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In anticipation of my upcoming speaking engagement at the Master the Art of Parenting Your Sensitive Child Summit this October, I've been reflecting on the nature of sensitive children and how their experiences intersect with neurodivergent identities like autism and ADHD. This month, I'll be presenting a mini-series that delves deeper into the world of highly sensitive children.

To kick things off, this blog post offers an introductory exploration of what defines a highly sensitive child, the implications of environmental sensitivity for parents, introduces the intriguing concepts of orchid vs. dandelion children and the environmental sensitivity spectrum, and concludes with practical tips to help parents create a nurturing environment for their sensitive children to thrive.

What Is A Highly Sensitive Child

A highly sensitive child refers to a child with a sensitive temperament who has a heightened sensitivity to their environment and experiences. They may have a more intense emotional response to stimuli and become more easily overwhelmed. Sensitive children are often more aware of their surroundings, have a higher level of empathy, and may be deeply affected by the emotional tone of their environment. They may also be more attuned to subtle environmental changes, such as noise, light, or textures. Highly sensitive children often require more support and understanding to navigate their world and benefit from strategies to manage their emotions and sensory experiences.

Where Did the Term Highly Sensitive Child Come From?

The term "highly sensitive child" was coined by Dr. Elaine Aron, a psychologist and researcher, in the late 1990s. She developed the concept of highly sensitive people (HSPs), referring to individuals with a more sensitive nervous system and who are more attuned to their surroundings. Additionally, Aron identified that some children also possess heightened sensitivity, which led to the term "highly sensitive child" being introduced. Dr. Aron's research and writings have significantly contributed to our understanding of highly sensitive individuals, including children, and she has published multiple books on the topic.

Although the term is widely embraced in popular psychology and mainstream discourse, it is essential to note that it does not constitute an official diagnosis. Instead, it represents a collection of interconnected experiences, serving as an umbrella concept many people find valuable for encapsulating their experiences. The term has also faced criticism as overly simplistic or as a term that may falsely reconceptualize forms of neurodivergence through a new lens.* (See footnote for more info on the criticism and my personal thoughts on the term).

What Does Highly Sensitive Child Mean?

A highly sensitive child experiences the world more intensely than others, with heightened sensitivity to stimuli like noise, light, textures, or emotions. They often have a more reactive nervous system, making them easily overwhelmed and overstimulated. Highly sensitive children may also display traits such as deep empathy, strong intuition, and a need for more processing time and smoother transitions.

While many highly sensitive children may also have neurodivergence, such as autism or ADHD, being highly sensitive is not equivalent to having these conditions. It is possible for people to be highly sensitive without being Autistic or ADHD. However, there is some overlap in that many Autistic and ADHD children are more likely to have heightened sensitivity, but not all individuals with heightened sensitivity are innately neurodivergent.

Do You Have a Highly Sensitive Child?

Around 15-20% of the population is born with a temperament that makes them highly sensitive to their environment. This sensitivity can manifest in various ways, such as being more easily overwhelmed by stimuli, emotionally reactive, or having a deeper empathy toward others.

Highly sensitive children may have a more sensitive nervous system, which makes them more aware of and responsive to sensory stimuli. This innate sensitivity can manifest in various emotional, physical, and social domains. Some children may exhibit higher levels of sensitivity right from birth, while others may develop it as they grow older. Sensitivity is not inherently good or bad but simply a natural variation in temperament.

Does your child have a highly sensitive brain?

Highly sensitive people (HSPs) have a sensory processing sensitivity trait, meaning they process sensory information more deeply than others. Here are some common experiences of children with highly sensitive brains:   

1. Strong emotional reactions: Highly sensitive brains tend to have intense emotional responses to both positive and negative stimuli.

2. Deep empathy: They have a high capacity for understanding and feeling the emotions of others, often making them highly empathetic individuals.

3. Heightened awareness of subtleties: They possess an ability to perceive and notice small details and subtle changes in their environment, such as slight temperature variations, sounds, or visual cues.

4. Overstimulation susceptibility: Highly sensitive brains can become overwhelmed easily by high levels of sensory input or stimulation, resulting in feeling exhausted or needing withdrawal.

5. Low tolerance for violence or conflict: They tend to have a strong aversion to violent or aggressive behavior in their surroundings and often strive for peace and harmony.

6. Need for quiet or alone time: Highly sensitive brains often require periods of solitude or downtime to recharge and process their thoughts and emotions.

7. Deep thinking and introspection: They have a propensity for deep thinking and reflecting on their experiences and emotions, often engaging in introspective activities or pursuing creative outlets.

