How high sensitivity and autism overlap, plus some key differences

"Both groups of people tend to get overwhelmed by environmental stimuli."

Jules De Vitto adds in a post that although both highly sensitive people (HSPs) and those with autism "may have sensory processing challenges, there are some key differences between the two conditions."

In this brief excerpt from her related podcast episode, she speaks with Robert Siegers, exploring this topic of High Sensitivity compared with Autism.

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Transpersonal Coach and Trainer for HSPs Jules De Vitto, MAEd, MSc, comments in her article "Is The Highly Sensitive Person the same as Autism Spectrum Disorder?":

"Autism is characterized by a range of symptoms, including difficulties with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory processing challenges.

"Some individuals with autism may have heightened sensitivity to certain sensory stimuli, while others may have a diminished sensitivity or a lack of response to certain sensory inputs."

"Although there may be some similarities between the sensory processing challenges experienced by highly sensitive individuals [HSPs] and those with autism, there are some key differences between the two conditions.

"For example, individuals with autism may have difficulty with social communication and interaction, while highly sensitive people do not necessarily have these challenges.

"Additionally, individuals with autism may display repetitive behaviors and may struggle with changes to routine, which is not a hallmark of sensory processing sensitivity."

The confusion between HSP and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), she writes, "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, she finds, "despite this overlap, ASD and HSP can be distinguished from each other based on the research that highlights their distinct differences.

“These differences have been largely supported by a study, led by Dr. Bianca Acevedo of the Neuroscience Research Institute of the University of California which analyzed 27 papers comparing high sensitivity, autism, and other conditions."

This Creative Mind Audio is an excerpt from her Highly Sensitive Humans Podcast.

She summarizes, "In today's episode, I speak with Robert Siegers exploring the "similarities, differences and overlapping traits with the purpose of opening up a dialogue around this important topic.

"We also explore the purpose and potential limitations of using labels and diagnosis. We discuss the importance of understanding neurodiversity with the intention and goal of delving into the lived experience of being highly sensitive and how it may overlap or intertwine with other diagnoses - ultimately, respecting and honouring the diversity of our human experience."

She notes that Robert is "a highly sensitive person and entrepreneur from Germany. He is the host of the Understandable podcast. On his channel, he talks about mental health topics such as high sensitivity and other neurodivergent conditions."

» Hear the full Season 2 Episode3: "Is the Highly Sensitive Person the same as Autism Spectrum" in the Podcast section of the HSH Website - see link to the website at Highly Sensitive Human Academy – "A central hub providing an abundance of resources and accredited courses for Highly Sensitive People all over the world."

Also se her full article "Is The Highly Sensitive Person the same as Autism Spectrum Disorder?" in the HSH Website.

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» Related Creative Mind Audio podcast episode: Thriving as a highly sensitive person, or autistic, or both - especially as a woman.

From my episode Notes:

Therapist and author Julie Bjelland, LMFT comments about her podcast Episode 189: Highly Sensitive, Autistic, or both? Understanding the Differences. See page on her site for the HSP and Neurodivergent Podcast.

"I discuss the differences that set autism apart from high sensitivity, particularly in women. I highlight the outdated diagnostic criteria for autism and the misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis in many women.

"We'll explore the unique characteristics of autistic women, such as the challenges of masking, the need for solitude, and the intense sensitivity across multiple senses. I also emphasize the importance of self-compassion and acceptance for autistic individuals and the need for a neurodiverse society."

Understanding Autism in Women - An Online Guide - Author Julie Bjelland, LMFT, summarizes: "This guide is important for individuals and practitioners and contains the most recent research and information we know about autism in adult women. Many sensitive women are discovering that they are also autistic because past diagnostic criteria has been inaccurate."

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