ADD and ADHD Resources
ADD/ADHD symptoms often overlap and/or mimic many symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorders. And, truthfully, these two areas of neurological dysfunction can be difficult to distinguish between.
The more we understand, the more solid research done, the better we will be able to sort these differences out. Certainly, an inaccurate diagnosis can lead to treatment that not only doesn't help the child, but may even be detrimental!
Adding to this "confusion" is the fact that many children actually do have both diagnoses. As Parents Magazine reported in June 2000, Dr. Lucy Miller (one of the top researchers in sensory integration / sensory processing disorders) found in one study that "more than half of children suspected to have ADHD actually had sensory integration dysfunction or BOTH conditions."
Although I will be writing more of the similarities and differences between ADD/ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorders, I would like to offer you some of the most comprehensive and helpful information on ADD and ADHD out there.
I know it can be difficult to sort out, so educate yourself on both! Then work with your doctor, pediatrician, neurologist, and/or OT to decide what treatment will be most effective.
Just keep in mind, treatment for ADD/ADHD will often be prescription medicine, where as treatment for SPD will not. If the underlying condition is truly ADD/ADHD medicine will help. However, if it is SPD, medicine will not! "Bandaids" don't get rid of the underlying "infection", they just temporarily cover the "wound" up.
So, I encourage you to gather as much information as you can about Sensory Processing Disorders (through this site and the related resources I have given) and ADD/ADHD (through the resources listed below).
THEN, discuss both with teachers, OT's, pediatricians, and neurologists to decide how best to address and treat your child's symptoms.
Do you have any thoughts to share about ADD & ADHD?
Do you have any insights, thoughts, stories and gems of wisdom to share about ADD & ADHD with the readers of Sensory-Processing-Disorder.com?
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Social Skills & ADHD 
My son is almost ten and it breaks my heart to see him struggling within his friendships. Every time he experiences a rejection from a so called friend …
My Cash and his struggles :(
Im a disabled stay at home mother of 3 boys...1,5,&7. My husband and I are at wits end with our 5 year old, Cash! We have honestly tried EVERYTHING...only …
ADHD and the way our children are punished for this condition
My granddaughter is 12 she was only in her new school for 8 months when a group of girls started to bully her because of her behaviour, she was bullied …
I think I have ADHD
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Confused and frustrated!
I am 13 and feel blessed that I was finally diagnosed with combined ADD and ADHD. This may be long, to warn you. I've been labeled as "lazy" my whole life, …
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I have suffered with this illness my whole life and it has caused many problems. Unfortunately, my mother never put me on any medication or any therapy …
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Is SPD the new ADD? Our grandson only 21 months old is a ball of energy. He never shuts off his motor. Its a challenge getting him to sleep. We have to …
Too hard to handle
I have a 7yr old son that is to hard to handle. He has ADHD and has extreme behavior problems.
He has been kicked out of daycare because they can't …
My Conflict
Hello. I am a fourteen-year-old girl, and I have been diagnosed with both SPD and ADD in different points in my life. As you can imagine, I have had many …
My 5 year old daughter diagnosed with ADHD, possibly SID? Help!
My 5 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with ADHD (according to a multiple choice form filled out by myself and my husband, and one from her kindergarten …
ADHD
My son has ADHD and he is getting in trouble in school. What can I do?
ADHD OR SPD?
Let me start by saying that I have found your site useful and very educational. I have a 4 1/2 year old son named Scott. He was just diagnosed with speech …
SPD or ADHD?
I'm a 27 year old female. All my life I have been told I have ADHD by doctors and psychologists, but can't get a diagnosis because in some parts of Australia …
Is reflux and ADHD linked to each other? 
My is 6 yrs old, he will be 7 in May. He has had reflux since he was a year old. He has just been diagnose with ADHD.
He is at the understanding level …
I have SPD, but really, REALLY weird triggers.
So, I'm a 13 yr old boy with ADHD/SPD/Anxiety. On the topic of things that trigger my SPD, it's weird. Mostly its when I get stressed about my laptop being …
A study on the amazing advantages of ADHD at work Not rated yet
For over a year now, we've conducted an extensive study on the significant impact of ADHD individuals in the workplace, and we're excited to present our …
Grandson Not rated yet
My daughter lives in Massachusetts and my grandson has been recently diagnosed with ADHD, however she is believing that my grandson is also experiencing …
ADHD 11 year old boy bedwetting Not rated yet
How can I help him?
My experience Not rated yet
I am now 12 years old and i have been struggling with adhd since i was 7 or 8 and i always get into trouble and i cant pay attention and its costing me …
ADHD and ADD Not rated yet
Story would be long one...
However, want to clarify your position on what is my understanding and EXPERIENCE --- Namely that there IS a difference …
He heard it & went! Not rated yet
My son Jeremy, now almost 16 years old, use to hear noises from afar and have to know what it was! I remember the city engineers trimming the trees on …
Desperately Needing HELP for 8 yr old Son! Not rated yet
Hi
Please forgive the length of this post...
I want to give you a brief history of myself before jumping into the main point. Im a 46 yr old working …
ADHD and a Loving Child Not rated yet
My son is seven years old and has ADHD: Combined Type. I have always noticed the little "quirks" (i.e., making noises, wanting his pencil a certain way …
Long hard journey Not rated yet
I knew something was wrong when he was born. He cried all the time. Did not want to be held. Snuggling was hard because he squirmed a lot. at 4 months …
ADHD Not rated yet
What are the biggest differences between SPD and ADHD?
I am an adult with a long-time diagnosis of severe ADHD and I notice some of these same symptoms. …
how my adhd is so similar to spd Not rated yet
im 20, i was diagnosed with adhd when i was in grade 11, a little too late. It really got in the way of me learning. i remember i would be in the class …
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