Examining the triad of sensory processing, ADHD symptoms, and executive functioning in adults with ADHD: Evidence from a multi-measure assessment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction Executive function (EF) impairments are well-documented in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Beyond these cognitive deficits, individuals with ADHD often report atypical sensory processing, but the extent to which sensory processing patterns interact with ADHD symptoms to shape EF performance remains poorly understood. Methods Forty adults diagnosed with ADHD and 39 healthy controls completed a battery of EF tasks (Stop-Signal, Digit Span, PASAT, Stroop, Corsi, Cued Switching). ADHD symptoms were assessed with the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), and sensory processing with the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP). General linear models were estimated for each EF outcome, including group status, ADHD symptom dimensions, sensory processing domains, and their interactions. Correction for multiple comparisons was applied within interaction families (Holm). Results The ADHD group showed robust alterations in working memory and inhibitiory control compared with controls. Interaction analyses suggested that sensory processing styles can affect EF performance in opposite ways across groups: in ADHD, certain combinations of symptoms and sensory patterns were associated with worsened working memory and inhibition outcomes, whereas in controls, similar patterns tended to coincide with enhanced performance. However, these interactions did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. Conclusion The findings confirm robust EF alterations in ADHD and point to a potential, but as yet inconclusive, role of sensory processing in modulating EF. This highlights the importance of considering sensory–cognitive interactions in ADHD, while underlining the need for replication in larger, well-powered samples.
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,630
OpenAlex ID: W4417147516