Autism Is Not the Same as Being a Highly Sensitive Person. Here’s the Difference.

Aug 17

KEY POINTS

Autism and high sensitivity are frequently mistaken to be the same thing.
Presently, autism is estimated to affect approximately 2 percent of the population, whereas about 30 percent are highly sensitive.
People with Autism and people with high sensitivity contrast in their interactions with environmental factors, approaches to processing information, and paths of development

Is being a highly sensitive person (HSP) simply another presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

It is no surprise that this question has become increasingly debated, as both types of individuals are found to be more sensitive to environmental stimuli as compared to those who do not identify in these categories. Despite the two having similar sensitivities to things such as loud noises, intense smells, large crowds, and the sensitivity to environmental stimuli, the reason for these anomalies differs both in the root causes and how their traits impact the overall quality of life.

While sensory processing sensitivity and autism spectrum disorder share some similarities in terms of sensory processing challenges, they are distinct conditions that require different approaches to diagnosis and management. Understanding the differences between these two conditions can help individuals access the appropriate support and resources.

Highly Sensitive People (HSP) Explained

Dr. Elaine Aron first coined the term “highly sensitive person” nearly 30 years ago, she explicitly stated that being an HSP is not the same as being autistic. However, the research was not as well-informed as it is presently. Some critics say that her assumption further stigmatized autism as being a disability while supporting high sensitivity as a “gift.” She was accurate in seeing high sensitivity as a gift; however, it also comes with its own set of challenges, similar to how autism has its own benefits and challenges.

Sensory processing sensitivity, sometimes referred to as highly sensitive person (HSP), is a trait that describes individuals who have heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli such as sights, sounds, smells, textures, and emotions. This trait is believed to be present in about 20% of the population and is not considered a disorder or a diagnosis. People who are highly sensitive may have a more pronounced response to sensory stimuli than others, and they may need more time and space to process and recover from intense or overwhelming experiences. This sensitivity can lead to intense emotional responses and a deep awareness of subtleties that others might overlook. HSPs often process information more deeply, and they may be more affected by their surroundings. For example, a highly sensitive person may feel anxious or overstimulated in a noisy, crowded environment, or may be deeply affected by a sad or violent scene in a movie.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Explained

Autism Spectrum Disorder, on the other hand, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a range of challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Individuals with ASD may struggle with understanding nonverbal cues, have repetitive behaviors, and exhibit intense focus on specific interests. ASD presents itself differently in each individual, leading to the term "spectrum." ASD is a diagnosable condition that is typically identified in childhood, although some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until later in life.

4 Key Differences Between Highly Sensitive People and Those With Autism

The confusion between HSP and ASD lies in the fact that both groups of people tend to get overwhelmed by environmental stimuli. Those with autism may panic, act out or shut down in response to overwhelming situations, and some highly sensitive children can do the same thing when they get overstimulated. But despite this overlap, ASD and HSP can be distinguished from each other based on the research that highlights their distinct differences.

Nature of Sensitivity:

HSPs primarily exhibit heightened emotional and sensory sensitivity, which can lead to a greater awareness of their emotional and physical states.
In ASD, sensory sensitivity is often characterized by either overstimulation or under-stimulation of sensory input, leading to unique sensory experiences and reactions.

Social Interactions:

HSPs may excel in social interactions once they've adjusted to their environment, although they might be deeply affected by social nuances and emotional interactions.
ASD individuals often face challenges in social communication, with difficulties in reading nonverbal cues, understanding emotions, and establishing reciprocal relationships.

Communication Styles:

HSPs may have highly developed language skills, and their communication style often revolves around expressing emotions and connecting with others on an emotional level. HSPs also don’t struggle with ‘social’ issues like eye contact, recognizing faces, social cues, and knowing the intentions of others.
ASD individuals can experience difficulties in both verbal and nonverbal communication, leading to misunderstandings and challenges in conveying their thoughts and emotions.

