Not SPD – Sensory Processing Disorder, which is a neurological condition and entails incorrect processing of external stimuli → pain.

SPS, HSP, or Highly Sensitive Person) is not a condition, a disorder, or a diagnosis. It is a neutral trait that evolved in 20% of the human population and many non-human species as well, because it is a survival advantage in some situations and not in others. Their survival strategy is to process information (stimuli) more thoroughly than others do, for which there is considerable evidence. This can certainly lead to overstimulation and possibly efforts to protect one’s self against that. However, SPS is not a disorder, but a reasonable strategy.

Further, HSPs process stimuli in a highly organized, big picture way, which includes awareness of nuances and subtleties that others might not notice. Again, at times, HSPs can become extremely overstimulated by the sheer amount of information they may be asked to process.

many with Sensory Processing Sensitivity have found success by simply becoming educated about their genetic trait (or their child’s). They learn to create a proper balance in their day which may include meditation, creative arts, walks in nature, yoga, and learning which environments serve them best. Many have found seeking outside professional help from those who are educated about SPS to be helpful — mainly to help them reframe and understand their experiences as being normal.

D.O.E.S. refers to: Depth of Processing; Overstimulation; Emotional Intensity; and Sensory Sensitivity. For example here are some questions to ask in each category which help identify and differentiate Sensory Processing Sensitivity:

Depth of Processing

• Does this person reflect more than others about the “way the world is going;” the meaning of life or their line of work?
• Is this person slow at making decisions, preferring to have “a little more time,” but often makes very good decisions?
• Is this person known for their good ideas?
• Does this person exhibit personal insight and have a sense of long-term consequences, perhaps leading to unusual conscientiousness?

Over Stimulation

• Does this person experience overstimulation and burn out due to the sheer amount of incoming information, experiencing a sense of not being able to handle any more? And when in a gentle environment, do they effectively process and integrate stimuli?
• Do others sometimes think something is wrong with them because they cannot handle as much as others seem to? This may be because HSPs often decline activities, even if enjoyable, in order to take care of themselves.
• Does this person need more sleep and downtime than their family and friends?

Emotional Responsiveness and Empathy

• Is this person more easily and appropriately moved to tears of joy, gratitude or relief, and equally moved to laughter whether by sheer silliness or subtle irony?
• Does this person react more to the emotions of others and often know what you are feeling far more than others do?
• Does this person become more distressed by violent TV shows or movies; unfairness, bullying, social injustice, or other disturbing events?

Sensitive to Subtleties

• Does this person notice small changes others miss, such as someone looking tired, the décor of a room they have only been in briefly, or small flowers or animals or even animal tracks?
• Is this person more aware than others of the sound of a ticking clock or dripping water, or subtle tastes and smells?
• Does this person notice what needs to be changed in an environment to make others more comfortable?

Sources: FAQ: Is Sensory Processing (or Integration) Disorder (SPD) the same as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS)? – The Highly Sensitive Person

via:: [[adhd light sensitivity – the link with hypersensitivity and sensory processing]]