What Is the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype? by Julie Bjelland, LMFT

The Sensitive Autistic Neurotype is a term I created to describe a group of autistic individuals—often missed by traditional diagnostic models—who share a unique constellation of traits rooted in both sensitivity and neurodivergence. Many people who resonate with this neurotype discover they are autistic in adulthood, after years (or decades) of misunderstanding, masking, and internalizing the belief that something was “wrong” with them.

This neurotype blends deep sensory, emotional, and social sensitivity with internal traits of autism that are often overlooked—especially in women, AFAB individuals, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those who’ve become skilled at hiding their differences to survive in a neurotypical world.

Shifting from ‘Disorder’ to Neurotype

Autism has long been labeled as a disorder—but this framing is outdated and often harmful. The word disorder implies something broken, deficient, or needing to be fixed. But the lived experience of many autistic people tells a different story. We’re not defective—we just don’t fit into a box.

Autism is a neurotype, meaning a naturally occurring variation in human neurology. It’s one of many valid ways a brain can be wired.

Understanding autism as a neurotype allows us to move out of the deficit-based model and into one of curiosity, compassion, and empowerment. It shifts the conversation from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What does my brain need to thrive?”

Why Neurodiversity Is as Important as Biodiversity

In nature, biodiversity is what keeps ecosystems strong. Every plant, animal, and microbe plays a role—pollinators, predators, fungi, trees. Diversity ensures survival, adaptability, and balance.

Neurodiversity works the same way.

The world doesn’t just benefit from different kinds of brains—it needs them. Autistic people are often the pattern recognizers, deep thinkers, truth-tellers, and visionaries of their communities. We ask the hard questions, notice what others miss, and often hold deep integrity and empathy for both people and the planet.

Nature keeps neurodiversity in the population because it has value. Our brains are here for a reason.

Core Traits of the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype

People who resonate with this neurotype often share:

• Emotional and Sensory Sensitivity: Deeply attuned to subtle shifts in sound, light, textures, or energy. Easily overwhelmed by environments or emotions.

• Internalized Autism: Traits are more inward-facing—rich inner worlds, high empathy, social exhaustion, and perfectionism—but not always outwardly visible.

• High Masking and People-Pleasing: A lifetime of adapting, performing, or becoming who others needed them to be.

• Burnout and Exhaustion: Chronic fatigue, sensory overload, or shutdowns due to years of camouflaging and unmet needs.

• Profound Need for Authenticity and Rest: Longing for spaces where they don’t have to perform, and where they can reconnect with their true selves.

How We Identify Traits in the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype

When identifying autism, especially in adults who may have been overlooked, I use a strengths-based, identity-affirming approach grounded in clinical research, lived experience, and my work with thousands of sensitive and neurodivergent individuals.

People with the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype often experience lifelong differences in both social and sensory processing. Many feel “different” or “out of place,” preferring one-on-one or small, familiar groups over larger or unfamiliar settings, which can feel overwhelming. Small talk often feels unfulfilling, social energy is limited, and solitude is essential.

Sensory sensitivity across multiple senses is common, as is engaging in stimming or subtle self-regulation behaviors such as hair twirling, playing with hands or fidget tools, or other types of repetitive movements. Deep, immersive special interests bring joy and focus, while routines and structure help reduce overwhelm. Chronic pain or illness, anxiety, and depression frequently co-occur, often linked to years of masking and navigating a world not designed for our needs. Emotions may feel especially intense.

Common Questions & Misunderstandings

Let’s gently address some of the most common questions people ask when they first begin to wonder if they might be autistic.

“Can I be autistic if I’m successful in my career?”

Absolutely. Many autistic people are successful—especially when work aligns with their special interests. In fact:

• Autistic individuals often excel in focused, purpose-driven environments.

• Success doesn’t erase autism—it may simply mean you’ve built your life around your strengths.

• The real challenge comes when we’re expected to sustain work that’s misaligned, meaningless, or socially draining.

“Can I be autistic if I don’t struggle with eye contact?”

Yes. Many of us were socially conditioned to make eye contact—especially women and AFAB individuals. It may feel “normal,” but when you pause, you may realize:

• You’re thinking about it: Am I looking too much? Too little?

• It may feel intense, performative, or draining.

• A neurotypical person generally doesn’t analyze their eye contact this way.

“If I get really into something, but lose interest months later—am I still autistic?”

Yes. Special interests can:

• Come and go in cycles.

• Burn hot and fast, or ebb and flow over time.

• Shift into something new after being deeply explored.

The key is the intensity of focus, joy, and regulation they bring—not how long they last.

A New Way Forward

Understanding yourself as part of the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype is about more than a label—it’s a path to healing. It’s about reclaiming your story, learning what your nervous system truly needs, and unmasking safely and slowly in a world that may never have seen you clearly.

Whether you’ve been discovered or diagnosed—or simply recognize yourself in this description—you are valid. You are not alone. And you belong.

Ready to Explore Further?

Receiving an autism diagnosis or getting more clarification can be life-changing. It helps many people reframe their entire history through a more compassionate lens and begin to honor their needs without shame.

I offer:

• A Free Autism Quiz for the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype

• Discovery Consultations – for those exploring whether they might be autistic

• Autism Assessments –1-session diagnostic option for adults

• Support for the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype – through courses, community, and 1:1 guidance

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About the Author
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and the Founder and CEO of Sensitive Empowerment Inc. She was diagnosed as autistic in adulthood and now specializes in identifying autism in adults who align with the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype—a term she created to describe a presentation of autism often missed by traditional diagnostic models. Drawing from both lived experience and clinical expertise and research, Julie offers a strengths-based, identity-affirming approach to autism assessment and education. Through her courses, global online community, podcast, and one-on-one work, she helps sensitive and neurodivergent individuals understand their unique wiring, reduce overwhelm, and thrive. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.

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