Between HSPIn recent years, there has been growing discussion about the experiences of Highly Sensitive People (HSP) and individuals with internalised autism. While both terms describe heightened sensitivity to external stimuli and emotional responses, they are distinct in origin, research, and implications. Let’s explore the differences, overlap, and the level of research surrounding these concepts.
What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)?
The concept of a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) was first introduced by Dr. Elaine Aron in the 1990s. HSP refers to individuals who have an innate trait called Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS).
Key Features of HSPs include:
- Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli (e.g., bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells).
- Deep emotional processing, including empathy and awareness of subtle environmental changes.
- Increased susceptibility to overstimulation or overwhelm in busy or chaotic environments.
- Strong emotional reactivity, often accompanied by deep reflection.
HSP is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a collection of personality traits found in approximately 15-20% of the population (Aron, Aron & Jagiellowic, 2012). Aron’s work has been supported by decades of research in psychology and neuroscience. Studies using functional MRI (fMRI) have shown that HSPs may exhibit heightened activity in brain areas associated with empathy and emotional processing (Jagiellowicz et al., 2011).
Criticism of HSP:
Some critics argue that HSP has become a “buzzword,” leading to overgeneralisations. While the trait is backed by research, self-diagnosis through quizzes and vague criteria on social media may dilute its meaning.
What Is Internalised Autism?
Internalised autism refers to individuals on the autism spectrum who mask or suppress their autistic traits to conform to societal norms. Masking is especially prevalent among autistic women and marginalised groups who may not fit traditional stereotypes of autism (Hull et al., 2019).
Key Features of Internalised Autism include:
- Suppression of sensory or social traits (e.g., avoiding stimming or mimicking neurotypical behaviors).
- High sensitivity to sensory stimuli, emotions, and social dynamics.
- Chronic exhaustion or burnout due to masking.
- Difficulty recognising and expressing their own needs, often resulting in late or missed autism diagnoses.
Internalised autism is a clinical concept, supported by research into autism masking (Cook et al., 2023). Studies show that masking behaviours can lead to significant mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Research also highlights that internalised autism is often overlooked in diagnostic frameworks, particularly for women, gender diverse and culturally diverse people (Lockwood et al. 2022).
Research Levels: HSP vs Internalised Autism
HSP (Highly Sensitive Person):
- Backed by robust psychological and neuroscience research, especially on Sensory Processing Sensitivity.
- Criticised for its broad and sometimes vague application in popular culture.
- Research is focused on understanding sensitivity as a spectrum, not a disorder.
Internalised Autism:
- Rooted in clinical research on autism and masking behaviors.
- Supported by studies on late-diagnosed individuals and the mental health impact of masking.
- Stronger evidence base due to its connection with established diagnostic frameworks (e.g., DSM-5 criteria for autism).
Is There an Overlap Between HSP and Internalised Autism
Yes, there is potential overlap in how HSP and internalized autism present, particularly in sensory sensitivity and emotional reactivity. However, there are crucial distinctions:
Feature | HSP | Internalised Autism |
Sensory Sensitivity | Innate trait affecting a subset of people, not tied to autism. | Core feature of autism, may include sensory overload. |
Emotional Processing | Deep empathy and reflection; heightened response to others’ emotions. | Emotional responses may be intense but often misunderstood due to masking. |
Social Interaction | Discomfort in overstimulating social settings but not necessarily difficulty understanding social cues. | Challenges with social communication; masking to conform. |
Developmental Basis | Non-pathological personality trait. | Neurodevelopmental condition (autism spectrum). |
It’s important to note that someone can be both an HSP and autistic. However, HSP alone does not account for the broader behavioral, social, and developmental aspects of autism.
Is HSP a “Buzzword”?
HSP has gained popularity, particularly in online spaces, which has led some to view it as a buzzword. While the concept is scientifically validated, its widespread use and overgeneralisations (e.g., equating any sensitivity with HSP) may overshadow the nuanced research behind it.
For example:
- Some people may mislabel themselves as HSP without exploring underlying conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or autism.
- Misuse of the term can minimise the challenges faced by those with internalised autism or other conditions involving sensory sensitivity.
To avoid confusion, it’s crucial to differentiate between HSP as a collection of personality traits and clinical conditions like autism, while acknowledging that both deserve understanding and validation.
Conclusion
Highly Sensitive People (HSP) and internalised autism share common ground in their heightened sensitivity, but they are distinct concepts with different levels of research and implications. HSP is a validated personality trait that sometimes risks oversimplification in popular culture, while internalised autism is a clinical phenomenon deeply rooted in research on masking and neurodiversity.
Understanding these differences can help foster greater awareness and reduce stigma for individuals across the sensitivity and neurodiversity spectrums. Whether you identify as an HSP, person with internalised autism, or resonate with aspects of both, seeking support and exploring your experiences is always a step toward greater self-awareness and well-being.
If you think you have traits of HSP or internalised autism and would like to see a psychologist, please don’t hesitate to reach out here.
References
Aron EN, Aron A, Jagiellowic, J. (2012). Sensory processing sensitivity: a review in the light of the evolution of biological responsivity. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 16(3), 262–282. doi: 10.1177/1088868311434213
Cook, J. M., Crane, L., & Mandy, W. (2023). Dropping the mask: It takes two. Autism, 27(5), 1234–1245. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231183059
Hull, L., Petrides, K. V., Allison, C., Smith, P., Baron-Cohen, S., Lai, M.-C., & Mandy, W. (2019). “Putting on my best normal”: Social camouflaging in adults with autism spectrum conditions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(3), 819–832. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3792-6
Jagiellowicz, J., Xu, X., Aron, A., Aron, E. N., Cao, G., Feng, T., & Weng, X. (2011). Neural correlates of sensory processing sensitivity: An fMRI study. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 6(1), 38–47. doi:10.1093/scan/nsq001
Lockwood Estrin, G., Milner, V., Spain, D., Happé, F., & Colvert, E. (2022). Improving diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in females: A scoping review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 9(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-021-00258-1
