Do bright lights, loud rooms, or crowded family gatherings drain you faster than everyone else? You’re not imagining it and you’re not “too sensitive.”

In this episode of Latine ADHD, Dr. Janice Castro breaks down what sensory overload looks like through an ADHD lens, especially for those of us raised in Latine families where noise, music, and constant stimulation tend to be part of the culture.

You’ll learn:
🔹 Why the ADHD brain processes sounds, lights, smells, and textures differently
🔹 What research says about sensory sensitivity, avoidance, seeking, and low registration
🔹 How sensory overwhelm shows up in our familias during holidays and gatherings
🔹 Why honoring your capacity is not disrespectful, it’s self-respect
🔹 A simple 3-step ADHD-friendly tool to help you plan for sensory overwhelm before it hits

You'll also hear a personal story about choosing rest during the holidays even when it felt uncomfortable or “out of tradition.” Listening to your body isn’t selfish. It’s wisdom.

✨ If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “too sensitive,” or confused by your reactions, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.

🪴 If you’re an adult looking for a therapist who understands ADHD and cultura, I’m currently accepting new clients for online therapy in California.
You can reach me at: contact@jcpsychologicalservices.com

My approach is collaborative, culturally aware, and ADHD-friendly.

Let’s Stay Connected:
💌 Subscribe to my newsletter for ADHD-friendly tools and stories from our comunidad:

https://www.drjanicecastro.com/#ADHDResources
🎧 Follow Latine ADHD wherever you get your podcasts
📲 Share this episode with a friend who might need it

Research article referenced in episode:

Jurek, Lucie, et al. “Sensory processing in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder compared with control populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, vol. 64, no. 10, Oct. 2025, pp. 1132–1147, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2025.02.019.

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S4 E5: ADHD, Sensory Overload & Our Latine Families