14: Attention and ADHD (Part 2) through A Sensory Emotional Lens

We’re back to continue our conversation on ADHD. In this episode we focus specifically on the contribution of sensory discrimination capacities or sensory perception, postural instability or core weakness, and motor planning and coordination difficulties on attention and ADHD.  According to the CDC, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or “ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood.”  Yet, underlying sensory processing differences as a potential cause or contribution are often overlooked. Sensory processing and social-emotional differences show up in many different ways and lead to many different ways of being - or behaviors - including inattention.   Sensory processing differences overlap with many diagnoses - including, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Some studies suggest ADHD and SPD diagnoses overlap by up to 40% (conservatively), although with our clinical experience we believe this rate to be much higher.  Over the next few episodes, Michele, along with special guests, will examine different diagnoses, like ADHD, OCD, PDD, ASD, ODD, PDA, Anxiety, and more, through a sensory emotional lens. You’ll discover: How we know when someone is paying attention or not paying attention - the observable behaviors that we are looking for  The criteria that results in a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Inattentive type - behaviors that are “flagged” as ADHD when professionals are assessing for this diagnosis The many underlying sensory motor contributions to attention that are often not talked about when considering inattention and ADHD - in this episode specifically we focus on the contribution of sensory discrimination capacities or sensory perception, postural instability or weakness, or motor planning and coordination difficulties How  inattention & ADHD overlap with our Sensory Emotional Personality styles (SEPs), particular to this episode the SEPs of - Confused yet Full of Wonder, Needy yet Compassionate and Scattered yet Intentional and Passionate.  Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/ Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/   About Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E® @thesensoryemotional_OT Founder & Director, Great Kids Place  Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™   Michele is an Occupational Therapist endorsed as an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. She specializes in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR, and the Sensory Treatment and Research Institute faculty.   Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a parenting book and children’s books to support parents and families in understanding the impact of sensory processing differences on social emotional capacities including family dynamics and relationships and day to day routines and activities. She hopes to help everyone - children and adults- understand their Sensory Emotional Personality™ style and ways to find strength and joy within them.