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AS or introversion?

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I'm on the waiting list for an assessment. At the moment I don't feel I identify with being on the spectrum but this on/off pattern is something which has been with me for a few years now. I asked my GP to refer me.

I know some aspies are introverted, I know some are extroverts or ambiverts. I've been reading up about introverts and also highly sensitive people. So I can identify with being an introvert and also HSP, but the sticking point which I can't seem to get to the bottom of, is social communication. I think I mask very well but I know I have problems with communication and conversation. I feel this is a different strand to introversion and HSP. I know they can all cross over. But I haven't found anything which suggests a highly sensitive person could have difficulty with social interaction (other than sensory factors having an impact eg in a noisy environment). And being an introvert doesn't mean you have difficulty having conversations, it's more a preference for how you spend your time and how your energy is expended.

Can anyone offer any ideas or thoughts? Thank you.

Parents

  • I guess the simple answer is what are you like on 1:1 situations? If basically you are OK BUT when is a big group withdraw into your shell then you are more likely to suffer from AS. Also, if you are become familiar social situations ie see the same same shop keeper or cafe staff member regularly and build up repour over a period of time. If your are introvert, you will be all  the time. I find that I can hold a conversation with someone, even a stranger in 1:1 situations. But with many people around eg family events, Christmas parties etc, then I can't really be bothered to be "sociable". I make an effort at the beginning but give up ny the end of the evening.

    So I don't class myself as shy or introvert, especially with people I have known for ages. But I am more wary in unfamiliar situations and struggle to remain sociable in large groups - especially in noisy/busy situations :(

  • in reply to JohnS

    I'm ok with 1:1 as long as I am comfortable with the other person. Often it can be 1:1 and just a bit awkward esp if i dont know them. I'd say 3 or 4 is the best number as I can chip in when I want but don't get overwhelmed. There's less onus on me if there's 3 or 4 to keep it going.  1:1 does require more effort. 

    In group situations I try to be sociable but struggle. So I can be quiet but still want to be sociable. I DO make an effort. A massive effort, but often feels it's not enough to get by. The other people probably don't notice. I feel like often my partner carries me in social situations.

    I teach for my job. It's far easier teaching 15 adults than trying to be sociable with 10 extended family members/in laws at christmas.

Reply
  • in reply to JohnS

    I'm ok with 1:1 as long as I am comfortable with the other person. Often it can be 1:1 and just a bit awkward esp if i dont know them. I'd say 3 or 4 is the best number as I can chip in when I want but don't get overwhelmed. There's less onus on me if there's 3 or 4 to keep it going.  1:1 does require more effort. 

    In group situations I try to be sociable but struggle. So I can be quiet but still want to be sociable. I DO make an effort. A massive effort, but often feels it's not enough to get by. The other people probably don't notice. I feel like often my partner carries me in social situations.

    I teach for my job. It's far easier teaching 15 adults than trying to be sociable with 10 extended family members/in laws at christmas.

Children
  • in reply to ...

    i think that if you were an introvert, you probably would be reluctant to be sociable at any level? On 1:1 level you can socially mask but with multiple people around you, the social masking becomes too much of an effort :(