Aspergers...?

[Jackson]

Hi there.

I was wondering if anybody who has, or knows someone who has some form of Aspergers had any information of their own experiences surrounding it - That they would be willing to share of course?

I only ask because i was reading up about it recently and i seemed to tick pretty much every box symptoms-wise, although a few are perhaps less pronounced. Think it's possible i could have some sort of mild-ish form of Aspergers, and wanted to see what other people recognise in someone with Aspegers.

Thanks.

[Jackson]

People with Asperger syndrome are usually more mildly affected than those with autism. In fact, many people with milder symptoms are never diagnosed at all, and some argue that Asperger syndrome is simply a variation of normal rather than a medical condition or disorder.

Even so, many people with Asperger syndrome (or their family) find it causes particular problems getting on with daily life and this can result in isolation, confusion and other difficulties, all of which could be defined as 'disease'.

There are three main aspects to Asperger syndrome:

Difficulty with communication. Although a person with Asperger syndrome may be able to speak fluently, sometimes there are difficulties judging or understanding the reactions of those they are talking to. Common problems include:

Failing to notice the body language of others.
Appearing insensitive to the feelings or views of the listener.
Continually talking, unaware of the listener's interest.
Appearing over-precise in what they say.
Taking comments literally (for example, misunderstanding jokes, metaphors or colloquialisms).
Difficulty in social relationships. People with Asperger syndrome often enjoy or want to develop social contacts but find mixing with others very hard. In particular, they have problems with:

Understanding non-verbal signals such as body language, gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice.
Obsessions with objects, interests or routines which tend to interfere further with building social relationships (this is known as stereotyped or repetitive behaviour).
Lack of imagination and creative play. Children with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above intelligence, and may be particularly good at learning facts and figures. However, they may also lack imagination and find creative play or thinking in the abstract very difficult.

This means they may be particularly good at topics such as maths or history, but struggle with subjects such as philosophy, religious education or creative arts.

Sounds like a description of me, except that i'm not shy in regards to communication, although i'm not outgoing socially.

[Neanderthal]

I was diagnosed as such as a kid. I used to get very upset at the kindergarten when the teacher literally made me interact with those braindead kids, at the point I used to beat them up. I think I do still have a mild form of the disease, because I not very social, I dislike meeting people, or being surrended by human beings.

[Grizzly]

I think Silkeout has it as well.

[Pallantides]

I'm diagnosed with Asperger, though I don't really feel like I have it.

[Stefan]

This thread should be helpful.

http://www.theapricity.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49845&highlight=Asperger%27s+Syndrome

[d3cimat3d]

Aspergers or any other forms of Autism don't exist. I posted criticism of them on ABF.

[Jackson]

I was diagnosed as such as a kid. I used to get very upset at the kindergarten when the teacher literally made me interact with those braindead kids, at the point I used to beat them up. I think I do still have a mild form of the disease, because I not very social, I dislike meeting people, or being surrended by human beings.

Cheers for the input Hellhammer. Yeah those things definitely sound familiar, although was less violent. :)

I remember we used to have these word-cards to read and practice our spelling - We'd take them home and were meant to revise them and then the teacher would ask us the spelling of each word. Never revised, never got a word wrong. And then had a reading age of like 16 or 17 or something according to this test when i was 8 or 9. Was reading Lord of the Rings in primary school. :D Good times.

[Stefan]

Aspergers or any other forms of Autism don't exist. I posted criticism of them on ABF.

Coming from an Asperger's group meeting literally 5 minutes ago where a girl couldn't tell a lie, and another girl (>20 years old) had a tantrum, I have to certainly disagree. Instrumentally, at least, it does exist.

[Jackson]

Aspergers or any other forms of Autism don't exist. I posted criticism of them on ABF.

It does seem more like a spectrum to be honest. I only started suspecting it in the last few days. I guess they just have to classify it as a disorder when it becomes extreme and makes daily live very difficult, like in many Autistic cases i suppose.

[Jackson]

This thread should be helpful.

http://www.theapricity.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49845&highlight=Asperger%27s+Syndrome

Cheers Stefan, will have a look.

[Pallantides]

Here in Norway you can get disability-welfare, help with school, housing and jobs if you have the diagnosis. But just like with ADHD and some other disorders it have tendency to be over-diagnosed.

[Neanderthal]

Here in Norway you can get disability-welfare, help with school, housing and jobs if you have the diagnosis. But just like with ADHD and some other disorders it have tendency to be over-diagnosed.

