Sensory Processing Sensitivity

Sensory Processing Sensitivity refers to differences in how an individual perceives, filters, and responds to sensory input across modalities such as vision, sound, touch, taste, and proprioception. It is commonly elevated in autistic people, but also occurs in people with ADHD, sensory processing disorder, post-concussion syndrome, migraine, and post-traumatic stress, among others. Manifestations include hyper-responsivity (distress at typical levels of light, sound, or texture), hypo-responsivity (reduced registration of sensory input), and sensory seeking. For accessibility design, SPS implies that visual complexity, sudden audio, flashing content, and dense interfaces can produce real cognitive load and distress, not merely aesthetic preference; designs should support user-controlled sensory settings such as reduced motion, simplified visuals, and adjustable audio.