggle.
For others, loud noises are unimportant, but when they are asked to perform a physical task, they cause real horror.
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As treatment progresses, the goals and needs of children change. Although occupational therapy is extremely useful in treating both ADHD and sensory overload, the progress made is unlikely to be abrupt or rapid; Instead, occupational therapy works best for a long period of time before moving on to larger goals and challenges, focusing on small achievable goals. This allows the patient's systems to grow, adapt and heal without creating additional sources of stress. Many people - especially children - have been using occupational therapy for many years and may continue to see an occupational therapist into adulthood.
Work and school placement
Sensory processing disorder is not currently recognized as a separate identifiable condition in the DSM.
Those who have been labeled are usually diagnosed with another condition, and the term SPD is used to describe additional problems within that disorder. ADHD, however, is recognized in the DSM and protected by the ADA, which means that adjusting to school (and sometimes work) is a matter of law, not parental preference.
Adjusting to ADHD in school includes either an IEP or a 504 plan, both of which allow parents and teachers to meet and determine various intervention strategies to help children succeed academically. If sensory issues are of particular concern, children may be able to qualify for different test-taking strategies, different learning strategies, and more one-on-one with an instructor to try and eliminate some of the overwhelming stimuli naturally present in the classroom. .
Although accommodations are not offered in the same way in the workplace as they are in the classroom, ADA offers some protection. Individuals with a qualified diagnosis may not be discriminated against because of their condition, although there may be ways around this.
Managing your disorder and related systems are likely to benefit both you and your employer as you transition to work.
Living with ADHD and sensory overload
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Living with both ADHD and sensory overload problems can be overwhelming at best and can create countless problems in all areas of life. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for both of these conditions, and they do not always require a lot of time or a lot of money. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help manage symptoms, as will the help of a licensed therapist, both in terms of talking therapy and cognitive therapy, as well as treating specific disorders such as occupational therapy.
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Isolation and alienation can be both part of living with ADHD and sensory overload, but not necessarily for long; Seeking help and assistance for both of these conditions can greatly reduce the fear and discomfort experienced in overwhelming situations and teach you coping strategies that will alleviate the symptoms of both disorders.
While this may be unusual, it may be necessary to simply take yourself out of the situation. At school, this might look like a request to go to the bathroom or hallway for a few minutes to breathe and regain calm. At work, excuse yourself for a moment to go outside, you will also be able to regain a sense of balance. Taking breaks to stretch, take a walk, or take a deep breath can help you deal with the day-to-day problems associated with ADHD and sensory overload.
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What is sensory overload? – Drink-Drink
Overview
Sensory overload occurs when you receive more information from your five senses than your brain can sort and process. Multiple conversations in the same room, flashing overhead lights, or a noisy party can trigger symptoms of sensory overload.
Anyone can experience sensory overload, and triggers vary from person to person. Sensory overload has been linked to several other health conditions, including autism, sensory processing disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and fibromyalgia.
Sensory overload symptoms
Sensory overload symptoms vary by case. Some common symptoms include:
- difficulty focusing due to competing sensory input
- extreme irritability
- restlessness and discomfort
- urge to close ears or protect eyes from sensory input
- feeling overly agitated or "turned on"
- stress, fear or anxiety about your environment
- more sensitive than usual to textures, fabrics, clothing tags, or other things that may irritate the skin
What causes sensory overload?
Your brain functions like a beautiful, complex computer system. Your senses relay information from the environment, and your brain interprets the information and tells you how to respond.
But when there is competing sensory information, your brain can't interpret it all at the same time. For some people, it's like being "stuck"; your brain can't prioritize which sensory information it needs to focus on.
Your brain then sends a message to your body that you need to get rid of some of the sensory input you are experiencing. Your brain feels trapped by everything it receives and your body begins to panic in a chain reaction.
Sensory overload conditions
Anyone can experience sensory overload. Sensory overload is also a common symptom of some medical conditions.
Research and first-hand evidence tell us that autistic people process sensory information differently. Autism is associated with increased sensitivity to sensory information, making sensory overload more likely.
In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sensory information competes for your brain's attention. This can contribute to symptoms of sensory overload.
Psychiatric disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder can also cause sensory overload. Waiting, fatigue, and stress can contribute to sensory overload, heightening the senses during panic attacks and episodes of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Fibromyalgia is associated with abnormal sensory processing. Researchers are still working to understand how this relates to fibromyalgia pain. Frequent sensory overload can be a symptom of fibromyalgia.
Some people with multiple sclerosis (MS) report sensory overload as a symptom of the disease.
Since multiple sclerosis is a nerve impulse condition, it makes sense that too much stimulation of your senses can cause sensory overload, especially when your symptoms of multiple sclerosis flare up. Learn more about how to deal with sensory overload in MS.
