Sensory processing abilities of children with ADHD

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the sensory processing abilities of children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and children without disabilities, and to analyze the relationship between sensory processing difficulties and behavioural symptoms presented by children with ADHD. METHOD: Thirty-seven children with ADHD were compared with thirty-seven controls using a translated and adapted version of the "Sensory Profile" answered by the parents/caregivers. For the ADHD group, Sensory Profile scores were correlated to behavioural symptoms assessed using the Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL) and the Behavioural Teacher Rating Scale (EACI-P). The statistical analyses were conducted using the Mann Whitney test and Pearson correlation coefficients.RESULTS: Children with ADHD showed significant impairments compared to the control group in sensory processing and modulation, as well as in behavioural and emotional responses as observed in 11 out of 14 sections and 6 out of 9 factors. Differences in all Sensory Profile response patterns were also observed between the two groups of children. Sensory Profile scores showed a moderately negative correlation with CBCL and EACI-P scores in the ADHD group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that children with ADHD may present sensory processing impairments, which may contribute to the inappropriate behavioural and learning responses displayed by children with ADHD. It also suggests the importance of understanding the sensory processing difficulties and its possible contribution to the ADHD symptomatology.

Perception in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

“…This finding is not in line with self-and informant reports revealing increased tactile and auditory abnormalities in ADHD (Bröring et al 2008;Cheung and Siu 2009;Dunn and Bennett 2002;Engel-Yeger and Ziv-On 2011;Mangeot et al 2001;Parush et al 1997;Shimizu et al 2014). It should be noted that the recording of subjective reports does not aim at detecting pure perceptual deficits.…”

“…Furthermore, symptoms of anxiety and of hyperactivity were found to be related to overall scores on the Sensory Profile (Yochman et al 2004;Lane et al 2010). Symptoms of inattention have been linked to abnormalities in auditory processing, whereas symptoms of hyperactivity and aggression have been connected to abnormalities in tactile perception (Mangeot et al 2001;Shimizu et al 2014). Finally, comorbidity was found to be related to more perceptional abnormalities (Shimizu et al 2014).…”

“…For example, symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity were found to be related to reduced speech recognition thresholds (Söderlund and Jobs 2016), auditory processing problems (Shimizu et al 2014), and possibly moderate performance on contrast sensitivity (Bartgis et al 2009). Moreover, individuals with ADHD appear to have more visual perceptual problems in tasks requiring attention.…”

Studying the Effectiveness of Combination Therapy (Based on Executive Function and Sensory Integration) Child-Centered on the Symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

“…Davlin believes that sensory integration process brings about the necessary context for correct sensory and motor understanding and thus appropriate motor responses. The results of the study by Shimizu et al (2014) suggest that children with ADHD, compared to children in the control group, have significant problems in the process and sensory modulation behavioral and emotional responses. Therefore, understanding the sensory-process problems in these children is important and can be of help in symptomatology of this disorder.…”

Sensory dysregulation in tic disorders is associated with executive dysfunction and comorbidities

“…7,13 Other neurodevelopmental disorders typically co-occur with tic disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), childhood-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), 23 and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sensory dysregulation are common in people with neurodevelopmental disorders, [24][25][26][27][28][29] particularly ASD, and are associated with impaired function. [30][31][32][33][34] Sensory dysregulation is associated with decreased school participation and engagement in daily tasks and increased parental stress levels.…”