“It’s Too Loud!” — Understanding Sensory Sensitivities in Gifted ADHD Children
Some children react to textures, lights, or sounds with what looks like defiance.
But for gifted ADHD kids, it’s often deeper. Their nervous systems are wired for intensity.
At Breakthrough ADHD Center and ADHD BrainCode Center, we work with families who live this every day — and feel judged for it.
This blog is for you.
Why Sensory Sensitivity Happens
1. Heightened cognitive and emotional integration
Gifted children often integrate experiences across multiple channels, amplifying sensory input (Silverman, 1993).
2. ADHD-related dysregulation of sensory gating
Their brains struggle to filter out unimportant stimuli — leading to overwhelm (Hwang et al., 2015).
3. Fight-or-flight system overactivation
When sensory input feels too big, their brain treats it like a threat (Christiansen et al., 2019).
What looks like a tantrum is often a shutdown or survival response.
Strategy 1: Create Predictable Sensory Anchors
Instead of avoiding all stimuli, teach your child what regulates them.
Try this
- Use weighted blankets, compression clothing, or fidgets
- Designate a “calm corner” with consistent tools
- Offer sensory breaks before transitions
Patterns and preparation help them feel safe in their bodies.
Strategy 2: Counselling to Normalize Sensory Experience
Therapeutic work helps kids understand their sensory world instead of feeling ashamed by it.
In sessions, we use:
- Language that externalizes the experience (“Your body’s saying it needs space”)
- Role-play to practice safe sensory communication
- Visual aids to track what helps or overwhelms
This builds self-awareness without blame.
Strategy 3: Use Neurofeedback to Regulate Sensory Reactivity
Neurofeedback can calm the brain’s overactive response systems and support regulation of sensory input.
Protocols we may use include:
- SMR (Sensorimotor Rhythm) to improve sensory processing stability
- Beta/Theta training for emotional resilience
- Central strip (Cz) regulation to reduce tactile reactivity
Studies show neurofeedback reduces hyper-responsivity and improves adaptive responses in children with ADHD and sensory challenges (Kropotov et al., 2007; Heinrich et al., 2023).
Final Thoughts
Your child’s sensitivity is not a weakness. It’s an intensity that needs wise support.
With tools, structure, and brain-based support — your child can grow into their body, not just their mind.
Let’s help them feel safe enough to thrive.
Sammy Oh, PhD DNM
Founder, Breakthrough ADHD Center and ADHD BrainCode Center
Certified Biofeedback Practitioner
Truebearing Approved Neurofeedback Therapist
Functional Nutritionist
If this blog resonated with you and you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to connect with our team.
We offer personalized support, parent coaching, and neurocognitive tools tailored for gifted ADHD children.
Let’s explore what’s possible together.
Click here to connect with us through our secure web form
References
Christiansen, H., Hirsch, O., Albrecht, B., & Chavanon, M. L. (2019). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and emotion regulation over the life span. Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(3), 1–11.
Gevensleben, H., Moll, G. H., Rothenberger, A., & Heinrich, H. (2014). Neurofeedback in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder–different models, different ways of application. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 8, 846.
Hwang, S., White, S. F., Nolan, Z. T., Craig Williams, W., Sinclair, S., & Blair, R. J. R. (2015). Executive attention control and emotional responding in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—A functional MRI study. NeuroImage: Clinical, 9, 545–554.
Kropotov, J. D., Grin-Yatsenko, V. A., Ponomarev, V. A., Chutko, L. S., Yakovenko, E. A., & Nikishena, I. S. (2005). ERPs correlates of EEG relative beta training in ADHD children. International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology, 55(1), 23–34.
Silverman, L. K. (1993). Counseling the gifted and talented. Love Publishing Company.