Extroversion, Introversion and Autism Explained

Today’s post continues my series on personality, and the dimension up for discussion is extroversion (and of course, its opposite introversion)! You can find my previous posts about autistic personality here, here, and here.

Many People Are Ambiverts

Most people aren’t purely extroverted or introverted; the majority exhibit both traits. Those who fall somewhere in the middle often identify as ambiverts. They thrive both in solitude and in social settings, and can often adapt to different situations without feeling their needs are ignored. An ambivert likely welcomed the shift to 100% remote work during the Covid pandemic, avoiding colleague interaction. However, they probably also appreciated returning to the office when restrictions eased. If you don’t strongly identify as either extroverted or introverted, you might be an ambivert!

Extroverts Love Socializing

However, there are many who lean more towards extroversion or introversion. People who score high in extroversion gain energy from social interaction. Extroverts prefer being around others, enjoying large groups and a wide circle of friends. Conversely, an extrovert might find working from home deeply isolating and struggle to understand those who enjoy it. Psychologist Nigel Holt and his co-authors also note that extroversion encompasses other character traits. Extroverts are often adventurous, energetic, enthusiastic, warm, and sociable.

Introverts Need to Recharge

Introverts, on the other hand, generally prefer socializing in smaller groups, or even one-on-one for deep conversations. Introverts often need time to recharge after social interaction. They might need to withdraw and enjoy solitary activities like reading, watching movies, or baking. Some introverts thrive in complete solitude, while others enjoy regular, but not daily, interaction with a few close friends.

Extroversion Has its Pros and Cons

The authors also note that an extroverted personality has both advantages and disadvantages. These include positive emotions, stronger social connections, and greater social support – qualities I believe are valuable in professions requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport. However, extroversion can also lead to a greater tendency to seek excitement outside of established relationships. The authors suggest that extroverts are more likely than introverts to leave partners, take risks, and engage in antisocial behaviors like bullying. Therefore, neither extroversion nor introversion is inherently better; both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Many Autistic Individuals Are Active But Eccentric

Autism is often associated with introversion, and this is certainly true in many cases. However, autism researcher Lorna Wing has noted that autistic individuals exhibit a range of social styles, from active and eccentric to withdrawn, passive, or overly formal. Wing believes these social styles can shift over time, and that not all autistic individuals fit neatly into these categories. However, autistic individuals who are “active but eccentric” aren’t necessarily introverted, and many fall into this group. Therefore, it’s a myth that all autistic individuals are introverted, even though some are. It’s also important to remember that a lack of interest in peers is a diagnostic criterion for autism, and autistic individuals who meet this criterion likely score low in extroversion.

Many Autistic Girls Give the Wrong Impression

However, it can be difficult for others to accurately assess whether an autistic person is introverted or extroverted. Swedish autism researcher Svenny Kopp noted in a lecture that many autistic girls appear social even when they are not, and I can definitely relate to that. I’ve often presented as an extrovert, while deep down I’m very introverted. Social behavior was expected of me, and even in elementary school, my teacher forced me to play with classmates at recess when I preferred to be alone. Having been taught by adults to be social regardless of my own desires, I agreed to socialize and often took the initiative. I also frequently attended parties and was generally very socially active. The problem was that my life lacked meaning; I wasn’t even realizing I wasn’t living the life I wanted.

I Received Praise From Those Around Me

This created a vicious cycle: the more I socialized, the more praise I received. People praised my social development, telling me how happy they were for me. I soon lost sight of the fact that the point of social interaction should be enjoyment for everyone involved! I socialized without regard for my own desires, and it became destructive. It was draining, and it made my life feel meaningless.

My Diagnosis Was Questioned

When I received my autism diagnosis, many people said, “You can’t have autism, you’re so social!”. It was even to the point where I doubted my diagnosis for a while because people were so sure that you couldn’t have autism if you were perceived as pleasant and social, and I had also fallen for that myth. Many had a hard time believing me when I explained that I’m actually very introverted and unsocial deep down (I have sometimes had fun with other people, but I really enjoy being alone!). I had fooled both myself and those around me, and therefore many thought I had mental health issues when I started changing my behavior and withdrawing from social life. In reality, I had simply gained a greater understanding of who I was. I had found myself!

I Thrived

The difference between introverted and extroverted autistic individuals can become clear when/if an autistic person becomes unemployed or receives disability benefits. How does the autistic person act? An introverted autistic person often thrives being alone at home and can feel good being at home for years without organized activities. An extroverted autistic person who becomes unemployed may feel restless and lonely being at home and is eager to go to daily activities! Daily worklike-activities is a municipal assistance activity for people with disabilities here in Sweden, and they are a very important service for extroverted autistic individuals. However, it’s also important that introverted autistic individuals are not forgotten! I myself was questioned when I didn’t work for many years and wanted to stay home during the day instead of getting daily activities. But I thrived!

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Book Me

Please reach out to me via the contact form if you’d like to book me for a lecture on autism or an interview about my life with autism. You can find more information about me and my lectures here.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if life feels hopeless! Here’s a list of helplines and phone support services in the US you can contact if you need assistance. For people outside the US this page lists helplines for people in need of immediate mental help support during a mental health crisis.