My Sensitive Child with ADHD

Children with ADHD are more sensitive — it’s a fact. Some need seamless, tagless clothes. Others refuse new, different tastes. Still others experience overload in loud environments. Here, find solutions to help your sensitive child.

A young boy with ADHD, experiencing sensory overload and hugging his knees

Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Sticky!

illustration of a disgruntled child sitting at a table with a plate of broccoli and carrots. Picky eater not eating healthy dinner

The Parent's Guide to Mealtime with Picky Eaters

Close up of an eye taking in sensory stimuli

What is Sensory Processing Sensitivity? Traits, Insights, and ADHD Links

21 Sensory Toys and SPD Exercises for Your Sensitive Child

picky eating - child looking concerned over a dish

More Than Picky Eating: ARFID, SPD, and Other Conditions Linked to Feeding Difficulties

Popular in My Sensitive Child with ADHD

For younger children especially, presentation can really impact whether a food gets eaten. Cut food into funny shapes using cookie cutters, or take a few seconds to make a fruit happy face on top of his pancakes. Serve veggies with an assortment of tasty dips, so your child can take his pick and feel in control of the meal. Check out some fun and easy food ideas for kids here.

9 Nutrition Tricks for Picky Eaters

Colorful crumpled adhesive notes with smiling faces. that symbolize emotional regulation

7 Truths About ADHD and Intense Emotions

Cartoon letters spelling "POP," a loud sound that would be unbearable to someone with misophonia

When Soup Slurping and Gum Popping Push You Over the Edge

A girl with SPD plays with a sensory table.

The Importance of a Sensory Diet for your Child

ADHD Parents: SPD-Friendly Seats for Kids with Sensory processing disorder

[Self-Test] Sensory Processing Disorder in Children

Children are brushing their teeth in the bathroom at home. The mother is checking the little boy's mouth to make sure he has brushed properly.

Q: My Child Hates Brushing His Teeth!

An overwhelmed mom relaxes for a minute to give her daughter a hug.

When a Sensory Sensitivity Throws Your Child Out of Sync

ADHD and Eating Disorders: Research, Diagnosis & Treatment Guidelines

Sensory Processing Disorder

“My Socks Feel Weird!” Morning Help for the Highly Sensitive Child

Do you have a highly sensitive child? 6 ways to create an environment, a routine, and activities that...

Children with ADHD and sensory processing disorder bouncing on a trampoline

For Teachers

Stimulate the Senses: 5 Tips to Help Kids with ADHD & SPD Succeed at School

Children with both ADHD and SPD can easily become overwhelmed at school — and teachers may not always...

Guest Blogs

3 Great Products for Sensory-Seeking Kids

Weighted vests and compression shirts can help to calm and focus children with ADHD and sensory...

Hypersensitivity

Help for My Son’s Sensory Issues

Is your child sensitive to loud noises? Bright lights? Physical contact? Learn about effective...

A woman with hypersensitivity stands over a bathroom sink.

Guest Blogs

When Sensory Issues Get in the Way of Good ADHD Hygiene

Are sensory issues keeping your ADHD child from good personal hygiene? Here, one mother's perspective...

Mother placing fish oil pill in ADHD daughter's mouth in kitchen

Vitamins & Minerals

Fishing for Tasty Omega 3s: Fish Oil Supplements Tested by Kids

Which fish oil products for kids taste best? These omega-3 supplements have been taste-tested - and...

Irritated, hypersensitive woman with ADHD covering her ears to block chewing sounds

Sensory Processing Disorder

“Please Don’t Hug Me! Seriously."

Ever since I was a child, the sound of people chewing has filled me with a desperate rage. Ditto...

Ask the Experts

Are You Enabling Your Child’s Won’t-Try-Anything-New Inflexibility?

When kids with ADHD refuse to try new things — like summer activities not involving a game console —...

Guest Blogs

“Raising My Sensitive Child Was Hell"

When a Cheerio hitting the floor leads to hours of relentless screaming, you’re in a parenting hell...

The latest information, research, and news on conditions related to ADHD

ADHD News & Research

Sensitivity to Sound May Be a Sign of Creative Genius

A recent study has found a positive correlation between an individual's sensitivity to sound and his...

A chalkboard with a list of foods that need to be eliminated when testing for food sensitivities

Can We Treat ADHD Naturally?

Eggs, Dairy, Nuts, and Soy: Testing for ADHD Food Sensitivities

Bad reactions to certain foods might exacerbate your child's ADHD symptoms. Find out how you can...

sensory processing disorder and hypersensitivity are common in people with ADHD

Ask the Experts

Is Food Sensitivity a Symptom of ADHD?

Is food sensitivity a sign of ADHD? What about sensory processing disorder (SPD)? Could it be both?...

Sensory Processing Disorder

What’s Causing My Child’s Sensory Integration Problems?

Sensory integration problems may manifest as distraction, impulsivity, lashing out, or melting down....

Guest Blogs

Comfort & Joy: Swaddling the Holidays for My Sensory-Challenged Child

When Lee was diagnosed with ADHD and sensory processing disorder at the age of 6, I found a new way...

online learning - a child wearing headphones as she works at her desk.

Ask the Experts

Q: “How Can I Set Up Sensory-Friendly Spaces at Home for Online Learning?”

An online learning environment can be tricky for easily distracted students with ADHD, auditory...

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