There are so many assumptions and stereotypes about autism and almost all of them are harmful in some way.
One that I’ve been thinking a lot about recently is the assumption that all autists are introverts and don’t like people. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Introversion and autism are NOT the same things! You may struggle with social skills but that doesn’t mean you don’t like to be around people. As a therapist offering online therapy in Illinois and California, I work with autistic people who fall on all different points on the introversion/extroversion spectrum. I love to help people find out who they are and to ask questions about their experiences and what makes them tick. Just because you’re autistic doesn’t mean you are an introvert!
Autistic does not equal Introverted!
Society has many stereotypes about autism. Some of those are that all autists are nonverbal and don’t like to be around people. This couldn’t be further from the truth! 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! Your differences make you who you are. Learning to embrace your neurodiversity superpowers is an important step in finding space as an autistic person in today’s society.
What is the difference between Autism and Introversion?
At its most basic, autism is a neurological difference. But, introversion is where you draw your energy from. Both are spectrums. So, this means that people fall at different points along a continuum. As a result, they may experience them in different ways. What it means to be autistic for one person is different from what autism looks like in others. It is the same with introversion. What introversion looks like for one person can be very different from what introversion looks like for another.
Introversion is a personality difference in how much social interaction you enjoy. For extroverts, social interaction fills their cup and gives them energy. They thrive in social settings! Introverts on the other hand need alone time to recharge their battery. They can be in social settings, but they don’t derive energy from them. This has nothing to do with whether someone is autistic or not.
What does extroversion look like in autistic people?
While society normalizes extroversion in neurotypical people, being extroverted and autistic comes with challenges. Society makes assumptions about autistic people being introverts. So, some may not believe you when you disclose a diagnosis. “But you seem so normal!” is such a damaging phrase and extroverts likely hear it more often than introverts.
Extroversion in autistic people looks like what it looks like in neurotypical people. Extroverts simply get their energy from social settings vs spending time alone. But, being an extroverted autistic person comes with challenges. You might LOVE being around people, but find yourself missing out on social cues. You might talk “too much” about your special interest which might turn others away when you are trying to have a conversation. This doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. You are not broken or defective. You are different. And the difference is part of what makes the world a beautiful place.
Autistic Masking and Extroversion
Extroverted autists are often masters of masking. Which is both good and bad. Masking is when an autistic person hides their symptoms of autism through a variety of skills they have learned. This may be either intentional or unintentional. Masking serves a purpose. But, it is EXHAUSTING. It can leave even the most extroverted autistic person burnt out and tired after a social event. Pretending to be something you aren’t is tiring. While there is a time and place for masking, there is also great freedom in not masking and permitting yourself to be who you are.
Begin Online Therapy in Illinois
Are you an extroverted autistic person living in California or Illinois? If so, I would love to work with you to help you discover how you navigate the world. I offer support from my Chicago, IL-based therapy practice. To start your counseling journey, please follow these simple steps:
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Reach out to our autism therapy practice to schedule a free phone consultation
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Meet with us for a 1-hour online intake meeting. During this time, you will meet with an autism specialist. This will help us decide which services will be the best fit for you
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Begin online therapy from the comfort of home
Other Services Offered with Open Doors Therapy
Our online autism therapy clinic offers a variety of support for neurodiverse individuals in both California and Illinois. We’re happy to support people who identify as having Asperger’s, high functioning autism, undiagnosed autism traits, and more. We also offer individual therapy, parent counseling, and group therapy. In addition, we also offer social skills groups. These include college students with autistic traits, young adults with autism, neurodiverse adults, women who identify as neurodiverse, a mother’s group, and an online parent support group. Please visit our Autism Resources page for info and helpful resources. Learn more about our services by reaching out or visiting our blog today!
