Often misunderstood concepts, autism and introversion can manifest in the same person, and one is sometimes mistaken for the other.
The assumed disinterest that autistic people may appear to have in conversation or social interaction is often simply difficulty with back-and-forth conversation.
Similarly, they may have trouble reading social cues or be interested in things others find dull, but this doesn’t mean they don’t value relationships.
Autistic people and introverts often form deep connections with others, but introverts may still be perceived as unsocial or unfriendly, preferring one-on-one conversation over large group settings. The two concepts, being similar, are often confused.
What Is Autism?
Autism is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. All autistic people share certain core features ranging from mild to severe, often leading to social difficulties.
A complex spectrum disorder affecting social and relationship skills, the autism experience makes it difficult to understand social cues, make eye contact, or engage in back-and-forth conversation. People with autism often prefer to spend time alone rather than with others.
Symptoms and severity vary from person to person. While some autistic people are unable to speak, others have above-average verbal skills.
What Is Introversion?
Introverts are social but need alone time to recharge, which drains them from social situations and relationships.
In work situations, introverts often excel in jobs that require independent focus on tasks. They’re frequently great problem-solvers, coming up with creative solutions. Jobs that require significant social interaction can be challenging for introverts.
Similarities Between Autism And Introversion
Autism and introversion can both make conversation and social interaction difficult, but the reasons differ. Autistic people have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, whereas introverts find conversation and small talk draining.
Both can also make forming relationships difficult, but the difference lies in social interaction. Autistic people find it hard to make friends, while introverts usually find it hard to open up to others.
Autism and introversion are sometimes mistaken for rudeness or disinterest. Autistic people may not pick up on social cues, whereas introverts may not feel it necessary to talk constantly.
Differences Between Autism And Introversion
Social skills
With difficulty reading social cues and body language, autistic people may not pick up on jokes or sarcasm and sometimes have difficulty keeping up with the back-and-forth of a conversation, whereas introverts tend to be more aware of social dynamics and better equipped to navigate them, but prefer one-on-one interactions or smaller groups.
Similarly, autistic people find it hard to understand and feel their emotions, while introverts are generally in touch with the inner workings of their bodies. By better recognizing their feelings, introverts have less difficulty navigating social situations.
Routines
A priority for autistic people, routine can provide a sense of structure and predictability but can also be detrimental when routine is disrupted, leading to anxiety and meltdowns.
A set daily routine helps reduce anxiety and provide a sense of stability but can conflict with spontaneity or new experiences. Introverted people are generally more flexible and adaptable and less likely to feel overwhelmed by change. They can go with the flow despite preferring predictable situations.
Sensory Sensitivities
The sensory sensitivities that prevail in autistic people are not a defining feature for introverts. Many people on the autism spectrum become overwhelmed by loud noises or bright lights as their brain processes information differently and can be easily overloaded by stimuli.
The same does not apply to introverts, who are usually not affected to any great degree by sensory experiences.
Masking
While autistic people often mask in social situations to avoid anxiety or discomfort and blend in, introverts generally don’t mind being around other people.
Social interactions tire them both out but for different reasons. Autistic people tend to mask their true selves to fit in, while introverts are more likely to be their authentic selves around others.
Stimulations
Self-stimulatory behaviors like rocking or stimming with hands help autistic people regulate their behavior, provide some relief, or help improve focus and concentration. Introverts don’t generally engage in self-stims.
They tend to be more comfortable with their own thoughts and feelings and find it unnecessary to rely on external stimuli to regulate their behavior. Both experience anxiety but find different ways to cope.
Special interests
Autistic people and introverts spend alone time differently. Autistic people with special interests generally focus on one area, while introverts often have a wide range of interests simultaneously.
Introverts tend to have little regard for order or structure, while autistic people often prefer routine and structure, putting all their energy into one passion.
Not all autistic people are introverts. While both are challenging experiences, they are separate. Despite difficulties with social interaction, not all autistic people are introverts; many are extroverted and enjoy social events.
Extroverted autistic people may have difficulty filtering out stimulations, but they still crave social interaction. It’s important to remember that autism and introversion are two very different things but may both appear in one person.
