Is introversion a milder/non-clinical form of Autism?

[Bell]

"INTROVERSION AND AUTISM: A CONCEPTUAL EXPLORATION OF THE PLACEMENT OF INTROVERSION ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

"The conceptualization of the personality construct of introversion has been problematic since the term?s inception due to the complexity and seemingly self-contradictory nature of the collection of attributes of which it is comprised. To advance the understanding of introversion, I propose that it is a continuous segment of the non-clinical part of the autism spectrum, and that it is not the same as the inverse of extraversion. When introversion and autism are placed on the same continuum, the nature of the relationship of the traits becomes more apparent, and new possibilities are available for exploration of both autism and introversion. This review of literature traces the origins and development of the concept of introversion and places it on the autism spectrum, demonstrating the apparent synonymous nature of the traits despite varying degrees of severity in expression. The current factorial structure of introversion demonstrates how autistic features interact to produce the personality dimension. Other factors, including genetic predisposition, relationships to the clinical and non-clinical symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum expression, and neurological findings that support the correlation will be considered. Finally, suggestions for future research and possible theoretical and empirical implications and applications are explored."

http://etd.fcla.edu/CF/CFE0003090/Grimes_Jennifer_O_201005_MA.pdf

 

[142857]

Not all aspies are introverted. All aspies I have known lack social skills to some extent, but some "plough on" socially regardless of this. For the record: I am definitely an introvert.

(goes away to actually look at the document)

I've just done a quick skim of some of the document and the comparison of introversion vs autism on page 12 is very interesting. The introversion that Laney's scale measures really does appear to be related to autism. The author does have a strong point based on what I have read so far.

I guess that there is also the issue that someone who might colloquially be referred to as an introvert may not fit Laney's definition - I think most people think of an introvert simply as someone who doesn't talk much or socialise much. And that could have a variety of reasons not always related to being on the autism spectrum.

 

[Bell]

Since extraversion isn't on the same continuum, it's possible to be an extraverted Aspie. Even an extraverted introvert, although that doesn't make much sense? That's how I understand the author where he writes:

"Introversion and extraversion may be on two continua, commensurate with their status as independent processes that are not mutually exclusive. In fact, one may be a "high-energy ambivert" or a low-energy individual, thereby detailing the effects of simultaneous high or low introversion and extraversion. By this model, we may see different subsets of traits emerge based upon the interplay of introversion and extraversion."

Not sure if this makes sense?

 

[142857]

Since extraversion isn't on the same continuum, it's possible to be an extraverted Aspie. Even an extraverted introvert, although that doesn't make much sense? That's how I understand the author where he writes:

"Introversion and extraversion may be on two continua, commensurate with their status as independent processes that are not mutually exclusive. In fact, one may be a "high-energy ambivert" or a low-energy individual, thereby detailing the effects of simultaneous high or low introversion and extraversion. By this model, we may see different subsets of traits emerge based upon the interplay of introversion and extraversion."

Not sure if this makes sense?

The scary thing is that that does kinda make sense. Thanks.