When working to understand mental health issues, there are many nuances that must be factored in. For example, more than one condition can be present at the same time. Also, not every issue is a diagnosable disorder. Two realities may be relevant when pondering sensory processing sensitivity and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
For starters, sensory processing sensitivity is a temperament, not a condition. Someone with such a temperament is typically deemed a highly sensitive person (HSP).
Meanwhile, of course, ASD is a well-known condition that is identified via diagnostic manuals, assessment, and observation. That said, someone with ASD can also be an HSP, and the two can sometimes be mistaken for one another.
Highly Sensitive Person: A Few Basics
An HSP may be judged as “weird” by others, but in actuality, they just have a different, inborn temperament. HSPs typically display preferences and behaviors such as:
- Avoiding certain textures, noise levels, bright lights, big crowds, and more
- They will always choose small groups or solitude over large gatherings
- Deliberate and detail-oriented
- They need to balance out social time with plenty of downtime
- HSPs feel deeply, ponder intensely, may tend toward overthinking, and have rich inner lives
Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Few Basics
ASD is a developmental disorder that can impact a person’s nervous system in a wide variety of ways and intensities. If you are around someone on the autism spectrum, you may notice signs like:
- They seem to be either hyper-focused or noticeably unfocused
- Compromised language skills
- They have difficulty understanding standard social cues
- Avoiding eye contact
- Symptoms tend to get worse in social settings
- Hyper-sensitivity to sensory input
Further Exploring the Differences Between HSP and ASD
Autism can take some very obvious and severe forms. Even so, it’s not hard to see why HSPs and parts of the ASD spectrum are sometimes confused for one another. Perhaps no area is more associated with the presence of a lowered sensory threshold.
HSPs and those on the autism spectrum are typically overwhelmed by the amount of sensory input that others do not notice. Of course, this may say just as much about what is considered normal or acceptable these days. However, if you find yourself nodding along with any of the descriptions above, it may warrant a closer look.
Being assessed by a mental health professional can shine a brighter light on the temperament or condition question. Through evaluation, questioning, and observation, a clinician can begin to pinpoint patterns and habits. From there, it’s a little easier to begin ascertaining cause and effect.
Then, of course, there is always the possibility that an HSP can be on the autism spectrum. Parsing out such potentialities is how accurate diagnoses are made and follow-up ideas begin to take form. If someone is identified with being on the autism spectrum, there is an abundance of protocols to call upon. If they are also an HSP, it’s almost certain that ASD will be initially prioritized.
This is not to downplay sensory processing sensitivity. Rather, the condition is normally addressed before the temperament.
Getting the Assessment and Care You Need and Deserve
People experiencing emotional distress and other symptoms must be encouraged to talk about these signs. We’ve come a long way with mental healthcare, but stigmas remain. The ASD-HSP association is an ideal place to start a conversation about the many diverse reasons why anyone might seek therapy.
There are countless gray areas within the realm of psychology. Typically, this is where the answers can be found. No one must struggle alone. With just a single phone call, you can connect with someone with the experience and empathy to collaborate with you and help guide you on this journey.
