Child hypersensitivity: a complete guide for parents
Hub page on child hypersensitivity: spotting the signs, supporting day to day, at school and during celebrations. All our resources on sensory processing, in one place.
- hypersensitivity
- child
- parents
- sensory processing
- sensory profile
Hypersensitivity means heightened reactivity to sensory input (sounds, textures, lights, movement…). It is common in children whose sensory processing profile has low thresholds: the brain receives stimulation more intensely than average. This hub page brings together our articles to help parents and caregivers understand, spot, and support hypersensitivity day to day.
Reminder: these resources are informational and do not replace medical or paramedical advice or an assessment by a qualified professional (occupational therapist, psychomotor therapist, pediatric neurologist…).
Understanding hypersensitivity
First, recognize what belongs to sensory processing and tell hypersensitivity apart from hyposensitivity or sensory seeking.
- 5 minutes to understand your child's sensory profile — a quick, accessible introduction inspired by Winnie Dunn.
- How to recognize sensory processing difficulties in your child — signs to spot (hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, sensory seeking).
- Sensory profile of Winnie Dunn: everything you need to know — the theoretical model to observe better.
Calming a hypersensitive child day to day
A few concrete steps often reduce sensory overload and support co-regulation.
- 5 tips to calm a hypersensitive child in daily life — routine, environment, breaks.
- How to use sensory profile results to set up your home — noise, light, textures, calm spaces.
- Talking about senses: play and sensory activities — naming senses through play.
Hypersensitivity at school and in teens
School is a sensory-rich environment; adolescence adds autonomy and dialogue challenges.
- My child struggles at school: could it be sensory processing? — noise, focus, recess.
- Sensory processing and back to school: how to prepare your child — anticipating sensory load.
- Hypersensitivity in teens: how to support them — signs, school, autonomy, dialogue.
Gifts and celebrations
Celebrations can overload a hypersensitive child. Here are pointers to make them work.
- Christmas and hypersensitivity: choosing the right gifts — per-sense tips, unwrapping, family.
Going further with Sensorikid
Our online questionnaire, inspired by Winnie Dunn's model, helps clarify your child's sensory profile in a few minutes.
- Online sensory test: how Sensorikid works
- Sensorikid vs in-clinic assessment: which to choose
- How long for online sensory test results?
You can also start the questionnaire directly — no account, no storage of your personal data.