Is Autism Sometimes Labelled as Narcissistic Personality?

PostedNovember 13, 2025

UpdatedNovember 13, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, confusion between autism vs narcissistic personality does occur, particularly in clinical assessments where surface behaviours are misread. Both conditions can involve challenges in empathy, social reciprocity, and communication but the motivations and inner experiences differ greatly.

Autistic individuals might seem withdrawn or emotionally distant, often due to sensory overload or difficulty reading social cues. In contrast, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) involves patterns of grandiosity, a deep need for admiration, and emotional detachment rooted in self-esteem issues. These distinctions are essential to avoid misdiagnosis, especially in adults who have learned to mask traits over time.

Distinguishing Features to Watch

Below are behaviours that often overlap, along with key differences in their origin or meaning:

Social Behaviour:

Autistic individuals may avoid eye contact or miss social cues unintentionally, while those with NPD may actively dismiss others’ emotions or perspectives to maintain control.

Empathy Traits:

People with autism often feel deeply but may struggle to show it. NPD is characterised by a lack of genuine concern for others’ feelings.

Communication Style:

Autistic speech may be blunt or overly detailed due to processing differences. In NPD, communication tends to centre on self-image and validation needs.

For a proper understanding of traits, context, and developmental background are key.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations if you’re seeking a thorough adult assessment.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape,read our complete guide to misdiagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.