That is helpful to understand the comorbitities as well as the prevalence, 1 in 54 would make it very difficult to identify, much more rare than being a highly sensitive person, which is about 1 in 4.

HSPs tend to struggle more with depression and recovery after trauma, because CAT scans have shown more activation in the part of the brain that reacts to negative stimuli and experiences (we also respond more deeply to positive experiences). And because of our depth of processing, I’ve noticed sensitive people often end up reliving the experience over and over their mind, which then triggers their nervous system to be on high alert all the time, looking to protect them from not only real, but also perceived danger.

Several therapists I know, have estimated more than half of the people in their practice resonate with the four characteristics of HSP. Makes sense if someone is conscientious and therefore more likely to do inner work.

There was a man in my community who had an official diagnosis as autistic and he also identified as HSP. He appreciated being in a space where his way of being was honored, instead of feeling ostracized or misunderstood.

Glad you and I are making these connections. I believe as advocates for research and support for neurodiversity, we need to be allies.