The Benefits and Challenges of Being an Autistic Introvert 🌟

Hey lovely's did you know being an introvert is something I’ve always been okay with. I don’t feel the need to be surrounded by people, and I recharge best when I’m alone. But when you’re an introvert and autistic, things can feel more complicated.

I like being by myself, but that doesn’t mean I always want to be alone. I want friendships and connections just like anyone else—but socializing feels like a mountain I don’t always have the energy to climb. And when I do climb it, I often feel drained or misunderstood.

For me, the biggest benefit of being an autistic introvert is that I’m perfectly content spending time in my own little bubble. I can watch my favorite shows, hyperfocus on my special interests, and just be. I don’t feel FOMO (fear of missing out) the same way other people might, and I’m not constantly chasing validation from a big group of friends. I know who I am, and that’s enough for me.

But there are challenges too. One of the hardest things is that people assume I don’t want friends just because I’m quiet or because I avoid social situations. That’s not true. I do want friends, but I need friendships that feel safe—ones where I don’t have to mask, where people understand my boundaries, and where I can just exist without overthinking every word I say.

Sometimes, it feels like the world is designed for extroverts. School was a perfect example of that. Everything was group projects, crowded hallways, and constant social interactions. Even when I tried to fit in, I always felt out of place—like I was on the outside looking in. Now that I’m homeschooled, it’s easier to avoid those overwhelming situations, but it’s also easier to feel isolated.

If you’re an autistic introvert, here’s what I want you to know:

• It’s okay to value your alone time. You’re not weird or antisocial for needing space to recharge.
• It’s okay to want friends, too. Just because you’re introverted doesn’t mean you don’t deserve connection. You’re allowed to have both needs.
• You don’t have to force yourself into situations that feel wrong. Some people might say, “Just put yourself out there more,” but that advice doesn’t work for everyone. It’s okay to take things at your own pace.

Being an autistic introvert can feel like a balancing act. Some days, I love the quiet. Other days, I wish it didn’t feel so quiet. But I’ve learned to embrace who I am, even if the world doesn’t always understand it. If you feel the same way, just know you’re not alone

remember your worth, 

Summer-Rose H xxx