HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE & AUTISM: THE HSP PROFILE OF AUTISM (CPTSD & ASD SERIES)

[@blissyogi8699]

Me and my sister grew up in the same traumatic household. I am HSP and she is not. I have strong “autistic” traits and she does not. I would say my “autistic” behaviorisims originate from my hypersensitive nervous system, not the other way around (ie not I have hypersensitive nervous system because I am autistic). The way my sister recalls experiencing our traumatised childhood and how she has barely carried it into her adult life is completely different to my experience. For me, because of my hypersensitivity, I experienced the trauma as deeply debilitating and overwhelming and I still carry it with me.

[@pamelaboswell9715]

I’m in your same boat. This makes me feel better.

[@poisencraft3907]

I feel you on a lot of that.

[@dreamsofturtles1828]

Just today i got off the phone with my brother. He is so happy -go- lucky, enjoys life and has tons of energy. Me...rather the opposite altho i never stop trying to heal from our traumatic childhood. I am highly sensitive, my brother is not. Hes oblivious to so much. I seem to pick up on everything. But then i also know he does not understand the deeper things or experience beauty the way i do. He needs tons of external stimulation, i need very little. The world seem easier for the oblivious & there are times i envy them. Other times i dont.

[@fairplayer7435]

@@dreamsofturtles1828 very good insight. I think some of the oblivious become that way through understanding and acceptance. They simply get it that parents are fallible, messed up and sometimes downright wicked. So they build walls around themselves and deal with toxicity at arm’s length

[@iammrsj]

You sound like me

[@stormarrow6422]

Learning that I wasn't just the shy, oversensitive, clumsy, skinpicking, chaotic, shutdown, awkward kid has been a turning point in my life. As a result of surviving 38 years with the deep core belief that there must be something thoroughly wrong with me (bc my uneducated environment didn't know that I actually needed support and some level of compassion) I naturally developed CPTSD. I also have diagnoses of ADD, Dispraxia, Depression, Anxiety and an autoimmune disorder. My psychiatrist told me I can't be autistic because I "feel too much". And even though my sons are rn in the process of getting diagnosed with autism and ADHD I'm unsure if I should still try to get an official autism diagnosis for myself. What would it even change? I am neurodivergent. I am not a failure. I am surviving in a society, that is not fit to accomodate me. I'm working hard on myself. I know unlearning these core beliefs will be an ongoing journey. And I grief the childhood and adolescence I could have had, had I been diagnosed earlier. Yet I am also looking forward to everything that is still left to uncover. To learn about the neurodivergent brain. To spread the awareness. Thank you for your work, Dr. Sage. ❤

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@mandarinadreux9572]

I am so confused why there is this steteotype of autistic people not being able to have many emotions and then there's HSP who are apparently form of autism and that's, well, the oppsite of not feeling?? I get annoyed that so many therapists don't educate themselves more

[@nicoleraza8389]

⁠​⁠@@mandarinadreux9572right? I work with autistic children and if anything I would argue they feel emotions stronger than neurotypicals.

[@ArielN-rv7ph]

So that therapist thinks autistic people don’t have feelings? Wtf..

[@ankhetgoddess5015]

Thank you for sharing. This touched me deeply because, I can relate. I am sending you Love and blessings on your continued journey. It's not easy, but it can be done. 💚🌞

[@Goddybag4Lee]

This is probably the best video online about the overlaps of cPTSD, Autism and Hypersensitivity. I might be a bit hypersensitive as well as ADHD and for once I felt like someone understood all of the jigsaw pieces of me.

[@SCHMW]

Same here ☺️

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@nakitanash]

I 100% agree. I have been searching for this video and now I have found it. This is better than all the others put together

[@sylvanacandela4204]

I seriously believe that HSP is another aspect of the autistic spectrum. I have never heard anyone say that and it's so refreshing to hear it from you! Thank you, thank you! I am a woman, self-diagnosed, over a year ago, at age 68. It was incredibly horrid to go through a lifetime of not knowing what was wrong with me. And such an overwhelming relief now to finally discover who I am. Will be 70 in 2 months, and now have a whole new outlook on life, and dealing with everyday challenges. Thank you, Dr. Kim. These videos are so important ❤

[@shawnie2027]

I completely agree with your assessment of Dr Kim’s videos and I am 54yrs old and am finally starting to find answers for just why I have always been so different! I had talk therapy for years, to no avail. 💔 I have not been back for 15 yrs. Now for the last 8 yrs I’ve been aggressively attempting to find answers and I have recently signed up for courses on “The Crappy Childhood Fairy” channel. I have found a lot of help there too! I pray you continue to find the answers you are looking for too and that we both can enjoy our latter years even more than our earlier ones! God bless! ❤

[@sylvanacandela4204]

@@shawnie2027 Thank you. And best of luck to you, too . 😍

[@shawnie2027]

@@sylvanacandela4204 thank you🙏😊

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@eddyposh72]

I agree, my mother told me I needed to grow a thicker skin as I was so sensitive. I still am, this is so helpful even if I've just discovered this at 65.

[@riversong_]

Kind of ironic that researching HSP and Autism has become my special interest lol😄

[@Liinnie]

Same ❤

[@jbanana1776]

Same! 😊

[@heat420_7]

Same, friend ✌️

[@Beyatchenator]

Same. I feel like I've finally found my people

[@everyth123-nr9nv]

I am only tipping my toe into it I have identified as Hsp for years Now I'm supposed to be autistic ? ( no judgement )

[@jecoliasjems2529]

I self diagnosed high masking autism, HSP, ADHD and CPTSD. Former psych major. My therapist confirmed. It was missed as a child due to being highly intelligent.

[@philly8184]

Exactly the same experience. Thank you for sharing.

[@RLWarrior]

It’s amazing how I am being led to these videos and finding other people with what I thought was a unique experience. 😂 Thanks algorithm

[@jecoliasjems2529]

@@RLWarrior Right! I feel so seen. LBVS.

[@DraconiInfernalus]

i read a lot about HSP, CPTSD and autism and there are also a lot of good official tests also therapists work with out there where you can diagnose yourself. luckily the internet makes it possible these days if you are smart enough to investigate on your own. you have to be aware first that something is "wrong" but a lot of therapists/doctors dont like it when people doing the work by themselves. when you open up that chapter to tell them i think it could be...this, that and another one. they disencourage you and say...no you are not like that instead it´s this. life is just mediocre most of time and you have to deal with it. even if you do your research you depend on their assessment. also people suggest to tell not everything you have in mind to a therapist....but why going to therapy if i am no able to talk about everything at all?

[@jecoliasjems2529]

@@DraconiInfernalus This is so true. I’m a psych major. That helped me diagnose, a lot. I also found a Black Women with the same Pentecostal background as me, for a therapist. First time I’ve felt seen. She’s neurodivergent as well and confirmed my self diagnosis. I hope you’re able to find someone! Even if not, being self aware is half of the battle.

