There appears to be a link between neurodivergence and sensitivity to the environment. Does this mean that highly sensitive people are also neurodivergent?
The question is whether extremely sensitive people (HSPs) are neurodivergent—that is, their brains to function differently like the typical brain – has become a hot topic. Many people feel passionately about the issue of neurodiversity because neurodivergents are often misunderstood or even mistreated, especially as children. Highly sensitive people can certainly relate, and our sensitivity certainly “makes us different”. But does this mean that sensitive people are neurodivergent?
There is not yet a consensus among sensitivity researchers and clinicians as to whether HSPs are neurodivergent, and I certainly do not speak for my colleagues. However, as a practicing psychologist who specializes in working with HSPs, I have an informed opinion. In this article, I share my opinion and highlight the key issues so that you can come to your own conclusion. My goal is to help you understand your own sensitivity so you know how to take action to help yourself and other HSPs.
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What does it mean to be neurodivergent?
The concept of neurodiversity appeared from the research About the work of sociologist Judy Singer in the 1990s. He emphasized that each member of the human species has a unique brain composition and that this “neurodiversity” is necessary and healthy for the species.
He intended the term to be descriptive and political, but not a diagnostic or even scientific research category. And he clearly stated: “Neurodiversity does not differentiate between difference and disability. It is a human concept in a specific cultural context.”
Such appreciation of differences, without pathologising them, seems to have been lost in the following years, albeit often with the noble intention of standing up for those whose differences may have led to their marginalization in society. The discourse around neurodiversity has shifted from recognizing individual uniqueness to the question of what it means to be neurotypical or neurodivergent.
As a psychologist is trained A scholar-practitioner model of counseling psychology, it is important to me to define these terms together to avoid misunderstandings. Currently, researchers do not have a single definition of what it means to be neurodivergent or neurotypical. (Actually from the American Psychological Association Dictionary of Psychology You haven’t created any posts yet for: neurodiverse, neurodiversity, neurotypicalor neurodivergent(reflecting the lack of scientific consensus on the terms.) They are often referred to on the Internet as “non-medical terms”, reflecting their widespread use without a common definition among medical and behavioral health researchers.
So where are we located high sensitivity in this still emerging field?
The case for high sensitivity as neurodiversity
The concept of neurodiversity, as Singer describes it, is extremely appealing to me. This corresponds to my belief in the uniqueness and inherent value of each person. In this context, it makes sense to me to think of high sensitivity as neurodiversity.
After all, sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), one of the names scientists use for the trait that defines HSPs, was presented to reflect significant differences in brain function in hypersensitive and non-hypersensitive people. Or as I often say: HSPs are wired differently than the mainstream. And since sensitive people are in the minority at only 30 percent of the population, we might accidentally call them a neurodiverse group.
Problem with calling highly sensitive people neurodivergent
I am struggling to make the leap and see HSPs as neurodivergentat least as the term is currently commonly used. The term is commonly used to describe people who have identified brain disorders or medical conditions. The sensitivity of sensory processing is not a disorder or disability. It is a natural version found in more than 100 species. Given how highly sensitive is already stigmatized, I’m reluctant to phrase it in a way that might make it appear that SPS is somehow undesirable or deficient.
Furthermore, the dichotomous categorization of neurotypical or neurodivergent oversimplifies the celebration of difference inherent in the concept of neurodiversity. I hear too many people arguing about who is neurodivergent, as if “neurotypical”—someone who behaves in a way society considers “norm”—is something we’ve clearly defined as the basis of human functioning. HSPs are not deviation from the “correct” or “normal” way of being, because there is no single typical human brain.
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An alternative to neurodivergence: Temperament
Since I don’t see HSPs as neurodivergent, I feel you deserve to understand how do it View SPS. For me, the lens of temperament is a rich and beneficial explanation of what it means to be highly sensitive.
What is temperament? Temperament is innate, meaning we are born with it and retain it throughout our lives—even as we learn new ways to manage and express it. Furthermore, the fact that temperament is heritable and evolutionarily conserved suggests that it has value for our species.
Temperament is a “natural” aspect of ourselves, a biologically determined aspect of who we are. based on our unique brain structure and genetic and epigenetic factors. Temperament is sometimes described as “how” people do things. In contrast, personality is the “what” and “why” of our behavior that develops over time through experience and learning.
Sensitivity is an aspect of temperament. Other considerations include preferred activity level, activity level, rhythmicity (how consistent or irregular biological rhythms such as eating and sleeping are), adaptability and endurance. These aspects interact and contribute to making people unique. For example, two HSPs may have the same level of sensitivity, but one has a high level of activity and the other has a lower level of activity. The interplay of these factors helps explain why the first HSP can tolerate a more active lifestyle, while the second HSP prefers a slower pace.
All aspects of temperament are inherently neutral. It is not better or worse to have a certain level of any temperamental quality. Humanity needs the full range of all aspects of temperament to thrive.
I find temperament useful in explaining to myself (and others) how SPS arises, why it is a permanent part of a person, and what the positive side of extreme sensitivity. Temperament reduces the pressure to conform to the imagined (or expressed) standards of our culture, which is usually organized for people of low or average sensitivity.
Instead of looking for the lifestyle change, therapy, medication, coaching, or self-realization process that will help the HSP “fit in” to the culture, we can challenge the assumption that fitting in is a desirable endeavor. We can look at how our world is failing highly sensitive people and advocate for systemic change, within societyrather than just within individual highly sensitive people.
You are free to disagree with me
Some people no doubt find it useful to think of HSPs as neurodivergent. That’s certainly a right, and I’m curious to see how it serves you. Perhaps this perspective will help you accept the fact that being an HSP is a fundamental, lifelong part of your identity. And I hope not internalizing shame and stigma that there is something “wrong” with you as an HSP because you don’t fit a hypothetical neurotypical standard.
Calling all highly sensitive people
Whether you use temperament, neurodivergence, or some other way of understanding what it means to be an HSPI hope (and suspect) that we can find more common ground than disagreements. Let’s come together to celebrate the contribution HSPs make to society. Share with the world the positive impact HSPs are making and how vital we are to humanity.
Also, we push for conditions that help HSPs because, frankly, conditions that help people in general: a slower pace, quieter worldgreater respect for individuals and cultures, protection of animals and the natural environment, or embracing creativity and uniqueness.
That way nurture your unique gifts as an HSP. Learn ways to circumvent or overcome challenges, whether they arise from sensitivity or other aspects. Get support. Fight the stigma and shame that make highly sensitive people feel small or flawed. After all, the world is desperate for more of our neurodiversity.
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