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The Highly Sensitive Person Inventory (HSPI-24)*
Click HERE to take test
Take this screener if…
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Loud noises, busy environments, or strong scents easily overwhelm you.
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You tend to feel intense emotion—both joy and distress.
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You get deeply absorbed in art, music, nature, or others’ feelings.
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You prefer quiet, calm, low-stimulation settings to function well.
The HSPI‑24 is a self-assessment designed to explore the trait of sensory processing sensitivity—a temperament characterized by heightened emotional responsiveness, deep thinking, and sensitivity to environmental stimuli.
Often referred to as being a “Highly Sensitive Person (HSP),” this trait is not a disorder, but a variation in how deeply your nervous system processes information.
24 Questions
Are you struggling with high sensitivity?
Learn more about the ways high sensitivity can impact your life and relationships:
Who It’s For:
Adults (18+) who want to understand how their sensitivity to emotional, sensory, or social stimuli might shape their experiences, relationships, and self-care needs.
Duration:
Approximately 5–7 minutes
What It Measures:
The HSPI‑24 assesses sensitivity across four dimensions of experience:
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Depth of Processing – Reflective, complex thinking and meaning-making
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Overstimulation – Susceptibility to overwhelm in busy or intense environments
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Emotional Reactivity – Intensity of emotional responses and empathy
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Sensitivity to Subtleties – Awareness of subtle cues, shifts, and details
These traits are neutral in nature—they may be sources of strength, challenge, or both, depending on context and support.
Total Score Interpretation
Total Score Range: 24-120
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24-59: Lower Overall Sensitivity - You may find it easier to navigate stimulating environments and manage emotional input. While still capable of deep feeling or reflection, you likely process information in a more straightforward or action-oriented way.
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60-79: Moderate Overall Sensitivity - You likely experience a balance of reflection and responsiveness, with occasional overstimulation or emotional intensity. This level of sensitivity can support both connection and resilience.
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80-120: Higher Overall Sensitivity - You may process experiences deeply and feel things intensely — both emotionally and physically. This can be a strength in creativity, empathy, and awareness, but may also lead to emotional fatigue or overstimulation without proper boundaries and recovery time.
Subscale Score Interpretation
Each of the four subscales is scored from 6 to 30 and offers a deeper look into your sensitivity profile:
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6-12: Relatively Low Expression - This dimension is a smaller part of how you experience the world.
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13-17: Moderate Expression - This dimension shows up in meaningful ways, especially in intense or complex situations.
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18-30: Relatively High Expression - This dimension is a central and defining part of how you process experience.
Support for Sensory and Emotional Sensitivity
Being a Highly Sensitive Person can enrich your relationships, creativity, and self-understanding—but it may also require mindful self-care, boundaries, and environments that honor your processing style.
If your sensitivity feels overwhelming or affects your daily functioning, a therapist who understands sensory processing sensitivity can help you navigate your strengths while offering tools to manage the challenges.
👉 Curious to learn more? [Reach out through our contact form]—we’re here to support your growth.
*Disclaimer
This questionnaire is designed to offer helpful insights and support self-reflection. It can be a useful starting point to increase understanding and many individuals find it valuable for identifying patterns and starting meaningful conversations—whether with a partner, therapist, or coach.
That said, this tool is still in development and has not been validated through formal scientific research. While the questions are based on commonly reported experiences, the questionnaire’s reliability and accuracy have not been formally established. It is not intended to diagnose any condition or replace professional evaluation.
For personalized guidance, we encourage you to consult with a neurodivergent-affirming clinician.
©2025 Adult Autism Assessment Center, part of the New Path Family of Therapy Centers Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this questionnaire may be reproduced, redistributed, or otherwise used without explicit written permission from the Adult Autism Assessment Center.