Autism Or No ?

[FayetheADHDsquirrel]

You can find more explanation of OCEAN in relation to autism here. Autism is correlated with low extroversion and high neuroticism. I’m surprised it’s negatively correlated with conscientiousness.

Threads like this make me question my ASD. My extroversion score was actually higher than the average for neurotypicals! It mentioned some test for masking autism traits so I took that. My score was WAY below the score that would indicate that I was masking autism. Nevertheless, to anyone who knows me, I think it is quickly obvious that I am not exactly neurotypical.

So that up there is the results of Big Five or whatever it's called. I've been working on letting myself be myself more instead of trying to appease my Dad and people he likes. My mbti type is being almost constantly ENFP now which matches what it already would be when I would answer the questions like what was true in early childhood. According to the four temperaments test, I get sanguine as my predominant type followed by phlegmatic. On the Jungian archtypes test, I am a blend of the Innocent Child archtype and the Joker/Jester archtype. None of this seems to be consistent with what is common to ASD, and yet I am obviously not neurotypical. On the other hand, I score even higher on monotropism than what is common even amongst autistic people which would seem to indicate that I definitely do have autism. Any thoughts? Does anyone else relate to these results and have autism?

 

[Coxhere]

So that up there is the results of Big Five or whatever it's called. I've been working on letting myself be myself more instead of trying to appease my Dad and people he likes. My mbti type is being almost constantly ENFP now which matches what it already would be when I would answer the questions like what was true in early childhood. According to the four temperaments test, I get sanguine as my predominant type followed by phlegmatic. On the Jungian archtypes test, I am a blend of the Innocent Child archtype and the Joker/Jester archtype. On the ennegram I seem to be either 6w7 or 7w6. None of this seems to be consistent with what is common to ASD, and yet I am obviously not neurotypical. On the other hand, I score even higher on monotropism than what is common even amongst autistic people which would seem to indicate that I definitely do have autism. Any thoughts? Does anyone else relate to these results and have autism?

I am working on understanding nerd vs geek. From your post, listing all of these kinds of tests that you've taken and knowing about all of them, it would seem that you are a nerd. Does this sound correct to you?

 

[FayetheADHDsquirrel]

I have previously heard
That I'm a nerd.

 

[Tired]

Does anyone else relate to these results and have autism?

After doing a lot of research I found out that people who went through trauma and childhood abuse often show "signs of autism" without being autistic. I am one of those people. Plus I have social and general anxiety.

 

[Rodafina]

I agree with @Tired - frequently, those who experienced childhood trauma present as autistic.

I think one important thing to consider is that someone with trauma has a very good chance of responding positively to evidence based trauma treatment and it may be worth looking into having the support of a mental health professional. Usually, someone’s autism symptoms would not change with trauma treatment. But, there is always the possibility that someone who is autistic has also experienced trauma and that is something entirely different to consider.

Remember that there are different types of neurodiversity beyond just autism, ADHD being one, which you do seem to relate to from what you’ve said in other posts.

Understanding who, what, and how you are is important, but often even more complex than any label can encapsulate. Sometimes, even more complex than a diagnosis can explain. Especially when we have multiple things going on, sometimes the clarity of labels starts to blur a bit.

 

[Coxhere]

After doing a lot of research I found out that people who went through trauma and childhood abuse often show "signs of autism" without being autistic. I am one of those people. Plus I have social and general anxiety.

I What are some "signs of autism without being autistic?" I was also traumatized as a boy, receiving physical, verbal, and emotional abuse from an alcoholic father who was a domestic violence perpetrator. Mother did little to nothing protect me. Instead, she told me to "respect your father!" And like you, I think, feel, and exhibit several of the characteristics of autism. I've never been "tested" nor have I ever been diagnosed with autism.

 

[Judge]

An interesting AI response. Surprisingly it works for me as a "geek".

"Nerds are typically seen as studious and intellectual, focusing on academic subjects, while geeks are enthusiastic fans of specific interests or hobbies, often related to pop culture or technology. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they capture different aspects of dedication and social interaction."

 

[Rodafina]

Overlap Between Trauma and Autism (Article)

Distinguishing Between Autism and PTSD (Study)

Spoiler: Infographic

 

[Judge]

Overlap Between Trauma and Autism (Article)

Distinguishing Between Autism and PTSD (Study)

"Difficulty intuitively reading NT social cues".

Ouch...that really stands out for me. Particularly in real-time interactions. When I feel I always have to catch up and what was said or implied and just cannot keep up. Taking sometimes a long time to really understand what happened, even when long ago.

Yet I also have PTSD...

This reminds me of the somewhat ambiguous and perhaps even contradictory nature of the diagnostic process. And that it may not be practical to expect a concise and definitive diagnosis that satisfies a deeply inquisitive autistic mindset.

When I consider the difference between the DSV-IV and DSM-V at times I want to lament that it's their way of quietly admitting that they may have more questions than answers when it comes to autism.

