Hypersensitive and Hyposensitive – How They Are Different?

Last Updated on August 13, 2025 by John Hookway

You might see that hypersensitive and hyposensitive talk about how you react to things you sense. If sounds, lights, or textures feel too much, you have hypersensitivity. If you hardly notice these things, you have hyposensitivity.

New studies show that more than 90% of kids with autism have sensory differences like this. These reactions also happen in many neurodivergent people. You can learn to spot the signs and find ways to help you handle daily life.

Hypersensitive and Hyposensitive Basics

Definitions

Overresponsivity

Some people react a lot to loud sounds or bright lights. This strong reaction is called overresponsivity. Their brains think normal things are too much or even hurt.

They might cover their ears when a vacuum is on. They may stay away from busy places because it feels too intense. Scientists call this hypersensitivity.

It is common in neurodivergent people, like those with autism or sensory processing disorder. Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) means you notice more around you. Your brain takes in more from your surroundings. This can make life feel stressful or sometimes rewarding.

Underresponsivity

Other people hardly notice things that bother others. This is called underresponsivity. If you have underresponsivity, you may not react to pain or loud sounds.

You might want strong feelings, like spinning or touching everything. You may listen to music very loud. This is called hyposensitivity.

Many neurodivergent people have hyposensitivity, especially those with autism or sensory processing disorder. You may want more sensory input because your brain does not notice normal things.

Both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity are sensory processing differences. You cannot choose how your brain reacts to sensory input. These differences are common in neurodivergent people.

Key Differences

You can understand hypersensitive and hyposensitive by looking at how they change your senses and actions.

The table below shows the main differences:

New research shows hypersensitivity is often linked to social and talking problems in autism. You might have trouble switching focus or using your imagination.

Hyposensitivity makes you want more sensory input. This can look like moving a lot or touching things. Both hypersensitive and hyposensitive reactions can happen in one person. Sometimes they happen at the same time but with different senses.

The brain reasons for these differences are complicated. Genes matter, especially for touch and sound. Your brain may not filter out background noise well.

Some people’s brains connect sensory information in a different way. This can change how they react. For example, you might have more dopamine D2 receptors in some brain parts.

This can make touch feel bad. Your brain may also take longer to get used to repeated things. So things never feel normal or comfortable.

Hypersensitive and hyposensitive are not just about likes or dislikes. They come from real differences in how your brain and body work. These sensory processing differences change how you live each day, especially if you are neurodivergent.

Signs and Behaviors

Hypersensitive

Overstimulation

Sometimes, normal places feel too much for you. Bright lights or loud sounds can make you upset. Strong smells might bother you a lot.

Your brain reacts fast to these things. You may want to leave or hide. Many people with hypersensitivity get sensory overload. This means your senses take in too much at once. Your body cannot handle it all.

If busy places make you feel bad, try sunglasses or noise-canceling headphones. These can help you feel better.

Here is a table that shows signs of hypersensitivity in kids and adults:

Simple things like fire alarms or crowded halls can make you panic. You may avoid assemblies or dislike malls.

Noisy classrooms can make you tired. Sensory overload can cause meltdowns. You might cry, yell, or want to be alone. Sometimes, you feel pain from things that do not bother others.

Strong Reactions

Your body can react a lot to small things. You might pull away from a gentle touch. Perfume smells can make you gag.

You may not wear some clothes because they feel scratchy. Foods with certain textures or tastes can be hard to eat. These reactions make daily routines tough.

You may feel anxious, angry, or sad when your senses get overwhelmed. It can be hard to focus or talk to others. Your brain is busy dealing with too much input. These problems can make group activities or making friends hard.

Hyposensitive

Sensory Seeking

If you have hyposensitivity, you may not notice things others do. Your brain wants more input to feel good.

You might like spinning, jumping, or touching everything. You may play rough or enjoy loud music. Chewing on things can help you feel better.

Here are some common sensory-seeking actions:

• You touch many textures or objects.
• You move a lot, like rocking or jumping.
• You like strong tastes or spicy foods.
• You listen to music very loud.
• You may not notice if your hands or face are dirty.

Sensory seeking is not just a habit. Your brain needs more input to feel okay.

You may have trouble sitting still in class or doing homework. You get up a lot, fidget, or talk loudly. You might take risks, like climbing high or running fast. These actions can cause accidents or make it hard to follow rules.

Low Response

You may not react to things that bother others. You might not notice pain from a scraped knee. You may not feel cold when others do.

You could miss sounds, like someone calling your name or a fire alarm. You might not notice strong smells or tastes.

Some signs of low response are:

• Not noticing when you get hurt.
• Ignoring loud noises or bright lights.
• Missing social cues, like waving.
• Not reacting to strong smells or tastes.

Low response can make it hard to stay safe. You may not move away from danger or ask for help. Teachers and parents may think you are ignoring them. Your brain just does not pick up on signals.

If you see these signs in yourself or someone else, remember that hypersensitive and hyposensitive behaviors are how the brain works. You can find ways to manage these differences and feel better each day.

