Autism and social anxiety share many symptoms and experiences, but they aren’t the same thing. Individuals who experience social anxiety and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be uncomfortable in social settings, especially when meeting new people or attending large, crowded gatherings. We’ll explain the differences, similarities, and overlaps between autism and social anxiety.
It’s normal to feel nervous sometimes, especially in new, strange, or high-pressure social situations. Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a condition where someone feels uncomfortable with everyday interactions.
People with SAD often want to be social but feel held back by deep feelings and anxiety, discomfort, and fear, They may obsesses over how others see them or find themselves stuck replaying the same interactions again and again.
Likewise, people with SAD may also have physical symptoms associated with social situations, like shaking, sweating, shortness of breath, and nausea. This can be triggered by an invite to a birthday party, dinner with friends, or even greeting a stranger at the door.
Anxiety is a normal part of life for many people, so it’s important to understand how it affects you, your loved ones, and your social life.
Individuals' comfort levels with different social situations vary. Some are more outgoing and less prone to nervousness, while others are naturally more reserved in daily life. However, symptoms of disabilities and mental health conditions can often overlap.
For adults with autism, developing social skills can take some practice. If autistic adults also have social anxiety, their personal relationships and daily interactions can become even more stressful, even debilitating. This makes it hard to build meaningful relationships, meet new people, and build a strong support network.
Social anxiety and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are separate diagnoses, but it’s also possible for someone to experience both. Autistic people may be more likely to develop social anxiety. In fact, autistic people experience higher rates of social anxiety than the general public.
People with autism are sometimes misdiagnosed with SAD since there are many overlapping symptoms. These can include:
There are signs and symptoms that are unique to each condition, as well. Just because someone is autistic doesn’t mean they have social anxiety, and everybody with social phobias is not autistic.
For those living with autism, social anxiety can be especially challenging. Keep in mind that not everybody needs to be a “social butterfly,” and you can absolutely lead a happy, fulfilling life on your own terms.
However, there may be times when the stress of social situations gets in the way of your happiness and enjoyment. Here are some ways you can navigate the impact and stressors of social anxiety:
Social anxiety and autism can both make it hard to interact with others in a comfortable, secure way. Learning to navigate your anxiety through helpful coping techniques, calming practices, and self-care strategies can help you feel safer and more in control of social interactions.
At NeuroNav, we help eligible Californians take advantage of the Self-Determination Program (SDP), a service that allows those with disabilities to select the services, supports, and resources they need to meet their goals. For those with autism and social anxiety, the SDP can help pay for therapy, outings, and other things needed to make strides towards a more independent life.
See how our independent facilitation services can help. Schedule your free consultation today to get started!