🦋Brave Steps
The world is too loud. Or too bright. Or too much. They're not being dramatic — their nervous system is doing its job, just more intensely than you'd expect.
What's actually happening
Sensory processing differences affect an estimated 5–16% of children (Ben-Sasson et al., 2009). These children experience sensory input more intensely — sounds are louder, lights are brighter, textures are more intrusive — not because they're being difficult but because their neurological thresholds are lower. Dunn (1997) developed a model of sensory processing that identifies four patterns: seeking, avoiding, sensitivity, and registration. Children in the 'sensitive' and 'avoiding' categories often develop anxiety as a secondary response to repeated sensory overwhelm. The anxiety isn't the primary problem — the sensory experience is.
What parents usually try
"You're fine, it's not that loud"
Dismisses a genuine sensory experience. The child's threshold is different — what's comfortable for you may be genuinely painful for them (Dunn, 1997).
Forced participation
Flooding (overwhelming exposure) can create trauma responses in sensory-sensitive children. Gradual, child-led exposure is more effective (Ben-Sasson et al., 2009).
Complete avoidance of triggering situations
Protects the child but limits their world. The goal is expanding tolerance gradually, not eliminating exposure (Miller et al., 2007).
What actually helps
Sensory-aware storytelling respects the child's neurological reality while modelling gradual, self-paced engagement. The story character encounters a challenging sensory environment, notices their body's response (heart beating fast, hands over ears), and takes one chosen step. The key is agency: the character decides their own pace. This mirrors sensory integration therapy principles (Ayres, 1972) — the child engages with challenge at a level they choose, building tolerance incrementally rather than through forced exposure.
How this story works
Sensory-aware storytelling respects the child's nervous system. The story doesn't push through sensory overwhelm — it models pacing, self-advocacy, and the courage of small, chosen steps.
What your child hears
Your child's character takes small steps into an overwhelming situation. Not rushing. Not pretending it's fine. Each step is chosen, each pause is honoured, and the pace belongs entirely to your child.
When to use this story
Before a sensory-challenging event (party, concert, busy shop)
When the child is processing a recent overwhelm
When anxiety about specific sensory triggers is building
As a regular story for sensory-sensitive children
When introducing new sensory experiences (swimming lessons, haircuts)
After the story
The story is the beginning. Here's how to keep it going:
“How does your body feel when you feel worried?”
“What was your brave step today?”
“Who helps you feel safe?”
Try this
Create a "brave steps" ladder together — draw tiny steps toward the goal
The research behind this approach(show)
Evidence-based stories for neurodivergent children using social narrative approaches, narrative therapy, and sensory-aware storytelling.
- Gray, C. (2015). The New Social Story Book (15th Anniversary Edition). Future Horizons.
- White, M. & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. Norton.
- Dunn, W. (2007). Living Sensationally: Understanding Your Senses. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.