Social anxiety also may look different in autism, and may be confused with a lack of interest in socializing, a common symptom of autism. Someone with social anxiety disorder fears being judged and humiliated. Certainly some people with autism share that fear.
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Autism is not being socially awkward
It’s not awkwardness. Autistic people are often excellent at socialising with each other, where they can avoid eye contact, stim, avoid small talk, share information and rely on their own natural communication preferences.
Am I autistic or do I just have anxiety?
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.
Is overthinking a symptom of autism?
Although people with autism may often feel worried, this feeling does not always accompany worrying thoughts. That may be because the participants are able to separate their feelings from their thoughts, or because they have difficulty identifying their feelings, a condition known as alexithymia.
Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. It can even make it hard to make and keep friends. The good news is social anxiety disorder is treatable.
What can mimic autism?
Examples include: Avoidant personality disorder. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Reactive attachment disorder. Social (pragmatic) communication disorder. Schizophrenia, which rarely happens in children.