Sound Healing & Neurodiversity: Can Vibrations Support ADHD and Sensory Differences?

Sound healing is increasingly being explored as a complementary wellbeing practice, but can it support people with ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity? While it is not a medical treatment or cure, emerging research suggests that sound may play a supportive role in attention, sensory processing, and nervous system regulation for some individuals.

People with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles often experience differences in sensory processing and arousal regulation. Research indicates that consistent auditory input, such as white noise, pink noise, steady rhythms, or gentle music, can improve focus and reduce distraction for some individuals. Calming sound environments may also support emotional regulation by influencing autonomic nervous system activity.

This is where sound healing instruments such as the gong may be relevant. The gong produces a broad spectrum of frequencies and vibrations rather than a fixed melody. For some individuals, this immersive, non-linear sound experience can be engaging without requiring sustained attention. Lower-frequency vibrations and evolving tonal patterns may contribute to a sense of grounding and reduced cognitive overload.

Responses to sound-based practices are highly individual. For people with sensory sensitivities, intense or unpredictable sounds, including gongs, may feel overstimulating rather than calming. Academic research into sound healing and vibrational practices remains limited and mixed.

We offer sound healing as a complementary wellbeing practice, not as a substitute for clinical care. We encourage gentle exploration and awareness of individual sensory needs. Consultation with a medical or healthcare professional is always recommended where appropriate.

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Further Reading

Do white noise or pink noise improve attention in ADHD?

A systematic review and meta-analysis showing that white and pink noise can provide small but statistically significant benefits for people with ADHD symptoms. Systematic review of white/pink noise for ADHD attention

Auditory white noise and cognitive performance

Experimental research demonstrating white noise can aid cognitive performance in children with ADHD. White noise and cognitive performance in ADHD

Music therapy for autism spectrum disorder

A comprehensive review exploring how music-based interventions may improve communication, social engagement, and related outcomes in autistic individuals. Music therapy for people with ASD (systematic review)

Sound-based interventions for autism spectrum

A review of sound and music interventions, including effects on behaviour and auditory processing in neurodivergent groups. Music/sound interventions in autism spectrum

Note: Research on sound healing (e.g., gongs or vibrational instruments) specifically is still emerging; most scientific literature covers noise exposure, music therapy, and auditory interventions rather than traditional “sound healing” modalities.