[@stephaniegyuretherapy]

HSP is autism without the stigma and I will die on this hill. Our society has a bias about what autism looks like because of media portraying it as only young white men with savant skills. This is a more palatable rebranding of autism for women. I think autistic folks are born with more sensory/emotional sensitivities, making the threshold for traumatization lower. There is so much overlap. I'm excited you are bringing attention to this topic. Women and BIPOC folks going undiagnosed/unsupported is causing so much harm.

[@CLPrice55]

I'm so pleased that you're going over HSP CPTSD and undiagnosed autism. Public needs education on how our needs are different. Acceptance of others even though "different".

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@nakitanash]

She nailed it all with one nail here

[@eveningprimrose3088]

I am so thankful you are researching this intersection of "disorders." I am late 50s female. Along with all you described regarding high sensitivity and trauma, I have always been soothed and fascinated by watching things move in certain ways, such as a front-load clothes washer (or an agitating washer before the safety lock feature) and the percolator bulb of a stovetop percolating coffee maker. There are lots of other weird things beginning from my earliest memories that I did that are classic stims, most of which I hid because I knew no one else did them. I have been misdiagnosed and placed on useless and even harmful medications so many times that I gave up years ago seeking any intervention. A couple of years ago I had to quit a "good job." My sensitivities and low threshold for becoming upset are more severe than ever, I think from years of coping. I really feel disabled. I was born well after my siblings, so my parents were pretty old when I was born. I have one daughter who is very smart but doesn't function well at all, is diagnosed with ASD, born when her dad and I were pretty old (especially dad). In a way I am sad that these things are just now being understood, and in another way I am thankful to at long last have some answers.

[@janeespeseth420]

I am a 67 year old female. I was diagnosed as Autistic at the age of 64. I am a dentist. My trauma started early, as early as kindergarten, due to teachers misunderstanding me, and my vulnerability to the attention of dangerous men. I had learning differences, as well. In order to get through college I had to tape all of my college classes, then go home afterwards and write out each lecture word for word. My career has been a series of corporate positions in which my patient care was valued until a misunderstanding would happen with staff and then with the duress of being confronted by a director, I couldn’t find the words to defend myself appropriately. Every 2.5 years, or so, I would be let go. This in itself, especially as a single parent, left me moving out of state, several times, or living in 2 places, in order to keep working. This has been a traumatic lifestyle. I know of no other dentist who has had these experiences. I was always valued for my proficiency as a diagnostician and what’s been called my “beautiful dentistry”. Overall it’s been a very traumatic highly masked life. The last position that I was let go of lead to me deciding to retire. This decision was so difficult to make as I am talented and still have much to give but just don’t want to go through what is kind of like being bullied. I’m still licensed in 2 states and even though I have paid on my student loans for over 29 years, the interest ballooned. Thank you for your videos. Also both of my daughters are Autistic, one officially diagnosed. They both have experienced the trauma of being raised by a single stressed mother, just trying to earn an income. BTW I’ve had years of, pretty much continual, CBT, along with DBT. I’ve been fortunate to establish relationships with some wonderful therapists. I can’t imagine that I would of lived without these people. Yet, none of them were able to recognize the Autism. I have been diagnosed with Cyclothymia (took Lithium for a year), situational anxiety, PTSD. Anyways, thank you for Your videos, Jane

[@lesliethompson4588]

Sounds like me! My heart goes out to you because I know exactly what you were going through ❤️

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@gvalerie9011]

Thank you so much! I finally found out what is 'wrong' with me. Ironically, growing up I was blamed for being just 'too darn sensitive' by my mother as if I had a choice to turn it on or off. I go through the life feeling like I have PTSD while I can't pinpoint the exact trauma that would've caused it. I certainly reacted stronger than most to scolding, fighting parents, and other emotional events, but my strong reactions made my mother angrier for me being too sensitive. I didn't know there is a clinical term for people like me and others who feel in a similar way!

[@livingwithdid]

I finally received my ASD diagnosis this year, at 49 years old, after going through my life struggling as a Highly Sensitive Person. I suffer from complex PTSD, and I was also diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in the past year. I went to countless therapists throughout my life that gave me diagnosis after diagnosis (depression, anxiety, bipolar, epilepsy,OCD), but not one single therapist ever mentioned Autism. As a woman, I feel that my Autisitc traits were simply overlooked as sensitivities, especially since I am able to mask so well in public. I appreciate this video so much, thank you.

[@esnutaliah]

Relate to this so hard

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@jennievivi]

Oh wow, that is powerful. And important for therapists to learn from.

[@Crystalblue58]

Yes, Dr. Kim, I believe I have both. IQ of 140, poor social skills (avoidant). CPTSD from Alc. Father, and Sciz. Mother. I am 65 now- disabled RN-. No one noticed my problems but blame and shame. I did the best I could. Now I isolate and am happier.

[@Tilly850]

65 here too...yup. I have created my home as my sanctuary and now I know why. It's saved my mental health to do things like get groceries delivered. I too am not stupid, and socially let's just say I can't for the life of me figure out why people think parties are fun. Hi, and good to know I'm not alone.

[@chynnadoll3277]

Same here!👍❤️

[@mysticpizza02]

Me too, our stories are almost identical, one of the worst things for me growing up was the almost constant bullying and being made a fool of it carried on into my late thirties until I realised with help of YT that I had trauma and parents who had no interest in me. I isolate a lot, but I had social experiences in my thirties and couldn't do it because most people are fake and shallow very few genuine people out there, people have their groups and they won't let you in. Take it from me that we have 'difficulties' but having seen society I'm beginning to think we are the normal ones (my opinion)

[@starrseed2687]

I isolate too it’s better. Dismissive avoidance for the win!

[@dreyddog19]

I am a nurse too, a school nurse and thankfully have a lot of downtime in my office alone;) I have a caring personality but do best with extremely multiply impaired people (they don't judge my weirdness). I struggle with social skills but mask alot.

[@Cheznrice]

I am thankful that I've found you. I've been researching my entire adult life and have burned out and given up how figuring out what's going on with me. I've been misdiagnosed numerous times and drugged needlessly for 10 years or more. I'm shutting down now and I don't want to give up but I'm tired of these. This is no way to live.

