Understanding the Differences Between Autism and Introversion
Autism and introversion are both often misunderstood concepts. Autistic people are often thought of as uninterested in conversation or social interaction, when in reality, many autistic people just have difficulty with back-and-forth conversation. They may be interested in topics that others find dull, or they may have difficulty reading social cues. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t value relationships. Autistic people often form deep and lasting bonds with others, even if they don’t always show it in traditional ways. Similarly, introverts are often seen as unsocial or unfriendly when in reality they just need time to recharge after social interaction. They may prefer one-on-one conversation to large group settings, and they may need time alone to reenergize. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t value relationships. Introverts often form deep connections with others. In many ways, autism and introversion are very similar.
What is introversion?
If you’re the type of person who feels energized after spending time alone, you might be an introvert. Introverts are social, but they often need time to themselves in order to recharge. This can make social situations and relationships draining for introverts. When it comes to work, introverts often excel in jobs that require them to focus on tasks independently. They’re often good at problem-solving and coming up with creative solutions. However, jobs that require a lot of social interaction can be challenging for introverts.
What is autism?
Autism is a complex condition that affects social and relationship skills. Autistic people may have difficulty understanding social cues, making eye contact, or engaging in back-and-forth conversation. They may also prefer to spend time alone, rather than with others. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. Some autistic people are unable to speak, while others may have above-average verbal skills. There is no single cause of autism, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, all autistic people share some core features. These characteristics can range from mild to severe, and they often lead to social difficulties. Because of these challenges, autistic people often require extra support in order to thrive.
Similarities
Though autism and introversion are two very different things, they do have some similarities. Both can make conversation and social interaction difficult. For autistic people, this is because of difficulty understanding and responding to social cues. Introverts, on the other hand, may simply find conversation and small talk draining. They may prefer one-on-one conversation or deeper conversations about topics that interest them. Another similarity between autism and introversion is that both can make forming relationships difficult. Again, this is due to differences in social interaction. Autistic people may have trouble making friends, while introverts may find it difficult to open up to others. Finally, both autism and introversion can be mistaken for rudeness or disinterest. This is because autistic people may not pick up on social cues, while introverts may not feel the need to constantly be talking.
Introversion is not shyness
Many people equate being introverted with being shy, but the two concepts are actually quite different. Shyness is characterized by a lack of confidence in social situations, while introversion is simply a preference for smaller, more intimate gatherings over large crowds. Introverts are often perfectly capable of enjoying themselves in social settings; they just prefer not to do so for extended periods of time. In fact, many introverts are quite adept at handling small talk and other social niceties. The key difference is that introverts recharge their batteries by spending time alone, while extroverts derive energy from being around others. Too often, introverts are mistakenly seen as aloof or even antisocial when in reality they just need some time to recharge after a long day of socializing.
Not all autistic people are introverts
For many autistic people, social interaction can be a challenge. However, that doesn’t mean that all autistic people are introverts. In fact, many autistic people are extroverted and enjoy social events. For some, the social interaction may be stimulation overload, but they still enjoy being around people. Autistic people who are extroverted may have difficulty filtering out stimulations, but they still crave social interaction. Being around people helps them to feel energized and alive. Extroverted autistic people often have a strong need for social interaction and may feel lonely or isolated if they don’t have enough opportunities to socialize.
Differences between autism and introversion
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Social skills:
One of the key differences between autism and introversion is social skills. Autistic people often have difficulty reading social cues and body language, and they may not pick up on sarcasm or jokes. They may also have a hard time keeping up with the back-and-forth of a conversation. In contrast, introverts tend to be more aware of social dynamics and are often better equipped to navigate them. They may prefer one-on-one interactions or smaller groups, but they generally have the social skills to hold their own in a variety of settings. Autistic people may have more difficulty understanding and feeling their emotions, while introverts are more likely to be keenly attuned to the inner workings of their bodies. As a result, introverts tend to be better at recognizing their feelings and navigating social situations.
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Routines:
Autistic people often have a strong need for routine. This can be helpful in many ways, as it can provide a sense of structure and predictability in an otherwise chaotic world. However, it can also be detrimental when routine is disrupted, as this can lead to anxiety and meltdowns. For many autistic people, having a set daily routine helps to reduce anxiety and provide a sense of stability. However, this need for routine can sometimes conflict with the desire for spontaneity or new experiences. In contrast, introverted people are often more flexible and adaptable. They may prefer predictable situations, but they are less likely to feel overwhelmed by change. As a result, introverts are often better able to go with the flow. However, this adaptability does not mean that introverts don’t value routine. For many introverts, having some degree of predictability can be essential for feeling calm and relaxed.
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Sensory sensitivities:
While autistic people may have sensory sensitivities, this is not a defining feature for introverts. For many people on the autism spectrum, overwhelm can come from loud noises or bright lights. This is because the brain is processing information differently and can be easily overloaded by stimuli. Introverts do not have these brain differences and are not typically affected to a greater degree by sensory experiences.
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Masking:
Autistic people often mask in social situations in order to blend in and avoid anxiety or discomfort. This can be exhausting, and many autistic people feel relief when they are finally able to be alone. In contrast, introverts generally do not mind being around other people. They may feel drained after socializing, but this is not because they are pretending to be someone they’re not. Introverts simply prefer smaller groups or one-on-one interactions. While autistic people may mask their true selves in order to fit in, introverts are more likely to be their genuine selves around others.
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Stims:
Autistic people often engage in self-stimulatory behaviors, such as rocking or stimming with their hands, to help regulate their behavior. For many autistic people, anxiety and discomfort can be overwhelming, and self-stims help to provide some relief. In some cases, they may also help to improve focus and concentration. In contrast, introverts do not typically engage in self-stims. Introverts tend to be more comfortable with their own thoughts and feelings, and they do not need to rely on external stimuli to regulate their behavior. However, this does not mean that introverts never experience anxiety or discomfort. Like everyone else, introverts have times when they feel overwhelmed and need to find ways to cope.
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Special interests:
There are differences between how Autistic people and introverts spend their alone time. Autistic people with special interests tend to be more focused in one area, while many introverts can enjoy a wide range of interests simultaneously with little regard for order or structure. Autistic people typically prefer routine, structure and order to a more hectic life. They put all their energy into one passion at once which can be seen as both good or bad depending upon how much time you have available for your hobbies outside of work/school obligations. Introverted people are more likely to have a variety of different interests.
In Conclusion
While autism and introversion share some similarities, it’s important to remember that they are two very different things. Not everyone who is introverted is autistic, and not everyone who is autistic is introverted. If you think there might be a chance you are autistic and you need help figuring it out, I encourage you to reach out for help. There are many experienced clinicians who can assist you in determining the answer. I wish you the best on your journey to understanding yourself better.
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Dr. Jessica Myszak has had over 12 years of experience performing psychological evaluations with children and adults. She offers both in-person and telehealth evaluations. In addition to seeing clients on the Chicago North Shore, she is able to work with families who reside in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, Washington DC, and Wisconsin! If you are interested in learning more about potentially working with her, you can visit her website here or email her here to get the process started.