How do you know if it’s sensory process or ADHD?

[Waitingforsleep]

I’m finding it really confusing. How would you know the difference?

[CaptainKirkssparetupee]

Because they are different things?

I'm not sure I understand the question.

[sunshine99789]

Are you talking about inattentive or hyperactivity?

[Allthewaves]

www.additudemag.com/adhd-sensory-overload-spd-and-adhd-in-children/

Interesting article.

[Waitingforsleep]

Of course they are different diagnosis but the similarities are so much that how can you know which is the right dx? Wondering if my ds has sensory processing integration problems or this is really down to ADHD. Will take a look at that link, anyone else any thoughts?
All the waves have you ever been confused on all this?

[Waitingforsleep]

Mostly the constant rolling around on the floor, not being able to sit still type thing.
He definitely has Sensory problems with touch (labels, dislike of wet etc), look (doesn’t like sun or bright lights , sound (not like loud noises but can tolerate most) ..
The rolling round aspect is the pre procecption or is is really adhd?

He has more quirks to the Sensory so I feel it’s more than just this ?

[CaptainKirkssparetupee]

Ah I see, there is nobody that will fit with 100% of the traits given for a diagnosis, being neurodiverse means you will find traits from different conditions, the diagnosis will have been made because your child mostly fits into that criteria.

It's not an exact science.

[CaptainKirkssparetupee]

It is more than likely your child has sensory processing comorbids, very common with asd and adhd.

[Waitingforsleep]

However the ways to help treat Sensory and ADHD are different - Sensory diet or medication for example. How do you know which is causing for example the not sitting still, finding it hard to wait..
I feel it isn’t quite as simple as you put it?

[CaptainKirkssparetupee]

ways to help treat Sensory and ADHD are different

They are really not, it's easy for traits of both to co exist, your D's obviously has enough ADHD traits to warrant a diagnosis, so treating that will help highlight what is left.

[CaptainKirkssparetupee]

Trying a sensory diet will not harm a child with ADHD.

[Waitingforsleep]

I know ds has sensory problems but worry that he may have ADHD too, what do you mean about having enough to warrant a ADHD dx?
So far he just has Sensory integration identified via ot but the ot report was full of ds can do this but was very distracted etc and he was.. but it brings me back to the same questions is he distracted due to Sensory ie fidgeting in his seat etc or cognitively.
I don’t want to for example medicate ds when it’s not needed..

[CaptainKirkssparetupee]

Neurodiverse people have a mishmash of traits from all over the place, nobody will fit 100% I to a diagnoses perfectly.

You don't really need to know what causes fidgeting, all you need is to try things until something works.

[kaz86]

Hello!
I know where your coming from!
I have a boy nearly 6, with a diagnosis of asd and sensory processing difficulties (don't diagnose disorder hear), however we have a full sensory assessment done.
We are having to wait till my son is 6 for a adhd assessment. My son was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago with asd rather than discharge we have been kept with out paed due to a adhd concern (she won't diagnose till 6).
Like you it's so complicated to know whether it's a adhd issue or sensory.....
My son struggles to concentrate at school, he can't stay focused, of course this could be due to the noise in the classroom, or sunlight coming through the windows or the noise of the pens..... or it could be due to a chemical imbalance that's causing adhd......
He also can not sit, is very hyperactive again this could be sensory or adhd, the two show sooooo similar their appearance is so alike.
I'm not to fill in his questionnaire until his 6 so I have not had a good read, but one of the questions was when on the phone how is his behaviour (this would be the time where he would go and hit one of his sister lol). So not a sensory issue. So I think the questions are well worded for the paed to know the difference between sensory and adhd.
I'm guessing the main way to tell will be whether medication works, however I'm not sure on medicating its a massive scary step. However my son had full time support (ehcp) due to his lack of focus and being impulsive and running of etc.
I have gone on a little but like you I have been really thinking about the differences and it's so difficult to tell. The more I learn about spd the more I realise adhd is so alike and even more complicated you can have both, or like my son have them all. Xxx

[tryinghardtohide]

My understanding is that multiple disorders could really coexist and it's not uncommon at all. Often if there's developmental issues, multiple areas of the brain might be affected, resulting in different symptoms/disorders.

If you read a bit either online or those self help books, they often tell you ADHD children could end up having dyslexia, APD and etc.

I don't think you can dx ADHD at young age. But you can certainly pick up the sensory issue and look for therapies to try. There are all kinds of things out there available. Some works, some doesn't. Some do have scientific backup, some may seem to be a bit moneymaking sales scheme. You just have to find the right source and give it a try.

Good diet is universal. Wouldn't do harm to kids as long as it makes common sense.