8. Sensitivity to criticism: Highly sensitive brains can be more affected by criticism or negative feedback than others, often taking it personally and feeling emotionally overwhelmed by it.

9. Overthinking and analysis paralysis: Highly sensitive brains often struggle with overthinking, analyzing situations extensively, and finding it challenging to make decisions due to their heightened sensitivity to potential outcomes.

10.  Enhanced intuition and perception: Highly sensitive brains often have a keen intuition and the ability to pick up on subtle changes in their surroundings or interpersonal dynamics.

11. Sensitivity to environmental factors: They might react strongly to environmental factors like noise, bright lights, strong smells, or specific textures, experiencing physical discomfort or irritation.

12. High creativity and imagination: Many highly sensitive people often possess a rich inner world and exhibit a high degree of creativity and imagination, which they channel into various artistic or intellectual pursuits.

What Makes A Child Highly Sensitive?

Both nature and nurture factors can influence the trait of high sensitivity. Studies have found certain genes associated with sensitivity, although the specific genetic mechanisms are still being explored. On the other hand, the nurture aspect suggests that environmental factors also shape the development of sensitivity.

The trait of high sensitivity, or being highly sensitive, can be seen in children from a young age, suggesting a certain level of innate predisposition. However, it is also influenced by external factors and can be nurtured or exacerbated by various environmental factors. Both nature and nurture factors interact to shape a child's personality, and it is the interplay between these factors that ultimately determines the level of sensitivity in individuals.

Nature

Sensitive children have more sensitive nervous systems, which are highly aware and quick to react to everything. This means they are more aware of and responsive to sensory stimuli. This innate sensitivity can manifest in various domains, including emotional, physical, and social sensitivity. Some children may exhibit higher levels of sensitivity right from birth, while others may develop it as they grow older. Personality research has shown that babies with sensitive temperaments often go on to have sensitive personality traits throughout their lifespan.

Nurture

However, sensitivity alone does not determine a child's experience or behavior. How children are nurtured, the environment they grow up in, and the experiences they encounter can all play significant roles in shaping their level of sensitivity and how they express it.

For instance, a child raised in an environment that values and supports sensitive traits may develop healthy coping mechanisms and flourish in their sensitivity. On the other hand, if a child is exposed to a consistently stressful or overwhelming environment, their sensitivity may become a source of distress or hinder their development and contribute to the development of mental health conditions.

While there seems to be an innate predisposition for high sensitivity, the interplay of nature and nurture is key in determining how this trait manifests and influences a child's life. The nature aspect suggests that some individuals are genetically predisposed to being highly sensitive. Additionally, a highly stimulating or stressful environment may contribute to heightened sensitivity. Parenting style, cultural influences, and life experiences can also play a role in nurturing or suppressing sensitivity. Both factors contribute to the development and expression of sensitivity in children. A helpful metaphor for conceptualizing this is the orchis vs. dandelion metaphor. 

Orchid vs. Dandelion Children: Exploring Unique Sensitivities

The terms "orchid" and "dandelion" children have emerged as a captivating way to categorize kids based on their responsiveness to environmental influences. Imagine orchids – delicate flowers requiring precise care to flourish. Orchid children, much like these flowers, possess heightened sensitivity. Their response isn't inherently good or bad; it's just a distinct trait.

Orchid children are profoundly affected by their surroundings, both positive and negative. In a nurturing environment, their sensitivity blossoms into remarkable qualities like creativity and empathy. On the flip side, envision dandelion plants – resilient and thriving even in challenging conditions. Dandelion children, like these plants, display strength and adaptability and can do well in many different contexts.

This notion of orchid and dandelion children is rooted in the theory of "Biological Sensitivity to Context," as proposed by Boyce and colleagues (1995). This theory emerged from paradoxical findings: highly biologically reactive children were more prone to developing asthma in adverse conditions, yet surprisingly, these same children were least likely to develop the illness in supportive environments (even less so than "dandelion children").

At the core of the Biological Sensitivity to Context (BSC) model lies the premise that individuals possessing specific traits are not only more prone to adversity but also more responsive to enriching experiences. In essence, children with genetic and temperamental predispositions to heightened sensitivity may encounter either exceptionally positive or challenging developmental outcomes contingent upon their early caregiving environment.

Essentially, children with built-in sensitivity react more profoundly to their surroundings, an attribute referred to as "biological sensitivity." These children's outcomes vary based on their environment. An orchid child, with proper care, transforms sensitivity into remarkable strengths. Similarly, dandelion kids showcase adaptability across multiple contexts.

