Hyposensitivity/HIGH-po-sen-si-TIV-ih-tee/

Hyposensitivity (sensory under-responsiveness) occurs when the nervous system requires more intense sensory input to reach awareness or response threshold. This can affect any sensory system—sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, vestibular (balance/movement), proprioception (body awareness), and interoception (internal body signals).

People with hyposensitivity may not notice sensory information obvious to others, seek intense sensory experiences, have high pain tolerance, need louder sounds to focus, crave intense flavors/textures, struggle recognizing hunger/thirst/bathroom needs, or seem unaware of temperature changes.

Hyposensitivity can be selective—someone might be hyposensitive to sound but hypersensitive to light. It's neurological difference in processing, not choice. Many develop compensatory strategies: seeking intense input through movement, fidgeting, loud music, spicy foods—adaptive responses to sensory needs.

Neurodivergent communities understand hyposensitivity as valid way of experiencing sensory world. Many autistic and ADHD people experience it alongside or instead of hypersensitivity. Common experiences: "Told I'm 'not paying attention' when I genuinely didn't register information," "Finding intense sensory input helps me focus and regulate—not distraction, necessity," "People think I'm ignoring them—my brain literally didn't notice," "Finally understanding why I blast music, seek movement, need spicy food—it's sensory regulation, not preference."

Community emphasizes sensory-seeking behaviors aren't attention-seeking but necessary for regulation and functioning. Research shows hyposensitivity common in autism and ADHD, can co-occur with hypersensitivity in different senses, sensory-seeking helps self-regulation and attention. Brain imaging suggests differences in sensory processing connectivity.

Everyday Life Examples

The invisible pain: Marcus burns hand on stove. Doesn't react. Sister screams "That's hot!" He looks down—second-degree burn forming. Brain didn't register pain signal fast enough. Goes to ER multiple times for injuries he didn't notice happening. Doctors lecture about "being careful." He IS careful—his nervous system just doesn't send alarm bells others get. Not carelessness, hyposensitivity. Has to visually check for injuries since pain doesn't warn him.

The volume seeker: Roommates complain Sarah's music is too loud. For her, it's barely noticeable background. She needs volume cranked to register sound and focus. With earbuds, she can finally hear music clearly without bothering others. But in shared spaces, constant tension: what's "too loud" for others is "just right" for her brain. Her auditory threshold is genuinely different—not rudeness, neurology.

The missed signals: Jordan frequently misses bathroom, ends up in painful situations. Doesn't realize they're hungry until shaking, lightheaded. Forgets water for hours, ends up with headaches. Interoception (internal body signals) doesn't work like others. Their brain doesn't send "hey, bathroom soon" or "getting hungry" messages clearly. Sets hourly reminders for water, bathroom, snacks. Looks excessive to others—for Jordan, it's survival strategy for hyposensitive interoception.

Practical Strategies

Free/Low-Cost Options:

• Set phone alarms/reminders for basic needs (water, food, bathroom) every 1-2 hours (free)
• Use fidget tools (cheap pen springs, rubber bands, DIY sensory items) for tactile input (very cheap)
• Create movement routine: jumping jacks, wall pushes, stretches between tasks (free)
• Listen to music/podcasts at your needed volume with earbuds (respects others' needs) (free earbuds available)
• Seek intense flavors: hot sauce, sour candy, strong mints for sensory input (cheap)
• Use visual checklists for tasks you might forget (free)
• Take stairs instead of elevator, park farther for extra movement (free)

If Possible:

• Quality noise-canceling headphones for controlling sound input
• Standing desk or desk converter for movement while working
• Weighted blanket or compression clothing for proprioceptive input
• Occupational therapy for personalized sensory strategies

Why This Works: Hyposensitivity means your sensory threshold is higher—you need more input to register sensations. Seeking intense sensory experiences (movement, sound, flavor, pressure) brings your nervous system to optimal alertness and regulation. Alarms/visual cues compensate for weak internal signals. This isn't "coping"—it's working WITH your neurology.

Quick Tips

• Today: Set 3 hourly reminders for basic needs (water, stretch, check temperature)
• This Week: Get cheap fidget item and notice when you naturally reach for sensory input
• This Month: Track which sensory-seeking behaviors help you focus/regulate most

Do / Don't

Do's

• Provide sensory input when someone seeks it
• Recognize sensory-seeking as necessary self-regulation
• Offer fidget tools, movement breaks, intense experiences
• Use multiple modalities (visual + verbal + tactile) for important information
• Understand high pain tolerance doesn't mean no pain/no care needed

Don'ts

• Assume someone is ignoring you if they don't respond to sensory input
• Restrict necessary sensory-seeking behaviors
• Interpret "not noticing" as defiance or rudeness
• Force someone to notice sensory input they genuinely can't register
• Dismiss interoception struggles as "just forgetting"

For Families, Schools, and Workplaces

For Families:

• Understand sensory-seeking (loud music, jumping, intense foods) serves regulation purpose
• Use multiple modalities: tap shoulder + verbal + visual cue for important info
• Don't punish "not noticing"—brain genuinely didn't register
• Support movement needs rather than demanding stillness
• Help set up reminder systems for basic needs

For Schools:

• Allow fidget tools, movement breaks, standing/wobble seats
• Provide textured materials, varied sensory input
• Don't interpret hyposensitivity as inattention or defiance
• Use multi-sensory teaching (visual, auditory, tactile)
• Understand student might not notice bell, verbal instructions

For Workplaces:

• Allow standing desks, movement breaks, background music with headphones
• Provide clear visual/tactile cues for important deadlines
• Understand sensory-seeking behaviors (fidgeting, music, movement) enable focus
• Don't restrict movement or sensory tools
• Recognize employee might need multiple prompts (not ignoring, not noticing)

Intersectionality

Hyposensitivity intersects with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences. Cultural expectations about "appropriate" behavior clash with sensory-seeking needs—some cultures value stillness, quiet, restraint more than others. Financial barriers limit access to helpful tools (quality headphones, standing desks, occupational therapy). High pain tolerance can mask serious injuries, leading to delayed medical care—particularly dangerous for marginalized groups facing medical dismissal. Interoception difficulties affect eating disorders, body image, gender dysphoria recognition. Sensory-seeking behaviors may be misinterpreted as hyperactivity, leading to overdiagnosis in some groups, underdiagnosis in others (especially girls/women).

Hyposensitivity is the clinical term, while "sensory-seeking" often describes the behavioral responses to hyposensitivity. Some prefer "sensory differences" or "alternative sensory processing" to avoid deficit-based language. The term "sensory diet" is commonly used to describe planned sensory input activities.