The Benefits of Enjoying Solitude for Asperger's and High-Functioning Autistics

While living with Asperger's syndrome or high-functioning autism, it's not uncommon to find that one craves solitude. Unlike the debilitating loneliness that may be experienced due to a lack of social connection, enjoyment of solitude can be both a choice and a necessity. In this article, we explore the reasons why solitude can be beneficial, alongside providing insights from someone who lives with Asperger's syndrome.

Understanding Solitude and Loneliness

Solitude and loneliness are two distinct feelings. Loneliness can be overwhelming even in the midst of a crowded room, where one feels isolated and unwanted. In contrast, solitude is the voluntary decision to be alone, often leading to a sense of peace and personal growth.

The author of this article, who also lives with Asperger's syndrome, emphasizes a significant difference: whereas loneliness can be unintentional and result from a lack of social connection, enjoyment of solitude is a choice. It offers a space for personal reflection, sensory respite, and the preparation for engaging in enjoyable social interactions.

Growing Up with the Need for Solitude

From a young age, the author recognized the need for solitude. As the oldest sibling in a large family, the ability to be alone

provided a welcome break from the demands of a busy household. The author's preference for solitude includes the ability to move at their own pace, to have personal freedom, and the simple pleasure of silence. These factors, combined, create an environment where solitude is more than a mere state of being, but a deliberate choice for personal rejuvenation.

Solitude as an Acquired Taste

Initially, enjoyment of solitude can seem like an acquired taste. However, once one embraces this state, the benefits can be profound and even addictive. The author asserts that spending significant time alone allows for deep self-reflection and understanding, which can be transformative over time.

Comparing Living Situations: Solitude vs. Continuous Social Interaction

For those living with Asperger's syndrome or high-functioning autism, social interactions—especially in large groups—can be mentally and emotionally draining. After such interactions, returning home provides much-needed respite, even if it means going to bed immediately. The author also remarks on the frequency of social connections, often prioritizing solitude to fully explore personal growth and development.

In the author's own experience, excessive social interactions in the form of frequent drug use during the teenage years led to mental health issues and a subsequent need to withdraw from social life. This led to a period of intense solitude, which resulted in significant personal and professional growth. In contrast, friends and family who continued to engage socially found it challenging to achieve the same level of personal and professional success.

Personal and Professional Growth Through Solitude

The author details a period of intense solitude where they engaged in numerous activities that led to personal and professional growth. By dedicating themselves to such activities, they transformed their mindset and lifestyle in significant ways. This period included traveling, reading, physical exercise, and starting their own business, all of which contributed to a new sense of identity and accomplishment.

Contrary to the author's growth, those who continued to engage in social interactions but did not take the time for solitude struggled with mental health issues and lacked clear goals in life. This stark contrast highlights the importance of solitude in fostering personal and professional development.