Understanding Sensory Processing: Differences in Autism, ADHD, and Neurotypicals
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a noise that others barely notice? Or maybe you constantly fidget to stay focused? These experiences relate to sensory processing and how we interpret information from our senses. This can differ dramatically depending on whether someone is neurotypical, has ADHD, or is on the autism spectrum (ASD).
What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing involves the brain’s ability to receive, organize, and respond to sensory input from the environment. This includes sounds, sights, smells, textures, body movement, and internal bodily sensations (interoception).
For most neurotypical people, this process happens automatically and comfortably. But for individuals with ASD or ADHD, sensory input can be overwhelming, underwhelming, or inconsistently processed, impacting daily functioning, focus, and emotional regulation.
Sensory Processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
In autism, sensory differences are core diagnostic criteria (APA, 2013).
Many autistic individuals experience:
- Hypersensitivity: Overwhelmed by bright lights, loud sounds, or scratchy clothes.
- Hyposensitivity: Seeking intense sensory input, such as spinning or squeezing tightly.
- Sensory “splinter skills;” exceptional sensitivity to specific details, like subtle pitch differences or visual patterns.
Interesting fact: Up to 90% of autistic individuals experience significant sensory processing challenges (Robertson & Baron-Cohen, 2017). These sensory responses can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, or the need for controlled environments.
Sensory Processing in ADHD
ADHD is primarily known for attention and impulse control difficulties, but many individuals with ADHD also show signs of sensory dysregulation, though it’s not part of the official diagnostic criteria.
Common sensory features in ADHD include:
- Inconsistent filtering: Difficulty tuning out background noise or distractions (Ghanizadeh, 2011).
- Sensory seeking: Fidgeting, touching textures, or moving constantly to stay alert.
- Lower threshold for boredom: A need for constant stimulation can result in restlessness or zoning out.
While sensory issues in ADHD may not be as intense as in autism, they are more variable and tend to fluctuate with focus, energy, or mood.
Interesting fact: Children with ADHD are 3x more likely to experience sensory over-responsivity compared to neurotypical peers (Yochman et al., 2004).
Neurotypical Sensory Processing
In neurotypical individuals, sensory processing is generally balanced and flexible:
- They adapt to sensory input quickly.
- They can filter out irrelevant stimuli (e.g., focusing in a noisy café).
- Their sensory thresholds are more consistent across situations.
That said, even neurotypical people can have “sensory sensitivities” (e.g., disliking the sound of chewing), but it typically doesn’t disrupt their daily life.
Why It Matters
Understanding sensory processing differences helps create more inclusive environments, whether in schools, therapy rooms, workplaces, or homes. Recognizing that “acting out” or zoning out may be a sensory response rather than a behavioural choice fosters empathy and tailored support strategies.
Tips for Supporting Each Profile
- For ASD: Offer sensory breaks, noise-cancelling headphones, or dim lighting.
- For ADHD: Allow movement, use sensory tools (e.g., stress balls), and reduce distractions.
- For Neurotypicals: Stay aware of others’ needs and avoid sensory overload in shared spaces.
Remember, we have to find a balance, but we are the ones that can only know ourselves enough to meet our needs consistently.
By: Brenton Thornton; Counselling Psychologist (South Africa)
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Ghanizadeh, A. (2011). Sensory processing problems in children with ADHD, a systematic review. Psychiatry Investigation, 8(2), 89–94. https://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2011.8.2.89
Robertson, C. E., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2017). Sensory perception in autism. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 18(11), 671–684. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn.2017.112
Yochman, A., Parush, S., & Ornoy, A. (2004). Responses of preschool children with and without ADHD to sensory events in daily life. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58(3), 294–302. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.58.3.294
