Understanding highly sensitive children - Focus on the Family

High sensitivity (also called Sensory-Processing Sensitivity) it’s a temperament type shared by 20 per cent of the population.

It’s not a disorder.

Highly sensitive kids perceive more, ponder more and feel more. And they more quickly reach their limits.

1. They take in more sensory information from their environment than other kids. They may find certain foods too flavourful, or can’t stand to wear certain fabrics.
2. They process information more thoroughly and have a deeply-reflective inner life.
3. They have a keen empathy for others. They take on the emotions of those around them, sharing in their highs and lows.
4. They are easily overstimulated, tire more rapidly and need more rest or down time.
5. They are prone to sudden tantrums and meltdowns.