Treatment and management of Sensory Issues related to ADHD

ADHD can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially when sensory overload is involved. Although there is no cure, individuals with ADHD can lead a healthy, full life with the right treatment and management of the condition.

The following may help people with ADHD manage sensory overload and other symptoms:

• Being proactive: It is a good idea to find out what is causing the sensory overload and implement ways to deal with it.
• Watching out for triggers: Anything from a crowded theater to a series of flashing lights could overwhelm a person with ADHD. By identifying common triggers, it is possible to avoid them in the future.
• If you cannot avoid specific situation, or if they are occuring in your place of work, it will be important to let your manager and coworkers know that when you experience too much noise you become inattentive, this is related to sensitivity to noise.
• Learning self-calming techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga are all ways to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and minimize the risk of overreaction. For children, introducing sensory toys, a pet, or a security blanket may help redirect their focus.
• Devising coping mechanisms: Anything from listening to a specific song to counting backward from 30 could help reduce the impact of sensory overload.
• Establishing a routine: Some people create a “sensory diet” This is a series of scheduled activities designed to help with the individual’s needs and prevent overwhelming them. People primarily use it with kids, but it can be effective for adults as well.
• Consulting a primary care physician: A doctor may provide mental health resources, anti-anxiety medication, or antidepressants if needed depending on your unique situation.
• Creating a calm environment: It can be beneficial to eliminate known sensory triggers, such as certain types of lighting, coarse textures, or loud sounds.
• Introducing new activities in the right way: For those who become stimulated by loud sounds, it is advisable to introduce new activities in a calm, slow manner. For those who need more stimulation, people can make something mundane seem more exciting or fun by incorporating music, dance, or another activity.
• Exercise: Exercise can reduce pent up energy and help diminish sensitivity to background noise.