Other conditions associated with sensory overload include:
- sensory processing disorder
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- Tourette syndrome
Sensory overload in children.
Sensory overload in children can be a challenge to recognize, treat and overcome. If you are aware of any medical condition that is symptomatic of sensory overload, you may already be familiar with the severe reactions that sensory overload can cause.
A 2004 study found that more than 5 percent of kindergarteners in the US met criteria for sensory processing conditions.
But a child who experiences sensory overload does not necessarily have an associated illness. Children's brains are still developing and learning to sort through different types of stimulation. This means that children are more likely than adults to experience sensory overload.
By learning to recognize the signs of sensory overload early on, you can manage your child's reactions. If your child cries uncontrollably when their face becomes wet, reacts strongly to loud noises, or is anxious before entering a group, your child may be experiencing sensory overload.
Once you learn to recognize your child's triggers, you can gradually teach him to recognize sensory overload.
Give the child an opportunity to explain what is going on and let him know that how he feels is normal, valid and temporary can help him cope. You may find that some situations that provoke your child are easiest to avoid altogether.
Sensory problems can pose serious challenges for children in school, where students have to navigate a vibrant sensory environment. Children who experience sensory overload may work with an occupational therapist or other professional to adjust to the school environment.
Frequent symptoms of sensory overload may indicate that your child has had a sensory processing disorder. Limited expression of emotions, lack of eye contact, trouble concentrating even in quiet or subdued environments, and delayed language development are all early signs of these conditions.
Talk to your doctor about any problems you have with your child's learning and development.
There are resources available to help children and parents who are very sensitive to stimulation. The National Autism Center, the ADHD Resource Center, and the STAR Sensory Processing Disorders Institute have resource pages with helpful tips, success stories, and community directories that you can use to find support.
Your child's pediatrician can also give advice on how to help.
Coping with Sensory Overload
If you know that your senses are overloaded and causing sensory overload, you can deal with this condition by recognizing your triggers. It may take a while, but try to understand what you have in common with sensory overload.
Some people are more annoyed by noises, others by pulsing lights and large crowds.
You can try to avoid triggers of sensory overload once you know what triggers it for you. You can also do the same things and attend the same events as you would without the condition.
You can be proactive about sensory overload by thinking creatively about how to reduce sensory input when you are in trigger situations.
Asking to turn off lights or music and close doors to limit noise pollution when you enter a public meeting are preventive steps you can take before sensory overload sets in. Other tips include the following:
- Take the list to the store to focus on the task at hand.
This can help you not get overwhelmed with options, smells, and sounds when you shop. - Hold conversations in the corners of the room or in separate rooms when you are in a large meeting.
- Keep the plan to yourself when you enter a very stimulating environment. Write down your triggers, identify safe spots ahead of time, and share your plan with someone you trust. This can help reduce anxiety about sensory overload.
- Plan to leave the event early so you feel like you have an opportunity to escape.
- Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water. This helps your brain function at an optimal level.
Example Scenarios
Although everyone's triggers for sensory overload are different, here are a few common scenarios in which sensory overload occurs: you are used to seeing at work. But you can also feel shy and insecure about yourself.
Celebrations and parties are usually accompanied by loud music and take place at night.
So, in addition to feeling restless, you are now trying to hear people talk through music and you are tired after a long day.
Add alcohol to the mixture and you may feel a little dehydrated. As soon as the party gets underway, the colleague turns on the strobe and tries to have an impromptu dance party. The strobe is the last straw - you feel trapped and need to leave the party immediately.
While your symptoms were caused by the strobe light, in this case it is a combination of factors that are really causing sensory overload.
In the pool with young children
Your son or daughter is looking forward to showing off their new swimming skills in a public pool. But as soon as you arrive, other children play so loudly that you notice that your child begins to hesitate.
Everyone around the pool seems to be playing a loud squeaky toy or loudly crunching snacks. When your child puts his feet in the water, he has an emotional outburst - he runs out of the water and refuses to try again.
While water was the trigger in this scenario, other environmental stimulants caused sensory overload.
Sensory overload treatment
There are not many options for treating sensory overload at present. Much of the "treatment" comes down to avoiding trigger situations and keeping your body as rested and well hydrated as possible.
Occupational therapy and feeding can help children cope with stimulation and triggers. A method of therapy called sensory integration has found support among researchers and therapists, although researchers are still working to understand how sensory integration helps the brain.
Treatment of comorbid conditions may improve symptoms of sensory overload. For example, the drug aripiprazole (Abilify) has been found to improve sensory processing in autistic people.
Conclusion
Sensory overload may seem overwhelming, but identifying the coping mechanisms that work for you will put you back in control. When you're experiencing sensory overload, there's nothing wrong with removing yourself from the situation in order to cut down on the stimulation your brain is facing.
