Can You Be a Little Bit Autistic?

Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD

It is possible to be mildly autistic. However, people who are diagnosed with autism generally have traits that interfere with their ability to lead a normal life.

Though you may wonder if some of your behaviors indicate you are slightly autistic, it's important to remember that moods and preferences are difficult to equate with major mental conditions.

This article looks at whether you can be "slightly autistic," what some typical autism behaviors are, and how they may also be found in people who are not autistic.

Is it Possible To Be Slightly Autistic?

Autism is a significant developmental disorder that is usually diagnosed in very young children. While it is possible to be mildly autistic, it takes more than a few quirks to warrant the diagnosis.

In order to be diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder, you must meet a specific set of diagnostic criteria. In the end, the diagnosis is made if this specific set of traits interferes significantly with a person's ability to live a normal life.

In very general terms, autistic people tend to enjoy spending time alone. Many autistic people are also very focused on a specific area of interest, and often that area of interest is related to technology, science, or science fiction. Autistic people have a tough time relating to and building relationships with others.

If this describes you or someone you know, you may wonder if this is the same as having autism, and if it's possible that many people are "a little autistic." The quick and simple answer to this question is "no."

Related: 5 Outdated Autism Diagnoses

Examples of Autistic Behaviors

It is hard for some people to differentiate whether certain behaviors and mannerisms are "autistic" or simply a normal response to external stimuli. Here are some examples:

Aversion to Groups

You find big parties to be uncomfortable and overwhelming but only if you're in the wrong mood. Autistic people do have a tough time with small talk and noise. However, a general preference for smaller groups or quiet conversation is not an autism trait.

Related: Could My Child Outgrow Autism?

Tics and Repetitive Behaviors

You can't stop pacing, biting your nails, or twirling your hair because you're feeling tense. This is not uncommon.

But with autism, individuals are more likely to "stim," a trait characterized by repetitive rocking, flicking, flapping, or speech used to calm themselves. In addition, they are likely to stim for other reasons, including excitement or anticipation.

Sensory Aversion

You dislike loud concerts, bright malls, or scratchy clothes. Many people do have sensory challenges, autistic people among them.

The difference is that, with autism, the aversion is centered around the inability to process sensations or stimuli in the environment (referred to as sensory processing dysfunction). It is not because they won't tolerate these sensations; it's that they can't.

Fixations

You're absolutely fascinated by a new TV series and can't stop watching or talking about it. The same may be true during sports season or a hobby you engage in passionately.

While it is true that autistic people can get "stuck on" an area of special interest, it is rare for them to move onto something new or feel the need for change. This is an extension of repetitive behaviors characteristic of autism.

Relationships and Social Attachments

You find it hard to make and keep friends, although you have lots of acquaintances. Autistic people, on the other hand, often lack the skills to grasp basic things like tone and body language that are part of social communication.

Autism is not so much characterized by "social awkwardness." It is more about not being able to interpret or process social cues central to human interactions.

Related: Understanding the Three Levels of Autism

Communication Barriers

You sometimes choose to take things too literally. When someone tells you repeatedly that they can't have lunch with you because they're busy, you fail to "take the hint." While taking things literally—and not being able to "read between the lines"—may be a sign of underdeveloped social skills, it doesn't make you autistic.

With autism, individuals are often unable to process language based on rhythm, tone, volume, body language, or facial expression. Autistic people will take things literally because their tools to interpret intent and abstract thought are limited.

Self-Isolation

You enjoy spending time alone or consider yourself a "hermit." While autistic people are often far more able to enjoy their own company than others, taking pleasure in solitude is not an autism trait.

For autistic people, social participation and acceptance are generally not prime motivators, and the "rewards" of being alone are often no different than the "rewards" of being in other people's company.

Summary

In order to be diagnosed with autism, you need to have certain traits that interfere with your ability to lead a normal life.

It is possible to be mildly autistic, but many of the behaviors and preferences found in autistic people are also common to people who do not have autism. The difference is that autistic people engage in these behaviors in different ways and for different reasons.

While it's important to note the vast difference between having autistic-like behaviors and ?actually having autism, it is also helpful to understand what drives similar but distinct behaviors. Doing so may help autistic people and their neurotypical counterparts to find substantive ways to connect with one another.

Related: Online Autism Spectrum Tests