Difference between Autism and Inroversion? Anyone have both?

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As the title suggests, what do people think the differences are?

The definitions of both seem very similar, around the preoccupation and comfort with own thoughts and ideas, over and above external realities.

I have only seen this listed so dominantly as part of the definition for Autism on one occasion, and it comes up at the top of a Google search,taken from the American Dictionary of English, perhaps it is less used now, and is an older definition. I'm not sure:

1 A pervasive developmental disorder characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication, by an extremely limited range of activities and interests, and often by the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors.

2 a mental disorder characterized by inability to engage in normal social interactions and intense self-absorption, and usually accompanied by other symptoms such as language dysfunctions and repetitive behavior.

3 behavior showing an abnormal level of absorption with one's own thoughts and disregard for external realities."

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

I'm aware that obviously not all Autistics are introverts, (far from it), and vice versa.

But I think that I am very likely to be both, which would explain why my public behaviours, with being very much 'in my head', illicit such negative reactions from other people, if I'm coming across as kind of the extreme of extremes due to having both traits simultaneously.

Does this ever cause confusion during the diagnosis process, seeing as there does seem to be a number of similarities?

Any other members 'in both camps' and if so, what do you think?

Even if you're not in both camps, what do you think?

I'm in both camps.

Being and introvert is extremely convenient when you are autistic. It is like these puzzles fit together, meant to be with each other. I'd say that if an AS person is not an introvert, this is where trouble starts, as their autism is an obstacle in a way to living the life they want. Thus, a lot of people here struggle mentally and hate who they are.

But autism is a broader thing than characteristics it does have in common with introvertive personality. It includes way of reacting to reaction to sensory stimulation (sensory integration) and comes with a whole different way of thinking. An NT introvert is only slightly more likely to "get" what experiences of autistic people are about.

I suspect it is probably a likely connection, because our experiences as being autistic may cause us to withdraw from social communion with others when we experience stigma, trauma, rejection, abuse, and other unsuccessful interactions.

Why would anybody seek more of that if they could avoid it?

Although introversion or social anxiety is classed as "maladaption" it may well be a reasonable and rational result of adaption by an autistic person who lacks support or information to build skills and encourage healthy interactions.

I do disagree with some of the statements used in the definitions you posted, but I understand these were expedient to the point of the question you are asking.

Introversion is more of a personality preference (needing alone time, doesn’t like overstimulating environments, process information internally). While many autistic individuals have these traits as well, there are other things in addition, such as sensory processing disorder, narrow and obsessive interests and being dependent on routines. There are also specific social impairments involved that an NT introvert won’t show, such as lack of eye contact, facial expressions or gestures. Also, lack of social or emotional reciprocity, not developing peer relationships and basically being stumped by how other people socialize so “naturally”.

I think introversion is probably inseparable from autism, and find it interesting that despite this being built into the very word autism = selfism?, none of the main sources really give it the due it deserves.

I mean isnt that how it starts, you cant get the child to stop thinking or daydreaming?

Also the ABA war on autism is very relentless about interfering with said thinking or daydreaming, privileged even.

I'm ambivert, meaning I have both introverted and extroverted tendencies. My (NT) boyfriend is too.

I guess the difference is introversion is a personality style, and not a syndrome, condition or disorder.

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inroversion?
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I think there's likely a strong correlation between ASD and introversion, in that introversion is a common feature of ASD, but not all Aspies are introverts. Introversion is a personality trait, ASD isn't directly about personality.

Before I knew about ASD, I took a personality test that said I was an introvert. There was also a note at the end of the personality test saying I shouldn't try to fight against the result. I was furious and refused to accept that. Later on, while discussing possible ASD and workplace issues with a therapist, she (rather glibly) said "if you get a diagnosis they'll put you in a room to work by yourself and then you'll be happy." No way would that have made me happy. I still maintain I'm not particularly introverted, having a strong need for friends and a strong aversion to being alone too much. It's just that my Aspie brain wiring predisposes me to a degree of social incompetence. Lacking a skill doesn't make you content to lack it. A true, complete introvert would simply not be interested in anything but their own inner world, and wouldn't mind being labelled and typecast as such.

I think the question assumes two std population bell curves, one NT and the other ND. At the ends of the bell curve should be int and the other ext. Is the ND middle range different than NTs? I would guess to say yes, NTs would have a steep curve as most would be defined as either int or ext. The NDs would have more ambivert population, factor in us old undiagnosed that have no clue of self, it's skews the data to a shallow curve for the ND.

Wow such a rude and arrogant response from Pieiplup

I really don't want to engage with this person at all, unless they tone down their style. Unless someone can communicate in a more pleasant manner then please don't bother replying.

I should have clarified that it was part 3 of the definition which really struck me - because it is myself to a core.

"behavior showing an abnormal level of absorption with one's own thoughts and disregard for external realities."

I haven't yet worked out what underlies this in my own case. It could be Autism, introversion, or a mixture of both. I make no apologies if Piepulup thinks that it is stupid to think there are similarities. I am personally stuck deep inside of this statement and for me I am only recently beginning to potentially gain some insight as to what is going on with me, as to something which causes a lot of issues in my life.

I will probably know more after receiving the results of my diagnosis very soon.

Thanks to everyone else for the excellent and helpful replies in this thread, I will keep reading and will be responding more throughout.

It's not a stupid question.

Wow Pieiplup!

This is somebody who is still awaiting a diagnosis, and I know how it feels to be in that situation. You do start to wonder if maybe it is just because you are an introvert. I used to get told by people that they just thought I was an introvert. You can be both Autistic and introverted or you can be either.

You can certainly have both, but of course introversion is not a part of the diagnosis. There are plenty of autistic people who are extroverted. Like me and my first son and a very good friend of mine. We are talkative, social and love interacting with people. It doesn't change the fact that we're weird and awkward and have trouble sustain relationships. Like an above poster said, life can be even more difficult and awkward. We don't even fit here on WP. Usually the kind of friends we manage to get need to be very patient and understanding, or are weirdos themselves. Luckily I don't try to fit in. Friends are like money, once you have enough, more doesn't make you much happier.

Years ago when I didn't even "believe in" autism, we were diagnosed pretty easily and quickly. Obviously the fact that I jabbered the doctor's ears off didn't affect her decision.

I'm attracted to introverted guys. I think there needs to be a balance in a long term relationship. A bunch of extroverted friends are great together for a party, but we could not live with each other.

I'd say that the main difference is that if someone is simply introverted, they're able to learn social skills at the same way and pace as extroverts, but if one is autistic, the autism causes them to not learn those skills as fast and as automatically. Of course, sometimes introverted NT children might learn social skills a little slower than extroverted NT children since they don't try to get in to situations where they can learn social skills as actively as the extroverts, but the difference won't be as noticeable as it is between NTs and those on the spectrum. And of course, those on the autism spectrum are likelier to have other problems like sensory issues than introverted NTs are.