How high sensitivity and autism overlap, plus some key differences

Transpersonal Coach and Trainer Jules De Vitto, MAEd, MSc, comments "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.

She finds, "despite the 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 the The 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 the 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 the 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."
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