Navigating a Multi-Sensory World
What is SPD with Autism and ADHD?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that can co-occur. When an individual experiences all three, we refer to this unique neurological profile as SPD-Autism-ADHD.
The Diagnostic Evolution of SPD-Autism-ADHD
Historically, sensory issues were often seen as a component of autism or ADHD rather than a distinct condition. Recent research has led to a greater understanding of SPD as its own entity, while also recognizing its frequent co-occurrence with autism and ADHD. This evolving perspective allows for more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
The Neurological Complexity of SPD-Autism-ADHD
Brain imaging studies have shown that SPD, autism, and ADHD all involve differences in sensory processing, attention networks, and executive function areas of the brain. In SPD-Autism-ADHD, these neurological differences interact in complex ways, creating a unique sensory and cognitive landscape.
The Push-Pull of Overlapping Symptoms
Living with SPD-Autism-ADHD often involves navigating a world that can feel overwhelming and disorganized:
- SPD can cause over- or under-responsiveness to sensory input, which may be exacerbated by the sensory sensitivities common in autism
- ADHD-related distractibility can amplify difficulties in filtering sensory information
- Autistic traits like need for routine may conflict with ADHD impulsivity and SPD-related sensory seeking behaviors
These overlapping traits can result in:
- Challenges in daily functioning due to sensory overload or understimulation
- Difficulty focusing in environments that aren’t sensory-friendly
- Social challenges due to a combination of autistic traits, ADHD-related social difficulties, and sensory sensitivities
Gender Differences in Presentation
SPD-Autism-ADHD can manifest differently across genders:
- Girls may be more likely to internalize their struggles, leading to underdiagnosis
- Boys might display more externalized behaviors, potentially leading to earlier identification
- Masking behaviors in autism can complicate the recognition of SPD and ADHD symptoms, particularly in women
Rethinking Treatment for SPD-Autism-ADHD
Managing SPD-Autism-ADHD requires a comprehensive approach that addresses sensory needs, social-communication challenges, and attention regulation. Innovative treatments showing promise include:
- Somatic Experiencing (SE): This body-oriented approach can help individuals with SPD-Autism-ADHD better regulate their nervous system and process sensory information. SE techniques can be adapted to accommodate individual sensory profiles.
- Lifespan Integration (LI): LI can help individuals with SPD-Autism-ADHD create a more coherent sense of self across time, integrating sensory experiences and improving overall functioning. This gentle approach can be especially beneficial for those who have experienced sensory-related trauma.
- Brainspotting: This therapy can be effective in addressing the neural patterns contributing to sensory processing difficulties, autistic traits, and attention issues. By focusing on specific eye positions, brainspotting can help process and integrate sensory experiences.
- qEEG Brain Mapping: This non-invasive assessment tool can provide valuable insights into the specific brain activity patterns of individuals with SPD-Autism-ADHD. The resulting data can guide personalized treatment plans, including neurofeedback interventions to address sensory processing, social communication, and attention regulation.
These approaches, combined with traditional interventions like occupational therapy for SPD, social skills training for autism, and behavioral strategies for ADHD, can provide a comprehensive treatment plan for SPD-Autism-ADHD.
The Strengths of an SPD-Autism-ADHD Mind
While challenging, this neurological combination can also confer unique strengths:
- Heightened sensory awareness, which can lead to rich and nuanced experiences of the world
- Ability to notice details that others might miss
- Creative problem-solving skills developed from navigating a sensory-complex world
- Deep empathy for others with sensory or neurodevelopmental differences
Embracing the SPD-Autism-ADHD Experience
Understanding SPD-Autism-ADHD as a distinct neurotype is crucial for proper support and self-acceptance. It requires appreciating the complex interplay between sensory processing, social-communication styles, and attention regulation.
