While ADHD and Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD) share many
overlapping symptoms, there are some symptoms that are more pronounced in each disorder. A recent article published in the Research in Developmental Disabilities Journal
* compared the behavior and physiology of children with ADHD, SMD, and dual
diagnoses. They found that all these groups
had greater levels of sensory, attention, activity, impulsivity, and emotional
challenges than typical peers, but some symptoms were more elevated for the
groups. Inattention was greater in ADHD
than in the SMD group. Children with dual diagnoses had more sensory-related
behaviors than ADHD and more difficulties with attention than SMD. Children
with SMD had greater levels of sensory issues, physiological reactivity, somatic
complaints, anxiety and depression, and difficulty adapting than did children
with ADHD. These findings have
important treatment implications.
Interested readers will find more information by following the link
below:
As parents , there are good reasons to seek out a definitive diagnosis
of Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD) or Sensory Processing
Disorder (SPD) – insurance reimbursement, school accommodations and
expectations, and medication considerations – to name just a few. However, when considering behavioral interventions, children with either diagnosis benefit from sensory input.
Quite often children with ADHD or SPD have trouble waiting
in line or, are squirmy when asked to sit for any length of time, and often
seem impulsive and/or explosive.
Regardless of the cause, there are skills we can teach our kids to help
them regulate their behavior.
Sensory activities provide children with ADHD purposeful
tasks to focus on during difficult times.
While the same sensory input for children with SPD is to
improve the effectiveness of that child’s nervous system.
Consensus is that, children with ADHD respond positively to
sensory intervention, but their symptoms continue after a sensory diet has been
tried. SPD children will begin to
regulate more appropriately when provided the appropriate sensory diet. For more well researched information, try www.spdfoundation.net.
Jo Anne Loper,
Director Parent Education
Miller, L.J., Nielson, D. M.,
& Schoen, S.A. (2012) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and
sensory modulation disorder: A comparison of behavior and physiology. Research
in Developmental Disabilities,
33, 804-818.
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