ADHD and sensory overwhelm: Itchy tags and tight clothes

Itchy tags, tight clothes, and scratchy fabrics can trigger real ADHD sensory overwhelm. Dr. Monica Johnson explains why it happens and what can help.

For many women with ADHD, some clothing isn’t just uncomfortable — it can feel unbearable. This sensory overload can make even getting dressed a challenge. On this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why sensory overwhelm is more than being “too sensitive”
• How ADHD and sensory overload intersect, especially for women
• The common clothing triggers that spark discomfort (tags, textures, tight fits, etc.)
• Practical strategies to make daily routines easier

For more on this topic

• ADHD and emotional dysregulation
• ADHD and sensory overload
• ADHD, sensory systems, and communication
• Evaluating dopamine reward pathway in ADHD: Clinical implications
• Abnormal functional connectivity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• The impact of deep pressure stimulation on anxiety
• The effects of background white noise on memory performance in inattentive school children

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro

(00:58) What is sensory processing

(02:14) How to body responds to sensory overload

(03:17) What sensory processing challenges can look like 

(07:04) Why sensory discomfort is different for women

(08:32) Tips for managing sensory challenges

For a transcript and more resources, visit the MissUnderstood: ADHD in Women page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at podcasts@understood.org.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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