✨Super Senses
They feel the tag in their shirt. They hear the fridge humming from another room. They notice things nobody else notices. Their senses aren't wrong — they're just turned up to eleven.
What's actually happening
Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a temperament trait found in approximately 15–20% of children (Aron et al., 2012). It is distinct from sensory processing disorder — SPS children process sensory information more deeply, not dysfunctionally. Acevedo et al. (2014) used fMRI to show that highly sensitive individuals show greater activation in brain regions associated with awareness, empathy, and self-other processing. Pluess & Boniwell (2015) found that highly sensitive children showed stronger positive responses to supportive environments — a concept they call 'vantage sensitivity.' The same trait that makes overwhelming environments harder also makes enriching environments more impactful.
What parents usually try
"Stop being so sensitive"
Sensitivity is a neurological trait, not a choice. Telling a child to be less sensitive is like telling them to be less tall. It creates shame around a feature of their biology (Aron et al., 2012).
Toughening them up with exposure
Repeated, unsupported exposure to overwhelming environments doesn't build resilience in SPS children — it builds avoidance and anxiety (Pluess & Boniwell, 2015).
Over-protecting from all stimulation
SPS children benefit enormously from positive sensory experiences. The goal is supported exposure to enriching environments, not avoidance of all stimulation (Acevedo et al., 2014).
What actually helps
The story does something rare: it reframes sensitivity as a genuine advantage. The character notices things others miss — a quiet sound, a subtle change, a detail that solves a problem. This strengths-based narrative aligns with Pluess & Boniwell's (2015) 'vantage sensitivity' framework: highly sensitive children aren't just more affected by negative experiences, they're more affected by positive ones too. A story that celebrates their sensitivity doesn't just feel good — it actively leverages their neurological predisposition to benefit more from affirming experiences.
How this story works
Sensory-aware storytelling reframes sensory sensitivity as a strength. The story doesn't minimise the difficulty — it acknowledges the cost and celebrates the gift.
What your child hears
Your child discovers that their sensitive senses are actually superpowers — they notice things others miss. The story reframes what the world has called 'too sensitive' into something valuable, useful, and uniquely theirs.
When to use this story
When the child has been called 'too sensitive' and it's hurt them
When sensory sensitivity is causing frustration or shame
As a regular affirmation story for sensory-sensitive children
Before situations where the child's sensitivity will be an advantage (nature walks, art, music)
When the child notices something subtle and needs that validated as a strength
After the story
The story is the beginning. Here's how to keep it going:
“What do your super senses notice that others miss?”
“What helps you when things feel too much?”
“Where is your favourite calm place?”
Try this
Create a "sensory toolkit" together — favourite textures, sounds, and calming items
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.