Schizoid Personality Disorder (Schizoid PD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

 

🧠 Easy Read:

🔍 How are they similar, and how are they different?

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👥 What’s the Same?

Some people with Schizoid PD and some people with Autism:

• Like being alone or preferring their own company

• Don’t enjoy socializing much

• Find it hard to talk to other people

• Don’t show many emotions, or seem distant

• Feel little or no pleasure from friendships

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⚖️ What’s Different?

💭 Schizoid PD	🧩 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
People don’t want social contact	People may want friends but find it hard
Often feel fine being alone	Often feel lonely or misunderstood
No early childhood signs	Starts in early childhood
Doesn’t include sensory issues	Often includes sensory issues (e.g. noise sensitivity)
No repetitive behaviors	Often has repetitive behaviors or special interests

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🧠 Why This Matters

• Both conditions affect how people relate to others.

• Because they can look similar, people can sometimes be misdiagnosed.

• For example, someone might be told they have Schizoid PD when they really have Autism, or both.

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❓ Can someone have both?

Yes — it's possible.
Even though doctors are asked to check for Autism first, some people may show traits of both Schizoid PD and Autism.

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✅ Key Things to Remember

• Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition — it starts early and affects how the brain works.

• Schizoid PD is a personality disorder — it is more about behavior patterns in adults.

• Diagnosis should look at:

  • Childhood history

  • Sensory issues

  • Repetitive behaviors

  • Desire for friendship