Aspie but Not

[Pondering]

I was thinking about all of the traits of Asperger's Syndrome and how some personality types can be be mistaken as coming across as being on the autism spectrum. Of course, it all varies from person to person. So, in your opinion, is it possible to be both NT and aspie? If so, please explain your reasoning. And what is the most high-functioning a person could be? What would that look like?

 

[superawesomeme]

When I was diagnosed I was told that to be considered Aspergers you had to score at a certain level in different categories (I don't remember what they are off the top of my head).

So from my understanding it is possible for someone to fall quite close to either side of that threshold and would therefore be considered either NT with Aspergers traits or vice versa.

I think the Autistic Spectrum is more three-dimensional than most people think with issue vs severity on the X axis and Y axis, but then ability to manage issue on the Z.

 

[jwjones87]

When I was diagnosed I was told that to be considered Aspergers you had to score at a certain level in different categories (I don't remember what they are off the top of my head).

So from my understanding it is possible for someone to fall quite close to either side of that threshold and would therefore be considered either NT with Aspergers traits or vice versa.

I think the Autistic Spectrum is more three-dimensional than most people think with issue vs severity on the X axis and Y axis, but then ability to manage issue on the Z.

That's a good way of putting it. I get stressed out very easily and have trouble managing things.

 

[superawesomeme]

That's a good way of putting it. I get stressed out very easily and have trouble managing things.

You may be NT with Aspergers traits then. You can be an honourary Aspie if you want though. It's an inclusive group.

 

[Crossbreed]

Most gifted NTs mimic Aspie qualities, even in sophisticated psychological testing. It is like they are neurologically ambidextrous.

 

[artfull dodger]

I left no doubt to my place on the spectrum when I was tested. When I went to a second Dr, it didn't take him very long to confirm my therapist's diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. In Indiana, you do not have to be a Dr to diagnosis ASD disorders, just have to be properly trained and licensed as she is. But I can see how many traits of AS can be placed in the NT world with certain peoples personalities. Mike

 

[superawesomeme]

I left my psychologist completely baffled by how completely Aspie I was whilst at the same time appearing extremely NT until I explained to her that over the years I had made a conscious effort to mimic the traits of NT people and these had almost become a subconscious character that takes over in certain situations.

One of the sneaky tests they do there is to see if you spot the uneven painted line where the wall meets the door frame.

She said "Did you notice the uneven painting?" to which I responded "I did but I've been more distracted by the fact the hue of the door frame doesn't match the hue of the carpet, the door frame is incredibly dusty and two different types of screw have been used to attach the handle."

 

[Suzanne]

Well aspergers is called: on the spectrum, so we are in verying degrees of aspergers. In fact I learned a lovely little saying when I first came here: you meet one aspie.... you meet one aspie.

I am unprofessionally professionally diagnosed and in touch reguarly with a professionally diagnosed aspie and we seem to really get on with each other; really understand each other, but her score came in just a bit higher than mine. So some of her sensory difficulties are not mine and visa versa.

So, I would say that the lower you are on the spectrum, the closer you are to being an nt. Also, if you have been with an nt for most of your life and not knowing that you have aspergers, you tend to mimic them. So in a lot of instances I can pull off being an nt but it gets horribly tiring.

Whether nt or nd, we are all human beings and so, basically function as human beings, but with uniqueness!

 

[Southern Discomfort]

Crossbred makes an excellent point. A lot of intelligent people score high in the same areas that people with autism score; high level systemisers and lower on empathy. It's also noticed that parents of children with autism tend to show a ghosting of autism and will tend to do work in areas like medicine or as an engineer. Silicon Valley is known as a hotspot for autism.