What Soda Taught Me About Sensory Differences in a Family

Not every insight comes from a clinical setting.Sometimes, a moment around the kitchen table—over something as ordinary as a soda—can reveal something surprisingly meaningful.

In one household, a new flavor of blackberry Dr. Pepper sparked a casual conversation:

• One person found it exciting and refreshing—energized by the novelty and fizz.

• Another gave a thoughtful review, noting the flavor was “so-so,” not very distinctive, and ranked it alongside other favorites.

• A third commented that the fizz was overpowering. It distracted from the taste and made the whole drink feel overwhelming. They preferred root beer—especially if it had gone flat or been softened in a float.

This wasn’t a test. It wasn’t a therapy session. It was just a light, offhand interaction. But it stayed in mind as a clear, relatable example of something often seen in clinical work: people experience the same input in vastly different ways.

A Simple Drink, A Complex Response

These kinds of differences can reflect distinct sensory processing styles:

• Sensory-Seeking: Craves stimulation. Enjoys bold flavors, carbonation, novelty.

• Sensory-Discerning: Notices and evaluates subtle differences. Sensitive, but not overwhelmed.

• Sensory-Sensitive: Overwhelmed by intensity. Prefers softened, muted, or familiar sensory experiences.

These aren’t just preferences—they’re windows into how the nervous system processes the world.

Why It Matters in Clinical Care

In psychiatry and therapy, sensory experiences are often overlooked—but they shape everything:

• A child labeled “picky” may be overwhelmed by textures or smells.

• An adult who avoids touch or noisy environments may be protecting themselves from sensory overload.

• A student who is highly verbal may still struggle emotionally due to constant sensory stressors in their environment.

Recognizing and respecting sensory differences allows us to reframe what might otherwise be misinterpreted as behavioral challenges, mood disorders, or social withdrawal.

Small Clues, Big Insight

This soda moment wasn’t diagnostic. It wasn’t structured. But it served as a powerful reminder:Insight often lives in the ordinary.

When we take time to notice how people react to everyday experiences, we begin to understand how differently each nervous system responds. These reactions can guide more thoughtful support—not only in clinical care, but in homes, classrooms, and relationships.

Looking Through a Sensory Lens

In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating neurodivergence, sensory processing sensitivity, and twice-exceptionality. One of the most powerful tools we have is curiosity—not just about symptoms, but about the full context of someone’s experience.

If you’ve ever wondered why you or your child seem “too sensitive,” “too picky,” or “too intense,” it may not be a problem. It may simply be a difference—and one worth understanding.

Understanding sensory differences isn’t about labeling people—it’s about honoring the reality that we all live in slightly different versions of the same world.