Avoidant personality disorder VS Autism

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
  • 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

  • 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. 

  • 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 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

Reply
  • 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. 

Children
  • 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