Orchid Children: These kids are often labeled as highly sensitive or reactive to their environment. The term implies they need specific nurturing to thrive. Just like orchids, they are delicate and sensitive, flourishing under optimal conditions. While they may be more influenced by negative environments, a nurturing and supportive setting can fuel their growth, harnessing their sensitivity toward creativity, empathy, and humanitarian endeavors.

Dandelion Children: In contrast, dandelion children are resilient and adaptable, thriving even in less favorable circumstances. Like hardy dandelions, they withstand challenges. They are less sensitive or reactive compared to orchid children, enduring adverse conditions without significant setbacks.

The concept of orchid and dandelion children highlights individual sensitivities to environmental factors, such as parenting styles, socioeconomic status, or traumatic experiences. Orchid children often struggle in negative environments without proper support, while dandelion children often exhibit greater resilience under diverse circumstances. Recognizing that many highly sensitive children fall within the orchid category, it becomes evident that providing them with a nurturing environment is vital for their thriving — when provided the environment to thrive, orchid children will do so.*

Biological Sensitivity Spectrum

While the orchid and dandelion metaphor offers a helpful concrete concept and captures something essential about the interplay of environment and temperament, it's crucial to understand that sensitivity exists on more of a spectrum than a simple dichotomy. Rather than viewing it as a binary classification, consider the dandelion-orchid spectrum as a more nuanced representation of biological sensitivity.

Low Sensitivity

• Minimal Emotional Reactivity

• Low Environmental Awareness

• Resilient to Stressors

Moderate Sensitivity

• Some Emotional Reactivity

• Average Environmental Awareness

• Adaptable to Stressors

• High Sensitivity

High Sensitivity

• Heightened Emotional Reactivity

• Strong Environmental Awareness

• Vulnerable to Stressors

• Extreme Sensitivity

• Acute awareness of surroundings leads to exceptional creativity, empathy, and intuition in ideal environments.

Intense Emotional Reactivity

• Hyper-Aware of Environment

• Easily Overwhelmed

• Hyper-awareness enables extraordinary attention to detail and problem-solving skills in supportive environments.

Sensitivity exists on a continuum, and individuals may fall at different points along this spectrum. Recognizing this spectrum helps us appreciate the diversity of experiences.

How Can I Help My Highly Sensitive Child?

Here are several ways you, as a parent, can cultivate a fertile orchid-like environment for your highly sensitive child to thrive.

• Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts openly. Provide a safe space for them to share their emotions without judgment. This helps your child to develop language to name their experiences better. When we name our feelings, it helps tame the active parts of our brain (like the amygdala). 

• Create a Calm Environment: Designate quiet and calm spaces at home where your child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. When creating a sensory, soothing environment, consider things such as color, texture, sounds, and visual clutter. 

• Establish Routines: Routines provide the brain with a sense of predictability as it reduce uncertainty and establish soothing rhythms. Consistent daily routines can provide a sense of security and predictability for highly sensitive children.

• Limit Stimuli and Develop a Sensory Lens: Develop a sensory lens to see the world through the eyes of sensory overwhelm. When possible, reduce exposure to overwhelming sensory stimuli like loud noises or bright lights.

• Validate Emotions: Let your child know that their feelings are valid and it's okay to experience a wide range of emotions. Highly sensitive children are often called “oversensitive,” “over-reactive,” or worse. 

• Teach Coping Strategies: Help your child develop coping strategies such as the 5.4.3.2.1 grounding strategy, deep breathing, mindfulness, or creative outlets like art or music.

• Empower Their Empathy: Highly sensitive children often feel deeply for the world's challenges, yet without avenues for action, they can experience a sense of powerlessness. Nurture their empathy and provide opportunities for them to engage with and contribute to their community. Encourage small acts of kindness or advocacy, allowing them to transform their empathy into meaningful action, ultimately fostering a sense of empowerment.

• Set Realistic Expectations: Recognize your child's limitations (sensory or otherwise) and set realistic expectations for them. These children also tend to be perfectionistic, so help them set realistic expectations for themselves!

• Lead by Example: Model self-compassion, emotional regulation, and healthy ways of dealing with stress for your child. You can verbally share your own experiences in their presence, saying, "I'm feeling a bit stressed at the moment, so I'm going to take a moment to collect myself on my own, and then I'll be back." This shows them practical ways to handle emotions and stress healthily.

• Consider the Nervous System: Your child's sensitive nervous system means they can readily shift into a stressed body state, often accompanied by intense emotions. Learning about the nervous system and creating a dialogue at home to discuss what's occurring in your child's body can empower them to better manage their bodily reactions and emotions. It also assists in developing a vocabulary for emotional regulation. Check out "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel as a great starting point for ideas on how to talk to your child about their brain.

