Is introversion a form of neurodiversity?
Sam Sheppard ?
Personal Branding for Introverts | Helping companies nurture their introverted talent for a more inclusive workplace | Keynote Speaker | Corporate Facilitator | Consultant | Coach
The brains of introverts and extroverts are not the same.
Our brains process information, and situations, differently at a cellular and chemical level.
Yet, whilst some scientists have presented an argument to include introversion as a form of neurodiversity, both introverts and extroverts are generally considered neurotypical.
Given the definition of neurodiversity is that it is a term literally used to describe differences in the ways that some brains process information, it baffles me that introversion hasn't been included.
Let's look at the Science.
The Science of Introversion
Various studies, spanning more than two decades, have identified neurological differences in the brains of introverts and extroverts that provide a scientific explanation for why we think, and behave, differently.
These differences include physical characteristics, areas of activity, blood flow and sensitivity to dopamine.
Other studies have identified correlations with conditions such as Autism and ADHD:
Jennifer Grimes noted similarities between introversion and the Baron-Cohen Autism Spectrum Quotient and just as several studies have identified positive genetic correlations between autism?risk and measures of mental ability, other studies have found that introversion seems to increase with intelligence.
Over 70% of introverts are gifted.
In fact, a 2002 study by Lesley K Sword found that more than 75% of people with an IQ above 160 were introverted.
Similarly, a 2017 study of the relationship between personality style and ADHD in children, conducted by Stephen P Amos et al, found that the majority of those participants were introverted.
Autism and ADHD are both considered to be forms of neurodiversity - so why isn't introversion?
Introverts process information differently
A 1999 study, conducted by Debra Johnson, examined brain regions associated with introversion/extroversion.
Johnson found that introversion is associated with increased activity in frontal lobe regions and that the personality differences between introverts and extroverts are related to differences in a fronto-striato-thalamic circuit.
Introverts have higher blood flow—and thus more activity—in their frontal lobes.
Analysis and rational thought take place in this area.
Introverts therefore need more time to process information and stimuli passing through an introvert's brain pass a longer neural path, running through more areas than those of an extrovert's brain - including those associated with long term memory and planning.
That's why it can take a little longer for an introvert to make a decision, or speak up, in front of others and why they can be more prone to overthinking.
We need more time to process the information and formulate a response; it has nothing to do with intelligence, or knowledge, but rather the way our brains work.
Introverted brains also have larger, thicker, grey matter in their pre-frontal cortex compared to those of extroverts; a 2012 study concluded that this would impact decision-making and risk-taking behaviours; substantiating that introverts are typically more cautious and take longer to make decisions.
Differences in the nervous system
The frontal lobe is also where you find most of the cerebral cortex’s dopamine-sensitive neurons and increased activity in this region could explain why introverts seem to be more sensitive to dopamine—and thus more likely to be overwhelmed by excessive stimulation.
Other studies have identified differing numbers of types of dopamine receptors, which can result in differing responses to stimuli and rewards.
In The Introvert Advantage, Dr. Marti Olsen Laney describes how our nervous system is divided into two:
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Not only does introverts’ and extroverts’ blood travel on separate pathways, each pathway requires a different neurotransmitter.
The pathway extroverts use is activated by dopamine, while the pathway introverts use is activated by acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine is associated with feeling pleasure when focused on one thing only for a long period of time, such as when thinking or reflecting deeply.
For extroverts, being less sensitive to dopamine means they need more of it to feel happy, and they can achieve this the more they talk, move and socialise.
This could explain why extroverts may seek out social interactions, and new and exciting situations - including risk taking behaviours - while introverts would often rather stay home alone with a good book, or spend meaningful time with just one other person.
Introverts are over-stimulated by too much dopamine; we feel happy when we are using our brains to think, read and concentrate because this makes our brains release acetylcholine instead.
It's also likely the reason why introverts need alone time to recharge, and to take a break from being around stimulating environments, or groups of people: our nervous system is being overwhelmed.
Implications in society
Introverts are programmed to think; extroverts are programmed to respond.
Yet we live in a society where the extrovert way is seen as the 'right' way; there is a societal bias towards extroversion.
In an extrovert-dominant culture, introverted individuals may feel pressured to conform to extroverted behaviour and communication styles to fit in and advance in their careers.
Consistently pretending to be someone you're not can negatively impact mental health and lead to burnout.
Workplaces are designed in a way that mostly disadvantages introverts:
Given introverts make up over 50% of the population, businesses that don't accommodate their introverted talent risk not only increased turnover and sickness absence, but also the unique gifts that introverts bring.
They're also perpetuating working cultures that are far from inclusive; it's common for introverted employees to be berated for being 'too quiet' and told that they don't have the presence or skills for leadership. The hiring process, especially at C-suite level, is often flawed due to affinity bias and typically introverted traits - traits that are part of our biology - are being used as areas for development in performance reviews.
Many businesses don't even include neurodiversity in their DEIB agendas, let alone introversion.
However, if introversion was officially recognised as a form of neurodiversity then the implications could be huge; it could be a literal game-changer, both for the wellbeing of introverts and innovation, profitability and productivity of businesses.
So, what do you think: is introversion a form of neurodiversity? Let me know in the comments!
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About Me
I help introverts develop authentic confidence, through coaching, training and digital products, so that they can thrive without having to change who they are, and companies through training, coaching and consultancy, to address the workplace bias towards extroversion.
Through developing my own authentic confidence I have been able to build a life on my terms, working part-time for full-time income, travel solo around the world, work with companies like Google and speak, with confidence, to entire auditoriums. I've already helped thousands of individuals, across 169 countries globally, to develop confidence and communication skills, as well as manage Imposter Syndrome and limiting beliefs. Helping others feel enough is my passion.
If you are an introvert looking to feel more confident, set boundaries to help you balance your time and be able to understand, and communicate, your value to others; a leader looking to better support your introverted talent; or a company committed to achieving intersectional equity and inclusion, DM me or?visit my website, to find out more about how I can help you.
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