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Avoidant personality disorder VS Autism

Autismman

Someone recently posted a link on another discussion regarding avoidant personality disorder and this got me thinking about myself and my own diagnosis of autism. I am on a quest for clarity and information to help benefit my own situation so my question is how many of you diagnosed with autism can also relate to the symptoms of this particular personality disorder? And if not why so? 


Avoidant personality disorder symptoms 

1.  Avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection.

2.  Is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked.

3.  Shows restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed.

4.  Is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected in social situations.

5.  Is inhibited in new interpersonal situations because of feelings of inadequacy.

6.  Views self as socially inept, personally unappealing, or inferior to others.

7.  Is unusually reluctant to take personal risks or to engage in any new activities because they may prove embarrassing

Parents
  • in reply to Expecto_Patronum

    I can personally relate to more social anxiety but I suppose so many disorders can have the same symptoms so it’s hard to distinguish I guess that’s why we have to trust the psychiatrists

  • in reply to Elfilis

    I’d say I am more distrusting of others more than I want their approval. I avoid social situations for sure but I also don’t really need or want them. So hard getting this diagnosis of autism and just kinda being left to my own devices really. I could probably chat on here for years and still not get over this feeling of being a fake. 

  • in reply to Autismman

    You have explained all that perfectly. I’ve been bullying myself because it feels like what I deserve. If I try to be kind to myself it just makes those angry voices louder. Not to mention I can feel physically unwell when trying to make myself feel good and stick up to the voices. Think things have just been compressed for so long 

  • in reply to Expecto_Patronum
    Expecto_Patronum said:
    I am distrusting of others because of past experiences but I wouldn't extend that to every human

    Hmm that’s a tricky one for me, I think people have to prove themselves or you risk getting caught up in their drama (something I hate with a passion) or they may set out just to use you for something especially with low self esteem. It’s hard also to know what others intentions are, you can only take their word for it but I guess that’s where trust comes in. If you still have any left to give that’s invaluable. 

  • in reply to Elfilis

    Being bullied can really dramatically alter your own perception of yourself. You can often end up turning into your own bully by default because part of you thinks you must have done something or that you deserve it. Then you develop that critical voice in your head commenting on everything you do and don’t do or if you make a mistake you end up feeling like the worst person alive and inadequate. The toxic behaviour leads to more toxic behaviour but towards yourself instead. Bullies can leave you feeling worthless. 

  • in reply to Autismman

    I am distrusting of others because of past experiences but I wouldn't extend that to every human. I avoid most social situations but for example I interact with people at work or I visit family etc and will welcome some level of interaction in these situations which doesn't fit the avpd criteria. I avoid trying to make friendships because I'm so anxious about it going wrong but that's an anxiety that's built because it has so often gone wrong.

    But yes sometimes I think I want an on hand psychiatrist that can evaluate and explain all the things I think and do to me. Autism can certainly be a minefield as can anything mental health related.

  • in reply to Autismman

    I can relate to that too. Thanks to all the bullying I went through I don’t really know who I really am or what I really like so I guess I feel fake as well. I don’t feel like myself I don’t feel I have ever existed and convinced I’ve lied to myself for al these years so I’m just so confused. I avoid social situations best I can but if someone talks to me I will talk with them too but if someone is quiet then I feel is it me that’s making them the way they are or why are they so quiet and miserable and then I get upset 

Reply
  • in reply to Autismman

    I can relate to that too. Thanks to all the bullying I went through I don’t really know who I really am or what I really like so I guess I feel fake as well. I don’t feel like myself I don’t feel I have ever existed and convinced I’ve lied to myself for al these years so I’m just so confused. I avoid social situations best I can but if someone talks to me I will talk with them too but if someone is quiet then I feel is it me that’s making them the way they are or why are they so quiet and miserable and then I get upset 

Children
  • in reply to Autismman

    You have explained all that perfectly. I’ve been bullying myself because it feels like what I deserve. If I try to be kind to myself it just makes those angry voices louder. Not to mention I can feel physically unwell when trying to make myself feel good and stick up to the voices. Think things have just been compressed for so long 

  • in reply to Elfilis

    Being bullied can really dramatically alter your own perception of yourself. You can often end up turning into your own bully by default because part of you thinks you must have done something or that you deserve it. Then you develop that critical voice in your head commenting on everything you do and don’t do or if you make a mistake you end up feeling like the worst person alive and inadequate. The toxic behaviour leads to more toxic behaviour but towards yourself instead. Bullies can leave you feeling worthless.