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.
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.
The majority of people with autism can be described as introverts as defined by Myers Briggs. In other words, the majority of people on the spectrum prefer to interact in smaller groups and to have a good deal of alone time. Sticking with small groups and alone time serves a number of functions.
Yes, it is possible for a child to have both shyness and autism. In fact, many children with autism may also experience symptoms of anxiety or shyness in social situations.
Many autistic people enjoy spending time alone and consider it important for their wellbeing.
People on the autism spectrum are just as likely as their typically developing peers to enjoy engaging with others in activities that interest them. Difficulties with social communication are however a diagnostic criterion for autism and they present in a spectrum of ways.
Autistic does not equal Introverted!
Many autistic people are extroverts and gain energy from being around others. They struggle with social norms and sensory input. They have the desire to be around people. But, they may not always catch on to the subtle nuances of social interaction, and that's ok!
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.
People with autism spectrum disorder are sometimes said to lack empathy (the ability to feel along with others) and/or sympathy (the ability to feel for others). While this stereotype is often used to describe all people with autism, these challenges are not experienced by everyone on the spectrum.
It's common for children with ASD and anxiety to become extremely frightened in response to sensory stimuli.
Schriber et al[55] investigated personality differences between ASD adults and neurotypical control adults using self-reports of the Big Five personality traits. Individuals with ASD were more neurotic, and less extraverted, agreeable, conscientious and open to experience, than neurotypical controls.
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.
It is thought that up to 50% of Autistic individuals qualify for a diagnosis of social phobia, compared to 7-13% in non-ASD individuals (Spain et al., 2018). This may be because those with ASD often struggle socially and are at risk of being bullied.
They are often able, with proper training (which often includes components of applied behavior analysis), to make significant progress in social interactions. Nonetheless, at some level, even high-functioning autistics almost always struggle with some discomfort or ineptitude in social interactions.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
Although autistic people may struggle to interact with others, many autistic people have said they find interacting with other autistic people more comfortable.
Associative Thinking: Most individuals on the spectrum are associative thinkers rather than linear thinkers. In other words, one thought connects to another and so on through sometimes loose or seemingly irrelevant connections.
Adults with autism may have a history of delayed language language and/or movement skills, delayed cognitive or learning skills, unusual eating or sleeping habits, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, stress, and/or fear.
Some believe that autistic people aren't interested in romantic relationships or aren't capable of romantic love. However, this is far from the truth. In fact, autistic people can make wonderful partners.
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.
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.
Autistic people often form close bonds and strong trust very rapidly. If you can meet the right kind of Autistic person – and they'll be out there somewhere – you just 'click'. It might seem a bit strange, but it could well turn out to be a lifelong friendship. Good friendship is often quality over quantity.
Autistic people overwhelmingly report that they want friends. And they have shown that they can and do form friendships with both neurotypical and autistic peers, even if their interactions sometimes look different from those among neurotypical people.
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.