Understanding Sensory Processing Differences in Autism and ADHD

If you're parenting a child with autism or ADHD, you've probably seen how everyday experiences can feel overwhelming. Whether it's a meltdown at a noisy event, a refusal to wear certain clothes, or a constant need to move and touch everything, these behaviors are often linked to how your child processes sensory information.

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to input from the environment. This includes the five senses we commonly think of—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—but also two lesser-known senses: proprioception and the vestibular system.

Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense its position and movement without needing to look. It helps us do things like walk without watching our feet or pick up a glass without knocking it over.

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, helps us maintain balance and understand movement and spatial orientation. It’s what allows us to spin, swing, or stand still without getting dizzy or disoriented.

For many children with autism or ADHD, sensory processing works differently. Here are four common differences parents often notice.

1. Sensory Sensitivities

Neurodivergent children may experience hypersensitivity, where sensory input feels overwhelming, or hyposensitivity, where they crave more input to feel regulated.

For example, a child might cover their ears in a loud room or refuse certain clothing textures because they feel too intense. Another child might seek out big movements like crashing into furniture or constantly spinning to meet their body’s sensory needs.

2. Trouble Filtering Sensory Input

Many kids with autism or ADHD have difficulty filtering out background noise or distractions. This can lead to sensory overload, making it hard to focus, communicate, or stay calm.

Imagine trying to listen to someone talk while a fire alarm is going off nearby. That’s often what the world feels like to a sensory-overloaded child.

3. Varied Reactions to Sensory Input

Every neurodivergent child is different. Some avoid certain sounds or textures. Others seek them out. Repetitive behaviors like rocking, hand-flapping, or rubbing lips—known as stimming—can help regulate their system when things feel too much or not enough.

4. Impact on Daily Life

Sensory processing challenges can show up in school, at home, and in social settings. A child who is overwhelmed by a loud classroom or strong smells might shut down, act out, or struggle to engage.

These reactions are not bad behavior. They are signs your child is doing their best to manage a world that often feels unpredictable or intense.

What Parents Can Do

Understanding your child’s sensory profile is the first step. 

Ask yourself: What does my child seek out? What do they avoid? What situations lead to overload?

Support might look like:

• Creating quiet, calm spaces at home

• Offering fidgets or movement breaks

• Using noise-canceling headphones

• Talking with your child about what helps them feel safe and comfortable
  

If sensory challenges are affecting your child’s daily life, an occupational therapy evaluation can be incredibly helpful. Occupational therapists can recommend personalized strategies, sensory diets, and tools to support regulation and engagement.

When my son was young, he couldn’t tolerate getting dirty. He avoided hugs, resisted messy play, and was afraid to touch certain things. It impacted his ability to enjoy everyday activities. Occupational therapy made a huge difference. While he still doesn’t love the feel of certain things, he can now tolerate them without melting down or avoiding the activity altogether.

That progress didn’t happen overnight, but it’s possible. With the right support and a curious mindset, you can help your child navigate sensory challenges and thrive in their own way.

Sensory processing differences are common in autism and ADHD. They’re not something to fix, but something to understand and support. When you begin to see the world through your child’s sensory lens, everything starts to make more sense.

For more information about sensory processing differences, check out episode 95 on the Every Brain is Different Podcast.