[@yvonnerobinson]

Love and support from me in the UK. Don’t give up please……I have been referred for Autism here in Droitwich, England at the age of 72. I am so thankful that i finally have some recognition, almost eight years after my dear husband Paul died! He probably didn’t know any more than I did that my brain was wired differently to the vast amount of society. He did know and understood so well, when I had become so overwhelmed! He would say “go to bed and I’ll bring you a coffee” The coffee was never drank but my overwhelmed brain could rest and recoup ❤

[@dolphinmom37]

You are not alone and I'm 61. There is so much hope these days. We are learning so much, so quickly. I'm doing therapy and boy has it changed in the last 10 yrs even. There is hope ❤

[@shawnie2027]

I keep reading the comments and getting so encouraged! I guess misery DOES love company 😂 sorry 😣 I’m not happy your suffering dear one please forgive my sounding as if I’m somehow pleased. I’m just so happy that I’m not the only one finding hope with these knew discoveries! I’m 54yrs old and I’ve been disabled with scoliosis (my spine looks like the letter S because my spinal cord stopped growing too soon!) since age 37.💔 So along with losing my ability to provide for myself and daughter without gov assistance, I also was trying to figure out what the heck was wrong with my brain?!?! Needless to say I too was placed on heavy meds and even heavier pain meds (narcotics) that to this day I have not gotten able to handle the chronic pain with out. However I did manage to get off all the psych meds! 🙏 This new knowledge is fascinating and I’m so happy to have a new path to go down that sounds very much like my whole life in a nut shell?!?! Cheers 🥂 to you and may God bless you along your journey and PLEASE NEVER GIVE UP! Permanent solutions to temporary problems are NEVER THE ANSWER. That’s coming from someone who has serious pain non stop everyday like EVERYDAY! Lately it has been (my spine that is lol) pressing down on my kidneys and stomach and my hips are touch my rib cage! OUCH! Not fun… and believe me I want to give up everyday at least once if not 17times a day💔😣BUT…God is so good and He sees me through! He will see you through as well. Sending hugs 🤗 Take care.

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@maritadenil6774]

❤ From Belgium. Don't give up

[@chilloften]

It’s like my life has been a war, to stay afloat, and I did, and did well, and then it all collapsed. I got more than burnt out, scorched beyond repair. I tend to isolate because it’s all masking otherwise. I’m tired. Very tired.

[@opticalexcellence-wendytob862]

OMG! You’ve hit so many nails on the head for me with this video that I’m a little gob-smacked. I figured out several years ago that I’m an HSP and only recently realized that I’m also an ASD person. Talk about boxes being ticked! I’m very much enjoying and learning from your videos. I hope you’re able to continue making them, but I also hope they aren’t too expensive for your mental health as well. Thank you for what you do. ❤

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@pattynewcomb4213]

It’s not by coincidence I found you at the time I did…. I identify so much with this!! I’m grateful that I’m currently not working and can work on myself even more!! Ty for trudging where others haven’t and seeking your truths which definitely helps others like me!! Blessings and Hugs

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@KimberleyJP]

This explains SO MUCH for me and my lived experience...! God, I wish everyone in my life, professionals, friends and family could see this! My special interest has definitely been, people watching / psychology my WHOLE LIFE, and I am hyper-empathic. As a highly-masking person, who discovered I am Autistic after experiencing burnout, this is literally, my story. Very excited to see this fabulous psychologist working in this now! Such a respectful presentation and very strength based ❤️

[@barbarawalker7122]

"Honor the way your brain works." Yes!!!

[@barbara8802]

You are shedding light on my challenges that have me extremely overwhelmed at nearly 60! You have hit the nail on the head. Thank you isn’t enough!!!

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@LinLin256]

I’m 28 years old and I just started looking into all of these neurodivergent disorders recently. What I feel is a sense of relief, knowing that I’m not alone, alien to this world, and that there are people actually understand what I’m going through. And there’s hope and I can look for help from professionals (I did not believe anyone could help me because I thought it was just my fault being born mentally weak). I’m so glad I bumped into one video about autism and CPTSD the other day. It’s such a blessing to get to know your work. 🙏 And btw your voice is so soothing 🩵🩵

[@DesertRose1224]

So thankful I found you! ❤

[@dieresis9]

Sound is my area of sensitivity. I remember people by the sound of their voices, and remember facts by remembering the words that books “spoke” to me when I read them. The emotions of the words spoken and my responses to them also stay with me, as do the cadences - the musical shapes - of the words and the sentences that they form. To remember a person, I reconstruct a soundscape.

[@noblethoughts4500]

Synesthesia! It is not uncommon with autism. I personally find it a cool thing to have!

[@MyWits_End]

Kim, I can’t thank you enough for this 💞 I’ll be binge watching your videos after finding this. I’ve been seeking information on the connection between CPTSD, HSP, Fibro, FND and Autism and this is exactly what I have been searching for. I know there are still more puzzle pieces we need to fit together here but omg I thought I was going crazy in feeling confused and disconnected, despite the pieces I’d managed to put together over the last couple of decades and still thinking there was more to it than what’s currently being discussed and here you are discussing it 🙏 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the work you are doing 💞 I am so so grateful to find you. Thank you 💞

[@theshylilie]

This new avenue you are investigating and sharing is so valuable to me! I have always been a HSP who is diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome. What I am discovering now is the symptoms and characteristics of autism define me way better. I'm trying to obtain an assessment for autism but it's really difficult and costs about $4,000 up here in Canada. Sure would be nice if it was easier for people like me (a 50 yr old woman) who, as an adult, are just now learning that we could be autistic. Really grateful for what you're sharing and I'm looking forward to more! 🙏❤️

[@faithisrising]

Yesterday I found your CPTSD and Highly Masking Autism and commented. So thankful that you are looking into this and sharing with us. I shared it with my oldest sister and she also related to it. I’m going to make a list of my attempts to reduce the harm of being bothered by my sensory sensitivities. Thank you again!

[@dolphinmom37]

Thank you, thank you, thank you❣️ I have often wondered about a possible connection. As the mother of a son with ASD and as a mature woman who's dealt with CPTSD my whole life, generational Neuro divergence and an HSP seemingly from a very young age, I have wondered about this. I've always wondered about these correlations. It answers so many questions. Thank you!

[@natalieparker3187]

Everything you are saying rings true. It’s hard to sort out, but I’m definitely HSP and probably some autistic traits. But for those of us who suffer with this, what a time to be alive and learn about our condition. Previous generations didn’t have the knowledge we have. Thank you Dr Sage, you truly are a gifted psychologist.

[@MarleneTrujillo-uc8bj]

OMG you just described me! I was diagnosed at age 16 of having bipolar disorder after I almost succeeded at killing myself. In later years I was also diagnosed with severe Anxiety and CPTSD. I was abused by both biological parents from the age of three and on into adulthood. I didn’t get any relief from it until after they both passed. I’m 58 now but what you talked about hits home (me).

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@jennym-lsh]

I’m an autistic female and very much an hsp emotionally and physically. I was diagnosed in adulthood and masked my whole life. Thank you for your videos 💛💛

[@chynnadoll3277]

I thought I was alone…..thank you so very much Dr. Sage. I suspected I was on the spectrum, but your video tied everything about who I am together. I have always been extremely sensitive and know all too well the need to feel safe. The invalidation only made it worse. When I think of the DECADES I spent trying to conform to a world that I never really felt comfortable in and was extremely stressed out by (as you clearly point out, the way we HSPs process certain stimuli is different than people who are not), I get angry. I’m 61 now, and too much time has passed. Now I am beginning to get the answers I’ve been searching for. I have watched several of your videos now and have gleaned much hope from your information. I was also an invalidated child raised by a narc mother. It seems as if everyone is using the term “narcissist” these days, but what we have experienced is the real deal. In terms of sensory triggers, for me, it’s sounds. There are sounds such as constant sniffling, gum-cracking, and noises certain shoes make that really push me over the edge. I am so glad I found your channel; do you ever facilitate support groups for people who are HSP and also on the spectrum? Thank you again; much love from Pennsylvania❤.