Impact on Daily Life

Home

The way you sense things changes your home life. If you are hypersensitive, normal sounds can feel very loud. You might cover your ears when the vacuum is on.

You may leave rooms if people talk loudly. Sometimes, you get upset or want to be alone when things feel too much. These moments can make it hard to talk with your family or share how you feel.

If you have hyposensitivity, you might want to touch many things. You may like spinning or jumping a lot. Sometimes, you do not feel pain or notice hot water.

This can make things like brushing teeth or taking a bath harder. Your family might change routines or use tools to help you. Weighted blankets or headphones can make you feel better.

• Hypersensitivity can cause worry, discomfort, and meltdowns. This can stop family time.
• Hyposensitivity can make you want more sensory input. It can be hard to follow routines.
• Sensory differences can change how you join in at home.
• Making calm spaces and using special sensory plans can help.
• Occupational therapy and ABA therapy can help you handle sensory problems.

Try making a quiet spot or use soft lights at home. These ideas can help you feel safe and calm.

School or Work

Sensory differences can make school or work tough. If you are hypersensitive, loud rooms or bright lights can bother you.

You may find it hard to focus when there is noise or strong smells. This can make you feel stressed or want to avoid some tasks.

If you have hyposensitivity, you may move around a lot. You might tap your pencil or fidget in your seat. Sometimes, you do not hear your name or miss directions. These things can make it hard to keep up with work or lessons.

Almost 90% of autistic people have sensory differences that affect them at school or work. Many use headphones, quiet rooms, or other ways to help. CBT can teach you ways to cope and control your feelings.

Social Situations

Sensory differences can change your social life. If you are hypersensitive, you may stay away from crowds.

Loud sounds or bright lights can make you feel nervous. It can be hard to talk to people or join group activities.

If you have hyposensitivity, you may not see when someone waves at you. You might miss small hints from others. You may rock or spin, and this can make talking to people harder.

• Sensory patterns are linked to social skills and friendships.
• Hypersensitivity can make you pull away and miss social clues.
• Hyposensitivity can make you miss signals and join in less.
• Having many sensory challenges can make talking to others even harder.

Knowing your sensory needs can help you make friends. Your family and friends can help by learning what you need and making changes for you.

Coexistence and Sensory Variation

Mixed Profiles

You may notice your senses do not fit one group. Many people, especially neurodivergent ones, have both hypersensitive and hyposensitive reactions.

You could feel stressed by loud noises but not notice a small cut. This mix of feelings is normal. Research shows your brain can get signals wrong.

Some things feel too strong, others feel too weak. This happens because your brain works differently with information from your body and the world.

You can have both types of sensitivity at once. They can show up in different situations or with different senses.

Here is a table that shows how you might have both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity in daily life:

Your reactions can change with your mood, stress, or where you are. Sometimes, you switch between hypersensitive and hyposensitive in one day.

Different Senses

Your sensory profile is special to you. You can have different sensitivity levels for each sense. Here is how this can look:

Sight

Bright lights or busy patterns can bother you. You may get headaches or feel sick from too much visual input. You might also like bright or spinning things and miss details in messy places.

Sound

Loud or sudden noises may make you cover your ears or leave. You could want loud music or not hear when someone calls you. Sometimes, you hear things others do not.

Touch

Some fabrics or light touches can bother you. You may not like hugs or grooming. You might want deep pressure, rough play, or not notice pain or dirt.

Smell

Strong smells like perfume can make you feel sick. You may stay away from places with strong odors. You might not notice dangerous smells, which can be unsafe.

Taste

You may not eat foods with certain textures or strong flavors. Your diet could be small. You might want spicy or sour foods and not notice mild tastes.

Balance

You may feel dizzy or not like moving, such as swinging or riding in a car. You could love spinning, bouncing, or moving fast and not get dizzy.

Body Awareness

You may not like changes in body position or feel uneasy with movement. You could want heavy lifting or deep pressure to feel steady.

Your sensory needs can change as you grow. You can learn to spot your patterns and find ways to help yourself.

Your sensory experiences matter. Knowing your mixed profile helps you find what works for you.

Managing Sensitivities

Strategies for Individuals

There are many ways to handle hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity every day. First, find out what makes your senses react.

Notice which sounds, lights, or textures bother you. Also, see which ones you like or want more of. When you know your patterns, you can try new tools and routines.

• Use noise-canceling headphones to block loud sounds.
• Weighted blankets or bean bag chairs can help you feel calm.
• Fidget toys are good if you feel restless or want to touch things.
• Take breaks in a quiet place when you feel overwhelmed.
• Visual schedules can help you know what is next and lower stress.
• Practice deep breathing or count to ten to calm down.
• Pick clothes and foods that feel good for your senses.

Therapies like Occupational Therapy or Sensory Integration Therapy can help. These use games and movement to help your brain with sensory input.

Physical therapy helps if you need better balance or body awareness. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to handle strong reactions or sensory-seeking actions.

Try different tools to see what helps you most. Your needs might change as you grow.

