Autism & Narcissism: The Surprising Connection & What Sets Them Apart
Can autism and NPD co-exist?
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When most people think of autism, they think of a person who is socially awkward and has difficulty interacting with others. But what they may not know is that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also includes those who exhibit narcissistic personality traits.
Surprisingly, the two conditions may have more in common than you think. So what sets them apart? And how can parents and professionals tell if someone has ASD or narcissism? Read on to find out.
1. What is autism and what are the symptoms?
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication and social skills. It can cause problems with speech, nonverbal communication, and relationships. autism is diagnosed in people who have difficulties with social interactions and communication, and who have restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior. Some common symptoms of autism include:
- Difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication
- Problems with social interaction
- Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior
People with autism may also have other medical conditions, such as:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Sleep disorders
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a term used to describe a range of conditions that affect social interaction, communication, and behavior. ASD includes autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 68 children has been diagnosed with ASD.
There is no single cause of autism, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for autism, but there are treatments that can help improve symptoms.
