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Oct 17, 2024 · If you’re an adult with ASD, you might have a hard time reading social cues. This can encompass everything from another person’s facial expressions to their gestures or tone of voice, making it difficult to maintain back-and-forth conversations or tell what another person is feeling.
- Overview
- How social anxiety and autism are similar
- How autism and social anxiety disorder are different
- How to tell whether it’s social anxiety or autism
- What about Asperger’s?
- Misdiagnosis
- Resources for support
- Takeaway
On the surface, social anxiety disorder and autism may look the same.
Both autistic people and those with social anxiety may experience social situations differently than others.
While social anxiety and autism can occur together, the two are very different conditions.
Still, even doctors sometimes get the two mixed up, leading to misdiagnoses.
A major similarity between social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is that both conditions present differently in every person.
There are plenty of similarities, including symptoms and services offered.
The main difference between autism and social anxiety is that autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, while social anxiety is a mental health condition.
Experts say it’s essential to get the diagnosis correct.
“It’s important because accurate conceptualization and diagnosis informs good treatment… and may increase understanding from others in the individual’s life,” says Megan Lawson, a licensed psychologist at Clarity Child Guidance Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Though a formal diagnosis is best made by a licensed professional, understanding the differences between social anxiety and autism can empower people to seek an evaluation.
Screening
A psychologist will use the DSM-5 to diagnose autism or social anxiety disorder. There’s no actual “test” for either condition. Screening for autism will involve observations of the child or adult, and interviews with teachers, caregivers, and the person being evaluated. Whittaker says a psychologist will interview a person about their symptoms. Questions might include: •How do you feel in social situations? •Do you always feel this way? If so, how long have these feelings persisted? •Do you avoid social situations? •Is your fear of social interaction impacting your day-to-day functioning?
In kids
Having a basic understanding of the distinction between autism and social anxiety disorder can help caregivers seek the appropriate screenings and support for children. “Say there is a group exercise, and your child is off to themselves and doesn’t engage at all,” Whittaker says. “That’s a sign it may be ASD and not social anxiety. In social anxiety, the child may be a part of the group but not saying anything, [or] sweating.”
In adults
Autism is typically diagnosed in childhood, but some autistic adults may have never received a formal evaluation. Whittaker says one of the best ways to tell the difference between autism and social anxiety is to take stock of how the person responds to invitations to gatherings. “If it’s social anxiety disorder, they may be avoiding social interactions and gatherings altogether,” she says. “[Those with] ASD, they may come, [but they may] not be interactive, or their conversations may be one-sided.”
The American Psychiatric Association removed Asperger’s syndrome from the DSM-5 in 2013.
Before that, Asperger’s was considered a form of autism that may not have needed as much support.
Today, an ASD diagnosis includes the entire spectrum of potential support needs.
While some symptoms between Asperger’s and social anxiety, like social behaviors, may overlap, Whittaker emphasizes that the causes of the symptoms are not the same.
On Reddit, thread after thread features questions from users about possible misdiagnoses.
Whittaker says a misdiagnosis of autism rather than social anxiety disorder is rare.
She says a missed diagnosis of social anxiety in autistic people is more common, because even healthcare professionals may focus too heavily on a neurodevelopmental condition rather than mental health.
Still, patients and caregivers can question a diagnosis or seek a second opinion.
Testing
A psychologist or neurologist will evaluate you or a loved one for social anxiety or autism, and can differentiate between the two. You can find a psychologist or neurologist through: •your insurance company •a referral from your primary care doctor or pediatrician •your child’s school •early intervention programs •referrals from therapists, including speech and occupational therapists
Therapy
Once you or a loved one receive a diagnosis, you may want to pursue therapy for support. To find a therapist, you can check with: •your insurance company •your primary care doctor or pediatrician •your child’s school (there may be one on campus) •Healthline’s FindCare directory •employee assistance programs •friend and family referrals •the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Support groups
Support groups can benefit people with social anxiety, as well as loved ones of people with social anxiety or ASD. In addition to the options listed above, you can find support groups through: •local nonprofits •local hospitals •friend and family referrals •Mental Health America
Autism and social anxiety are two separate conditions.
Autism is neurodevelopmental condition and presents in early childhood, whereas social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that can develop in childhood or adulthood.
People can have one or both.
People with social anxiety have an intense fear of social situations, often fearing others’ judgment. People with autism often have difficulty reading social cues.
Interventions can include social skills training, occupational therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Everyone experiences autism and social anxiety disorder differently, so it’s important to find what works best for you or your loved one.
- Beth Ann Mayer
Aug 3, 2020 · It’s important to recognize that children and adults who miss social cues may be exhibiting signs of autism. The rate at which someone with autism will miss social cues varies. Additionally, social skills for high-functioning autism will look different than social skills for someone with severe autism.
It can be very difficult for people on the autism spectrum to recognize many social cues neurotypical people take for granted. These can include nonverbal cues, facial expressions, and body language. Social communication difficulties can also contribute to social isolation, anxiety, and stress.
Main signs of autism. Common signs of autism in adults include: finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling. getting very anxious about social situations. finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own. seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to. finding it hard to say how you feel.
Apr 1, 2024 · One characteristic of autism is social difficulty, such as trouble understanding social cues or misspeaking unintentionally. Adults with autism may take things literally and have trouble understanding figurative language.
Aug 9, 2022 · The signs of autism in adults include difficulty making friends, preferring to be alone, and anxiety. Appearing blunt and having ritualized patterns of behavior may also be symptoms of...
