Highly Sensitive, Highly Unique: Parenting Kids Who Feel the World Differently
- Acorn &Anchor
- May 2
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
From an early age, we are taught about our five basic senses—taste, smell, sight, touch, and hearing. However, modern research has revealed that the human body is even more complex. In addition to these five senses, we also have at least three more: proprioception, interoception, and the vestibular system. Understanding these additional senses can be crucial for parents of highly sensitive children, especially those who are sensory seekers or sensory avoiders.
What is Proprioception?
Proprioception, also known as kinesthesia, is the body's ability to sense its own position, movement, and action. Sensory receptors in the muscles, joints, skin, and central nervous system send signals that help us judge limb movement, pressure, and force. This sense combines with sight, hearing, and touch to help us interact with our environment.
When proprioception is not functioning properly, children may struggle to interpret the input they receive from the world around them. This can lead to difficulties in movement, coordination, and self-regulation. Understanding proprioception is key to supporting children with sensory sensitivities or needs.
Sensory Kids: Seekers vs. Avoiders
Children with sensory processing challenges often fall into two broad categories: sensory seekers and sensory avoiders. However, it is important to remember that a child may exhibit characteristics of both, depending on the situation.
Sensory Seekers
Sensory seekers crave additional sensory input to regulate their bodies. These children may:
Enjoy activities that involve heavy movement, such as jumping, crashing, and bumping into things.
Love using weighted blankets or engaging in rough-and-tumble play.
Prefer small, enclosed spaces for comfort.
Love "Bear Hugs" and may squeeze too tightly for some others
Constantly fidget, chew on objects (clothes, pencils), or press hard when writing.
Be unaware of personal space, frequently touching walls or others.
Seek loud noises, make repetitive sounds, or talk loudly.
Display an unusually high tolerance for pain.
Sensory Avoiders
On the other hand, sensory avoiders are hypersensitive to sensory input, which can feel overwhelming or even painful. These children may:
Startle easily and struggle to filter out background noise.
Dislike hugs, cuddles, or any form of close physical contact.
Avoid certain clothing, especially items with tags, seams, or tight fits.
Prefer quiet, solitary play over highly stimulating environments.
Avoid playground equipment like swings or roundabouts.
Show difficulties with spatial awareness, often tripping or misjudging distances.
Be sensitive to strong smells, bright lights, or certain textures.
How Parents Can Help
Recognizing your child’s sensory responses is the first step toward helping them navigate their world. Here are some strategies for providing support:
For Sensory Seekers: Offer structured physical activities like climbing, jumping, or weighted exercises. Allow fidget toys, chewable jewelry, or resistance bands for oral and hand stimulation. Provide a sensory diet with activities tailored to their needs.
For Sensory Avoiders: Create a calming environment with minimal stimuli. Use noise-canceling headphones or sunglasses if necessary. Offer soft clothing and remove tags. Gradually expose them to new textures or environments at their own pace.
Seeking support from a psychotherapist and an occupational tharapist can provide additional tools and techniques to help your child regulate their sensory experiences, and identify what they need to support them to feel safe/good. Understanding proprioception and other sensory inputs can significantly improve your child’s comfort, behaviour, and overall well-being.
Every child is unique, and with the right support, they can learn to navigate their sensitivities and thrive in their own way!
For more information and support with your sensitive child, check acornandanchor.com, and reach out to us!
