The ICK Factor!

Written By Madie Graham

Do you struggle with sensory issues during sex? We don’t often consider that people with ADHD can struggle with sensory issues. While this relationship has often been discussed for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, for people with ADHD, it is often a neglected area of exploration. Sensory issues can impact many aspects of your life whether you are a person with ADHD or a partner of someone with ADHD. People with ADHD can experience sensory challenges and these challenges may create problems in your sex life (Bijlenga et al., 2017; Frost-Karlsson et al., 2024).  Given our lack of discussion about these themes, it is reasonable that you or a partner may not have the words to identify, much less discuss, sensory issues and their impact on sex.  Positively, things are changing! Ask a partner about sensory issues, talk about “The ICK” together,  communicate about how these experiences impact you, your partner and, specifically, talk about how sensory issues impact your sex life. 

Join me as I talk to Cate Osborne about sensory issues and sex! This podcast aired on June 3, 2025 and is called Too Much or Not Enough: ADHD sensory challenges and sex, Sorry, I missed this: The Everything Guide to ADHD and Relationships hosted by Cate Osborne and produced by Understood.org.  

I encourage you to explore sensory challenges both for yourself and for a partner!  Discussing these themes with respect and curiosity are great ways to deepen your sexual intimacy. 

Click Here for the Podcast!

Want to learn more?

  • Bijlenga, D., Tjon-Ka-Jie, J.Y.M., Schuijers, F. & Kooij, J.J.S. (2017). Atypical Sensory Profiles as Core Features of Adult ADHD, Irrespective of Autistic Symptoms, European Psychiatry, 43, 51-57, DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.02.481

  • Frost-Karlsson, M., Johansson Capusan, A., Olausson, H. & Boehme, R. (2024).  Altered Somatosensory Processing in Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, BMC Psychiatry, 24: 558. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-06002-9.

  • ADHD, sensory systems, and communication with Anita Robertson, Podcast aired on October 8, 2024, Sorry, I missed this: The Everything Guide to ADHD and Relationships hosted by Cate Osborne and produced by Understood.org.

  • Piché, L. (2025) ADHD and Sex: A Workbook for Exploring Sexuality and Increasing Intimacy, Routledge Press, 286 pp.

Madie Graham
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Chores and Good Sex, Do They REALLY Go Together?