Socially Awkward or Autistic?
Am I Just Socially Awkward, or Could I Be Autistic?
If you’ve ever felt out of step in social situations or struggled to connect with others, you might have asked yourself: “Am I just socially awkward, or could I be autistic?” This question is becoming increasingly common, especially as more people learn about autism and recognize that its traits can present differently across individuals. For those exploring high-functioning autism diagnosis or testing, understanding the nuances can provide clarity and even validation.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between common social quirks and autism traits, helping you better understand whether what you’re experiencing might go beyond typical social awkwardness.
What Does It Mean to Be Socially Awkward?
Social awkwardness is something most people experience from time to time. It often involves feeling uncomfortable or out of place in social settings. Here are some common signs of social awkwardness:
Occasional Missteps: Forgetting someone’s name, interrupting by accident, or misunderstanding a joke.
Shyness or Nervousness: Feeling anxious in unfamiliar social situations or around new people.
Difficulty Reading the Room: Struggling to gauge the right tone or timing for conversations.
Improvement Over Time: Social skills often improve with practice and exposure to different social environments.
Social awkwardness is generally situational and doesn’t significantly impact a person’s ability to function in daily life. For example, someone who is socially awkward may feel uneasy at a party but can eventually find their footing and engage with others.
What Are Autism Traits?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide range of experiences and traits. While every autistic person is unique, here are some common traits related to social interaction that go beyond social awkwardness:
Persistent Challenges with Social Cues: Difficulty interpreting facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice on a consistent basis.
Rigid Social Patterns: Preferring structured interactions or specific routines during social events.
Sensory Sensitivities: Feeling overwhelmed in environments with loud noises, bright lights, or large crowds, which can make socializing exhausting.
Difficulty with Reciprocal Conversations: Struggling with back-and-forth dialogue, including knowing when to take turns speaking.
Masking: Consciously mimicking others’ behaviors or suppressing natural tendencies to “fit in,” which can lead to burnout or emotional fatigue.
Hyperfocus on Interests: Talking extensively about a specific topic of interest, sometimes without realizing others may not share the same enthusiasm.
Feeling Different from an Early Age: Many autistic individuals report always feeling “othered” or as though they couldn’t quite connect with peers, even as children.
Unlike social awkwardness, these traits are pervasive and tend to impact multiple areas of life, including work, relationships, and self-esteem.
Key Differences Between Social Awkwardness and Autism
Should You Seek a Diagnosis?
If you resonate more with the autism traits listed above, you might be wondering if seeking a professional evaluation is the right next step. Here are some reasons to consider it:
Validation and Self-Understanding: A diagnosis can provide clarity about why you experience the world the way you do.
Access to Support: It can open the door to accommodations, therapy, and community resources tailored to your needs.
Improved Relationships: Understanding your communication style can help you navigate social and professional relationships more effectively.
High-functioning autism testing typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a psychologist or other qualified professional. This may include interviews, questionnaires, and assessments to understand your experiences.
What If You’re Not Autistic?
If you discover that you’re not autistic, that doesn’t diminish the validity of your social struggles. Many people benefit from therapy or coaching to build social confidence, manage anxiety, or navigate specific challenges.
Takeaways
While social awkwardness and autism can look similar on the surface, they differ in frequency, impact, and underlying causes. If you suspect you might be autistic, exploring the possibility through high-functioning autism diagnosis or testing could be a life-changing step. Remember, self-discovery is a journey, and seeking answers is an act of courage.
There is Hope For You
The impact of an ASD diagnosis and treatment is individual. Approach it with realistic expectations and seek professional guidance throughout the process. However, for many, it can be a key that unlocks a deeper understanding of yourself, empowers you to take control of your life, and helps you discover the fulfilling path of acceptance and belonging.
Here at the Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in Autism Evaluations and Autism Treatment. We have locations in New York and New Jersey and perform thorough and professional ASD testing and therapy in-person and virtually. If you are newly diagnosed with Autism or interested in getting a diagnosis of Autism in New York, New Jersey, or virtually please contact us to see how we can help you improve your life.