[@SCHMW]

I’ve been noticing autistic traits overlapping my adhd. I have a medical accommodation at work because the odors/smells at the office were so bad to my senses, I developed an anxiety disorder. I justified the accommodation with my adhd diagnosis and now I work from home. I could expand on the terrible situation I was going through before having this accommodation. The only thing I’ll say is it saved my sanity and I feel so much better now. (I am a 28yo female)

[@faithisrising]

I am so glad that you could get accommodations for your work. I’m retired now but looking back at my last job at a school and the horrific smell when they were redoing the floors in the summer made me so sick.

[@SCHMW]

@@faithisrising thanks for your kind words. Blessings to you.

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@michelleparent209]

I was driven mad by the sounds of printers and photocopiers and somehow always having my desk near the bathroom and having to deal with either natural odors or sprays that triggered my asthma. I am so much better not in an office now.

[@etcwhatever]

For me it was the strong lights, colleagues always speaking too loud. I couldnt focus at all. I was so stressed...i cried in the bathroom. Lunch time was horrble so many people making noise. So much social pressure. Im home now because of an auto immune disease. Sadly once i did have a meltdown on a stressful job a few years ago...i quit 2 months after that. In current job i cried once...wasnt in time to hide. But it wasnt like a meltdown. Home office is a blessing.

[@felineoverlordservant2419]

I was born a highly sensitive person with hyper empathy and an overly agreeable temperament in a family with an abusive narcissistic older brother and mother (vulnerable type). They started abusing me before my very first trauma bonded memory (4) and I trauma split when I was 7 years old. I Developed dissociative disorder, anxiety disorder, 4 different sleep disorders by 13, hospitalized for weeks with a giant ulcer in my antrum when I was 25, and what was originally diagnosed as BPD in my 1st mental hospital stay (27) then later at my 3rd with complex ptsd when I was 36. Im about 8 years Post trauma treatment and about a year ago my memories of childhood abuse started to come back. I believe it’s because it took a few years after emdr for the many layers of dissociation to heal and the abuse was normalized when I was a very small child (ex My brother physically abused me when I was about 4 and my mom told me that I was fine and he didn’t hurt me at all, to not be so sensitive, brothers are like that to their little sisters.) Now I’m 41 years old, completely isolated, I dissociate all day long (but can bring myself back with mindfulness), I suffer with apathy, anhedonia and avolition symptoms, and suffer from pretty severe intrusive thoughts. I believe my hsp, hyper empathy is a type of autism. I was absolutely born for honest introspection and being in a family that performed a perfect life made me constantly uncomfortable (aside from the severe abuse). My son was diagnosed autistic when he was 5 years old and he’s the very definition of neurodivergent. He’s 13 now and I unschool him at home while I work from home. But anyways, my point I think was that I’m HSP plus hyper empathetic & emotionally intense, sensitive and gifted, was narcissistically abused the entire time my brain was developing and developed complex ptsd and dissociative disorder. I really honestly don’t know if I can ever come back from the damage that was done to my nervous system and brain. I feel everything, including how damaged my body and mind is. And Treatment for this kind of thing is either way too expensive or it’s impossible to find help from professionals that understand it. I was misdiagnosed for over 20 years. It is what it is, I guess. There are worse things than Apathy and being content, like I could still be abused by a revolving door of toxic people that always seemed to find me and take advantage of my kind heart and inability to say no. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Paul-rs7yz]

I'm slowly building a model that goes something like this: Psychological damage (due to persistent childhood trauma and abandonment), innate neurology (social processing, HSP, Monotropism/Exec. Function) and secondary issues of depression and anxiety which are resultant from masking and other maladaptations. The psychological damage can be mitigated through hard work and time; the neurology can be adapted to (e.g. avoiding sensory clashes - the communication struggles I'm still try to figure out) and - hopefully - the depression and anxiety will reduce as I mask less, fear less, trust more and overall learn to integrate all that is truly me. I'm old - 65 - but still grateful that so much is now being discovered and communicated about our neurological differences.

[@violina5625]

since identifying as a highly sensitive person I've often heard people saying that it is "rebranded autism" but I always shook it off because at the time I didn't know that unconcious masking was a thing and I didn't know how autism presented in high masking people. since may my tik tok for you page has been flooded with videos talking about this, which led me to do more research. Dr. Joey's videos about the hsp profile have been gamechangers for me, I was finally able to see the overlap and I'm now 99% sure that I'm autistic with hsp profile, although for now I'm not really focusing on self diagnosing but rather on finding what kind of accommodations I need. I'm so grateful for all the doctors on social media who have been talking about this stuff because you guys are helping tons of people who have been failed by a system which wants to find the "wrong" in people and will dismiss the symptoms of many.

[@kr3642]

I've felt kind of alone since my autism diagnosis last year, and I seek out similar experiences and breakdown videos like this everyday to make myself feel better. People around me either don't care or are tired of hearing about my self realization. 😢

[@marca6190]

I will be 70 in 2 months and have been diagnosed with so many things but never autism. I am keenly aware of that possibility because my son is profoundly autistic and has no spoken language. But as i watched him grow up i often felt like the only person to sense his needs and difficulties relating. I have always been super empathic of others and have at times shutdown bec i was oversaturated. I guess now ifeel very connected to the thoughts shared here. The struggle is real and I feel validated in this space. Thank you

[@KN-vn5zn]

this video has me in tears because I feel relieved i am not the only one.

[@followyourdreams8673]

I love your videos and they don’t make me feel like a freak. I know now what it is. Ps where do I get that wallpaper? I love it!

[@emilschneider9974]

Thank you for this video Doctor Kim! After hearing you speak about all these symptoms,,,,I have all of them. So thank you, like so many people in the comments, you have helped me understand what is going on with myself. When I was in the womb, my mother had Cancer, Hotchkins Lymphoma, once I was born, my mother was too sick to be there for me. So I missed out on the mothering and bonding I needed. My mother Monica passed away at the age of 36. I was 3 years old. Growing up I had all kinds of problems which added even more trauma to my life. This short video has helped me tremendouly to understand the way I need to live my life. I am a 51 year old male. PS. One of my music students helped me to become aware of how badly my mother must have been effected in her own way not being able to be there for me. I have two older sisters where 7 & 9 years old when our mother passed away. Not that my mother needs it but I have had to forgive her for not being ther for me. This forgiveness has been an important part of my healing, besides being able to forgive everyone who has ever hurt me. Forgiveness, is I think, an important part of recovery.

[@zanzabird7612]

I'm not sure if I'm HSP or autistic, but the articles I've read that distinguish the two make me believe HSP is a better fit. I hope you will also present those thoughts, as the two videos I've listened to by you would lead the listener to believe HSP & autism are synonymous. We need objective, equally weighted arguments in this conversation!

