Coming back to this again - I'm currently reading through some of the articles, its interesting that there is discussion on distinction between ASD's and HSP's.

I'm very interested in the ASD's, namely the sensory processing angle, and for a long time I've had the impression that we are all somewhere within sensory processing, whether it affects our ability to function. I've always kinda understood the sensory seeking/avoiding to an extent, of the 5 (or 7, if you like) senses, its all made a kinda sense to me, where for a millisecond I've wondered if I actually am autistic (I'm not. Too much awareness of feelings and other people). But the discussion on this website suggests (if I'm reading correctly) that maybe the sensory processing angle ISN't exclusive to the ASD's (personally I believe it is). I'm just not sure how this all fits together, but it does, somehow, I believe this is all linked in.

First time I heard about this HSP stuff, I figured "thats me". Too many incidents in childhood with me getting overwhelmed by environment, mainly noise - discos, sitting in the middle of an orchestra, low pitched engine noises. Always thought of myself as 'shy' but I know now thats come from outside: a label for someone who stands back initially and weighs up a situation before saying what they need to say and then stfu. I'm not shy.
Part of me 'rails' against this HSP 'label' as I've lost the need to identify myself according to a checklist (although I still do it anyway) or diagnosis or whatever. Its reassuring to know I'm not just a complete freak (contrary to family beliefs) but I'm past caring. Also, the title 'highly sensitive' puts me off, it sounds far too 'precious' to me!

But seriously, thanks for posting this, I needed to book mark this site!

everything's poo in this world