I read an article recently (I wish I could find it!) that suggested that maybe we are all a touch autistic, and perhaps some narcissistic people are probably just autistic. And while you probably scoff at the link lets unpack.

Despite the fact that we are all familiar with the concept of autism being a spectrum, I would like to point out that this spectrum isn’t from low to high, but rather a collection of strengths, struggles, and experiential variables that are different for each individual. All humans possess a number of different cognitive abilities in which they may excel or lack. We are all located at a certain point on the human capability spectrum.

The nature of narcissism, on the other hand, is an illness that can range in severity from mild to severe. The most severe form of this disorder can result in sociopathic tendencies and antisocial behavior. Both are defined in the publication of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Lets compare:

There are both advantages and disadvantages to autism. On the one hand, the disadvantages are mostly attributed to social factors, and on the other hand, there are also some good things about it. It is possible for autistic individuals to make real friends. Narcissism is a dysfunctional personality trait that occurs as a result of some form of abuse or trauma, typically from one’s parents or guardians. It is only about preserving oneself that these people care about. They can only exploit on various levels because they cannot form true bonds.

Some may mistake autism for narcissism, because autistic traits are often misunderstood. Misunderstandings breed assumptions that are often wrong. Narcissists only have cognitive empathy, yet they rarely use it. Autistics have emotional empathy for everyone, and both autistics and non-autistics have cognitive empathy for their own neurotype but not for the other. It should be noted, however, that a person may have both autism and narcissism in the same individual. The effects vary – some traits may intensify each other, while others may soften or even negate each other.

So are we all a little autistic – probably not.