The Highly Sensitive Learner: Rethinking Education for Highly Sensitive Children, Educators & Parents

In this episode of the Highly Sensitive Human Podcast, I’m joined by researcher, educator and author Kaaryn Cater for a deeply insightful conversation on what it truly means to be a Highly Sensitive Person - particularly within the context of education. Together, we explore how high sensitivity shows up in learning environments, and why so many Highly Sensitive children and adults struggle within traditional education systems. From sensory overwhelm and emotional intensity to overthinking, perfectionism, and difficulty with boundaries, this episode highlights the often unseen challenges that sensitive individuals face in classrooms and beyond. 

Kaaryn also shares insights from her upcoming book, Understanding the Highly Sensitive Learner, offering guidance for parents, educators, and Highly Sensitive individuals across all stages of life.

Dr Kaaryn Cater is an educator, coach, speaker and researcher with over 30 years of experience in education, coaching and professional development settings – and is the founder of The Mindwise Connection. Kaaryn specialises in supporting highly sensitive children, adolescents, adults, and the people who live, learn and work alongside them. She is passionate about sensitivity education and promoting wellbeing through focusing on maintaining nervous system balance and harnessing personal strengths to help highly sensitive people thrive in education, careers, work and life.

You can learn more about her work, resources, and services at https://www.mindwiseconnection.com/