The relationship between sensory processing difficulties and leisure activity preference of children with different types of ADHD.
Kids with ADHD reject more play options because sensory issues get in the way.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Researchers asked kids with ADHD what play activities they like. They also tested each child for sensory issues.
The group had both hyperactive and inattentive subtypes. A comparison group of typical peers went through the same tests.
What they found
Kids with either ADHD subtype liked fewer play ideas than peers. They also showed more sensory problems.
The worse the sensory issues, the shorter the list of activities the child wanted to try.
How this fits with other research
Keating et al. (2024) later saw the same link in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. Sensory issues again tied to ADHD traits, not motor scores.
McGrath et al. (2012) looked at ADHD versus Sensory Modulation Disorder and said the two are separate diagnoses. Batya’s leisure data do not fight that view; they just show the conditions often ride together.
Leung et al. (2011) found attention and motor gaps cut participation in preschoolers with general delay. Batya’s team move the lens to school-age ADHD and add sensory preference as another barrier.
Why it matters
Before you write a social-skills or leisure plan, run a quick sensory checklist. If the child can’t stand loud gyms or messy paint, he will avoid those activities and look unmotivated. Swap in sensory-friendly choices first. A simple switch like a quiet board game or headphone time may boost engagement more than extra social stories.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Sensory processing difficulties (SPD) are prevalent among children with ADHD. Yet, the question whether different SPD characterize children with different types of ADHD has not received enough attention in the literature. The current study characterized sensory processing difficulties (SPD) of children with different types of ADHD and explored the relationship between SPD and leisure activity preference. Participants were 58 boys aged 6-10 years: 29 boys with ADHD: 15 with hyperactive-impulsive type and 14 characterized as inattentive. The controls were 29 typical peers. SPD were evaluated by The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) completed by the parents. Participants answered the preference for activities of children (PAC). According the results, SPD were manifested among children with both ADHD types. Children with both ADHD types showed significantly lower preference to participate in leisure activities than the controls. Their lower preference correlated with SPD. The findings suggest that children with different ADHD types may share common SPD, which may negatively impact their activity preference. In this study it seemed that children with ADD were more vulnerable to these impacts. SPD and participation should be considered in evaluation and intervention programs for children with ADHD in order to focus on child's abilities, needs and preferences, and enhance intervention success, child's relationships with peers and child's well-being.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2011 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2011.01.008