[@carries212]

I agree. My child is outgoing, has good social skills, is considerate, and has many friends, but she is still a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) due to sensory issues and difficulties with emotional control. She may still be more prone to depression and has anxiety about perfectionism. However, I feel she faces fewer challenges than someone with autism without social and communication difficulties.

[@marikadillon5696]

I think Dr. Kim is stating that we can no longer count on social and relational traits to diagnose autism due to the likelihood of masking. Those traits need to be changed in diagnostic criteria.

[@zanzabird7612]

@@marikadillon5696 yes, and distinguishing between HSP and Autism underneath the masking is what I'm suggesting would be helpful.

[@erinancientelements]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! This is AMAZING!!!! I bought a book years ago about being highly sensitive. I have now realized I am autisitc!! I also have c-ptsd.. My psychiatrist is eyeing borderline as a diagnosis. While I do have some features (overlap within Autism) I lack the core feature of fearing people leaving me. There is SOOOOOO much overlap between all of these diagnoses. I only learned at age 42 that I was autistic. I was a highly masked person who just thought they were flawed beyond help or hope. I accepted abuse because I felt I was so flawed I had to take what I could get. Then I learned I was perfectly fine, for someone with Autism. I started ditching bad relationships like they were hot potatoes. It can KILL our sense of being to NOT know we are autistic. If have masked from birth, you very well MAY NOT KNOW you are actually autistic. Again... thank you soooooo much for your content!!

[@imdbbookaholic]

Yes, my sense of self is so shaky. I'm 58, have been recently diagnosed with ADHD and C-PTSD, diagnosed with major depression ages ago, GAD in my mid 40s. I have hypermobile EDS, and autoimmune hypothyroidism, am also probably HSP. Maybe I'm autistic too??

[@erinancientelements]

@@imdbbookaholic you sound exactly like me: eds, ads, adhd. Best of luck to you in your health journey.

[@dipaschall]

I have all these things, wow, I’m 70 years old. I know I shut down, sometimes days at a time. Anxiety, depression, I hyper focus, have headaches, sensitivity to EVERYTHING….

[@Seelenkriegerin]

Another brilliant video. Feels like you are my soul sister. Thank u so much to explain the differences, confirmed what I feel, think and know also. A big hug and thank u from Germany ❤

[@brianbaumann07734]

Just yesterday I was furiously confused about exactly this. My awareness began at HSP, went to PTSD, PAD, MDD (from military service), recently to cPTSD, and yesterday to ASD. The frustration about rewriting my life experiences AGAIN is making me sick. I need to grieve. Thank you for calmly laying out the discussion. It helps me process things.

[@comprendersi1444]

This video explained so much for me. It was so on point… I felt like this video is surreal.

[@johnbines183]

I think you're on to something... I suffer from CPTSD for sure, and I'm definitely HSP... but my entire life I've been drawn to, and most of my closest fronds were autistic. I know it's not scientific, but I've always vibed in that community with comfort I can't find with other communities. This is definitely worth my further exploration.

[@kittenplush]

Thank you so much; I’m so glad to hear a mental health professional say that HSP is litterally just another type of autism as an autistic and mental health professional in training myself. I’ve had multiple therapists who have diagnosed me as a ‘HSP’ and then I tell them of my autism diagnosis, and they act shocked how I can be both. “But you have such a high emotional intelligence!” They say. Or “but you’re a highly empathetic person!” Ugh. Also, the material I’m learning in graduate school is so ableist and outdated. It still believes that autism is a horrible thing that needs to be cured and that the “red flags” of autism is someone like Sheldon from the Big Bang theory. Ugh. I’m so so glad to hear this as an autistic and HSP myself. I’m glad to see that the mental health and psychology field is progressing slowly, but surely. Also- the DSM 5 made getting an autism diagnosis even more difficult than in the DSM-IV because lots of clinicians think autism is “over diagnosed now”, so they made it more difficult for women and POC to be diagnosed. I think in the revised vision of the DSM-5 they made it even more difficult and restricted it even more. It’s safe to assume that unfortunately it’s going to be even harder to get an autism diagnosis in the DSM-6 due to mental health professionals being ill-informed and thinking “everyone has autism nowadays! That isn’t true! It’s only supposed to be 1/100 and now everyone is getting diagnosed.” :/ there are so many problems with that statement but that’s another thing to unpack for another day.

[@bolinhong2598]

My child has improved full and acting up right with his social skill since taking dr Oyalo herbal remedy. He has no major signs of autism like he was since I got the herbs. Doc herbs work perfectly

[@kr4382]

@@amym3745 I think it is more likely that some autistic ppl might be misdiagnosed as hsp due to the old therapists believing eye contact and empathy mean nort autistic. In actuality those things were just the first obvious, often present things that BOTHER other ppl and made them take their kids to the psychiatrist in the first place. Bc some ppl who seem the hsp type seem to be very socially needy and codependent and quite the opposite of autistic. This supposed connection would make others try to force the label autistic on hsp's who are not even close. That's how you can tell these are not the same thing at all. Just that some highly functioning masking autistic ppl who do have empathy and have forced themselves to look ppl in the eye even if they don't want to, are misunderstood.

[@adollyforsue5985]

That's so interesting and unfortunate about the DSM-5, especially if 80% of autistic women may be undiagnosed (and probably a high percentage of POC as well). I check off most if not all of the boxes in Criterion A but don't meet Criterion B, so I was thinking I couldn't be autistic. I also read a research article about specific brain differences between HSPs and autistic people without the HSP profile. But if, as Dr. Sage pointed out, the studies and DSM criteria are based on the classical White male model of autism... maybe I COULD be autistic?

[@skyegraves5053]

It would appear we are on a similar journey on a similar timeline. I’ve just today realized that my hsp, sps , and pda probably mean autism. Thank you for this.

[@daniellecharming]

Hi Skye, what is SPS and PDA?

[@skyegraves5053]

Thanks for asking! Sensory processing sensitivity and pathological demand avoidance.

[@daniellecharming]

@@skyegraves5053 interesting, thank you for answering!

[@ErikaMaria-lw8en]

Have suffered from CPTSD since childhood and years before you began talking about this topic, I somehow knew that I had a small % of Autism in the mix. Thank you for sharing and have a lovely weekend. Australia.

[@ronels1216]

Reduce the harm of being bothered. Perfect!, thanks for this. I've been doing this for years despite only recently discovering that I am an hsp and not a broken human.

[@anniepaquette]

Wow Kim, thank you so much. I discovered my HSPness a couple years ago and it has explained so much of my experience of life. I have been in fight-or-flight mode for most of my life and the last few years have just pushed that into overdrive with dramatic life situations. I know I'm reaching a new point of understanding and burnout simultaneously as my life situation is getting more and more precarious. It's really tough to manage right now. Your video brought me yet another level of understanding and appreciation of who I am and the need to embrace and love that at a deeper level still.

[@CarolynmarieAlcantarorte-qb5fj]

Just want to say thank you. I don't know how I came across your videos but I'm glad I did. Thank you.

