Asperger’s Syndrome vs Introversion
What are the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome, and how to know if you have Asperger’s, or whether you are simply highly introverted?
Asperger’s syndrome is considered to be a mild form of autism. It’s sometimes described as high functioning autism because they don’t have the same cognitive limitations as those with full-blown autism have. Asperger’s is more recently known as (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and it’s more common for boys to have it than girls.
Asperger’s is considered by most psychologists and specialists to be a genetically inherited condition.
Symptoms of Asperger’s
Difficulty interacting and relating to people.
Difficulty communicating, and getting their points or ideas across.
Issues with not making eye contact, or staring at people.
Lack of interest in other people.
Talking about a single subject for too long.
Problems with regulating or managing emotions. At times, they may have too little, or too much emotion.
Heightened risk of anxiety and depression.
Over sensitivity of the five sensors.
Sticking to routines, and becoming upset or stressed when the routine is broken.
Obsessed by details.
Difficulty reading voice tones, facial expressions, and body language.
Being uncoordinated and clumsy at times.
Being obsessed by one or two interests or projects.
Good at making connections and seeing patterns.
Issues with attention.
Repetitive emotions and thoughts.
Repetitive actions.
Other Descriptions or Characteristics
Some describe those with Asperger’s as being very unaware or uninterested in what is going on around them. They have complex thoughts, and they often become consumed with their inner world or reality.
Asperger’s vs Introversion
Those with Asperger’s and those who are simply introverted have a few similarities when it comes to their behaviour.
Both may wish to spend a fair amount of their time alone. However, the reasons for their preferred solitude are different.
For the person with Asperger’s, it could be because they have difficulty interacting with others. They may struggle with reading voice tones and body language, therefore making social interactions uncomfortable, and perhaps awkward. Asperger’s individuals may suffer greatly from social anxiety
Introverts, on the other hand, may not have the same difficulties. They simply just become drained by social interactions and large groups.
Those with Asperger’s may engage in certain behaviours and repeated actions, such as rocking back and forth while sitting, or stimming actions to help regulate their thoughts and emotions. Introverts do not need these types of repeated actions to regulate or stimulate themselves.
Those on the spectrum tend to focus all their energies on a few or one task. Introverts, in contrast, can have many different interests.
Those on the autism spectrum also tend to adhere to routines and patterns of behaviour. They are also more sensitive to lights, sounds, and even temperature.
There is an overlap between the two. On the surface, they may seem similar. However, there are some big differences. The brains of those with Asperger’s process information differently, such as sensory input, and problems with attention and anxiety. They also have a deficiency when it comes to social skills. Introversion is defined mostly by simply preferring less social interaction, and enjoying their own company more.
Someone with Asperger’s could also be introverted. These would likely be exceptionally quiet individuals.
Well-known or Famous People with Asperger’s
Dan Aykroyd
Susan Boyle
Daryl Hannah
Anthony Hopkins
Bill Gates
Some people speculate that Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein may have had Asperger’s.
Final Comments
If someone seems socially awkward, and who exhibits certain unusual behaviours and repetitive routines or actions. There is a good chance that they may have a lower form of autism such as Asperger’s. Their symptoms may seem more obvious in certain situations, so, you can’t always make a quick judgement about someone. It may take observation over a long period of time and in different situations and environments to get the full picture.
