Common Challenges & Symptoms In Highly Sensitive And Emotionally Intense Children

Parenting a highly sensitive or emotionally intense child can bring unique challenges, and each child’s experience is as individual as they are.

This page outlines the challenges and symptoms I can help with- from intense emotional outbursts and anxiety, to specific struggles where children shut down or find it hard to open up.

Whether your child is highly sensitive, emotionally intense, neurodiverse or facing anxiety, trauma or behavioural challenges, I’m here to offer guidance and support.

Challenges and Symptoms I Can Help With

Below are some of the common challenges and symptoms I help parents and children work through.

This list is not exhaustive- if your child is facing other challenges, please feel free to get in touch to discuss how I may be able to help.

Emotional and Mental Health Challenges:

  • Anger

  • Anxiety

  • Difficulty accepting or understanding an autism diagnosis/suspected diagnosis

  • Emetophobia (vomit phobia)

  • Emotional outbursts

  • Fear of failure

  • Intrusive or compulsive thoughts

  • Lack of control in some area of life

  • Low confidence and self-esteem

  • Low mood or desire to feel happier

  • Nervousness or worry

  • Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes

  • Poor self-image


    Social and Relationship Issues:

  • Conflict with parents or disharmony in the household

  • Fear of others’ judgment

  • Feeling lost or without a sense of direction or purpose

  • Friendship issues

  • Hyperawareness or sensitivity to criticism

  • Overwhelm in social situations

  • Shyness or reluctance to speak up

  • Separation anxiety



    School-Related Challenges:

  • Being misunderstood by teachers

  • Bullying

  • Exam stress

  • School anxiety

  • School refusal


    Behavioural and Physical Concerns:

  • Bedwetting

  • Confusion over potential ‘labels’ or diagnoses for your child

  • Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine

  • Difficulty expressing feelings/shutting down

  • Impulsivity or difficulty with self-regulation

  • Restrictive eating

  • Screen addiction

  • Sensory sensitivities

  • Sleep issues

  • Soiling


Why Early Intervention Is Crucial For Highly Sensitive, Anxious and Emotionally Intense Children

Tackling the challenges as early as possible is essential not just for your child’s well-being, but for YOU too (and the entire family).

Positive outcomes for your child’s mental health

The younger a child is when they begin receiving support, the better the outcomes tend to be.

Timely support prevents issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional outbursts and shutdowns from becoming even more entrenched or reinforced over time.

As the child grows older it becomes harder to shift these kinds of challenges.

Peace of mind for YOU

For parents, early support means greater peace of mind and a wonderful sense of empowerment.

As you learn to understand and respond to your child’s unique needs, you’ll feel more confident in guiding them though difficult moments.

It’s surprising how fast those feelings of desperation, overwhelm or helplessness can be released, making family life the happy experience you’d always dreamed of.

You deserve to feel both supported and reassured that your child’s mental health and well-being is being taken care of.

Creating a calmer, more harmonious family environment

The benefits extend to the entire family. Siblings, too, will benefit when your child’s challenges are addressed, as it leads to a more peaceful and harmonious home environment.

By building healthier emotional responses and coping mechanisms early on, parents and children alike experience less stress and more fulfilling and secure connections with one another.

Timely support lays the groundwork not only for the child’s resilience but also for a stronger, more supportive family dynamic that you can all thrive in.

How To Get Started Supporting Your Child’s Needs

Getting started is simple. If you’re ready to receive outside support to help your child overcome their struggles and thrive, the first step is to reach out.

We can chat initially via email or WhatsApp, where you can share your experiences and challenges and ask me any questions.

The next step would be a free phone consultation- one that could mark the beginning of a powerful transformation for your family.

Have you accessed my free parenting course yet?

This offers you a valuable introduction to understanding highly sensitive, emotionally intense and anxious children and is the perfect starting point while you prepare to get the ball rolling.

Ready To Help Your Child Thrive?

Imagine your child feeling more confident, calm and understood. This is possibly the most important step you could take for your family.

Get in touch and schedule a free consultation, or start with my free course. You are not alone and together we can explore and address your child’s unique needs and challenges.

With heaps of compassion and understanding, I’m here to support you and your child every step of the way.

- Sarah Weaver.