[@allwellandgood8547]

This is so fascinating Dr Sage! I feel like I learn so many new and different perspectives with every video you share. Thankyou so much ❤

[@lanesejohnsonhu2259]

This is so insightful and helpful Dr. Sage.

[@deco_ghost_5331]

Autistic people absolutely have empathy. We even feel it on a hyper level. We just don't know how to express it.

[@housecallz]

OMG! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! For helping me understand my lifelong struggles.

[@sandywright7554]

Very helpful Dr. Kim... OMG! I'm identifying more and more with this subject content! Thank you... am looking forward to your next video on your research deep dive into this subject! You're definately onto something BIG here! 🙏🤗😊

[@majamannhard443]

I just ”met” you and I say this instead of saying I just found your channel because it’s beautiful to see someone in your field who come across so pure and with such a drive to further their understanding of people including themselves. I love when you ”talk too fast”!Autistic info dumping and exploration of interests is the cutest thing about us ☺️. And my whole nervous system jumped with joy as you noted the double empathy problem. You are so badass to realise knowledge is never collected from one type of source. I found you via my brand new introduction to cptsd and me starting to accept that my trauma responses aren’t just messed up inventions that I developed in order to make life difficult. It’s SO hard to on the one hand be so grateful for your upbringing and family while understanding how trauma can exist withing that, not meaning any kind of abuse. Thank you for teaching in such a holistic way and I am so happy to see you where you’re at!

[@abbya.8157]

I find your videos to be so helpful. Your thinking parallels mine so completely. Trying to deal with the abuse in my family was close to impossible for me. I had so many questions and no one that I could ask. Thank you for talking about these issues, bringing them more into the open. And I appreciate the careful way you word things, it’s plain that you are interested in helping people, not just doing “research” or making a “name”. What a relief to be able to access the videos you have made, as well as others who are interested in this subject. 😊❤🎉

[@klarmy8824]

So many good points. There is a lot of overlap between CPTSD, HSP and the autistic spectrum. I am convinced I have all 3 (plus a nice dose of regular PTSD from awakening during a hip replacement surgery) and I have to make tons of adjustments just to tolerate my life. Thanks for this understanding video Dr. Sage.

[@YvonneMcGill-xk7lk]

Thank you so so much for this information it is the cl I am in my 60s and to hear you talk about these connection between hsp and autism explains my whole life and what the hell has been going on

[@fiercegrrrl555]

Wow, thank you so much for this video, Dr Sage. I rarely comment... but I have to say: the way you describe the inner world of the HSP individual's experience is incredibly helpful for my self discovery and mental health recovery. I keep coming back to your videos for your highly empathic, thoughtful, and experienced explanations of CPTSD and how it connects to other disorders (or perhaps "disorders") and neurodivergencies. This video resonates with me SO MUCH. I have always been highly sensitive to my environment, sensory inputs, and others' emotions. I love the way you explain how we can "unconsciously mask" and accommodate ourselves for surviving the many sensory stimuli coming at us all day. Since my diagnoses (of ADHD, CPTSD, generalized anxiety, and BPD, in that order) a few years ago I have slowly been able to recognize my sensory sensitivities AND begin to understand how being "highly sensitive" affects my mental and physical health. I may not seek a diagnosis of HSP but I will be better prepared to discuss my empathic and sensory experiences when going back into therapy for my other conditions.

[@Gratitudejoy21]

O my goodness. ... THAAAAAAANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU SOOOO SOOOO MUCH!!!!!! i feel sooo heard!!!! It is sooo good to hear that it is not just me!!!! I feel SOOOOOO GRATEFUL for this recognition 🙏🏽🌹🙏🏽🌹🙏🏽🌹 I am also going through perimenopause and have a life-threatening chronic disease.... Your videos HEAL ME SOOO MUCH INSIDE 🙏🏽🌹🙏🏽🌹🙏🏽🌹🙏🏽🌹 MANY blessings to all!!!!! From Belgium

[@aaloha2902]

Thank you Dr Kim 🙏🏼 I knew I was HSP, but always learned that autism doesn’t have the empathy HSP has. It’s taken me decades to find all the pieces of the puzzle myself, bc diagnoses so far have been inadequate. I have CPTSD not just PTSD and was a highly masking HSP, up to the point that my body started shutting down not just mentally. 🙏🏼🌺 This post was so valuable for me 🫶🏼 I like to add that healing CPTSD helped me discern the autism traits from the CPTSD symptoms.

[@LifeisaBeautifulting]

This is a misconception. Autistic people can be empathetic

[@aaloha2902]

@@LifeisaBeautifulting That’s what I indirectly said dear. It’s the reason I’m on the waiting list to get diagnosed 3 decades after I first sought professional help. 🙏🏼🌺

[@debbieross7074]

I stumbled across your video and OMGawd this is soo me! I am a HSP, with ADHD, highly empathic, huge animal lover that can impact my mental health and C-PTSD from childhood traumas ++ I'm on the journey to heal and find my true self again. Not so easy in this world. 🥴😵‍💫 I thank you for this video and will watch others you have here. 🙏❤

[@tomchurch2285]

I appreciate Dr. Kim’s video. I think more and more people may soon be talking about what Dr. Kim is on to.

[@Aty86]

I was literally sobbing watching this video… it describes me to a T. I am 38 years old & in the process of learning more about my personal experiences with ASD, ADHD, & C-PTSD. I have been told so many times by therapists, etc, that they think I should be “proud” of where I am mentally because of all the things I have gone through since a young age yet I am so “sane” or have such a “good head on my shoulders”… but I am almost always burnt out. I am almost always dealing with some sort of bodily function backfiring & illness, etc… because (likely) I have been masking for so long. & I am a singer & and artist & an empath who has pretty much been asked “why are you so damn sensitive all the time about everything?!” For most of my life. I cry very easily, not just with sad things. I get extremely overwhelmed in crowds. I literally cannot stand bright lights unless it’s sunlight… I love nature & animals… smells, tastes, how things look & the clothes I wear have always been part of my “personality”… I have been diagnosed with C-PTSD as well. There’s just a lot here that is eye opening. I am also dealing with ADHD stuff on top of all that… so yeah, thanks for this video. For explaining everything as you have. I needed this. ❤

[@Aty86]

I’ve also always been interested in understanding people &/or animals… & even plants. 😮

[@MeissnerEffect]

Thanks again so much for your fascinating research and observations. Thanks for choosing subjects that assist with my ‘detective work :)’ trying to uncover the right clues and give me new queries to bring up with my psych! Well done on your qualifications and your outreach!!

