15: Hyperactivity, Impulsivity and ADHD (Part 1) through A Sensory Emotional Lens

We’re continuing our mini-series on diagnoses and ADHD. In this episode, we focus specifically on the contribution of sensory over-responsivity/hyper-sensitivity and sensory under-responsivity/hypo-sensitivity on hyperactivity, impulsivity, 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. By exploring how sensory processing contributes to hyperactivity and impulsivity, we can understand the causes of these behavior patterns more comprehensively and, therefore, better help individuals with these challenges. We can also differentiate if we are looking for a sensory processing difference or ADHD, again allowing us to help individuals with these experiences better.  You’ll discover: The criteria that result in a diagnosis of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - hyperactivity and impulsivity type - behaviors that are “flagged” as ADHD when professionals are assessing for this diagnosis How the behavioral patterns or symptoms of differences in sensory registration and modulation can overlap with observable behavior patterns or symptoms of ADHD hyperactive type.  The many underlying sensory motor contributions to attention that are often not talked about when considering hyperactivity or impulsivity and ADHD - in this episode specifically, we focus on the contribution of sensory over responsivity/hyper-sensitivity and sensory under responsivity/hypo-sensitivity  How hyperactivity or impulsivity & ADHD overlap with our Sensory Emotional Personality styles (SEPs), particular to this episode, the SEPs of - Anxious yet Deeply Feeling and Unaware Yet Deep Thinker   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.