Not all autistic people are introverts
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.
Although both introverts and ASD individuals may each prefer alone time or small groups, there are many crucial differences. Unlike the introvert, the individual on the spectrum presents with neurologic difficulty in the area of social communication.
In conclusion, while shyness and autism may share some similarities, they are two distinct phenomena. Shyness is a mild personality trait that may cause some discomfort in social situations, while autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can greatly impact a child's ability to communicate and interact with others.
We deviate most on two of the traits; we are more introverted on average (low extraversion), and we are more neurotic (high neuroticism). There are two things to note about the scores: Autistics who camouflage score higher on extraversion and neuroticism, and lower on conscientiousness.
There are varying diagnoses within the category of autism, and under the umbrella of high functioning autism subtypes include asperger's syndrome, pathological demand avoidance, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) — also known as atypical autism.
Some people who have autism may also be introverts, but the two are not directly linked to go hand in hand. Just like anyone else who has a sort of social anxiety, it may just be the particular or specific person who is the introvert and not necessarily something that they have separated from this.
Having nonspeaking autism means that an autistic person does not speak or can only say a few words. The term nonverbal, which many people use to describe these individuals, is inaccurate, as it encourages the incorrect assumption that nonspeaking autistic individuals are entirely unable to use words.
The popular image of a person with autism is a quiet, isolated individual who prefers solitude to social interaction. This is often true, but by no means always the case. While autistic people, by definition, have challenges with social communication, many enjoy social interaction, group activities, and friendships.
Other names they're known by include 'super introverts', 'true introverts', and 'hardcore introverts'. Those landing on the extreme side of the spectrum of introversion have traits that make others think something is wrong with them.
Are you born introverted or is it something you become over time? Introverts likely develop due to a combination of both nature and nurture. The way that your body's physiology responds to the outside environment plays a critical role in determining your level of extroversion and introversion.
Shy children may be hesitant to talk or engage in conversation, but they typically understand and respond to questions, instructions, and social cues. Children with autism may have difficulty understanding verbal language or responding appropriately to questions.
Mental health issues are more common among introverts because it is hard to find completely isolated environments, according to Dr. Rice. Introverts often feel things deeply, and without proper settings for self-care, this can lead to mental health issues.
Introversion is genetic
Many people believe that being an extrovert versus an introvert is due to their environment, but it is most likely due to genetic traits. An example of this is due to the genetic correlation of genes to stimulation alertness.
Difficulty with back-and-forth communication: An autistic person can find it hard to hold a conversation and use or understand body language, eye contact, and facial expressions. Trouble expressing yourself verbally: You may say things that seem blunt, or have trouble describing what you are thinking or feeling.
People with the BAP have some traits common to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but not enough to have the disorder. But it's not comedians who have drawn scientific scrutiny for having the BAP: it's the parents and siblings of people who actually have autism.
Many biological conditions can lead to social difficulties, including autism. However, not all autistic individuals will display social awkwardness (though they may struggle inwardly). Moreover, not everyone who is socially awkward is autistic. And, in fact, they don't necessarily have a diagnosable condition.
Our brains process information, and situations, differently at a cellular and chemical level. Yet, whilst some scientists have presented an argument to include introversion as a form of neurodiversity, both introverts and extroverts are generally considered neurotypical.
Initially, it was thought that the absence of empathy was a characteristic found in all autistic people. However, we now know this trait exists on a spectrum in people with ASD, just as it does in neurotypical individuals. Autistic people think differently, which can be one of their many strengths.
Someone who is considered a savant may be especially skilled in art, math, music, memory recall, or another subject. Savant syndrome is commonly associated with autism but can occur alongside other conditions.
Autism is very distinct from ADHD, but the core symptoms of ADHD-Combined type, i.e., attention deficit, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, would appear to also be features of autism. ASD and ADHD are neurobiological disorders characterized by similar underlying neuropsychological “deficits”.
Level 1 is the mildest, or “highest functioning” form of autism, which includes those who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Individuals with ASD level 1 may have difficulty understanding social cues and may struggle to form and maintain personal relationships.