[@tezzybelle7658]

Thank you. This is so valuable. Diagnosed autistic at 52, I thought all my issues were from my CPTSD. Trying to be OK in this world seems almost impossible. You are helping me understand the psychology of my behaviours and inner thoughts … I am very grateful for your expertise. I have hope. Finally. ❤ Thank you ❤

[@clairelabriola]

This is so, so validating. I have been trying to figure myself out too and have been realizing more and more that I believe HSPs (or at least a portion) are in many ways an extension of the Autism spectrum. What I have been seeing in my own personal search is that many HSPs reject the idea of being autistic and a lot of people are already identify as autistic believe HSPs are a part of the spectrum. I believe a big part of this difference is due to prejudice against the autistic label. If autistics are saying, you sound a lot like me, why are we so resistant to hearing this? I think we really have to take a step back and look. Autism is such a huge spectrum that it makes a lot of sense to me that HSPs are likely an more under the radar part of that spectrum. Love, love this video. Thank you! ❤

[@carolyndaigle770]

I've been dealing with anxiety and depression my whole life, and I'm 62. My last therapist told me I'm an HSP and an empath; add ADHD , PTSD, functional anxiety and depression.. I'm now pretty well, always isolating. I live in a building where it houses seniors (I'm the youngest 😉). 10 years ago, I quit drinking as it was causing me trauma. The drinking was my window into fitting in. The more I listen to the traits of autism, the more I believe this is what the true diagnosis could be. I'm not sure if you know of a psychiatrist in Ottawa Canada who deals with late diagnosis of autism? I'm lonely, but I'm happy being alone. Strange and comforting at the same time. Thank you for your clear videos that make it easy to follow. 👍

[@northofyou33]

I am here because I fell for a man who is on the spectrum. The more time I spent with him, the more I realized we clicked because we are both on the spectrum. I understand him so well, and little by little I have recognized the masking I have done all my life. Being with him is liberating on so many levels. I already knew I was HSP and had cPTSD. But autism explains absolutely everything about my life. It's crazy.

[@etcwhatever]

Oh yeah. I had 2 relationships with guys on the spectrum. Like very big signs. But they were unaware. Now looking back at my childhood and my struggle to adapt to society...i see im probably the same.

[@johan96149]

A Holistic approach is needed in healing. With the appropriate attention, many issues can easily and quickly be resolved. A label does not mean understanding, it is a classification often based on judgement alone. My approach : Nutrition> Gut>Detox>etc.>Bodywork: Active(yoga, Chi Gung, exercise, etc.>Passive: Reflex Integration(MNRI), Crainiosacral therapy, Rolfing etc.> Psychology> Social > Energy work: Quantum Touch, Indian Yoga, Taoist Yoga,.> Psychic > Spiritual INTEGRATION is the key.

[@Lotusblume.8]

I have been tailoring my life to my HSP/cptsd traits in order to have less burnout, which manifests physically as migraines, anxiety and depression. I used to look forward to them because then I had an excuse to finally just shut down. Now I’ve learned to pace myself so that they happen less. But that means even more adapting my lifestyle in every way to fit my needs. It has helped me a lot to not reach that point. An autistic student of mine said I sound like I’m autistic too from what they see and what I say. That was the first time looking into it and I dismissed it then because I am very empathetic. I now identify as autistic and videos like yours affirm my findings. Thank you. 💗🌸

[@lucicuti3731]

Thank you for doing this - you have no idea how much these videos are helping and making me feel like I finally can start accepting myself. I also realize that my "quirks" are strongly related to the 'tism. It has given me such a confidence boost and deeper empathy for myself as I no longer feel so ashamed of my "issues". Please keep posting these as they are truely a lifesaver! ❤

[@heartfeltwholeself]

I feel such an instant connection with you and your message. Thank you, I am grateful you are here. I have been feeling and experiencing everything you speak of for some time now. I have become aware of my unconscious masterful masking abilities. And at the core of it for me is an incredibly shy spirit. I have been experiencing so many brain changes over the course of my life, but mostly concentrated in the last 10 years when I had my spiritual awakening. Overnight I became HSP with sps. Or rather , overnight some hard layer of mask burst open. I had a kundalini awakening which was the power it took to open that up in me. And it also opened up inflammation and depression. It turned my life on its head and faced me in a new direction. I am on the path of continual learning about my sensitivities and self awareness and self love. I have learned how important the space is to these sensitivities. And environment. And how important connecting with heart/spirit, body, earth and animals is too. I experience massive waves of energy moving through me often. I must have as a child also. I would often do things repetitively, I.e. stimming. make strange sounds sounds or clicking with my mouth mostly. It was not to annoy others but it gave me some kind of focus. I think it was also how I got through /broke through the energy and emotion(like anxiety and all that I was sensing and feeling , as well as the obsessive thinking). certain processing systems are block or stuck within, that energy can’t flow well. There is a disconnect emotionally/spiritually. And so all that energy comes up against a kind of barrier. Which I personally experience as a kind of protection for myself for being in the body. But is actually where the spirit may be caught or trapped and unable to connect in certain frequencies or environments. I have learned how well I communicate through art, especially writing. One would never notice my toe in autism by reading my words. I am 45 and just over last year or so have been seeing /realizing myself on the spectrum. I do soul energy work and embodiment work now. And Im noticing how helpful it is to autism throughout the spectrum. Much energy boundary healing/support. The energy I channel works to heal the emotional processing system, unique to each soul. Which is so very connected to the heart realm and nervous system. (I also love /understand/agree with your mention of the misdiagnosis with narcissism. I think bipolar could be another misdiagnosis.) (also my experience in working with autism (and in myself) are high levels of empathy)). So grateful for the information, wisdom, connection , and support 🙏🏼 Blessings , Rae~Ven

[@RickNelsonMn]

I think sharing at about @7:00 works for me. I'll watch the remaining. I decided I have ASD after age 60. I discovered I have cptsd from 3+ yrs of trauma therapy that ended mid 2021. I'm 23 yrs sober. I also have studied my trauma quite extensively. This preface is where I hope to add weight behind what I share. I have been a very sensitive person all my life. Emotional regulation, physical responses, and empathy. Hyper vigilance in ways it may not seem intuitive? An example may be seeing others communication style and making an effort to seek common words, gestures and facial expressions. I now think of a lot of these as masking. My ASD vocabulary is slowly growing and I may feel more comfortable sharing. All of this personal information is out here and I have many stories I've written and my life is online now. My wife is the one who might use it against me? A long story of over 41 years. I think I'm feeling trapped by my mental state, that I shut down often in order to have any chance to regulate. Isolation seems a constant state and I don't clearly see a change. I'll keep reading and sharing, thinking it can't hurt me. Perhaps someone responds kindly, that's helpful. Kindness to me is an extreme shortage in my life. I don't have a DSM5, though I'm thinking of trying to read all of ASD online if I find it.

[@abi_jean_reads]

I fully believe that the HSP is just another word for autism. There is so much internalized ableism in this country (US) that many autistic people have no idea they are autistic and refuse to even consider the possibility that they might be. they'll go to great lengths to prove that they are not autistic because they worry that the diagnosis would somehow make them less of a person. they say things like, I am just sensitive, everyone is like that, etc. i would ask those people, why are you so vehemently against the idea that you might be autistic? would that really be such a bad thing? what does that say about your internalized beliefs about autism and autistic people? this is largely due to a profound lack of education and understanding about autism and neurodivergence, in general. its saddening to me because as an autistic person, finding out you are autistic and what that means for you is like getting the keys to the castle. everything begins to make sense. not to mention, the internalized ableism is so damaging for actually autistic people.