Profit. I just need to learn Nynorsk:o

[Sikeliot]

Aspergers is no longer a diagnosis -- most people who would have been diagnosed with Aspergers' now get diagnosed with "High-Functioning Autism" which is basically what it is.

[Jackson]

Here in Norway you can get disability-welfare, help with school, housing and jobs if you have the diagnosis.

Interesting.

I would have thought they would be a bit more strict over who they diagnose then, due to the support offered?

[Jackson]

Aspergers is no longer a diagnosis -- most people who would have been diagnosed with Aspergers' now get diagnosed with "High-Functioning Autism" which is basically what it is.

Cheers for the info Sikeliot! I'd heard of that before but didn't know what it really meant - the 'High Functioning' part.

Edit: In the other main thread, what you mention about loud noises is interesting. I was the same. Plenty of times we used to go watch trains or something and i would spend the entire time covering my ears, but mainly when i was very young.
Still - if i do have High Functioning Autism or Aspergers, i'm glad i do personally.

[Stefan]

Aspergers is no longer a diagnosis -- most people who would have been diagnosed with Aspergers' now get diagnosed with "High-Functioning Autism" which is basically what it is.

Much like the terms "psychopathy" and "sociopathy" for people with ASPD(Anti-Social Personality Disorder) it will still exist in colloquial language. Also DSM V isn't released until May.

[Sikeliot]

Cheers for the info Sikeliot! I'd heard of that before but didn't know what it really meant - the 'High Functioning' part.

Still - if i do have High Functioning Autism or Aspergers, i'm glad i do personally.

I know I have it. And I'm not glad I do. :lol:

But if I didn't I wouldn't have found my way here to start with I am sure.

[Fortis in Arduis]

I was diagnosed with this and/or hf-ASD (high-functioning autistic spectrum disorder) in 2007, and I had had a much earlier diagnosis of ADHD back in 1990.

My experience was that it was hard growing up, undiagnosed, hard to stick with any form of employment, and hard to make and keep friends. There are a lot of us on the Internet, and in terms of Europe, Northern Finland, which is interesting.

I was just plain weird and preferred to do my own thing at school, rather than involve myself. Academically, I was about two years ahead of my peers and I was put up two years at school, but that advancement did not continue with me to university, and I actually spent five years doing A-Levels... :eek:

Mostly I have sensory issues, and I find it hard to concentrate or relax with background noise. I often wear headphones and sunglasses to keep the noise of the street and trains to a minimum. I am hypersensitive.

If you want to get a diagnosis, go ahead, and see about seeing an occupational therapist who could advise you on how to cope. It is better that these things are diagnosed and 'treated' sooner.

After my diagnosis, I was not very kind to myself and effectively wrote myself off, as I knew that I would underperform and end up frustrated in the job market. I just made the effort to claim as much in state benefits as I could, and retreated into recreational drug use. This is not recommended; it is the wrong solution, and after five years of it, I am now recovering.

Know (and love) thyself.

[Jackson]

I know I have it. And I'm not glad I do. :lol:

But if I didn't I wouldn't have found my way here to start with I am sure.

With all this focus on anthropology i can well imagine this is a great place for people with Aspergers. I'm the same with genetics though, i understand very little about the processes behind the DNA extraction and preservation and even many aspects of how it all works, but i can't get enough of seeing all the data. Data data data...

[Äike]

I know I have it. And I'm not glad I do. :lol:

But if I didn't I wouldn't have found my way here to start with I am sure.

You joined in 2011 and have 26 000 posts, yet I haven't noticed you participating much anywhere. But you definitely have no life. For example, how often do you go outside?

[Stefan]

Out of all the diagnostic requirements, I like Gilberg's the most.


Severe impairment in reciprocal social interaction (at least two of the following)
inability to interact with peers
lack of desire to interact with peers
lack of appreciation of social cues
socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior
All-absorbing narrow interest (at least one of the following)
exclusion of other activities
repetitive adherence
more rote than meaning
Imposition of routines and interests (at least one of the following)
on self, in aspects of life
on others
Speech and language problems (at least three of the following)
delayed development
superficially perfect expressive language
formal, pedantic language
odd prosody, peculiar voice characteristics
impairment of comprehension including misinterpretations of literal/implied meanings
Non-verbal communication problems (at least one of the following)
limited use of gestures
clumsy/gauche body language
limited facial expression
inappropriate expression
peculiar, stiff gaze
Motor clumsiness: poor performance on neurodevelopmental examination

[Jackson]

Anyone else get told they stand or dance like a statue? :D

[Roy]

I was almost diagnosed with Asperger while I was a small child (and when actually it wasn't fully recognized). Some symptoms look exceptionally similar to mine, even when i'm older but some don't fit at all.