Repetitive Behaviors and Focus:

HSPs may not exhibit the same intensity of repetitive behaviors or narrow focus on specific interests that are commonly associated with ASD.
ASD individuals often display repetitive behaviors and may exhibit intense interest in specific subjects, often to the exclusion of other activities.

Both HSPs and individuals with autism possess incredible strengths

Both HSPs and individuals with autism possess incredible strengths due to the unique way their brain differs. Some of the same mechanisms in the brain that cause difficulties for autistic individuals also result in incredible gifts and talents. One strength often associated with autism is focused attention and expertise in specific areas of interest. Individuals with autism frequently exhibit intense passion and dedication to subjects that capture their interest. This capacity for hyper-focus can lead to profound knowledge and expertise in those particular domains, often surpassing the depth of understanding of neurotypical individuals. This strength can be leveraged in educational, professional, and personal settings, contributing to innovation, creativity, and excellence in various fields.

HSPs also possess many unique gifts and strengths that can enhance their life. One strength of HSPs is their heightened empathy and deep emotional understanding. HSPs often possess an exceptional ability to sense and comprehend the emotions of others, even subtle nuances that might go unnoticed by others. This heightened empathy enables them to connect deeply with people on an emotional level, offering valuable support and fostering meaningful relationships. HSPs' sensitivity to emotional cues can also contribute to better communication and collaboration in various interpersonal interactions.

Conclusion

Both High Sensitivity and Autism exist on a spectrum and each person has a unique way of experiencing the world based on their inherited traits and also their lived experiences. While both Highly Sensitive People and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder share some sensitivities, they are separate concepts with distinct characteristics. It's crucial to recognize and respect these differences to provide appropriate support and understanding. Each individual's experience is unique, and being informed about these distinctions helps promote inclusivity and empathy in our interactions with others.

Should I Pursue an Adult Autism Diagnosis?

The decision of whether or not to get an official diagnosis is a very personal one. Getting a diagnosis can lead to a better understanding of yourself and others and the ability to learn to manage your symptoms. The benefits of pursuing a diagnosis of autism include:

Understanding and Acceptance: Receiving a formal diagnosis of autism can provide you with a sense of understanding and clarity. It can validate your experiences and explains the challenges you may have faced throughout your lives. Understanding your autism diagnosis can lead to self-acceptance and self-compassion, promoting overall well-being.
Access to Support and Services: A formal diagnosis opens doors to a wide range of support services and resources specifically designed for individuals with autism. These can include specialized therapies, educational accommodations, social skills training, and access to support groups. Having a diagnosis can also help in navigating the healthcare system and accessing appropriate interventions and treatments.
Tailored Interventions and Strategies: With a diagnosis, individuals can benefit from interventions and strategies that are specifically tailored to address their unique strengths and challenges. Autism-focused therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Social Communication Intervention, or Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy, are modulaties that target specific areas of development, such as social skills, communication, sensory sensitivities, and executive functioning.
Self-Advocacy and Empowerment: By knowing your autism diagnosis you can become empowered to become a self-advocate. It can provide you with language to explain your needs and challenges to others, fostering better understanding and support from family, friends, educators, and employers.
Building a Support Network: A diagnosis can connect individuals and families with a community of people who share similar experiences. Support groups, online forums, and local organizations focused on autism can offer valuable emotional support, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Building connections with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of autism can be a source of strength and encouragement.
Future Planning and Legal Protections: A formal diagnosis of autism can assist with future planning, especially in areas such as education, employment, and financial assistance. It may open doors to specific programs, scholarships, or accommodations that can support individuals in pursuing their goals. In some cases, a diagnosis may also provide legal protections under disability rights laws.

While pursuing a diagnosis of autism is a personal decision, the potential benefits mentioned above highlight how it can contribute to personal growth, well-being, and access to support and resources. It is essential to consult with healthcare professionals and specialists experienced in autism evaluation and diagnosis to make an informed decision based on individual circumstances.