Hypersensitivity corresponds to above-average sensitivity and a tendency to be more easily overcome by emotions. From the outside, the reactions of a hypersensitive child can sometimes seem exaggerated, but they also reflect a great ability to perceive the emotional state of others, as well as great empathy. It can nevertheless lead to a feeling of incomprehension, anxiety, communication difficulties and sometimes, developmental difficulties and withdrawal, which is why parental support is important.
What is hypersensitivity? Definition.
Hypersensitivity is, in psychology, a increased sensitivity to everything that surrounds the person: environment, behaviors, emotions. This can be experienced with difficulty by the person, but also minimized by those around them. Thus, faced with the different elements, a hypersensitive child may have intense reactions, which may seem disproportionate to others.
There are several types of sensory hypersensitivity, also called sensory processing disorders, as :
- tactile hypersensitivity: vivid reactions to sensations of to touchsuch as clothing labels or the texture of food, can cause difficulty eating;
- visual hypersensitivity: coming from visual stimulisuch as bright lighting or busy store shelves;
- static hypersensitivity: when children find that the movements felt are too intense, in a car or on a ride, or when they feel dizzy;
- auditory hypersensitivity: noises bother children, especially engine or crowd noise, this can push them to make noise themselves to cover the volume and reassure themselves.
Where does hypersensitivity come from?
A child can be hereditarily hypersensitive, if one of his parents is also the case. Or, it can be caused by an unbalanced lifestyle, for example excessive consumption of sugar or processed foods. Or, it can come from an unstable family situation, with sudden changes or an environment that is not safe for the child.
How to recognize hypersensitivity in children or babies?
Certain signs in children may suggest hypersensitivity:
- very intense fits and crying;
- of the emotional outbursts ;
- difficulty accepting frustration, with reactions that seem disproportionate;
- sensitivity to various elements: smells, tastes, textures, noises and noisy places, lights, crowds;
- difficulty adapting to changes and moments of transition;
- difficulty making choices;
- difficulty getting organized;
- difficulty speaking in public and being the center of attention;
- the need to be calm;
- panic attacks;
- fertile creativity and imagination;
- developed empathy and listening skills;
- increased sensitivity to art.
However, hypersensitive, or ultrasensitive, children do not always show all of these signs.
How to have your child’s hypersensitivity diagnosed?
THE hypersensitivity diagnosis must be made by a psychiatrist, who will look for the cause behind this phenomenon, and therefore make a broader diagnosis. It can search, for example, if there is not also a anxiety disorder or one mood disorder treat.
If hypersensitivity is experienced badly, the psychiatrist can propose an adapted therapeutic strategy, such as interpersonal therapy (TIP), or the cognitive and behavioral therapy (TCC). Mindfulness meditation can also help, although its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven.
How to help a hypersensitive child to thrive?
A hypersensitive child may encounter certain difficulties on a daily basis, such as not feeling understood, being shy, sometimes rejected by others, or being isolated. The risk is therefore that he will withdraw into himself, be more subject to bullying at school, and become anxious.
Parents, as well as those around them, of hypersensitive children must therefore be vigilant on this point. And do not systematically punish the child, which could be counterproductive. You can give him moments of calm and rest, help him talk about his emotions, identify the triggers of crises, help him during transition periods, offer him suitable physical activities, adapt his environment (remove the clothing labels, etc.), and compliment him on his qualities: his empathy, his artistic fiber or his creative spirit, for example. Because hypersensitivity is also a great source of qualities.
Of course, a psychologist can also help you better understand your child’s needs, and support them through the difficulties they are going through. Know that a hypersensitive child does not necessarily become, subsequently, a hypersensitive adult.
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Read also :
⋙ Hypersensitivity and love: advice for living a fulfilling relationship
⋙ Odile Vuillemin (“Deux femmes”): “My hypersensitivity has long been a hindrance in my career” – INTERVIEW
⋙ Testimonial: “Hypersensitive and extroverted: how I turned my hypersensitivity into a strength”