Sensory Processing
How the brain receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste, proprioception, vestibular). Differences in sensory processing are central to autism and HSP.
Sensory processing differences mean the brain handles input from the senses differently. This can manifest as: hypersensitivity (over-responding — loud sounds are painful), hyposensitivity (under-responding — high pain tolerance, seeking intense input), or mixed (different for different senses).
In autism, sensory differences are a diagnostic criterion in DSM-5. Common experiences: fluorescent lights feel blinding, clothing tags are unbearable, background noise makes conversation impossible, and strong smells cause nausea.
Sensory processing affects career choice significantly — an autistic person with sound hypersensitivity will struggle in an open office but thrive in a quiet lab. Understanding your sensory profile helps choose work environments where you can function optimally.