Ironically with so much information out there, it may be pointless to attempt to use it given the possibility of a rather capricious thought process a medical professional might use in the course of seeking a formal diagnosis. Knowing that globally some doctors bypass the ICD and DSM altogether to "freelance" the process on their own. "Catch-22" given that one needs that formal diagnosis to technically validate one's neurological condition, whatever it may be. Even if it may be questionable in itself.

 

[vergil96]

I don't relate to any psychological tests and I personally wouldn't place much value on them.

Definitely they don't address my symptoms and I don't have a stereotypical autistic personality, whatever it is. It might be an image perceived by some people, but it's just an image.

Overlap Between Trauma and Autism (Article)

Distinguishing Between Autism and PTSD (Study)

Spoiler: Infographic

View attachment 143707

Clearly autism here

 

[FayetheADHDsquirrel]

I did get obsessed with things that fascinated me and didn't like certain textures of food when I was little. I think most of my other "autism" symptoms actually developed in adulthood or close to it. I did develop at least one stim while still a minor, pacing. But the pacing was pretty much in the context of Maladaptive Daydreaming which can go along with PTSD or ADHD as well. Over all I just needed movement in general. It didn't have to be repetitive. I would be way late outgrowing certain toys and such. I'm not sure how that fits in exactly. I experience ALL of the symptoms from the PTSD only section of the infographic.

 

[Tired]

I What are some "signs of autism without being autistic?" I was also traumatized as a boy, receiving physical, verbal, and emotional abuse from an alcoholic father who was a domestic violence perpetrator. Mother did little to nothing protect me. Instead, she told me to "respect your father!" And like you, I think, feel, and exhibit several of the characteristics of autism. I've never been "tested" nor have I ever been diagnosed with autism.

Thing is that my symptoms are "trauma related" not "neurological." I stim sometimes, i'm not a fan of eye-contact, i dislike when random people touch me, i have sound and light sensitivity (mild light one, high sound one), I can have softer versions of meltdowns or shutdowns (they are rare), i mimic and learn how other NTs behave in specific moments (i am bad at social cues. most of the time i know what and when to do... i just don't feel like doing it, and later feel like an idiot for not doing them), i have body dysmorphia, i can ruminate and overthink, once i caught myself looping after big scary for me event, i have social and general anxiety, i am good at masking how i feel. And yeah, I guess if i sit and think more about it, i can name you more signs which are connected to autism, but i hope you got the picture.

 

[FayetheADHDsquirrel]

Thing is that my symptoms are "trauma related" not "neurological." I stim sometimes, i'm not a fan of eye-contact, i dislike when random people touch me, i have sound and light sensitivity (mild light one, high sound one), I can have softer versions of meltdowns or shutdowns (they are rare), i mimic and learn how other NTs behave in specific moments (i am bad at social cues. most of the time i know what and when to do... i just don't feel like doing it, and later feel like an idiot for not doing them), i have body dysmorphia, i can ruminate and overthink, once i caught myself looping after big scary for me event, i have social and general anxiety, i am good at masking how i feel. And yeah, I guess if i sit and think more about it, i can name you more signs which are connected to autism, but i hope you got the picture.

You just reminded me of another "autism" symptom that I developed later on (not wanting anyone to hug me). My Dad had gotten into some poison ivy at the time so I couldn't hug him or I might get a poison ivy rash. It was a big issue if I gave my Mama a hug because he took it as choosing favorites. By the time he was well I couldn't figure out how to give someone a hug without it looking like I was "choosing" because I would have to hug one first before the other so I wouldn't hug anyone. After a while, it came to be that it was genuinely very uncomfortable to have to hug anyone, but it had not been a problem before that incident.

 

[vergil96]

I was definitely more autistic as a little child when I didn't know much better. Pretty much stereotypical Asperger's syndrome.

From the middle of the chart, I have mostly the sensory stuff, stimming and sleep issues. Routines amd sensory things from the right. Special interests - maybe?

Over all I just needed movement in general. It didn't have to be repetitive.

Me too. ADHD or sensory seeking. I need at least a longer walk daily to fall asleep essily and manage emotions better.

I would be way late outgrowing certain toys and such.

I was less emotionally mature than others up to a certain point in early adulthood when most people stop developing...

I slept with a plushie very long. *shrug* I still like blocks.

I had a hard time managing intense emotions when younger, but many young people are like that.

I quit therapists, because they

Thing is that my symptoms are "trauma related" not "neurological." I stim sometimes, i'm not a fan of eye-contact, i dislike when random people touch me, i have sound and light sensitivity (mild light one, high sound one), I can have softer versions of meltdowns or shutdowns (they are rare)

Tried to treat things like that as if they were possible to CBT or exposure therapy out. It harmed me. I experienced a lot of harm from psychotherapists, even though I needed their services desparately, but not the CBT or gaslightey way, in a help me learn to be assertive way. I would forgive if a therapist would admit that they were wrong when I was clearly harmed by their techniques, but they try to blame you for having a darn seizure, and this is ridiculous. I regret not being more aggressive about it. They get offended by my inability to speak as well as I'd want to too. It's unacceptable, therapists should be prepared for having disabled clients and being offended is an unacceptable response inadequate for such a profession.

