Difference between SPD and ADHD in Children: SLC Parent Guide

By Lauren | Salt Lake Occupational Therapy

Last updated: November 11, 2026

If you’re wondering whether your child’s big reactions, nonstop movement, or trouble focusing are more about sensory processing or attention, you’re not alone. This guide explains the difference between SPD and ADHD in children, where they overlap, and what Utah families can expect from a child-friendly, play-based occupational therapy approach. It’s educational—not diagnostic—and cannot is not a substitute for individualized medical care. If safety is a concern or you suspect ADHD or another condition, please speak with your pediatrician and consider an OT evaluation in Salt Lake City to map next steps together.

Quick definitions: SPD and ADHD

Sensory Processing Differences (often called SPD by families) describe how a child notices, interprets, and responds to sensory information like sound, touch, movement, and light. Some kids are extra sensitive; others seek more input. These patterns can affect daily routines at home and school. The STAR Institute offers clear parent-friendly overviews of sensory processing and common patterns (STAR Institute).
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning across settings (NIMH ADHD overview). Pediatricians follow evidence-based guidelines to evaluate ADHD and consider other explanations for symptoms (American Academy of Pediatrics).

Where OT fits: Pediatric occupational therapists help children participate in everyday activities—dressing, play, meals, school skills—by adapting environments, building regulation skills, and supporting families. OTs are trained to assess sensory processing and its impact on function (American Occupational Therapy Association).

For a broader primer on similarities and differences, you can also read our related post, Understanding SPD vs. ADHD in Children: Key Differences, which pairs this article with a quick-glance checklist: https://saltlakeot.com/blog/spd-vs-adhd-differences-children

Overlap and practical differences in daily routines

Many families see behaviors that could fit either category. Here are patterns we often hear about in Salt Lake City homes. These are not diagnostic rules—just parent-friendly clues to discuss with your care team.

What may lean sensory:

Clear triggers tied to input. For example, meltdowns with hand dryers, hair washing, or scratchy clothing; or crashing/jumping whenever the environment is quiet.
Responses change when the sensory environment changes. Turning down noisy fans or offering a movement break may quickly help.
Big swings with fatigue or after a busy event (stadium noise, crowded birthday party). The child may do better in small, predictable spaces.

What may lean attention/ADHD:

Inattention appears across many settings and tasks—even ones the child enjoys—and persists despite simplified directions.
Hyperactivity and impulsivity show up even in calm environments (e.g., running and climbing during quiet play, blurting out, difficulty waiting).
Benefits from consistent behavior plans, visual structure, and strategies that target attention skills, but challenges still occur across contexts (NIMH ADHD overview).

What commonly overlaps:

Wiggly bodies, short attention to non-preferred tasks, and emotional dysregulation when overwhelmed.
Sleep, nutrition, and transitions strongly influence behavior for both groups.
Many children experience both attention differences and sensory processing challenges; your pediatrician and therapy team can help clarify priorities (American Academy of Pediatrics).

Morning routine snapshot: is it sensory or attention?

Sensory pattern example: Your child resists socks “with lines,” covers ears for the hair dryer, and melts down with toothpaste flavor. When you switch to seamless socks, use a towel-dry, and offer a familiar toothpaste, the routine goes more smoothly.
Attention pattern example: Your child starts dressing, then drifts to play with a toy, forgets the next step, and impulsively runs off—even when clothing is comfy and the room is calm. Visual checklists and one-step prompts help, though carryover is inconsistent across settings.

Of course, some kids show both patterns. That’s why individualized assessment matters.

How pediatric OT approaches assessment and support in SLC

An OT evaluation looks at your child’s participation in real-life routines. We gather your observations, use play-based activities, and consider sensory processing, motor planning, and self-regulation alongside your family’s goals. For a behind-the-scenes look at this process in our city, you can read Pediatric OT Evaluation in Salt Lake City: What Really Happens: https://saltlakeot.com/blog/pediatric-ot-evaluation-in-salt-lake-city-what-really-happens

What support may include:

Environment and routine tweaks: adjusting sounds, lighting, clothing textures, seating, and visual supports so tasks feel doable.
Sensory-informed regulation: matching movement, deep pressure, or quiet spaces to your child’s nervous system needs. Learn more on our page about sensory-informed regulation support for kids.
Play-based skill building: strengthening postural control, motor planning, and sequencing to help attention and body organization.
Parent partnership: collaborative strategies so home, preschool, and community routines feel more predictable. We also offer family-centered sensory integration–informed therapy to support functional goals.

Our work never replaces a medical evaluation. When attention differences are suspected, we coordinate with your pediatrician or other specialists so your child receives a comprehensive plan (AOTA; AAP).

When to talk with your pediatrician (and safety)

Check in with your child’s doctor if:

Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity are present across settings for 6+ months and interfere with daily life (NIMH ADHD overview).
Your child’s behaviors are very intense or sudden, or you see developmental concerns (use the CDC milestone tools to guide questions: CDC Act Early).
Sleep, nutrition, or medical issues (e.g., hearing, vision) might be contributing.

If your child is at risk of harming themselves or others, seek urgent medical help.

Getting started in Salt Lake City, Utah

Families often start with a collaborative OT evaluation to understand how sensory processing and attention are affecting everyday routines, and to build a practical plan for home and school. If you’re in Salt Lake City or elsewhere in Utah and want to explore whether OT is a good fit, you can request an OT consultation. We’ll listen to your priorities, share what an individualized plan may look like, and coordinate with your pediatrician as needed.

Editorial note

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult your pediatrician or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your child.

References

NIMH. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed 2026. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
CDC. Learn the Signs. Act Early. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly
STAR Institute for Sensory Processing. About Sensory Processing. STAR Institute. Accessed 2026. https://www.spdstar.org
American Occupational Therapy Association. Children & Youth: OT’s Role. American Occupational Therapy Association. Accessed 2026. https://www.aota.org

Families can also learn about our home and school occupational therapy sessions when that approach fits their goals.

For a related perspective, read How Occupational Therapy Supports School Readiness in SLC.