Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me, you explained them extremely well, in a way that makes a lot of sense to me. I hope you read all the way through to the end, where I stated, "my intent is not to critique individuals who consider themselves highly sensitive, for whatever reasons — I fully respect the right of people to identify how they choose, to use terms and concepts which make sense for them, and may help them find supports or accommodations if needed."

This is so important, and I can relate very much to how validating and what a relief it is to finally feel seen. I, too, felt strangely out of place and different my entire life, without being able to figure out why. Identifying as Autistic has been positively life-changing for me and it fits for me. If that doesn't fit for you, but HSP does, then by all means, please use HSP :)

I in no way want to erase anything that helps people and works for them on an individual level. My issue is with professionals who invent new labels where ones already exist, in order to sell products and services.

(I acknowledge that my title is just a teensy bit hyperbolic for effect).

My issue is with the points the authors of the articles I critiqued (as well as the person who coined the term HSP) use to support their assertions. They are fuelled by ableism. That's not to say that your personal experience and use of the term is fuelled by ableism. If it works for you and is not preventing you from gaining supports or self-understanding, then by all means, you do you! (Meant genuinely, not sarcastically).