OK, it’s possible that what might be needed here is a bit of what the late Sir Terry Pratchett would call ‘headology’.

If I say to people, truthfully, that I have problems with maths and arithmetic, they sneer and imply, or outright tell me, that I’m just thick. If I tell them, equally truthfully, that I have poor coordination and cannot play football/ surf/go climbing etc., they imply, or state, that I’m a wimp who hasn’t the nerve to try. BUT, if instead I tell people that I’m mildly dyspraxic, they are usually sympathetic and helpful. Same problems, but a fancy-sounding name makes it all good.

Given that being an HSP is actually a physiological condition, what might help is to give it a fancy name, call it a syndrome or an -ism of some kind. Colour me cynical if you will, but if you can give the way you are a title, then people are more prepared to regard it as something that isn’t ‘your fault’ and thus more prepared to be supportive and understanding.

OK, that’s shallow as hell, but unfortunately, so are most people!