Hypersensitivity: Helping your Sensitive Child

Dr. Tali Shenfield | February 1, 2014

The human brain processes all sensory information whether or not you are fully aware of it. Most children are able to find a way to ignore extraneous information that is in their environment and focus on the information related to the activity or object of their immediate interest. Children who are hypersensitive take in all stimuli at once and at a much higher degree than others. These differences in reaction to environmental stimuli are neurologically based and are not under voluntary control of the child. The sensations of sound, touch, light, taste, smell, and overall body awareness are increased to an uncomfortable and often unbearable degree. Although hypersensitivity is usually paired with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder it can occur in children without this diagnosis.

A day in the life of a child who is hypersensitive might begin with the loud and repetitive screech of an alarm clock and the deafening noise of a busy household in the morning. There can be many people talking, lots of directions given, morning news blaring on the television, appliances grinding and swishing, all with the dog barking to be let out. The child might be putting on clothing that bunches, tickles or itches. The soap smell could be overpowering and the taste of the cinnamon on their oatmeal can be intense and nauseating. The reaction of the child could be to shut down completely or to act out. The sensory input builds to a point of overstimulation and the child’s only recourse is to isolate or retreat within themselves. This might include hiding in the closet or other quiet spot or simply covering their ears and trying to make it stop. In most cases the child will attempt to self soothe to handle their hypersensitivity. This can include stroking or petting a specific object, chewing on clothing or other fabrics, biting or pinching their own skin, pulling at ears, or even smearing their own feces. Reactionary behavior can range from mild to severe but it is usually maladaptive. Hypersensitivity can lead to major difficulties in school that often result in disciplinary action. It is important that parents, teachers, and caregivers learn to handle these behaviors, take measures to reduce overstimulation and redirect the child to more appropriate reactions.

As a parent of a child who is hypersensitive you have to be aware that unless you are hypersensitive yourself it is difficult to understand your child’s experience. First, try to put yourself in their shoes. Imagine being next to the speakers at a loud concert, eating a lemon, smelling rotten eggs or spoiled milk, having bright lights shined near your face, or having severe poison ivy. These extremes that might happen in your life are similar to the baseline for your child in their normal routine. Whether your child is verbal or not, you have to be observant of how they react to stimuli and try to make it more comfortable for them. At home or on outings you can allow the child to wear earplugs or listen to soothing music, be wrapped in a favorite blanket, and choose preferred snacks and foods. Often the child will attempt to tell you of their discomfort verbally or nonverbally. Instead of punishing the behavior you can determine the needs of your child. This can include experimenting with fabrics, sounds, tastes, and different lighting. There will be times, though, when you cannot control the environment. If you are aware that there will be a highly stimulating situation it is important to warn the child and explain what will happen. Having intense sounds or sights can startle or scare the child and create an unfavorable situation for all involved.

Treatment for hypersensitivity is available and is often offered at schools or by local mental health centers. Occupational therapy is most often employed to allow for desensitization and acclimatization to environmental stimuli. Music or play therapy might also be used by a counselor familiar with this condition. Hypersensitivity is not something that goes away on its own so it is important to access professional help in order to help your child adapt to their environment.

For the extreme cases of hypersensitivity, please read about Sensory processing disorder.

Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/seandreilinger/606966696/

About Tali Shenfield

Dr. Tali Shenfield holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Toronto and is a licensed school and clinical psychologist. She has taught at the University of Toronto and has worked at institutions including the Hospital for Sick Children, Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, TDSB, and YCDSB. Dr. Shenfield is the Founder and Clinical Director of Advanced Psychology Services.

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