Then there is this laughable notion that psychologists believe in that people with disabilities can't have a high IQ and can't function reasonably well at work... Hence there are no autistic rocket scientists and the one in front of you has to have perfect health /sarcasm

 

[Tired]

You just reminded me of another "autism" symptom that I developed later on (not wanting anyone to hug me). My Dad had gotten into some poison ivy at the time so I couldn't hug him or I might get a poison ivy rash. It was a big issue if I gave my Mama a hug because he took it as choosing favorites. By the time he was well I couldn't figure out how to give someone a hug without it looking like I was "choosing" because I would have to hug one first before the other so I wouldn't hug anyone. After a while, it came to be that it was genuinely very uncomfortable to have to hug anyone, but it had not been a problem before that incident.

I am really sorry to hear what you did and still are going through with him, that was both an emotional manipulation and some coercive control in a subtle form... I guess you have now Trauma induced avoidance. I have that too and don't feel annoyed or stressed only when people whom I like touch me (which is only my SO at the moment).

 

[Tired]

Tried to treat things like that as if they were possible to CBT or exposure therapy out. It harmed me.

I rarely hear good things about CBT.

It's unacceptable, therapists should be prepared for having disabled clients and being offended is an unacceptable response inadequate for such a profession.

Some people go to become therapies because they want to help people, others know that it pays well...

 

[Coxhere]

I don't relate to any psychological tests and I personally wouldn't place much value on them.

Definitely they don't address my symptoms and I don't have a stereotypical autistic personality, whatever it is. It might be an image perceived by some people, but it's just an image.


Clearly autism here

And unfortunately, most of us base our perceptions on images, not taking the time and effort to really find out what's underneath those images so as to change them.

 

[Coxhere]

Thing is that my symptoms are "trauma related" not "neurological." I stim sometimes, i'm not a fan of eye-contact, i dislike when random people touch me, i have sound and light sensitivity (mild light one, high sound one), I can have softer versions of meltdowns or shutdowns (they are rare), i mimic and learn how other NTs behave in specific moments (i am bad at social cues. most of the time i know what and when to do... i just don't feel like doing it, and later feel like an idiot for not doing them), i have body dysmorphia, i can ruminate and overthink, once i caught myself looping after big scary for me event, i have social and general anxiety, i am good at masking how i feel. And yeah, I guess if i sit and think more about it, i can name you more signs which are connected to autism, but i hope you got the picture.

Doesn't trauma, at least trauma that reaches the threshold of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, "re-wire" our brains and is, therefore neurological?

 

[Tired]

Doesn't trauma, at least trauma that reaches the threshold of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, "re-wire" our brains and is, therefore neurological?

PTSD is something i acquired, not something i was born with. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it's rooted in how the brain develops. So yet again, what I have are similar to autism symptoms, but they come from a different place and time.

 

[Coxhere]

I was definitely more autistic as a little child when I didn't know much better. Pretty much stereotypical Asperger's syndrome.

From the middle of the chart, I have mostly the sensory stuff, stimming and sleep issues. Routines amd sensory things from the right. Special interests - maybe?


Me too. ADHD or sensory seeking. I need at least a longer walk daily to fall asleep essily and manage emotions better.


I was less emotionally mature than others up to a certain point in early adulthood when most people stop developing...

I slept with a plushie very long. *shrug* I still like blocks.

I had a hard time managing intense emotions when younger, but many young people are like that.

I quit therapists, because they

Tried to treat things like that as if they were possible to CBT or exposure therapy out. It harmed me. I experienced a lot of harm from psychotherapists, even though I needed their services desparately, but not the CBT or gaslightey way, in a help me learn to be assertive way. I would forgive if a therapist would admit that they were wrong when I was clearly harmed by their techniques, but they try to blame you for having a darn seizure, and this is ridiculous. I regret not being more aggressive about it. They get offended by my inability to speak as well as I'd want to too. It's unacceptable, therapists should be prepared for having disabled clients and being offended is an unacceptable response inadequate for such a profession.

Then there is this laughable notion that psychologists believe in that people with disabilities can't have a high IQ and can't function reasonably well at work... Hence there are no autistic rocket scientists and the one in front of you has to have perfect health /sarcasm

If a psychotherapist doesn't have expertise in a particular area, that therapist should have the self-awareness to refer a patient to one who does have the expertise. There's NO WAY that one therapist could treat ALL patients who come for services.

In addition, you always have the right to FIRE your therapist and get another. That's not being aggressive. That's being assertive! It's not aggressive to provide honest feedback to a therapist when you are offended by her/his being offended!