Highly Sensitive People
High sensitivity, sometimes referred to as Sensory Processing Sensitivity, is a neurotype and trait identified by Elaine Aron in the 1990s. Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) process the world deeply—emotionally, physically, and even intellectually. They often pick up on the smallest details, feel things intensely and need time to recover from overstimulation. This level of awareness can be both a gift and a challenge. Art, nature and music may be especially pleasurable. But because HSPs experience both positive and negative emotions with greater intensity, without proper support, they might easily become irritable, angry or shut down. Conflict, injustice, pain and criticism may be experienced with greater intensity as well. It's important to learn about your system, and what recharges and balances you.
Research suggests that high sensitivity often overlaps with other forms of neurodiversity, including autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder (SPD). While high sensitivity itself is not a neurodevelopmental condition, it shares traits with these conditions and can sometimes be mistaken for them. High sensitivity can amplify traits of other neurodivergent conditions - for some, it can coexist with ADHD, autism, or anxiety, while for others, it stands alone as a distinct trait.
Common qualities of HSPs:
-
Deep Emotional Processing – They feel emotions intensely and take time to process experiences, often reflecting on things more than others.
-
Heightened Empathy – They are highly attuned to others' emotions and can sense subtle shifts in mood, energy, or body language.
-
Strong Intuition – They often have a deep inner knowing or gut instinct that guides them in decision-making.
-
Easily Overstimulated – Loud noises, bright lights, crowded spaces, or too much information at once can feel overwhelming or exhausting.
-
Sensitive to Subtleties – They notice details others might miss—changes in tone of voice, textures, scents, or small inconsistencies in behavior.
-
Deeply Affected by Art and Beauty – Music, nature, and creative expression can move them profoundly, sometimes to the point of tears.
-
Need for Alone Time – Processing everything so deeply requires downtime to recharge, making solitude essential for well-being.
-
Heightened Physical Sensitivity – They may have strong reactions to caffeine, medications, or physical sensations like itchy fabrics or temperature shifts.
-
Strong Sense of Justice – Many HSPs feel deeply about ethical issues, fairness, and advocacy, making them natural activists or advocates for change.
-
Rich Inner World – They often have vivid imaginations, deep spiritual or philosophical reflections, and a love for meaningful conversations.
Further Resources:
Elaine Aron, PhD. website and book, The highly sensitive person: How to thrive when the world overwhelms you (2020).
Sensory Profile Self-Assessment