Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that affects how your brain processes sensory information. People can have under-active or over-active sensory processing, and they can be hyposensitive in some senses and hypersensitive in others.
This can impact the five main senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell), but also three others: vestibular, interoception, and proprioception.
Although there is extensive evidence demonstrating the co-occurrence of ADHD and SPD, the actual prevalence is unknown. One study from 2004 suggested that as many as 40% of children with ADHD also have SPD, but it was based on parent reports and only included kindergarten-aged children. More research is definitely needed in this area.
Interestingly, my son and I are similar but very different in this area. We both have sensory processing differences, but he is much more sensory-seeking, and I am much more sensory-avoiding. He is also a kid who likes to make noise, yet gets overwhelmed by loud environments.
Go figure.
In another ironic twist, I’m hard of hearing, but I don’t like noise. I love concerts and live music, but I get very overwhelmed by loud, chaotic environments.
I would say I am over-responsive to sight, touch, smell, and sound senses. I have an incredibly sensitive nose and am easily overwhelmed by crowds and busy places.
Although my son also gets overwhelmed by loud and busy spaces, he is generally more of a sensory-seeker. He enjoys intense sensory input, such as hanging upside-down, climbing, jumping, and banging — and when he’s gotten all of those sensory needs met, he gives the best snuggles in the world.
For more about this and other comorbidities, read my article, "ADHD: The Gift That STILL Keeps on Giving!" on Invisible Illness.
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References
Ahn, R. R., Miller, L. J., Milberger, S., & McIntosh, D. N. (2004). Prevalence of parents’ perceptions of sensory processing disorders among kindergarten children. The American journal of occupational therapy: official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 58(3), 287–293. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.58.3.287
Dellapiazza, F., Michelon, C., Vernhet, C. et al. (2021). Sensory processing related to attention in children with ASD, ADHD, or typical development: results from the ELENA cohort. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 30, 283–291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-020-01516-5