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"It's too much for me!" When sensory overload takes over, the world can feel like a tornado.
Sensory regulation in children with ADHD.
Have you experienced them feeling overwhelmed by their surroundings? Loud noises, flashing lights, strong smells, and social pressure can lead to sensory overload, often resulting in responses like covering their ears, closing their eyes, or hyperactivity.
What is sensory regulation?
Sensory regulation is the process by which the brain receives, processes, and responds to various stimuli such as sounds, light, touch, smells, and tastes. In children with ADHD, difficulties in this regulation can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, hyperfocus or avoidance, and even outbursts of behavior. Professional diagnosis is conducted through assessments, observations, interviews with parents, and diagnostic tools in collaboration with neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists.
When discussing sensory regulation diagnosis, it is important to understand that this is a multidisciplinary and in-depth process aimed at identifying and understanding how the child processes stimuli from their environment and the sources of sensory overload that may lead to difficulties in daily functioning.
How is it diagnosed?
1. Comprehensive Assessment –
The diagnosis begins with in-depth conversations with parents, teachers, and the child themselves, aiming to get a complete picture of their behavior in different situations. This is an important process that helps identify response patterns to various stimuli such as sounds, light, touch, smells, or movement.
2. Clinical Observations and Play –
During sessions with the child, the evaluator (usually an occupational therapist or neuropsychologist) conducts observations during activities: play, daily tasks, and structured exercises. This allows for immediate observation of how the child responds to stimuli in their environment and whether they apply regulation strategies, if any.
3. Use of Questionnaires and Standardized Tools –
Assessment tools like the "Sensory Profile" questionnaires allow for an examination of various areas – from different sensory stimuli to their impact on behavior. These questionnaires are often completed by parents and teachers to provide a multidimensional view of the child's behavior in different environments.
4. Professional Evaluation by Experts –
Diagnostic procedures also include evaluations by professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or neuropsychologists who specialize in identifying and analyzing sensory regulation patterns. Sometimes, developmental or neurobehavioral assessments are also required, especially when additional symptoms like ADHD are present, to accurately map the difficulties.
5. Importance of the Process –
Understanding the sources of sensory regulation difficulties is very important – it enables professionals and families to develop tailored treatment plans, create daily coping strategies, and provide the necessary support at home, school, and in social settings. Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of any therapeutic process, as it identifies not only the types of stimuli that trigger responses but also the level of difficulty in regulating and responding to these stimuli.
Sensory regulation diagnosis is not limited to a single test – it is an integrative process involving multiple tools and methods, with an emphasis on comprehensive observation and tracking the child's responses in various situations. This helps build a complete picture and understand how to alleviate difficulties and empower the child in their environment.
When there is suspicion of sensory regulation difficulties, it is recommended to consult specialists in child development and sensory assessment.
• Occupational Therapists – Experts who assess sensory abilities and help create treatment plans tailored to the child's needs.
• Neuropsychologists – Professionals who evaluate the child's neuropsychological profile and examine sensory and cognitive aspects of behavior.
• Clinical Psychologists – In cases where a broader evaluation of behaviors and emotional aspects is needed, they can be part of the diagnostic process.
• Physiotherapists – Sometimes, especially when coordination and movement are affected, physiotherapists may be part of the process.
Additionally, it is recommended to approach developmental centers or clinics that offer multidisciplinary evaluations, ensuring that all difficulties (sensory, cognitive, and behavioral) are considered, and recommendations are made with a systemic perspective.
Important Points to Note
• Types of stimuli to consider: sounds, light, touch, smells, spatial movement
• Signs of overload: covering ears, closing eyes, hyperactivity, avoiding touch, or withdrawal
• Adapting the environment: soft lighting, a calming corner, a quiet area with organized personal space
• Comfortable clothing: tags out, soft fabrics, comfortable cuts, flexible layers, and "right" socks
• Assistive tools: noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, a visor cap, compression clothing, sensory toys
• Calming kit: stress ball, weighted blanket, familiar object, water bottle, and soothing snack
• Proper timing: scheduled breaks, recovery times, gradual transitions, and flexible pre-planned schedules
• Regulating activities: swinging, kneading dough, free drawing, guided movement, and water play
What to avoid?
Crowded places, bright lights, sudden noises, strong smells, and social pressure
What should you do?
Genuine listening to the child's needs and providing some control, creating a safe space, respecting boundaries, and offering emotional support
• Prevention strategies: preparation in advance, route planning, identifying triggers, finding escape routes, and having a backup plan for challenging situations
• Clear communication: encouraging the child to express needs – "I need quiet," "too much noise," "I want to leave," "I need a break," or "I'm struggling right now"
• Challenging places: malls, parties, large events, public transportation, and noisy restaurants require special planning and organization
• Building resilience: gradual exposure, practicing strategies, recognizing small successes, personal empowerment, and building self-confidence
• Creative solutions: shopping during quiet hours, eating in calm corners, small parties, nature walks, and personalized activities tailored to the child
❤️ Family support and educating the environment:
It is important for the close environment – family and friends – to understand the difficulty, respect boundaries, and create a safe space for the child. A simple and respectful explanation can lead to understanding and reduce stress both at home and in social circles.
★ Daily and professional tip:
Create a "sensory map" of places at home and where challenging stimuli arise versus calming spots. This allows for pre-planned strategies and effective sensory regulation.
Remember: sensory sensitivity is part of the child, not a choice. Validate the difficulty and face it together with tools and strategies that can transform daily life.
Share: What creative solution has helped you deal with sensory overload in your child?
Yours always,
Ilana Cahana
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