Sensory threshold is how sensitive your child is to their physical environment things like: sound, taste, temperature, and touch. Does your baby startle easily? Is your child a picky eater or will she eat anything? Can your baby sleep through anything? Does your child like certain types of clothing? Do you have to cut out the tags on your child’s clothes? After falling down do they quickly get up and continue playing?
Insensitive
This doesn’t mean your child doesn’t have feelings just that they aren’t as sensitive to their physical environment. This is the child that isn’t fazed by loud noises, they will probably listen to their music way to loud when a teenager. But it also means they don’t mind the sirens at the parade or can sleep when other children are playing loudly.
At mealtime this child is every parents dream because they will eat almost anything. It also means that they don’t mind being covered in their food, and will often eat with their hands.
It also means that your discipline techniques have to be stronger. It takes a lot for my youngest daughter to realize she is in trouble, while my oldest will cry if I just raise my voice.
The “insensitive child” quickly gets up after falling down and doesn’t mind getting dirty. They will be the first one to splash in the puddle or play in the mud. They aren’t going to miss out on anything.
Sensitive
The sensitive child is highly aware of their physical environment; sights, sounds, things they touch, changes in temperatures, or all of the above might affect them.
If you know that you are going to be hearing loud noises, driving past a fire-station, attending a football game, having a fire drill, going to a parade etc. warn your child before hand. Explain that they will hear loud noises and the reason for the noise (cheering because a team scored, a fire alarm to practice what to do in a real fire etc). Encourage your child to cover their ears if need be or bring a pair of earplugs to help block out the noise.
If your child is sensitive to touch, cut out the tags in their clothing. Choose clothing that is soft and less likely to itch, steer away from wool or synthetics like nylon. If your child doesn’t like getting dirty provide a rag at meal times, have them carry a baggie with a wipe for dirty situations at school or during recess.
If your child is sensitive to changes in temperature, try and keep your house at the same temperature. Limit the time your child spends outside, if the temperatures are extremely cold or hot. Spend time outside during spring and fall when temperatures are mild.
Be aware, don’t try and talk your child out of their sensitivity. Realize that their fears are real. But don’t allow their fears to disrupt their life or yours. One source said, “When she is frightened, quietly move toward her, validate the fact that she’s scared and move her away from the scene if necessary. In time, the approach you exhibit will transfer to her. With your gentle guidance, she’ll learn to manage the fright herself.”
Sometimes children have extreme sensitivity to sounds or touch. They might require intervention through the form of therapy to help them deal with their environment. If you feel like your child’s reactions to their physical environment are hindering their ability to learn and grow talk to your child’s doctor.
For more information about other personality traits read my blog “The 9 Temperamental Traits”.