For those living with SPD-Autism-ADHD, developing personalized coping strategies is key. This might involve:
- Creating sensory-friendly environments at home and work
- Using assistive technologies to manage sensory input and support focus
- Developing a “sensory diet” that provides appropriate stimulation throughout the day
- Building a support network that understands the complexities of SPD, autism, and ADHD
With the right combination of professional support, self-management strategies, and self-compassion, individuals with SPD-Autism-ADHD can lead fulfilling lives that honor the complexity of their neurological makeup.
If you relate to the experiences described in this article, consider seeking an assessment from a healthcare professional experienced in SPD, autism, and ADHD. Remember that your experiences are valid, and support is available to help you navigate this unique neurotype.
Resources to ADHD Comorbid with Other Disorders
Taproot Therapy Collective (Birmingham, AL)
- Treatments: Brainspotting, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Lifespan Integration, Parts-Based Therapy, Trauma Mapping.
- Specialties: Specializes in trauma therapy, PTSD, anxiety, panic, and dissociative disorders. Their therapists use integrative methods to help clients heal from trauma at a deep, somatic level.
- Website: gettherapybirmingham.com
1. Crisis Center Birmingham (24/7 Crisis Line)
- Phone: (205) 323-7777
Provides immediate support for individuals in emotional distress, including suicide prevention, trauma, and mental health crises. - Website: crisiscenterbham.org
2. Rape Response Line (Crisis Center Birmingham)
- Phone: (205) 323-7273
Dedicated to providing support for survivors of sexual assault, available 24/7. - Website: crisiscenterbham.org/rape-response
3. Teen Link (Crisis Center Birmingham)
- Phone: (205) 328-5465
Teen-specific support line for youth in emotional or mental distress. - Website: crisiscenterbham.org
4. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Serving Alabama)
- Phone: 988
A national 24/7 suicide prevention hotline accessible to individuals in Birmingham and the rest of Alabama. - Website: 988lifeline.org
5. UAB Psychiatry Emergency Services
- Phone: (205) 934-7008
Provides immediate psychiatric evaluation and crisis intervention at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. - Website: uabmedicine.org
6. Alabama Domestic Violence Hotline
- Phone: 1-800-650-6522
24/7 support for individuals experiencing domestic violence, available statewide, including Birmingham. - Website: acadv.org
7. Birmingham AIDS Outreach Crisis Line
- Phone: (205) 322-4197
Provides crisis support for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, including mental health services and support for LGBTQ+ communities. - Website: birminghamaidsoutreach.org
8. Alabama 2-1-1 Call Center
- Phone: 2-1-1
A statewide information and referral line connecting individuals to crisis support services for housing, food, mental health, and substance abuse issues. - Website: 211connectsalabama.org
9. Jefferson County Family Resource Center Crisis Line
- Phone: (205) 945-6000
Provides crisis intervention, including family support, domestic violence resources, and mental health services. - Website: jcfrc.org
10. Veterans Crisis Line (Serving Birmingham)
- Phone: 988 (Press 1)
A specialized crisis line for veterans experiencing emotional distress, available nationwide and locally. - Website: veteranscrisisline.net
- Phone: (205) 323-7777
LGBTQ+ and Poly-Friendly Support
Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC)
LGBTQ+ youth programs, adult support groups, and community events in Birmingham.
Website: mcacbham.org
Birmingham LGBTQ+ Circle of Healing
Support groups for LGBTQ+ individuals focusing on mental health and holistic wellness.
Contact through Magic City Acceptance Center.
Inclusive Therapists
Directory of therapists in Birmingham and Hoover specializing in LGBTQ+ and poly-friendly care.
Website: inclusivetherapists.com
PFLAG Birmingham
LGBTQ+ support groups for families and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals, offering mental health and advocacy resources.
Website: pflaga.org/birmingham
Steel City Spectrum
Provides support and resources for the transgender and gender-nonconforming communities in Birmingham.
Website: steelcityspectrum.org
Free & Low-Cost Therapy and Counseling
Impact Family Counseling (Birmingham, AL)
Provides sliding-scale counseling services for trauma, anxiety, depression, and family therapy.
Website: impactal.org
Firehouse Shelter (Birmingham, AL)
Offers mental health services and crisis support for homeless individuals in the Birmingham area.
