Highly Sensitive Person and Autism: What’s the Difference?

Brief Summary:

• High sensitivity (or SPS) and autism are often mistaken as being the same

• There are 3 main physiological differences that differentiate ASD from HSP

• Yes - you CAN be HSP and autistic! But not all highly sensitive people are autistic

Is Being Highly Sensitive Simply Another Way of Saying You are Autistic?

It’s understandable that there are many people out there who read over the list of characteristics present in highly sensitive people and autistic folks and come to the conclusion that “HSP is just another word for autism”. But after further investigation into this topic, it’s pretty clear that you can, in fact, be highly sensitive and not be on the autism spectrum. Let me explain…

Defining ASD + HSP

First, let’s make sure we are on the same page about what Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) actually means…

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how people communicate and interact with the world. It exists on a spectrum, so it looks different for everyone, but there are some common traits including challenges with social interactions, repetitive behaviors, and unique ways of processing information.

Now, on the flip side, we have Highly Sensitive People (HSPs). This term, coined in the mid-1990s by Dr. Elaine and Arthur Aron, describes individuals who are super tuned in to the world around them due to something called “depth of processing” and “sensory processing sensitivity”. This can look like being extra sensitive to things like light, noise, or even emotions. It’s like having your senses cranked up to eleven.

HSPs are not always on the autism spectrum, but they do experience the world in a very intense and heightened way—similar to those with ASD. Let’s break down some of the main differences between Highly Sensitive People and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Main Differences Between HSP + ASD

1. Social Interaction

People with autism might find social cues and interactions a bit tricky. It’s not that they don’t want to connect, but they might process social situations differently (for example: not picking up on certain social cues in conversations or taking things literally rather than figuratively). HSPs, on the other hand, can understand emotions and social signals well due to the heightened activity of mirror neurons in their brains. However, they can may become easily overwhelmed when there is too much social interaction or external noise, as it can be too much sensory input to handle at once. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm and fatigue, similar to that of ASD folks.

2. Sensory Sensitivity

Both autistic and HSPs are very sensitive to sensory input, but in different ways. For an autistic individual, sensory issues might mean being extremely bothered by certain textures or sounds—think tags in clothes or buzzing lights. HSPs also have heightened sensory experiences, but it’s more about their overall sensitivity to all kinds of stimuli, which can make things like crowded places or loud noises feel overwhelming.

3. Emotional Responses

HSPs often have really intense emotional experiences—they feel things deeply and can be strongly affected by their environment. Many autistic folks also experience intense emotions that seem to “come out of nowhere”, but it may be harder for them to express or fully understand the root of these feelings due to possible lower levels of emotional intelligence.

Now, you might be wondering—what if you see traits of both ASD and HSP in yourself? It’s totally possible! Sometimes, traits can overlap, like high sensitivity to sensory input. But it’s important to remember that just because someone is sensitive doesn’t automatically mean they have autism, and that all autistic people experience varying degrees of sensitivity (in fact, some autistic people are hyposensitive vs hypersensitive). If you’re trying to figure this out for yourself or someone you know, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice. If you’re wondering if you are highly sensitive, you can take my quiz here to find out!

In Conclusion

Both autism and high sensitivity are valid and important, one is not “better” or “worse” than the other - they both impact the individual’s life in various ways that can be both challenging and rewarding. For support around ASD, Julie Bjelland has some wonderful resources on her website that you can find here. If you are looking for community and support as a highly sensitive person, check out my YouTube channel here and my podcast here! I share weekly tips for managing sensory overload and shifting your mindset around your sensitivity from one of overwhelm and burn out to feeling empowered and confident in your boundaries.

Before we wrap up, let’s clear up a couple of common misconceptions. First, being an HSP isn’t a disorder—it’s just a way of experiencing the world. And not everyone who is highly sensitive has autism. They are distinct, but can sometimes overlap in some traits.

Hopefully, this helps clear up some of the confusion between autism and being a highly sensitive person. If you have your own personal experiences or simply have a question, feel free to send me an email at contact@medicinemagick.com.