Social withdrawal Deep inner worlds[1] X Research source Difficulty with social skills Difficulty relating to others[2] X Research source Getting overwhelmed in social situations May be considered “cold” by others Difficulty with emotional expression[3] X Research source Unlikely to have many friends Enjoyment of being alone
Don’t automatically assume that trauma means the person has schizoid PD. Autistic children are at higher risk of abuse and PTSD, at home, in school, and in some compliance-based therapies. Not all people with schizoid PD have bad parents. While bad parenting increases the chances, perfectly good parents can end up with a child with schizoid PD.
Some autistic people want close relationships, but do not know how to obtain them. People with schizoid PD have little or no desire to find love and marry. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Many autistic people enjoy romantic relationships and may get married.
Some autistic people seem “lost in their own world” to onlookers. They see and hear everything, but may not show a visible response. Take into account how much the person reacts to the world in general.
An autistic person may not pick up on subtle social cues like body language. A person who has schizoid personality disorder might over-interpret these things, often in a suspicious way. [9] X Expert Source George Sachs, PsyDLicensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 9 October 2020.
Not all learning is constructive. For example, an autistic person might learn to suppress their natural stimming, which can lead to emotional problems.
Look at later milestones as well as early childhood: when did the person learn to swim, ride a bike, cook, do laundry, drive?
Try striking up a conversation about the person’s favorite subject. If they feel comfortable around you, an autistic person will love talking about their passions. Someone with schizoid PD will not be so enthusiastic. Circumstances can affect autistic people’s special interests. Illnesses such as depression, or simply being in between interests, may leave them without passion. Compliance-based therapies, bullying, or negative feedback may make an autistic person afraid to share their interests with others. This can make identification harder.
Autistic people may have breakdowns when they get overwhelmed by sensory or emotional triggers. A “meltdown” happens with an out-of-control emotional display because the person can’t cope. A “shutdown” causes the person to completely withdraw and struggle to process sensory input. This is not typical in people with schizoid PD.
People with schizoid PD usually prefer daydreaming over acting, which may translate to not getting much done. At work, someone with schizoid PD may not care how management perceives them or try hard to get promoted.
Stimming Deep, narrow special interests Sensory issues (under- or over-sensitivity) Reliance upon routine Meltdowns or shutdowns under stress
Some autistic people aren’t diagnosed until teen or adult years. However, in retrospect, they can identify autistic traits in their childhood. Autism is genetic, whereas schizoid personality disorder is often generated from childhood experiences. [15] X Expert Source George Sachs, PsyDLicensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 9 October 2020.
Depression PTSD Alexithymia Social anxiety Reactive attachment Avoidant personality disorder Agoraphobia Introversion (a personality trait, not a disorder) Asexuality (a sexual orientation, not a disorder)
Writing a list of signs you’ve noticed may be helpful. Feel free to print off any articles that helped you, including this one. Talk to the specialist if you have any concerns about misdiagnosis.
