Not everyone is acquainted with the element of neurodiversity known as “sensory-processing sensitivity.” Popularized by Ph.D. psychologist, researcher and author, Dr. Elaine Aron, and measured by various versions of her High Sensitivity scale [1], this dimension of functioning and personality represents the way in which any individual experiences & processes sensory data. Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) are described as having a lower threshold for noticing, taking in, & thereby needing to process much more sensory stimuli than their lower-sensitivity counterparts. And yet, in spite of the continuum of sensory-processing sensitivity being considered range-of-normal, highly sensitive individuals may accurately discern that they are different than others, as Aron’s research indicates that only about 15-20% of the general population meets HSP criteria. [2]
So what are the implications for behavioral health? It makes intuitive sense that those accurately qualifying as HSPs would be more sensitive to experiences of pain or distress, & more likely to be more deeply wounded by incidents of abuse or neglect. This may be a valid explanation for why 2 different people can experience a very similar adverse event, and one walks away apparently unscathed, while the other experiences PTSD symptoms that don’t heal by themselves with the passage of time. HSPs may also have somewhat disproportionately powerful experiences of mood- or mind-altering substances or behaviors, making them potentially more vulnerable to developing addictions, especially in cases where self-medication for PTSD symptoms is occurring. And even those HSP individuals without symptoms of posttraumatic stress or addictive disorders may need assistance in understanding their own unique neurodiversity & how to optimally manage it without becoming repeatedly overwhelmed, or pathologizing themselves on the basis of that experience.
Universal screening for sensory-processing-sensitivity status is recommended for accurately informing client diagnosis, education, & treatment. This can be demonstrated in the example of a client with HSP status, also posttraumatically stressed, along with one or more addictions. Which aspects of feeling triggered or overwhelmed are attributable to HSP status, and which to trauma sequelae? Can learning to accurately understand self-medication pathways to addiction help relieve some of the shame & self-loathing experienced by so many needing recovery? And does the development of effective coping skills need to be supported differently with the HSP client than with their lower-sensitivity counterparts? These are but some of the recovery-enhancing gains available from recognizing & responding well to the neurodiversity element represented by sensory-processing sensitivity.
1. https://hsperson.com/test/
2. Aron, E.N. (1998). The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. New York: Three Rivers Press.
