Uncovering the overlap and difference between autism and introversion

Human connection is important for your health and overall well-being. Having a support network — whether it’s one person or one hundred people — can help you feel seen, heard, and appreciated. People who are introverted typically focus on close, meaningful relationships. Compared to extroverts, who are energized by large social gatherings, introverts prefer one-on-one or small-group interactions with trusted friends. 

Unfortunately, this ability to cultivate connections — whether it be few or many — doesn’t come easy to everyone. People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often find it difficult to build relationships with others. They may misread common social cues or struggle to understand what other people are thinking.

Although introversion and autism are two very different experiences, learning about the overlap and differences can provide people with the right tools to more comfortably connect with the world around them. These strategies could include utilizing talk therapy to develop social skills, practicing active listening, and role-playing conversations. 

What’s the difference between autism and introversion?

ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way people communicate and interact with others, presenting a wide range of symptoms. You may have autism if you:

• Have trouble understanding how other people think and feel
• Find it difficult to make friends
• Prefer to spend time alone
• Have been described as aloof or unresponsive in social situations, even when that wasn’t your intention
• Have trouble expressing your emotions
• Experience discomfort with eye contact, so you either avoid it or hold it too long
• Prefer not to have people enter your personal space

Although these are common signs that may indicate autism, a professional evaluation is necessary for a diagnosis.

While autism is a diagnosable health condition, introversion is a personality trait. People who are introverted are energized by alone time. They prefer intimate social situations to large gatherings and are comfortable spending time on their own. Other common signs of introversion include:

• Feeling content and comfortable being alone
• Experiencing lower energy after social situations (even if you enjoyed yourself)
• Being reflective and self-aware
• Requiring quiet to concentrate
• Preferring to work on your own instead of in a group

Autism vs. introversion

At first glance, introversion and autism share certain characteristics. Here are a few ways that the two overlap while being different. 

• Discomfort with crowds: It’s common for people with autism and introversion to avoid large gatherings and events. But while introverts do this because they prefer smaller social gatherings, autistic people may feel overwhelmed by sensory input or social dynamics.
• Quiet demeanor: Because they tend to think before speaking, introverts sometimes come off as quiet or reserved. Conversely, autistic people often have trouble expressing their emotions and may require extra time to process or interpret social situations.
• Specific interests: A common sign of autism is spending significant amounts of time on specific hobbies or activities. Introverts may also have intense interests, but they’re usually based on a preference for solitude.
• Need for personal space: Being physically touched or having people in your personal space can be uncomfortable for people with autism. Introverts also have a desire for personal space, but this is because spending time alone is an opportunity to rest and recharge.

Are all people with autism introverted?

It’s common for people with autism to feel anxious in new social situations or prefer to spend time alone. That said, autism exists on a spectrum, which means it looks a little different for each person. While some people with autism are more introverted, others are highly social and enjoy connecting with new people.

Many autistic people are introverted, but being introverted isn’t a sign of autism. Introversion is a normal personality trait, with estimates suggesting that introverts make up one-third to one-half of the population. And while autism is also relatively common, it’s not as prevalent as introversion.

Can therapy help? 

Since autism is a type of neurodiversity and introversion is a personality trait, you may benefit from a little help understanding what makes you you. Talk therapy is an effective tool for learning more about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can teach introverts to better identify their social preferences, communicate their needs, and cultivate greater self-awareness and self-acceptance. 

If you have autism and struggle with social interactions, therapy can help you identify tips and tools for navigating social interactions. Interoception therapy is a technique that helps people observe what’s happening in their bodies and how it relates to their emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another form of talk therapy that can teach people how to cope with stressful situations, like making new friends. 

Group therapy and support groups are another option for people who struggle with social interactions. Although it may seem daunting, connecting with others who share similar experiences can be a helpful way to discover new coping methods and grow your support network. 

Find care with Rula

Living with autism or introversion can be challenging — especially when it impacts your ability to connect with other people. If you’re struggling to build meaningful connections or are looking for help with self-exploration, consider seeing a mental health professional. Utilizing talk therapy can help you develop social skills, practice active listening, and engage in role-playing conversations. These tools can empower you to connect more comfortably with the world around you.

With Rula, you can use our therapist-matching platform to find a provider who understands you and your unique experiences. With 10,000+ providers in the Rula network, you can meet with a provider via live video as soon as tomorrow.

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