207 Understanding HSP Neurodiversity and Executive Functioning

Business Miracles

Have you ever wondered, are highly sensitives neurodivergent? As an HSP, you’ve likely questioned this but haven’t arrived at a definitive answer. There is a lot of information out there on the internet, and a lot of it misinformed so it is important for us to address this by looking at the research and re-returning to what it means to be highly sensitive. Both the research on HSPs (lead by Dr. Elaine Aaron) and the neurodiversity social justice movement (lead by Judy Singer) emerged in the mid-1990s, and there are interesting parallels in their development. Human brains are all wired differently, leading to diverse interpretations of the world, and HSPs represent a unique variation within the neurodiverse population. We are uniquely wired to use our strengths in our business and leadership roles to make the world a better place.

In this week’s episode, I begin a discussion on whether highly sensitives are neurodivergent or not. I revisit and share the definition of what it is to be highly sensitive, as well as the definitions for neurodiversity, neurodivergent, and executive functioning. All crucial things to keep in mind as we consider this important topic. I examine the research and how it relates to us as highly sensitives in business and leadership. Listen until the end where I share five key points to bring it all together so you can better understand yourself and your HSP neurodiversity. Also, be sure to tune into our next episode where we will take this topic further and discuss enhancing HSP neurodiversity and executive functioning.

“HSPs are a subset of the population, a subset of the population who are high in a personality trait known as sensory processing sensitivity or SPS, sensory processing sensitivity or SPS. Those with high levels of SPS display increased emotional sensitivity, stronger reactivity to both external and internal stimuli – pain, hunger, light noise – and as a result of these personality traits and HSP tends to have a complex inner life.” – Heather Dominick

Listen and Learn:

• 2:16: What does it mean to be a highly sensitive person
• 4:48: Why is it important to be reminded of what it means to be highly sensitive
• 5:35: What does it mean to be neurodivergent
• 6:58: How to define neurodiversity
• 10:13: What is executive functioning
• 12:53: How are highly sensitive people built differently

“Differences are not viewed as deficits.” – Heather Dominick

Links and Resources:

• Get your copy of Heather’s book DIFFERENT: http://www.differentthebook.com/
• Get your copy of the HSE Training Kit: Survive to Thrive: http://www.shiftfromsurvivetothrive.com/
• Get your copy of the HSE Assessment and Success Guide: http://www.myhsetype.com/
• Learn more about the Highly Sensitive Leadership Training Program: https://www.businessmiracles.com/highly-sensitive-leadership-training-program/

Learn more about this episode of Business Miracles at https://www.businessmiracles.com/207