ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder

Week 3: ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder

Description and definition: ADHD = Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

  • A chronic condition characterized by attention limitation, over activity and impulsive behaviors

ADHD Diagnostic Criteria

  • inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity

  • symptoms must be present before age 12   (5-6 symptoms)

  • symptoms must impact function in more than one setting

Etiology: Not a single known cause

  • mix of genetics and environmental factors

  • ADHD is likely to be passed on by family members

  • low birth weight, stress or toxins during pregnancy

  • Nutritional deficiencies, Allergies, Immunizations

  • Brain structure or neurotransmitter disruptions

Incidence and Prevalence: 

  • In the U.S. children ages 3-17, 7 million or 11.4% have been diagnosed with ADHD

  • Boys are more likely than girls to have ADHD

  • 6 in 10 children with adhd reported that it is moderate or severe

Signs and Symptoms:

  • inattention, lack of concentration, hyperactivity, forgetfulness, and impulsivity

  • trouble controlling emotions, interrupting others, risk behavior

  • sleep problems, low self esteem, decreased school performance

Complications: Adhd can cause disruptions and struggles in a person’s everyday life because it makes it more difficult for them to get things done and stay focused on one thing at a time. This can be a problem with school, work or other important things that require attention. Their impulsivity can lead to a higher risk of injuries or social and family issues. 

Medical Management: 

Medication: 

  • Simulants (methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)) can increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels which can improve concentration. 

  • Atomoxetine (Strattera): not a stimulant but improves adhd symptoms

  • Antidepressants: some can help improve adhd symptoms

Counseling: can help them deal with the symptoms and stress

Education: learn about how to manage and improve the symptoms by changing habits and mindset

CBT: cognitive behavioral therapy

Impact on Occupational Performance:

  • makes it difficult to stay focused and get tasks done quickly

  • can be easily distracted

  • boredom or lose engagement in activities

  • memory

  • organization skills

  • impulse control

Notes from Class

ADHD Inattentive: List Four Symptoms

  • In school challenged by close details, sustaining attention,

  •  Struggles with listening

  •  Difficulties with following through, gets sidetracked easily

  •  Poor organizational skills, managing sequential tasks

  •  Loses necessary items frequently

  •  Easily distracted, forgetful


ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Defined: restless, movement, talking

ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive: List Three Symptoms:

  • Fidgets with hands, taps feet, squirms in chair

  •  Struggles with staying seated

  •  Restless, constantly moving

  •  Talks excessively

  •  Blurts out answers before question asked

  •  Difficulty waiting, taking turn

ADHD Combined Defined: Both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms

ADHD Unspecified Defined: have some symptoms but does not meet diagnostic criteria

ADHD Co-morbidities Examples:

  • As many as 80% at risk of having: learning, coordination, depression, anxiety, oppositional behavior disorders

  •  Motor disorders in 40-60% of individuals with ADHD

  •  Close association with sensory processing disorders: low sensory registration pattern, over sensitivity across various sensory domains

  • Strong association with substance abuse, PTSD, OCD, Bipolar in older adolescents and adults

ADHD Occupational Therapy Treatment:

  • Sensory integration - ADL/IADL retraining

  • gross/fine motor/ proprioceptive - behavioral interventions

  • family education


Description and definition: Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

  • A neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to organize sensory stimuli from the environment. 

  • includes senses like touch, sight, sound, taste, smell, or movement

  • Can be overly sensitive or under sensitive

Etiology: not a single known cause

  • combination of genetics and environment

  • can be inherited

  • premature birth, low birth weight, drugs or alcohol

  • birth complications

  • postnatal restrictions/ lack of sensory exposure

Incidence and Prevalence: 

  • affects 5%-16% of school aged children

  • more common in children with autism or adhd

Signs and Symptoms:

  • overly or under sensitive to sensory stimuli

  • constant movement

  • stimming (hand flapping)

  • abnormally high or low pain tolerance

  • not understanding personal space

  • difficulty with social interactions

Complications:

  • Behavioral issues (constant movement, stimming, outbursts)

  • poor school performance

  • decreased social participation

  • difficulty communicating

  • can also be linked to other conditions like autism and adhd

Medical Management:

  • Therapy: OT, PT, speech-language therapy

  • assistive devices: weighted blanket, compression garments

  • sensory friendly activities, sensory integration

  • no medication is used to treat SPD

Impact on Occupational Performance:

  • SPD can make it more difficult and less enjoyable to participate in certain activities because they can become easily over stimulated

  • can make things like going to the grocery store or sitting in class a difficult task

  • impacts motor development and completion of ADLs and self care

SPD Occupational Therapy Interventions:

  • sensory integration

  • adaptations/strategies

  • motor tasks

  • family education