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Last edited 04 Nov 2022
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Hypersensitivity

PAS 6463:2022, Design for the mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment – Guide, published by BSI Standards Limited 2022, defines hypersensitivity (also referred to as high sensitivity, highly sensitive person (HSP) or sensory processing sensitivity (SPS)) as: ‘heightened response to physical (via sound, sight, touch, or smell) and/or emotional stimuli and the tendency to be easily overwhelmed.’

This is as opposed to hyposensitivity, which it defines as: ‘reduced response to environmental stimuli. This can result in sensory seeking activity, for example, a need to touch things excessively, turning the volume very loud, etc.’

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Related articles

  • Accessibility in the built environment.
  • Assistive listening system.
  • Assistive technology.
  • British Standards Institution BSI.
  • Equality Act.
  • Hard of hearing.
  • Hearing loss and the built environment.
  • Hearing protection zone.
  • Neurodiversity.
  • People with disabilities definition.
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