Nancy McWilliams discusses her interest in the subjectivity of the schizoid individual and her motivations for elucidating the range and complexity of schizoid functioning. She highlights how a tendency to misrepresent and pathologize schizoid psychology has led to a dearth of awareness about more adaptive versions. Drawing on British object-relations theory, she outlines the strengths and vulnerabilities of the high-functioning schizoid individual, how such traits differ from autism, and the clinical implications of working with this group of patients.