It can be easy to mistake signs of shyness in a child for symptoms of autism. It’s understandable- they both have many overlapping traits. Plus, the confusion caused is magnified by the fact that early intervention is absolutely vital to help children succeed. As parents, it’s important to understand the differences between a shy child vs. autism so that you are better equipped with knowledge and resources.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what sets a shy child apart from an autistic one. From factors such as behavior, communication, medical interventions to emotional responses and more, keep reading to find out.
What does shy mean?
Shyness is the tendency of feeling awkward around others, and it can vary in magnitude from child to child. It’s often observed as reluctance to be involved in social situations such as crowds, large parties, or public speaking. For younger children, it might appear as hesitating when they are asked to read or answer questions in school. This can also manifest in an array of behaviors such as blushing, avoiding eye contact, shaking, and appearing uncomfortable.
Despite these outward signs, shy children tend to be reflective, sensitive, and even cautious about their surroundings. Nonetheless, shyness is not considered a disease or a disorder, it’s a feeling or emotion
What is autism?
Autism is a unique developmental disorder that affects many individuals. It impacts how a person interacts with their environment, manifesting in unique ways from individual to individual.
Although it has different forms, a common symptom includes difficulty in communication and social interaction due to sensory processing issues. It also comes with a wide array of unusual behaviors such as repetitive motions, limited or fixated interests, and even difficulties in understanding other people’s emotions.
Additionally, some people with autism are nonverbal, yet others are very verbal. Some need considerable assistance in life, while others go on to study at universities. Finally, some favor routine while others thrive on spontaneity. So, there’s not one-size-fits-all, because autism is a spectrum.
Is shyness a sign of autism?
Whether shyness is a sign of autism opens up a whole can of worms. Yes, those with autism are more likely to be introverted in social situations. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that all shy children have autism. Children can also develop an aversion to social situations due to anxiety or fear relating to other issues, such as peer pressure or bullying.
Additionally, since autism is a spectrum, meaning not everyone with autism has shy tendencies. That being said, shyness likely isn’t an indicator of the condition on its own. So, assess all your child’s symptoms and consult with a professional before labeling them as autistic.
Shyness vs autism: The key differences
Many people often confuse shyness and autism, which is understandable since they have common symptom patterns such as preferring time alone, avoiding eye contact, or struggling to start conversations. However, there are a few differences between being introvert vs autistic:
Underlying causes
Typically, shyness is caused by social anxiety due to an individual’s fear of potential criticism from others. On the other hand, autism is caused by physical differences in brain development with an emphasis on communication problems.
Shyness occurs following a period of socialization and is typically triggered by fear or discomfort in social situations. This can cause an individual to feel uneasy in certain situations like speaking in public or going to a party.
Autism, on the other hand, is much more complex, because it’s a disorder, not just an emotion of awkwardness or discomfort. While shyness is mainly caused by a fear, autism is caused by neurological differences in the brain’s processing functions
The symptoms
People often mix up the behaviors of autism with shyness because they can sometimes look alike. Kids avoiding eye contact, not speaking in certain situations, or appearing withdrawn are common signs. While these qualities may be similar to those exhibited by a person with autism, there are key symptoms between the two that help tell them apart:
For instance, shy individuals typically respond positively to social interaction after some initial hesitation. On the other hand, those with autism don’t typically change their behavior when interacting with others.
Additionally, shy people may still show an interest in other’s emotions and will frequently seek out social interactions from their parents or people they trust. Autistic individuals may lack that natural response and interest.
Autistic kids can be non-verbal due to their disorder. Shy kids choose not to talk.
Lastly, while both shyness and autism can lead to communication problems, people on the autism spectrum will typically have difficulty understanding body language and facial expressions. On the contrary, someone who is just naturally shy will usually pick these cues up quite easily.
Other signs your child is autistic and not shy
Many people associate autism with communication difficulties, but the condition is much more than just that. Other signs of autism can include:
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Hypersensitivity to sound and changes. People with autism may appear to be overreacting when they become overwhelmed by sound or feeling overwhelmed by change.
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A need for routine and structure. They may also have OCD-like behaviors, such as needing to arrange items in an exact order or following a routine
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Repetitive behaviors. They may have an affinity for repetitive motions, such as hand clapping
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Lastly, difficulty regulating emotions is another sign of autism. This could look like frequent meltdowns or exhibiting inappropriate responses given certain circumstances or stimuli.
The diagnosis
Generally, diagnosing autism typically involves a combination of evaluating behavior and interactions with others. This means, completing interviews and self-assessments, along with cognitive and/or physical testing.
In comparison, shyness can be determined by characterizing the individual’s degree of social discomfort or wariness in challenging situations. Whereas autistic individuals may display a lack of interest in connecting with other people, someone who is shy will often have an interest in social contact but need help overcoming the fear that restricts them from readily engaging in conversation.
Treatment
While shyness can be overcome through comfort-building activities and tips from experts on building self-confidence, changing ingrained patterns stemming from autism requires specialized medical help such as therapy or medications.
Someone who is shy might just need a little extra time to warm up to people and feel more comfortable. On the contrary, someone on the autism spectrum may need more support or techniques specific to autism.
Introvert vs autistic: Final thoughts
Comparing shy kids and people on the autism spectrum can often lead to misunderstandings, as though these two psychological states or conditions are interchangeable. In reality, however, there is a big difference between them. Shyness is characterized by social anxiety and a preference for one’s own company. It prevents a person from interacting with others, but it can be overcome with therapy. On the other hand, those on the autism spectrum may experience certain difficulty with social interaction, amongst other things.
Both shy kids and those with autism can learn to live fruitful and happy lives. However, it’s important to remember that being shy isn’t the same as being on the autism spectrum, and now you know the key differences!
Related articles:
Why Are Peer Relationships So Important in Early Childhood?
What are the 5 different types of autism? From Mild to Severe