Support for Caregivers

Caregivers help people manage sensory differences every day. Watch for triggers like bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells.

Make your home sensory-friendly by using soft lights and keeping things tidy. Set up quiet spaces for breaks.

• Give sensory breaks with calming things like weighted blankets or fidget toys.
• Make routines that include sensory activities the person likes.
• Use visual supports like schedules and stories to explain the day.
• For hypersensitivity, lower things that overwhelm. For hyposensitivity, add more sensory activities.
• Work with occupational therapists to make a special sensory plan.
• Teach the person to speak up about their sensory needs.

You can find help and training online, in podcasts, or in support groups. Many groups have guides, toolkits, and classes for caregivers. These help you learn new ways and meet others who understand sensory processing differences.

Caregivers’ support and understanding can really help with daily life and feelings.

Professional Help

Sometimes, you need extra help with sensory sensitivities. Get professional help if sensory issues make daily life hard or cause stress.

Occupational therapists can check your sensory needs and make a plan for you. Sensory Integration Therapy uses special activities to help you get used to sensory input.

Physical therapy helps with movement and balance. Counselors and behavioral therapists help with feelings and social skills.

• Ask for help if home or school changes do not work.
• Getting help early can make things better and help you feel good.
• Professionals can teach you and your caregivers new ways to handle sensory challenges.

You do not have to handle sensory differences by yourself. Professional help can give you skills and confidence for a better life.

Building Understanding

Empathy

Empathy means you try to understand how others feel. This helps you connect with people who have sensory processing differences.

Some people are hypersensitive or hyposensitive. This can make it hard for them to join group activities or read emotions.

If there is too much noise or light, a child might not show empathy or play with others. You can help by learning about their needs and changing things around them.

• Sensory overload or not noticing things can make it hard to join in or understand feelings.
• Changing things like loud sounds or bright lights helps people feel safe and ready to connect.
• When you learn how empathy works for kids with sensory differences, you can help them better.
• People with higher sensory processing sensitivity often feel emotions deeply.
• They may show more real empathy and care more about others.
• Programs that teach about empathy help everyone feel included.

You can help grow empathy by learning about sensory needs and talking about feelings. This helps everyone feel noticed and understood.

Reducing Stigma

Stigma makes life harder for people with sensory differences. You can help by learning, sharing, and supporting others. Many places now have quiet areas and less noise. These changes help everyone feel welcome.

• Community spaces add quiet spots and use softer lights.
• Schools and jobs teach staff about sensory needs.
• Visual schedules and sensory maps help people know what will happen.
• Awareness campaigns teach others about sensory processing.
• Buddy programs help people make friends.
• Families and groups work together to make better spaces.
• Faith and cultural groups also help spread understanding.

You can help by joining these programs and speaking up for people with sensory differences. When you challenge stereotypes and share real stories, you help others see the person, not just the difference.

Resources

There are many ways to learn more and get help. Occupational therapy leads research and treatment for sensory processing issues. Experts say early support helps people do better.

Books like “Raising a Sensory Smart Child” by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske give good advice. Sensory diets are planned activities that help meet sensory needs. Schools may offer plans like IEPs or Section 504 for extra help.

• STAR Institute gives research, treatment lists, and parent guides. They have events and online classes for families and professionals.
• Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support has online forums, local groups, and advice for families. They connect you with occupational therapists and share tips for parents.
• SPIRAL Foundation gives free guides, research, and classes for families and professionals. They help you learn about sensory diets and daily routines.

You can find support from these groups, books, and therapy. Meeting others helps you feel less alone and more sure about handling sensory differences.

You have learned that Hypersensitive and Hyposensitive mean your brain reacts in different ways. Knowing your sensory needs can help you get support and make life better.

1. Pay attention to how you react to things and ask trusted people what they notice.
2. Make routines and take breaks in quiet places.
3. Talk to occupational therapists or join groups for help and ideas.

When you understand your sensory needs and try new strategies, you can feel safer and more sure of yourself each day.

FAQ

What is the difference between hypersensitive and hyposensitive?

If you are hypersensitive, you react a lot to things you sense. If you are hyposensitive, you might not notice things around you. Both are ways your brain handles sensory input.

Can you have both hypersensitive and hyposensitive traits?

Yes, you can have both at the same time. You might get upset by loud noises but not feel pain. Your sensory needs can change with your mood or where you are.

How do I know if I am hypersensitive or hyposensitive?

Watch how you react to sounds, lights, and touch. If you stay away from things, you might be hypersensitive. If you look for more input, you might be hyposensitive.

What helps with sensory overload?

You can wear noise-canceling headphones or take a break. Find a quiet spot to calm down. Deep breathing and weighted blankets can help you relax.

Are sensory differences only found in autism?

People with autism, ADHD, or other conditions can have sensory differences. Many people without a diagnosis also notice these differences.

Should I talk to a professional about sensory issues?

Talk to an occupational therapist or counselor if sensory issues make life hard. Getting help early can give you ways to cope and feel better.