Maybe you recently learned your child is highly sensitive and are starting to hear the term neurodivergent here and there. Neurodivergent is a term that has become popular in the last couple of years, but what exactly is it? Well we are here to give you the key to understanding highly sensitive children and neurodivergence.
It can be tricky to navigate all of these new terms and understand all of their unique differences and how they apply to your child. Our blog post is here to help you gain a better view on what these terms mean, how they apply to your child, and what you can do as a parent to support them.
Imagine a world where every color shines brighter, every sound rings louder, and emotions run deeper. This is everyday life for a highly sensitive child. These kids are wired differently – their nervous systems are finely tuned antennae, picking up on nuances most miss out on. They also feel emotions deeper than other people, making their highs even higher. It’s not all sunshine; this heightened sensitivity means everyday environments can sometimes feel overwhelming and that negative emotions can feel especially distressing.
A highly sensitive child isn’t just shy or cautious. Their uniqueness lies in a complex blend of characteristics, distinguishing them from their peers. They’re the kids who notice the subtle mood shift in their friend before anyone else does. Or those who feel deeply moved by stories or music. They also may cover their ears during loud movies or may feel disoriented by large crowds.
Another term that may be used to describe the experience of a highly sensitive person or child is sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). Sensory processing sensitivity refers to the tendency of highly sensitive people (HSP) to absorb more information from their environment compared to the average person. This trait leads HSPs to experience life more intensely due to their deep processing capabilities.
Daily life for highly sensitive children (HSC) is similar to walking through a world turned up to eleven. The hustle and bustle that we tune out automatically becomes front and center for them:
But here’s where their superpower lies: they experience joy as intensely as they do stress. Their acute perception makes them empathetic friends, creative thinkers, and conscientious beings.
It’s crucial then, for parents and educators alike to recognize these traits not as hurdles but as gifts needing careful nurturing.
Let’s illuminate the extraordinary abilities that highly sensitive kids possess. Yes, you heard it right – superpowers.
Ever noticed how some kids can read a room better than adults? That’s because highly sensitive children are wired to pick up on nuances most miss. They catch those little shifts in tone or facial expressions, making them empathetic friends and thoughtful individuals.
Their minds are like fireworks – constantly bursting with ideas and colors. Why? Sensory input doesn’t just come; it dances, creating vivid inner worlds where creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s art, music, or storytelling, these kids see beyond the ordinary.
In a world that often values speed over depth, highly sensitive children remind us of the beauty in thoughtfulness. They ponder deeply about everything from why the sky is blue to how they can help their friend feel better—turning each question into an opportunity for learning and connection.
To all parents out there navigating this journey: your child’s sensitivity is indeed unique, but think of it as their greatest asset rather than a challenge.
Highly sensitive children experience the world intensely, making everyday situations overwhelming but also allowing them to enjoy deep joy and empathy. Recognizing and nurturing their sensitivity turns potential challenges into powerful assets.
Neurodivergence refers to variations in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions. It’s a perspective that views these differences not as deficits but as natural variations within the human population. Some common examples include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and many more.
Let’s chat about how being highly sensitive tangles up with neurodivergence. Understanding highly sensitive children and neurodivergence can be a daunting but it is vital to understand the intricacies of how high sensitivity and neurodivergence relate. High Sensitivity has some similarities with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, ASD, and SPD. However, that does not always mean someone who is highly sensitive is neurodivergent. Furthermore, someone who is neurodivergent can still be highly sensitive in addition to being neurodivergent.
High sensitivity has some commonality between neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, ASD, SPD, and more. Despite these commonalities, those who are highly sensitive are not considered neurodivergent just based on high sensitivity. Remember, high sensitivity is a term used to describe a trait present in some individuals and is not a diagnosable “condition”.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a condition characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech difficulties, and nonverbal communication alongside unique strengths and differences. As its name suggests, those with autism experience a spectrum of severity and variety of these symptoms and many people with autism express having vastly different experiences than others with the same condition.
At its core, Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based disorder that affects concentration, impulse control, and decision-making. Children with ADHD might seem restless, may struggle to pay attention for extended periods or act impulsively without considering the consequences. It’s not just about being “hyper” or “unfocused”; it’s about how their brains are wired differently.
You might wonder how ADHD connects with being highly sensitive. While they are distinct experiences—ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity-impulsivity issues or difficulties maintaining attention. SPS, however, is characterized by deep cognitive processing of both emotional & physical stimuli. Both involve heightened neural responses leading to overstimulation. This means children who navigate these waters feel more deeply than others—a trait that requires empathy and specialized guidance from those around them.
Those with ADHD and highly sensitive individuals have many differences, but they both experience heightened neural responses to sensory stimuli that can create overwhelming situations for them.
Although they sound similar and can share some similar qualities, those with Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) and those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) have slightly different experiences.
Remember, Sensory Processing Sensitivity, or high sensitivity, is all about deep thinking and feeling. Those with these sensory sensitivities, experience bright lights or loud noises as extra intense because their brain processes them more deeply than most. It’s not just about senses though; it’s also about noticing subtleties others miss and feeling emotions strongly. SPS is a way to describe the unique way that some people experience the world.
Then there’s Sensory Processing Disorder. SPD is a diagnosable condition that psychologists give to those whose sensory sensitivity impact their day to day life in debilitating ways. Here, sensory input doesn’t get organized correctly in the brain leading to reactions that seem over-the-top compared to what’s happening around them. Imagine trying to concentrate while hearing every little sound around you at full volume all at once — annoying right? That could be every day for someone with SPD when facing regular sensory experiences. Those with SPD do not experience emotions more strongly as a result of their condition.
No, HSP isn’t classified as neurodivergent. It’s a trait where individuals process sensory data and emotions deeply.
HSP do not by definition have autism but some people that have autism may also be a HSP.
No. Being highly sensitive is more about deep processing than an illness. It’s just how some brains function.
Understanding highly sensitive children and neurodivergence can be tricky. We peeled back the curtains and dove deep into what exactly high sensitivity means and how neurodivergence comes into play.
The key takeaway? While HSCs aren’t neurodivergent by definition, they can have similar experiences to those who are neurodivergent. Also, anyone who is neurodivergent can also be highly sensitive! So at the end of the day, your child could be a combination of highly sensitive and any of the neurodivergent conditions described above.
For every mom out there feeling like she’s decoding messages from another dimension entirely: you’ve got this. It’s not about changing your child, but finding the right ways to support them in their unique experience. In nurturing their strength and rejoicing in their individual talents, you’re not merely aiding them to cope—you’re enabling them to radiate brilliantly.
Understanding Highly Sensitive Children and Neurodivergence
Jill Gilbert
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