Kids With ADHD Who Are Sensory Seeking
Children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) may have additional co-occurring conditions, including sensory processing issues, which can contribute to touch-related behaviors. Sensory processing issues occur when the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Some children with ADHD have a heightened sensitivity to touch and may seek or avoid certain tactile stimuli.
Here are a few potential reasons why a child with ADHD may be touchy or seek physical contact:
Sensory Seeking Behavior
Some children with ADHD and sensory issues might be "sensory seekers". They might crave certain types of sensory input to help regulate their bodies and their responses. Physical touch can provide this needed sensory input.
Self-regulation
Touch can also be a form of self-regulation. Some kids find that touch, especially deep pressure touch like hugging or squeezing, can help calm them down when they're feeling stressed, anxious, or over-stimulated.
Hyperactivity
The hyperactivity component of ADHD can also play a role. Children with ADHD might have difficulty controlling their impulses and may invade personal space without realizing it, leading to more touch-based interactions.
Attention Seeking
Sometimes, touch is a way for a child to get attention, especially in kids with ADHD who might have difficulty focusing and might use touch as a way to engage with others.
In kids with ADHD, touch can be a major component of self-regulation, which is the process of managing one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in relation to the demands of the situation. Here's how touch plays a role:
Sensory Regulation
Touch can provide sensory input that helps regulate the nervous system. This is particularly true for types of touch that provide deep pressure. Deep pressure touch (like a firm hug, being wrapped in a heavy blanket, or squishing into a tight space) can be calming for many children, including those with ADHD. This sort of touch can stimulate the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and contributes to feelings of calm and well-being.
Grounding
Physical touch can serve as a grounding technique, helping children feel more connected to their bodies and their environment. This can be particularly helpful for children with ADHD, who may struggle with feeling scattered or unfocused.
Distraction
For some children with ADHD, touch can serve as a distraction from overstimulation or overwhelming emotions. By focusing on the physical sensation of touch, they can redirect their attention away from distressing thoughts or feelings.
Stimulating the Sensory System
Some kids with ADHD may be sensory seekers, meaning they have a high threshold for sensory input and often seek out more. For these children, touch can be a way to stimulate their sensory system and help them feel more alert and focused.
Incorporating touch into self-regulation strategies for kids with ADHD can be quite beneficial. It's common to use weighted blankets or vests, fidget toys, or even regular physical activities and exercises that involve heavy work (like carrying or pushing heavy objects) as part of therapy.
