---
title: The difference between sensory processing challenges and ADHD
description: 'ADHD and sensory processing challenges can look similar in many ways. And they often co-occur. Learn the differences between the two, including signs and how professionals and schools can help. '
slug: difference-sensory-processing-challenges-and-adhd
author: Peg Rosen
reviewer: Ellen Braaten, PhD
published: '2019-10-16T12:19:53.168Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/27cRmSWgtwl9hwKY7hFReX/f395bef0c12aae4d015df58cef20d749/Comparison_Chart_8.png
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/difference-sensory-processing-challenges-and-adhd
lang: en
---

# The difference between sensory processing challenges and ADHD

ADHD and sensory processing challenges can appear similar in some ways. And they often co-occur. But they have many differences, too, from what they look like to how they’re treated. This table compares the two.

|   | **ADHD** | **Sensory processing challenges** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **What is it?** | A [neurodevelopmental condition](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-adhd) that makes it hard to focus, sit still, and think before acting. | An [over- or undersensitivity to sensory input](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-sensory-processing-challenges) such as sights, sounds, flavors, smells and textures. |
| **Signs you may notice** | **• **Seems [daydreamy](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-kids-daydream), confused, or bored  **• **Has [tantrums](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-difference-between-tantrums-and-meltdowns) due to lack of self-control  **• **Struggles with organization and completing tasks  **• **Has [trouble following directions](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-trouble-following-directions)  **• **Struggles to sit still during quiet activities   **• **Fidgets and needs to pick up and fiddle with everything  **• **Is constantly moving | **Oversensitivity:**  **• **Has trouble focusing and filtering out distractions  **• **Becomes upset and overwhelmed in noisy, crowded places  **• **Has difficulty with new routines and other change  **• **Shifts and moves around, can’t get comfortable  **• **Is very [sensitive to the way clothing feels](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/tactile-sensitivity-how-to-cope)  **Undersensitivity:**  **• **Constantly needs to touch people or things  **• **Seem clumsy or uncoordinated |
| **Possible emotional and social impact** | Trouble following social rules can make it hard to make and keep friends. Frequent negative feedback for acting out or not paying attention can impact self-esteem and motivation. | Feeling anxious in or avoiding crowded and noisy places can make it hard to socialize. Peers may avoid or exclude a child who plays too roughly or doesn’t respect their [personal space](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-teach-your-child-about-personal-space). |
| **Professionals who can help** | **Pediatricians, developmental-behavioral pediatricians, nurse practitioners, child psychiatrists:**  **• **Diagnose ADHD and prescribe [ADHD medication](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-adhd-medications).   **• **May also look for other issues like anxiety.  **Clinical child psychologists:**  **• **Provide [behavior therapy](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-behavior-therapy-what-you-need-to-know) and [cognitive behavioral therapy ](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/faqs-about-cognitive-behavioral-therapy)  **• **Diagnose ADHD and mental health issues that may co-occur, like anxiety.   **• **May also test for learning differences.  **Pediatric neuropsychologists:**  **• **Diagnose ADHD and common mental health issues that may co-occur.   **• **May also evaluate for learning differences.  [**Educational therapists**](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-educational-therapy)** and **[**organizational coaches**](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/organizational-coaches-what-you-need-to-know)**:**  **• **Work on organization and time management skills. | [**Occupational therapists**](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/occupational-therapy-what-you-need-to-know)**:**  **• **Help kids learn coping skills for challenging situations.   **• **Provide [sensory integration therapy](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-sensory-integration-therapy) that helps kids respond to sensory input in an appropriate way.  **Clinical child psychologists:**  **• **Provide behavior therapy to teach kids skills to manage their actions and interactions.   **• **Provide cognitive behavioral therapy to help with emotional issues related to their sensory challenges.   **• **Diagnose ADHD and mental health issues that may co-occur with sensory challenges.   **• **May also evaluate for learning differences.  **Developmental-behavioral pediatricians:**  **• **Prescribe medication for anxiety to relieve panic responses. |
| **Accommodations the school may provide under an IEP or 504 plan** | **• **Extended time on tests, including standardized tests  **• **A seat close to the teacher and away from distractions  **• **A larger, more private work space to get work done  **• **Long assignments broken into smaller chunks  **• **Worksheets with fewer questions  **• **Movement breaks | **• **A quiet workspace or calm down area  **• **A seat away from bothersome sounds  **• **Noise-canceling headphones or ear buds in busy places like assemblies  **• **Warnings about loud noises like fire drills  **• **A consistent daily routine  **• **Sensory breaks |
| **Strategies that families can try at home** | **• **Create daily routines to provide structure.  **• **Use [visual schedules](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/download-sample-picture-schedules-and-visual-planners) and checklists to help your child stay organized.  **• **Allow for breaks during homework and study time.  **• **Give advance warning about changes in the schedule and explain what your child can expect in new situations. | **• **Prepare your child for social gatherings or new situations.  **• **Keep earplugs or ear buds handy.  **• **Teach about dangerous situations your child may not be sensitive to, like bitter cold and burning heat.  **• **Buy divided plates if your child is bothered when foods touch.  **• **Look for [tagless, seamless clothes](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/6-clothing-solutions-for-kids-with-sensory-processing-issues) in super-soft fabrics. |

- Learn more about [IEPs](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-an-iep) and [504 plans](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-a-504-plan).
- Explore [classroom accommodations for ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/classroom-accommodations-for-adhd) and [sensory processing challenges](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/classroom-accommodations-for-sensory-processing-challenges).
- Get more [tips for kids with sensory processing challenges](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/sensory-processing-issues-strategies-you-can-try-at-home) and [ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-strategies-you-can-try-at-home).

---

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