Narcissism <-> AS

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I seem to think, particularly after reading many posts on this site, that many people with AS are just closet narcissists. Someone tell me I'm wrong, because the more I read about NPD, the more it fits me ... and that's not a good thing!

Keep in mind there are levels of NPD just as there are levels on the spectrum, so you have to do better than refute one or two of the symptoms.

I think a good thing to keep in mind is that DSM diagnoses are human constructs intended to explain some basic categories of humans who behave in certain ways. Our behavior is the result of very complex programming and a mindblowing amount of input. We can observe patterns in ourselves and others, but we cannot see the whole story, nor can we (yet) see which tendencies come from which traits or stimuli.

Many people with AS are narcissistic or at least appear to be so, to some degree. My advice is to take what you can from that information, to help with the process of self-actualization, and toss out the rest. A few narcissistic traits doesn't invalidate your autism or prevent you from benefitting from the resources available to those who have AS traits.

I think it's more a case of AS tending to focus on yourself, since that's the only human being you (hope you) understand... You may not show empathy or compassion to others, but I think narcissism itself wants and demands adulation from others. Most of us appreciate a little attention, but not that much...

The thought's crossed my mind regarding a couple of people here, but not many. But this is supposed to be the place where we can talk about our most personal problems, so of course it's going to sound self-absorbed in a sense. Also, many Aspies have trouble expressing themselves in words, so we stick to simple expressions like "I think this" and "I feel that", etc.

As for NPD... I don't know, aren't all people inherently selfish? Self-preservation is man's first goal, and if you're not part of a herd or tribe, like the NT mentality would suggest, then maybe you are theoretically more selfish... not that that's a bad thing. I mean, if you know someone who needs help, would you help them (as far as you were able)? If the answer is yes, then you're not a bad person.

Don't forget that the narcissist is a pretty white fragrant flower. If we, Aspies, (I use the 'we' loosely) are narcissistic, and I don't necessarily think so, how is this not warranted in that otherwise, due to Aspie social naivety and innocence, we can be run-over? By this I mean, perhaps we're just being HONEST instead of superficial. I hate those who brag, but narcissim may be interpreted as 'confident in one's knowing.' Well, many Aspies, in reality, are really comfortable specialists in their field. Is that narcissistic? I do not know. Just a thought.

If you were to see a doctor, for instance, would you choose one who is confident through knowledge honed by experience (narcisstic?) or one who is just pretending, which does show eventually. Personally, I'd rather have the former. A little bit of ego, sans pretentiousness, might be okay, in certain situations.

I wish I were more narcissistic (ie: attitude), if you must know! I think I might come across as too.....soft? But I'm not.

Still a pretty white flower.