[@Alealea123]

I found that many people who indentify as HSP are very defensive about the possibility of being autistic and are arguing so hard, that it is something different, because HSP is not a diagnosis and it is framed as a personality trait. On the other hand autism is classified as a disorder and people just want to be normal and accepted and not to have some disorder and put into some category where there is lots of prejudice and misconceptions what it even means... In a way it seems to me that the concept of HSP was developed because, there are so many misconception about autism and people just dont want to be identified with the label, that says - disordered, disabled, not normal. Also for lots of people it still says asocial, not emphatetic etc.. as you discussed in the video, even though it is not the truth about the people on the spectrum in general. I even saw HSPs to talk about themselves as "normal" or "healthy" as opposed to people on the spectrum. I think more understanding and awareness to what autism actually is and maybe even reframing the "deficit" criterias in the diagnosis would help a lot with all of that.

[@thevibrantlotusstudiollc8227]

My son is autistic and he is the absolute most empathetic person I have ever encountered

[@afterthestorm221]

Thank you Dr. Kim for breaking all of this down. There are many mental health professionals who don't recognize HSP and all of the internal energy commotion.

[@miriamalee9695]

This is such a brilliant explanation of hsp and autism, your examples are so reflective of myself. ❤ Thank you

[@RhiannonClarkMusicofficial]

I am neuro divergent. I am super sensitive and feel everything and everyone. It is insulting to say that we don't feel. I think we feel super intensely. I internalised everything when I was a kid.. I started unmasking at 33 and began having adult tantrums because I wasn't allowed to share the amount of emotion I was experiencing. Judged and controlled by my ex stepmother. I cut her out of my life because her control and verbal jabs gave me CPTSD. I ended up living in a homeless hostel for 3 years. I am calmer now over time because I created a peaceful home for myself once I got my own apartment. I am a songwriter... my hyper-focus is self healing, psychology and Music.🎶 🎵 Thanks for sharing your work in this area 👍 🙌 I appreciate you 💜🙏

[@sorshae.elsbernd]

When I told various people I was on the autism spectrum, they all responded with, "No you're not." When I told those same people I was HSP, they all agreed they could see that about me. More and more, I think HSP is the same as ASD. It's just within the general public, HSP is better understood.

[@jenbloom6848]

I’m so happy you made this video. I have considered myself HSP based on Aron’s writing. But as I have learned more about ASD and late diagnosis in women, it struck me just how many parallels there are between them. I have definitely spent several decades masking - I’m in my 50s. Thank you for teasing it out.

[@annikachildofthoth]

Thank you a million 💕 for talking about this ....

[@jtismybro]

This is the best way I’ve heard anyone describe my situation. And I love that you allow it to be open, ‘cause I have a boyfriend who identifies as autistic. He and his friend seem to have different expressions of their autism than I do. Even though I’m a trans man, I was socialized female growing up and that probably had a profound impact on how we express ourselves differently and what causes each of us anxiety and what doesn’t.

[@jtismybro]

I identify as neurodivergent, diagnosed with ADHD, but adding in that highly sensitive part is extremely important because my sensitivities seem to only be described by hyper-empathy or sensory overload or something like that. I’m constantly burned out and just doing things to supplement ADHD does. Not. Work. I don’t just have ADHD, there’s something more to it because I am so much more sensitive to details and things, to a point where I thought I had OCD because of how particular I am but it just doesn’t encompass the whole picture and no one believes me when I liken my obsession with details and people to OCD

[@paulinecrystalline6125]

This is a very important conversation. Thank you! 🙏

[@ellaboobella8770]

I got my results back yesterday and was diagnosed with ASD. I’m an adult, actually 62, so this is a lot to take in for me. I had a lot of trouble with the tests where questions focused on empathy etc. The way the questions are worded left me confused… I honestly needed more info but did as best I could. But I’m intensely sensitive, maybe too much, so the questions left me unsettled because I wanted to speak up and say… but I DO feel something. My biggest issue is… I’m not sure most of the time how to respond to someone if they’re upset etc. It’s still unsettling. I don’t even know how to process this information. There was no way for me to say… there are times that situations leave me shattered to the core, such as child and animal abuse. I don’t know how to explain this…

[@johnbyerlein6682]

I look forward to this video as I was diagnosed 6/16/2016 @ 60 with autism. I am also a HSP after reading Elaine Aron's great books on the subject.

[@mzminamina]

omg before hsp, "new wisdom" (lol), i related but i always felt i am on the spectrum, understand the difference thank you so much for delving into this i have cptsd because of my autistic gifts when we live on a spectrum of being gifted with intelligence awareness, heightened awareness and sensitivity to feelings, the absurdity of the worlds propensity challenges our basic understanding and our hyper reactivity to the worlds profound twisted diversity. it does not resonate and freaks us out that no body can grasp, feel understand how it affects our energy, sensibility the world makes no sense to me it is a blind, twisted version of reality that i feel understand and see

[@houseoflightnsound333]

Thank you so much for this content. Please keep the videos coming and help us learn how to regulate with this new knowledge and awareness. As a working mother, I never realized how much I was controlling my environment to manage my anxiety and stress. It all seems so obvious the way that you have spoken this contact. Again, thank you so much.

[@themermaidtree1144]

All of this is me 100%. Thank you for all you are doing for people, Dr. Sage.

[@HostileWorkplaceEXPOSED]

Being go. This describes me to a tee. Thank you for posting this. I was in a toxic workplace and experiencing burnout and all the feels you described in this video. I had to constructively discharge because they refused to accommodate me. Your work is so important for those of us that are neurodivergent. You are so important to our community. Thank you

[@seemorepoetry2192]

Since learning myself that the DSM was originally put together by only 9 people in a room 😮 (see Dr James Davies) no wonder there is overlap on all of these labels. I grew up in trauma, being hyper vigilant and feel that I see and feel things that others do not. I can identify with HSP, As i am 49, I have no ‘diagnosis’ but relate to a lot of what you are saying. Thank you as always for your candidness. I wonder how 30% HSP in population was arrived at, really interesting topic.

[@TheWolfCub71]

You are totally speaking about me and my experience. I am off the chart regarding masking, and just was diagnosed at 52 with ADHD,, OCD, and ASD. Because of my ability to mask, I was able to go through life undiagnosed, and it also pushed my ASD scored down significantly, so most of my scores in my ASD report were exactly between average neurotypical and average ASD males. I’m highly sensitive and am very self aware and emotional and empathetic. I also have a variety of special interests, the top two being anatomy and kinesiology (I’m a massage therapist therapist) and sound (I’m a musician/singer and love sound in movies and am a home theater enthusiast and also hi-res music formats).

[@buckinghorse8]

Kim where are your wings you angel from heaven. You seem like such a compassionate💜, sweet, kind human.

[@Nancy-cm1rh]

I know, someone. I will pass this on!!!. Wow......thank you very much❤

[@littlekentucky2294]

I relate so strongly to all this ❤ I’m grateful to have someone that gets it.