Am I An Aspie?

[Coxhere]

I finally decided to take a look at a list of Asperger symptoms to self-diagnose this disorder or not, including ruling out other kinds of mental disorders. I exhibit many of these traits, symptoms, or characteristics----whatever we decide to call them.

Here's what I found:
Asperger's Syndrome, now typically diagnosed as Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder, is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, alongside restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.Individuals with Asperger's often have average to above-average intelligence and language skills, but may struggle with social cues, understanding emotions, and forming relationships. They may also exhibit repetitive behaviors, intense focus on specific topics, and sensory sensitivities.

Social Interaction and Communication:

• Difficulty understanding social cues and nonverbal communication:
  This includes challenges with eye contact, facial expressions, body language, and understanding social rules.
  
  
• Challenges in forming and maintaining relationships:
  Difficulty building friendships, engaging in back-and-forth conversations, and understanding others' perspectives.
  
  
• Unusual or repetitive speech patterns:
  May include speaking in a formal or monotone voice, using specific phrases repeatedly, or having difficulty understanding the tone or intent of others.
  
  
• Limited interest in social activities or sharing experiences with others:
  May prefer solitary activities or focus on specific topics of interest rather than engaging in shared social interactions.
  

Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors and Interests:

• Intense focus on specific topics:
  May have a deep and extensive knowledge of a particular subject but may struggle to see other perspectives or engage in other topics.
  
  
• Rigid routines and resistance to change:
  May have difficulty with transitions or changes in routine and may insist on following specific patterns of behavior.
  
  
• Repetitive movements or behaviors:
  May include hand flapping, rocking, or other repetitive physical movements.
  
  
• Fascination with objects or their parts:
  May focus on the details of objects or engage in repetitive manipulation of objects.
  

Other Symptoms and Characteristics:

• Sensory sensitivities:
  May be overly sensitive to certain lights, sounds, textures, or tastes.
  
  
• Clumsiness or motor coordination difficulties:
  May have challenges with fine motor skills, such as handwriting, or gross motor skills, such as sports.
  
  
• Difficulty with emotional regulation:
  May experience intense emotions or have difficulty managing frustration or anger.
  
  
• Potential for anxiety and depression:
  Due to social challenges and sensory sensitivities, individuals with Asperger's may be at higher risk for anxiety and depression.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Perhaps.

That said, we are often not the best assessors of this due to our tendency towards cognitive bias. Best to have a professional that specializes in adult autism to make those assessments after testing and interviews. Many neurotypical folks will exhibit "autistic-like" behaviors and cognitive difficulties...occasionally. A common phenomenon that, unfortunately, some neurotypicals can use to minimize our condition...not understanding that a "condition" results in these behaviors and difficulties nearly every day and affects our daily living in significant ways.

 

[Coxhere]

Perhaps.

That said, we are often not the best assessors of this due to our tendency towards cognitive bias. Best to have a professional that specializes in adult autism to make those assessments after testing and interviews. Many neurotypical folks will exhibit "autistic-like" behaviors and cognitive difficulties...occasionally. A common phenomenon that, unfortunately, some neurotypicals can use to minimize our condition...not understanding that a "condition" results in these behaviors and difficulties nearly every day and affects our daily living in significant ways.

It's one thing to not understand. It's quite another to tell someone that they're not what they know that they are. This kind of telling is the opposite of caring, loving, and supporting even when they don't understand. I think that human beings who do this kind of telling aren't as evolved as they actually could be.

 

[Magna]

It's one thing to not understand. It's quite another to tell someone that they're not what they know that they are. This kind of telling is the opposite of caring, loving, and supporting even when they don't understand. I think that human beings who do this kind of telling aren't as evolved as they actually could be.

Hello. I'm speaking from personal experience. My "journey" of autistic discovery started like yours. The question, "Am I autistic?" is a perennial subject on autism forums from people who start their "journey". Often in the journey, just like it seems in your case (and mine), it progresses, after research and learning, to people becoming convinced that they're autistic, with some going as far as self-diagnosing as such (the camp is split on whether self-diagnosis is something that should be accepted by the autism community).

The autism assessment, and in my case, a professional diagnosis as a result, was life changing in so many positive ways. I would strongly encourage anyone who is at the stage of their journey of self-discovery where they're convinced they must be autistic, to seek a professional assessment. The internal tension of always wondering if the self-diagnoses is correct tends to wear someone down over time.

 

[Rodafina]

@Coxhere
In addition to the criteria you have examined, I wonder if your 20 days here on the forums reading and interacting has been enlightening for you. I remember you joined for advice about a friend, but since that time has your own opinion on the question "Am I Autistic?" changed at all?

 

[Coxhere]

@Coxhere
In addition to the criteria you have examined, I wonder if your 20 days here on the forums reading and interacting has been enlightening for you. I remember you joined for advice about a friend, but since that time has your own opinion on the question "Am I Autistic?" changed at all?

I've learned a lot about, not only my friend in Queensland, Australia, and about Aspies, in general, via AspieCentral.com, I've also learned a lot about me. Looking back over my life, I can see Aspie characteristics about myself as I was growing up, throughout adulthood, and now as I am in my twilight time of life. I'm not, however, ruminating about the characteristics nor about myself. Thanks for your question, Rodafina.

 

[Nervous Rex]

For a formal diagnosis, you need to see a trained professional.

For informal diagnosis, there are some good online resources, such as the Autism Spectrum Quotient test.

It's also possible to have a lot of autistic traits, but not be officially autistic. There is a broad range traits that one can have (a spectrum, even!) and the formal definition of autism is just where someone drew a line and said, "This side is autism. That side is not." There are definitely people on the "not" side who are very close to the line. My wife and I call these people "spectrumy", as a way to acknowledge their challenges without jumping to the conclusion that they are autistic.

If that's the case for you, you can still find a lot of commonality on this site, and perhaps some good support and advice. Welcome!

 

[Coxhere]

For a formal diagnosis, you need to see a trained professional.

For informal diagnosis, there are some good online resources, such as the Autism Spectrum Quotient test.

It's also possible to have a lot of autistic traits, but not be officially autistic. There is a broad range traits that one can have (a spectrum, even!) and the formal definition of autism is just where someone drew a line and said, "This side is autism. That side is not." There are definitely people on the "not" side who are very close to the line. My wife and I call these people "spectrumy", as a way to acknowledge their challenges without jumping to the conclusion that they are autistic.

If that's the case for you, you can still find a lot of commonality on this side, and perhaps some good support and advice. Welcome!

What an informative, positive, and wonderful post, Nervous Rex! I've been referred to as an "NT" with the implication that I've not suffered for being "strange" nor "weird." As a result, I felt isolated and I thought that I didn't belong, wasn't included.