Gifted children often exhibit more sensory sensitivity to their environment and react with heightened emotional and behavioral responses than do children of average intelligence. Though these responses may lessen over time or individuals learn how to compensate for and accommodate sensory “overload”, it is reasonable to say that most gifted people experience increased and ongoing sensory sensitivity throughout their lifespan. To effectively support gifted children and adults with varied sensory sensitivities, it is important to first understand the concept of sensory integration. Sensory integration refers to the processes in the brain that enable us to take information received from our senses, organize it, and respond appropriately.
While we commonly speak of the five senses (sound, sight, taste, smell, and touch), there are actually eight senses to consider when addressing sensory processing and integration. These include the traditional five, plus proprioception, vestibular, and interoception. Proprioception involves sensations from muscles and joints, providing information about gravity and effort. The vestibular sense relates to the perception of head movement in space, which is fundamental to balance. Interoception encompasses sensations related to the physiological or physical condition of the body, such as hunger or thirst.
When the brain’s ability to process sensory information is affected negatively, it is sometimes referred to as a Sensory Processing “Disorder” (SPD). Sensory processing disorder is not included in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as an official diagnosis. Sensory processing differences may occur alongside diagnoses like Autism and ADHD, and they may be related to giftedness and heightened sensitivity to neural input. Everyone possesses a unique sensory profile and responses may fluctuate day to day. We may experience both hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) and hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to a wide range of stimuli.
Diverse Sensory Profiles
All humans exhibit different patterns in how we process sensory information, leading to varied sensory profiles.
- Sensory Seekers — Tend to seek out sensory experiences across all the senses. They might frequently touch or smell objects, seek intense movement and sounds, struggle with sitting still, and be in constant motion. They can also be under-sensitive to sensory input and might miss cues from others.
- Sensory Avoiders — Tend to avoid sensory input because they experience it more intensely than average. Characteristics include appearing timid, selective eating, aversion to certain clothing textures, dislike of physical touch, being startled by unexpected sounds or bright lights, preferring quieter environments, and avoiding crowds.
- Low Registration — Describes individuals whose nervous system requires a higher level of sensory input to register a sensation. They may miss or take longer to respond to sensory input, seem to daydream, appear clumsy, or take longer to follow instructions.
- Sensory Sensitivity — Refers to a tendency to respond more readily to sensory stimuli and have a harder time filtering input.
Sensory Sensitivities and Giftedness
Gifted and high-ability children and adults frequently exhibit heightened sensory sensitivities. They may have stronger neural responses to many types of stimuli compared to peers of average intelligence and might develop avoidance behaviors to protect themselves from overstimulation. “Skeptical adults may expect gifted children to participate in activities without acknowledging their greater sensory sensitivity, potentially causing the child pain, discomfort, or exhaustion. Repeatedly being told that what they feel is not real can lead these children to mistrust their own senses.”
Kazimierz Dabrowski’s theory of Overexcitabilities includes Sensual Overexcitability, a heightened awareness of the senses. This can include sensitivity to smells, tastes, textures, chemicals, tactile sensitivity, and a need for or rejection of comfort. Sensual overexcitability can bring benefits like environmental awareness, empathy, high expectations, and idealism, but also practical challenges in situations like dressing, social gatherings, classrooms, and public places.
Understanding Individual Needs
To provide effective support, strive to be curious and observant. Ask about the environment, preferences, and sensory needs. Consider whether the setting is soothing or chaotic, whether tasks demand multiple senses, what body signals are present, and what other daily demands exist. Understanding specific sensory needs is the first step to addressing them.
Strategies for Support
Supporting sensory sensitivities requires environmental adjustments, self-regulation techniques, personal reflection, and physical tools to alleviate overwhelm. It is important for gifted individuals to learn which sensory inputs can be controlled and which cannot.
Environmental Solutions
Modify the environment to limit offensive stimuli by decluttering sounds and lights. Use visual schedules for predictability and allow variable seating or standing options to accommodate movement needs. Consider all senses when evaluating the environment; the goal is to manage rather than eliminate stimuli.
Regulation Strategies
Teach and practice self-regulation skills. Regulation strategies include activators and settlers.
- Activators — Designed to activate the body’s sympathetic response and elicit a sensation of safety. Examples: Angel Stretch, Follow the Leader, Human Push Ups, Rhythmic Drawing, and structured shaking patterns of limbs.
- Settlers — Activate the parasympathetic response, increase sensory resilience, and foster calm. Examples: breathing exercises, tapping, swaying, and guided meditation.
- General Regulating Strategies (for Avoiders/Sensitive) — Dim lights, reduce visual stimuli, muted colors, quiet environments, noise-canceling headphones, weighted items, heavy work activities, and slow rhythmical vestibular input.
- General Alerting Strategies (for Seekers/Low Registration) — Bright lighting, high contrast, music, peer interaction, movement and stretching, jumping, and varied tactile inputs.
Physical Tools
Tangible items can support regulation and ease sensory overload: metronomes or timers for breathing, heart rate monitors for body awareness, weighted blankets or vests, therapy bands, calm strips, fairy lights, mindful coloring, earplugs for auditory filtering, and quiet fidgets. Design a personalized toolkit based on individual preferences.
Moving Forward – Looking Inwards
Supporting individuals with sensory sensitivities requires introspection and awareness. Avoid minimizing someone’s experience, listen attentively, respond honestly, and be flexible. The aim is not to fix sensory sensitivities but to manage them and empower individuals to navigate the world successfully.
References
- Champagne, T. (2008). Sensory modulation and environment: Essential elements of occupation (3rd Ed).
- Daniels, E. R. (2024). The Regulated Classroom: Bottom-Up Trauma-Informed Teaching.
- Duncan, S., Goodwin, C., Haase, J., & Wilson, S. (n.d.). Neuroscience of Giftedness: Greater Sensory Sensitivity. Gro Gifted. https://gro-gifted.org/neuroscience-of-giftedness-greater-sensory-sensitivity/
- Gere, D. R., Capps, S. C., Mitchell, D. W., & Grubbs, E. (2009). Sensory sensitivities of gifted children. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(3), 288–295. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.63.3.288
- Houskamp, B. (2021). Sensory Issues in Gifted Kids: A Developmental Overview and Recommendations for Parenting. Davidson Institute. https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/sensory-issues-in-gifted-kids/
- Additional resources: Kranowitz (2005), Morin (n.d.), Patalan & Tonozzi (2025), and other practice materials.
