Are You (or your child) a Highly Sensitive Person?

We are taking a deep dive into the topic of high sensitivity.

Did you know that 15 to 20 percent of the population is characterized highly sensitive?

What is a highly sensitive person?

Is being a highly sensitive person a disorder?

What is the difference between a sensitive and an empath?

Is it a good thing to be sensitive?

In her national bestseller, The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You, author Elaine Aron defines a distinct personality trait that affects as many as one out of every five people. According to Dr. Aron’s definition, the highly sensitive person (HSP) has a sensitive nervous system, is aware of subtleties in his/her surroundings, and is more easily overwhelmed when in a highly stimulating environment.

Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?

About my guest

MELISSA SCHWARTZ is an author, parent coach and an avid advocate for highly sensitive children. She was born an intense, sensitive, empathic, power seeker. Her intuitive ability to decode misbehavior and her passion for giving a voice to the legitimate needs of children naturally evolved into becoming the co-creator of Leading Edge Parenting. Melissa has worked with children for over fifteen years and began using Sandi as her personal coach while nannying in college. Years of practical experience taught Melissa how to encourage cooperative and kind behavior with love and wisdom.