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:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
