ADHD is a recognized diagnostic category defined by challenges in modulating attention. When the “H” is present there will also be challenges in “hyper-activity” (example: sitting still for periods of time). Sometimes HSPs get mislabeled with ADHD because of how easily they can be over-stimulated in classrooms or group situations.

There is an open question in the neurodiversity community about if it’s possible for high-sensitivity & ADHD to both be present. The two have different & often opposite signatures in presentation. Since some folks who meet the diagnosis for ADHD have sensory elements to their presentation, it can become complex because no 2 people are alike.

link to diagnostic criteria

Variable Attention Stimulus Trait describes all people with ‘ADHD’ traits even if not meeting the full criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.

There is a movement to adopt VAST over ADHD because the name itself “attention deficit” is inaccurate to describe what is happening.

It is likely that several things will unfold in the near future (are already unfolding): because of smart phones, etc., people’s attention spans will be significantly impacted & more public awareness will be directed at varying kinds of neurodiversity. It may become more challenging as more people try to figure out what is actually the source of their sensory & attention challenges.

Because the Autism Spectrum has sensory components & it seems that Autism and high-sensitivity can both be present, sometimes HSPs may think they are meeting criteria for Autism.

The diagnostics for Autism are as follows:

A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive, see text):

**ALL 3 NEED TO BE PRESENT**

1. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example, from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interactions.

2. Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication.

3. Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, ranging, for example, from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts; to difficulties in sharing imaginative play or in making friends; to absence of interest in peers.

B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text):

+AT LEAST 2 OF THESE 4 NEED TO BE PRESENT

1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g., simple motor stereotypies, lining up toys or flipping objects, echolalia, idiosyncratic phrases).

2. Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns or verbal nonverbal behavior (e.g., extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals, need to take same route or eat food every day).

3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g, strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interest).

4. Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g., apparent indifference to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement).

C. Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities or may be masked by learned strategies in later life).

D. Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.

E. These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability

Misophonia is not a recognized diagnosis at this time. It is defined by strong, emotional responses to specific sound triggers (example: the sound of others chewing) & can trigger panic attacks & limit an individuals socializing among other things.

Misophonia & high-sensitivity can both be present.

I help Misophonia clients with the Safe & Sound Protocol.

HSPs (like others) can develop OCD, which is an anxiety diagnosis. Some HSP overwhelm can look similar to OCD, but does not meet diagnostic criteria, but is the result of sensory overload & decreases in the absence of sensory overwhelm.

HSPs (like others) can develop & meet diagnostic criteria for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma & PTSD. The main difference is that HSPs may be more vulnerable to mental health issues & ESPECIALLY if their childhood was not one of increasing confidence, boundaries & emotional intelligence. HSPs are more negatively impacted by a negative environment. For example, not being emotionally supported by caregivers can cut deeper & manifest emotional issues that non-HSPs would not relate to. Something very subtle causes a strong ripple effect, because HSPs track things on a deeper level & young children, because of their brain development always think it’s about them.

SPD is a distinct diagnosis that HSPs can have, but is not the same as the trait of high-sensitivity. SPD also can be found in those diagnosed with ADHD, Autism & other developmental disabilities. Treatment often falls into the field of Occupational Therapists & other sensory integration specialist.