Website: firehouseshelter.com
Pathways Birmingham
Women’s shelter offering mental health and trauma support for homeless women and children.
Website: pathwayshome.org
United Way of Central Alabama
Offers access to free or low-cost mental health counseling and crisis intervention through partnerships.
Website: uwca.org
BridgeWays Alabama
Offers family and youth counseling, including trauma recovery, on a sliding fee scale.
Website: bridgewaysalabama.org
Holistic & Alternative Therapy Centers
Taproot Therapy Collective (Birmingham, AL)
Offers holistic mental health services like Brainspotting, EMDR, and somatic trauma therapies.
Website: gettherapybirmingham.com
Birmingham Wellness Institute
Focuses on alternative healing practices such as yoga therapy, mindfulness, and EMDR.
Website: bhamwellness.com
Sojourn Counseling (Hoover, AL)
Provides integrative counseling with a focus on EMDR, trauma work, and mindfulness.
Website: sojourncounseling.com
Red Mountain Therapeutics (Birmingham, AL)
Offers somatic therapies, acupuncture, and integrative emotional healing for trauma recovery.
Website: redmountaintherapeutics.com
Shanti Healing Arts Center (Birmingham, AL)
Focuses on trauma-sensitive yoga, meditation, and holistic therapies for emotional and mental health.
Website: shantihealingarts.com
Lifespan Integration & Trauma Mapping
Birmingham Counseling Associates
Provides Lifespan Integration therapy for complex trauma and PTSD.
Website: bhamcounseling.com
Lifeline Counseling (Hoover, AL)
Trauma-informed care specializing in Lifespan Integration and Somatic Trauma Mapping.
Website: lifelinehoover.com
River Oaks Counseling
Offers Lifespan Integration and other trauma-focused therapies for PTSD and dissociation.
Website: riveroakscounseling.com
Emotional Wellness Counseling
Provides Lifespan Integration therapy and somatic trauma work.
Website: emotionalwellnesshoover.com
qEEG Brainmapping and Neurofeedback Resources
Focus-MD Birmingham
Specializes in ADHD treatment and qEEG brain mapping for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Website: focus-md.com
Birmingham Neurofeedback Clinic
Provides qEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback for trauma, anxiety, and ADHD.
Website: birminghamneurofeedback.com
Alabama Neurofeedback
Offers qEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback to improve brain function and emotional regulation.
Website: alneurofeedback.com
Covenant Neuropsychology
qEEG brain mapping services for trauma-related symptoms and neurological issues.
Website: covenantneuro.com
Psych Wellness South (Hoover, AL)
qEEG and neurofeedback services to treat anxiety, ADHD, and trauma.
Website: psychwellnesssouth.com
Poly-Friendly & Non-Monogamy Support
Inclusive Therapists
Directory for poly-friendly and non-monogamy affirming therapists in the Birmingham and Hoover areas.
Website: inclusivetherapists.com
Birmingham LGBTQ Circle of Healing
Offers support for polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships.
Contact through Magic City Acceptance Center.
Alabama Polyamory Network
A supportive community providing mental health resources for polyamorous individuals.
Contact via Meetup: meetup.com/polybirmingham
New Hope Counseling
Poly-friendly therapy services, offering support for non-traditional relationships.
Website: newhopecounselingbham.com
Open Counseling Birmingham
Provides mental health counseling for those in polyamorous or open relationships.
Website: opencounseling.com
Youth & Family Services
Oasis Counseling for Women and Children
Provides trauma therapy, parenting support, and family counseling.
Website: oasiscounseling.org
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama (Birmingham)
Family and individual counseling, including trauma services for children.
Website: childrensaid.org
Aletheia House
Mental health and substance abuse services for families, including trauma recovery programs.
Website: aletheiahouse.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham
Offers mentorship and emotional support for at-risk youth.
Website: bbbsbhm.org
The Exceptional Foundation
Provides support for children and adults with special needs, including mental health resources.
Website: exceptionalfoundation.org
0 Comments