HSPs & Neurodiversity: Embracing Identity in a Complex Landscape

The HSP Connection: The Complexity of Labels & Perspectives

Sensory sensitivity is strongly associated with autism and ADHD. It is a well-documented, commonly reported feature of both, and for many, it is one of the most impactful aspects of their daily experience. It is, however, neither exclusive to these conditions nor present in every individual who has them.

Some autistic individuals are hypersensitive, while others may be hyposensitive.

Many people with ADHD experience sensory overload or have difficulty filtering out background stimuli.

It is also a daily reality among highly sensitive people (HSPs) and empaths.

The debate over whether sensory processing sensitivity (i.e. HSP) differs from autism and ADHD or if the distinctions are rooted in stigma and internalised ableism is ongoing. Some argue that the traits of a highly sensitive person (HSP) such as sensory sensitivity and deep emotional processing overlap significantly with autism and ADHD, and that the HSP label exists to avoid the stigma of neurodivergent diagnoses.

Others maintain that despite some similarities, autism, ADHD, and HSP are distinct, with neurological and behavioral differences, such as unique social communication patterns in autism and executive function challenges in ADHD. The discussion ultimately questions whether these categories reflect real differences or societal biases.

As more and more research and debate emerges, it it clear that what we do know, including the criteria used for assessments is outdated, it is based largely on the experience of white males. Neurodivergence in women presents entirely differently and hormonal fluctuations have a huge influence on our brain and nervous system.

So we are only learning in this space, and remember too, that one clinican may not diagnose the same condition or neurotype as another due to innate bias, and we all know the mantra "if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism" - a phrase coined by Dr. Stephen Shore to emphasise that autism is a diverse spectrum, and each autistic individual is unique, not defined by a single set of traits.

This is true of all neurodivergent people!

Here is my own truth: for a long time I identified only as a highly sensitive person (HSP) and empath, the descriptions and scientific findings around high sensitivity and empathic ability ring true for me and make me feel seen and heard and understood, after many years of feeling the opposite.

My own curiosity and thirst for knowledge led me to explore the possibility of ADHD or autism within myself - but as a woman, I did not meet the broader criteria - at least through my own research/assessment of it.

And for a long time it was generally accepted that you could not have both ADHD and Autism, an assumption that has been debunked (thankfully) due to the lived experience of so many.

We now know that neurodivergent traits often co-occur, meaning individuals experience overlapping characteristics / neuro-traits. For example, many autistic individuals also have ADHD, craving a need for both routine and novelty. Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with ADHD, impacting both reading abilities and attention regulation.

These overlaps show us that the individual experience of neurodivergence cannot be mapped neatly, there are too many factors at play.

For me personally, ADHD doesn't fit and Autism doesn't fit - but AuDHD - that offers a lot of answers! I am still exploring and remain curious and open to my unfolding experience, especially now in my 40s. Perimenopause came along as a spotlight on all the underlying struggles and challenges - there's no longer any buffer or anywhere to hide ! It's like a grand unveiling of authentic self, whether I like it or not.

I am also exploring the work of Dr. Julie Bjelland who has named The Sensitive Autistic Neurotype - which offers me another lens on my experience.

I do not doubt though, that for some people, being labeled “just an HSP” has felt reductive or invalidating, especially if they later discover that autism or ADHD (or both) better explains their experience.

There are countless variations in how sensitivity, empathy, and neurodivergence present. We, as a collective are seeking to understand the spectrum of human experience - not put individuals into neat and tidy boxes with specific labels.

This is the complexity of the human experience, as we seek to understand, we may seek to categorise but every individual is uniquely wired, experiencing the world in their own way. This diversity of thought, perception, and expression is what defines the human experience itself.

Labels are very useful for understanding but also have the potential to cause a divide which, ultimately, defeats the purpose of each individual living an autonomous life of agency.

What matters most is self-understanding and self-validation, isn't it?

High sensitivity may well be the entry-point for lots of people to discover that they are autistic or have ADHD...isn't that a good thing? Understanding our sensory profile and sensory experience brings so much insight to our daily lives; whatever the source of the sensitivity.

As a coach, I work with professionals across the neurodivergent spectrum, those with a formal diagnosis, those who self-identify, and those who are simply seeking greater self-understanding.

I can relate to and resonate with my clients due to my own lived experience - I appreciate their challenges and I seek to empower each individual's unique experience in life and work.

I have a deep understanding of how sensitivity, empathy, and neurodivergence intersect when it comes to career and personal fulfillment.

My coaching approach centres on identity alignment, energy management, and aligned action - all designed to help individuals thrive authentically in their work and life, whatever their neurotype or sensory profile.

From Pathology to Identity

The conversation around neurodiversity is empowering and inclusive but can also be divisive. We are shifting away from a pathologised, clinical model where neurodivergence was considered as something to be “fixed", to a social model that embraces identity and self-acceptance.

This shift is crucial, but it also brings tension.

For example, some ADHD individuals see their traits as a “superpower” and proudly use terms like “neurospicy,” while others find these labels dismissive of the real struggles ADHD can bring.

Similarly, for some, high sensitivity is an innate trait, while others view it as a learned survival response to childhood trauma. Both perspectives hold truth, depending on individual experience.

This is why I believe in an open, nuanced approach. I have always worked from a place of embracing diverse perspectives, recognising that identity is shaped by personality, world view, cultural context, gender, sexuality, life experience etc...it is always nuanced - neurodiversity does not exist in a vaccum, it is one aspect of identity.

True inclusion means creating space for different viewpoints while ensuring that those with lived experience are at the forefront of the conversation. But if we don't all work together, there will always be division and separation, instead of inclusivity and cooperation.

Identity Matters!

The way we understand neurodiversity is constantly evolving, through research, lived experience, and collective exploration, we are uncovering new insights that challenge old perspectives, reshape terminology, and expose underlying biases.

As our awareness expands, so too does our ability to recognise and affirm diverse identities.

One of the most striking intersections is between neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ identity. Research suggests that neurodivergent individuals are significantly more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than the general population.

This connection may stem from a reduced susceptibility to rigid social conditioning, allowing for deeper self-exploration beyond traditional gender and sexuality norms.

Both communities share profound journeys of self-discovery, advocacy, and the need for affirming spaces, navigating a world that often misunderstands or marginalises them.

Personally, I have learned so much from the LGBTQIA+ individuals in my life about embracing authenticity, truth, and the power of living unapologetically.

Similarly, the apparent "increase" in neurodivergence among Gen Z reflects a shift in awareness, reduced stigma, and improved diagnostic understanding - not a sudden rise in prevalence!

As societal norms evolve, more individuals feel empowered to identify as neurodivergent, aided by online communities and greater mental health advocacy. Diagnostic frameworks have also expanded, uncovering previously overlooked presentations of autism and ADHD, particularly among women and marginalised groups.

What we are witnessing is not a trend, but a long-overdue recognition of neurodivergence as a natural part of human diversity, one that deserves understanding, support, and celebration.