If you want to learn more about parenting a highly sensitive child from experts such as MDs, somatic therapists, psychologists, and more, check out the Master the Art of Parenting Your Sensitive Child summit. I’ll be talking more about nervous system regulation and highly sensitive children. If you attend during the live event, it’s totally free! You can also purchase an all-access pass to get extra resources from the speakers and long-term access to the videos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding highly sensitive children is essential for parents, caregivers, and educators to provide supportive environments. Highly sensitive children have a heightened sensitivity to their environment and experiences, leading to stronger emotional reactions, deep empathy, and a need for a calm and supportive atmosphere. While the concept of highly sensitive children offers a valuable lens for understanding and supporting these individuals, it's important to acknowledge the diversity within this group and the interplay of biological and environmental factors that shape their experiences.

Next week, we'll continue our exploration by delving into the intriguing intersection between highly sensitive children and various forms of neurodivergence. We'll delve deeper into the overlaps and distinctions between high sensitivity, autism, ADHD, and giftedness, shedding light on how these traits intertwine and influence one another. By gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the connections between high sensitivity and neurodivergence, we can provide even more effective and tailored support for our exceptional children. Stay tuned as we embark on this enlightening journey of exploration and discovery.

Footnotes

*Criticism of the term "highly sensitive person" (HSP) revolves around several points, including the lack of scientific validity, overgeneralization, and potential stigmatization. 
Critics caution against oversimplification and generalization when labeling individuals as Highly Sensitive People (HSPs). Their apprehensions revolve around the inadvertent propagation of the notion of biological determinism. This suggests that heightened sensitivity is exclusively steered by genetic elements and biology without accounting for the intricate interplay of genetics, environment, and psychology. Such a stance could potentially gloss over the intricate tapestry of individual differences and pose a hurdle to gaining a holistic understanding of human behavior and growth. Embracing the understanding that sensitivity spans a wide spectrum and is molded by a myriad of influences becomes pivotal in steering clear of simplistic viewpoints and averting potential stigmatization.

The concept of HSP also faces criticism from the neurodivergent community, particularly the Autistic community. Some individuals within the Autistic community feel that HSP has gained popularity as a more palatable and socially acceptable way of discussing Autistic traits and experiences without explicitly acknowledging autism. These critics argue that by promoting the HSP concept, there is a risk of overshadowing Autistic experiences and struggles. They believe that it is important to recognize and understand autism as a distinct identity rather than lumping it under the umbrella of a more widely accepted term like HSP.

Additionally, some individuals voice concerns about the commercialization and commodification of the term "Highly Sensitive Person." They believe that the concept has been exploited for profit, with various products and services being marketed specifically towards HSPs, potentially perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing the idea that sensitivity is a problem that needs fixing rather than a legitimate aspect of one's identity.

My perspective on the term has evolved. I used to agree with Autistic critiques that it was simply a “repackaging” of Autistic traits. And I certainly think this happens. However, my thinking has evolved as I’ve encountered more HSPs who are not Autistic. As a parent of one child who is Autistic and gifted but not HSP and another child who is ADHD, gifted, and HSP (but not Autistic), I have come to see the term "HSP" does not fit neatly into any one neurodivergent category. Furthermore, I appreciate it as a valuable lens through which some people can understand their experiences. While there may be an overlap between HSP and autism, I also believe that not all HSPs are necessarily Autistic. It is essential to respect individual experiences and use language in a way that empowers and supports each person's unique experience. Hence, while I maintain certain reservations about the term, I also see the potential for it to be a constructive concept for some individuals and families. 

**Like many overarching theories that rely on sweeping metaphors, the concept of orchid vs. dandelion children has encountered criticism for oversimplification. It's important to acknowledge that in reality, children's sensitivities often exist along a nuanced continuum, and attempting to classify them into two distinct categories might not fully capture the complex diversity of individual experiences and responses. While the concept offers an intriguing perspective, critics contend that it might not encompass the intricate interplay of various factors that contribute to a child's unique development and behavior.

References

Boyce WT, Chesney M, Alkon A, Tschann JM, Adams S, Chesterman B, Cohen F, Kaiser P, Folkman S, Wara D. Psychobiologic reactivity to stress and childhood respiratory illnesses: results of two prospective studies. Psychosom Med. 1995 Sep-Oct;57(5):411-22.

Kennedy E. Orchids and dandelions: How some children are more susceptible to environmental influences for better or worse and the implications for child development. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 2013;18(3):319-321. doi:10.1177/1359104513490338

Malinakova, K., Novak, L., Trnka, R., & Tavel, P. (2021). Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire: A Psychometric Evaluation and Associations with Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(24), 12962.