ADHD vs Sensory Processing Disorder | Cadabam’s CDC
If your child is fidgety, distracted, or melts down in noisy places, you may be asking: “Is it ADHD vs Sensory Processing Disorder?” Parents and teachers often confuse the two because both look like restlessness, impulsivity, or day-dreaming. At Cadabam’s CDC, we evaluate over 300 children every month for attention and sensory concerns; nearly 40 % show traits of both conditions. Below, you’ll find a clear, evidence-based guide—rooted in our daily clinical work—to help you spot the differences, understand the testing process, and take the next confident step.
1. Quick Snapshot: ADHD vs Sensory Processing Disorder
30-Second Comparison Table
| Core Area | ADHD | Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary driver | Neurological regulation of attention & impulses | Neurological regulation of sensory input |
| Typical complaint | “He can’t sit still or finish tasks.” | “She covers her ears and bolts from the room.” |
| Triggers | Boredom, long instructions | Loud malls, scratchy clothes, bright lights |
| Coping style | Fidgets, talks, moves | Seeks or avoids specific textures/movements |
| Medication | Stimulant or non-stimulant options | No medication for core SPD; OT is key |
| Evidence-based therapy | Behaviour therapy, parent training | Occupational therapy with sensory integration |
Why Parents & Teachers Often Mix Them Up
- Overlapping signs: Both kids may look “hyper,” interrupt others, or ignore directions.
- Environment matters: A child with SPD may focus fine in quiet settings—so teachers assume “It’s ADHD.”
- Language limits: Kids rarely say “I’m sensory-overloaded”; they act it out, which looks like defiance.
2. Overlapping & Distinct Symptoms
Impulsivity vs Sensory-Seeking Behaviour
- ADHD impulsivity: Blurts answers, grabs objects without thinking.
- SPD sensory-seeker: Crashes into furniture, chews shirt sleeves—to get more sensory input.
Inattention vs Sensory Overload
- ADHD inattention: Mind drifts even when stimuli are mild; homework takes hours.
- Sensory overload: Child cannot process extra input; appears “frozen” or lashes out in noisy cafeterias.
Hyperactivity vs Fight-or-Flight Response
- ADHD hyperactivity: Runs, climbs, talks all day.
- SPD fight-or-flight: Sudden meltdown when fluorescent lights buzz—looks like panic, not excess energy.
Red-flag Tip:
If symptoms disappear in calm environments, lean toward SPD first.
3. Diagnosis Pathway at Cadabam’s CDC
We never rely on one checklist; every child receives a multi-disciplinary evaluation.
Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation Process
- Developmental paediatrician screens medical history.
- Child psychologist rules out anxiety, ASD.
- Occupational therapist maps sensory triggers.
- Speech-language pathologist checks language processing speed.
Standardized Assessment Tools We Use
- Conners-4 for ADHD traits
- Sensory Profile-2 for SPD patterns
- QB-test (FDA-cleared) for objective attention metrics
Next-Day Feedback Session for Parents
Within 24 hours, the team sits with you to explain results and craft a personalized plan.
4. Treatment Options & Program Benefits
Occupational Therapy for SPD
- Sensory gym with swings, trampolines, weighted blankets.
- Home “sensory diet” cards: 5-minute wall-push-ups before homework.
Behavioural Therapy for ADHD
- Parent training: 8-week group coaching on praise, time-outs, token charts.
- School consultation: Seating plans, movement breaks, visual schedules.
Combined Protocols When Both Conditions Co-Exist
- Morning OT to regulate sensory system.
- Afternoon CBT to build attention stamina.
- Weekly parent check-ins to keep both tracks aligned.
5. Pros & Cons of Early Intervention
Short-Term Wins (First 3 Months)
- Fewer tantrums at supermarkets.
- Homework time drops from 2 hours to 45 minutes.
- Teacher reports “more cooperative” in group tasks.
Long-Term Benefits Into Adolescence
- Higher self-esteem—less “I’m the bad kid.”
- Safer teens: better impulse control reduces risky driving.
- Improved grades open college and vocational doors.
Risks of Delaying Assessment
- Academic gap widens each year.
- Secondary anxiety develops—child fears “I can’t keep up.”
- Family stress: siblings resent extra attention given to “problem child.”
6. Real Parent Stories
Case Study: Ananya
- Challenge: Ananya screamed during fire-drill practice and hid under desks.
- Cadabam’s Plan:
- OT twice a week with noise-reducing headphones.
- School allowed her to use a quiet corner before alarms.
- Outcome: After 10 sessions, Ananya stays seated and uses a “break card” independently.
Case Study: Arjun
- Challenge: Arjun’s previous doctor prescribed stimulants, but meltdowns worsened.
- Cadabam’s Discovery:
- QB-test showed normal attention span.
- Sensory Profile-2 revealed severe auditory sensitivity.
- New Plan: Switched to OT + parent coaching; phased out medication under medical guidance.
- Outcome: 70% reduction in “hyper” episodes within six weeks.