[Neanderthal]

Anyone else get told they stand or dance like a statue? :D

I have a hard time with coordination, but I love sports, especially Martial Arts, but yeah, it takes me some time to get a grip of the grappling moves/punches/hand-feet coordination, etc. I'm not that bad at boxing actually, wich is the sport I have invested more time in. But yes, is true, I couldn't dance even if my life depended on it.:picard1:

[Jackson]

Out of all the diagnostic requirements, I like Gilberg's the most.

That seems very good and clear cut.

I fit almost every category. >.<

[SKYNET]

the same problem, I'm a very quiet and uncommunicative boy in the real life. I don't like when I meet an unknown person and talking about something, and I don't like when anyone tries to interfere in my personal life .. to be a good friend with everyone? Oh hell no! I'd like to live alone with my dream. My best friend is my machine. So I am an autistic of 80% of the diagnos.
Anyway, thanks for your thread

[larali]

OK here is a funny story. I was convinced that I had Asperger's for some time. I was having trouble getting along with people at several jobs I'd had, and it cost me my jobs... So, sitting at home without a job, depressed and stressed out I became a little obsessed. I read about Asperger's and whoa, it sounded like me.

So I went to a counselor at a college but she couldn't help me (she was a career/ school counselor, not a psychologist :picard1:) so I made an appointment with a real psychologist. I told him all about it and showed him all this stuff I'd printed out. He stood up and put his hands on his desk and yelled at me "You do not have Asperger's! Asperger's people are retarded!" And explained that the reason I did not have Asperger's is because I can read people just fine. He told me the reason I was having trouble at work was because I had crap jobs working with crap people, and the reason I get obsessed about things that interest me was because I was "highly gifted" (his words).

I suppose tons and tons of people out there are convinced that because they are introverted/ etc they have this disorder, and that is the reason they are removing the diagnosis from DSM.

My husband's cousin really does have it, and he is a weirdo that does not get jokes and has a funny robotic way of talking.

[Neanderthal]

OK here is a funny story. I was convinced that I had Asperger's for some time. I was having trouble getting along with people at several jobs I'd had, and it cost me my jobs... So, sitting at home without a job, depressed and stressed out I became a little obsessed. I read about Asperger's and whoa, it sounded like me.

So I went to a counselor at a college but she couldn't help me (she was a career/ school counselor, not a psychologist :picard1:) so I made an appointment with a real psychologist. I told him all about it and showed him all this stuff I'd printed out. He stood up and put his hands on his desk and yelled at me "You do not have Asperger's! Asperger's people are retarded!" And explained that the reason I did not have Asperger's is because I can read people just fine. He told me the reason I was having trouble at work was because I had crap jobs working with crap people, and the reason I get obsessed about things that interest me was because I was "highly gifted" (his words).

I suppose tons and tons of people out there are convinced that because they are introverted/ etc they have this disorder, and that is the reason they are removing the diagnosis from DSM.

My husband's cousin really does have it, and he is a weirdo that does not get jokes and has a funny robotic way of talking.

The retarded part is a myth, Asperger people are more on the geniuses spectrum, or are you gonna tell me people like Varg Vikernes are retarded? And no, i'm not introverted either, I just dislike people, I dislike being surronded by them and more so if I have to socially interact with them, besides, you don't have to show all the symptoms to be diagnosed as such, you can go from a very mild stage to a completely incapacitant one.

[Leon_C]

If Aspergers is anything more than a personality type then I think 60% of all males under 25 would be diagnosed with it.

[larali]

The retarded part is a myth, Asperger people are more on the geniuses spectrum, or are you gonna tell me people like Varg Vikernes are retarded? And no, i'm not intrverted either, I just dislike people, I dislike being surronded by them and more so if I have to socially interact with them, besides, you don't have to show all the symptoms to be diagnosed as such, you can go from a very mild stage to a completely incapacitant one.

I didn't mean to offend anyone. ;) By retarded he meant developmentally delayed/ challenged, which is what Asperger's is (socially challenged).

I actually scored very high on the Asperger's tests I took online, so I probably have some mild form of it, in fact. So, don't think I am being hateful. ;;D

The story was supposed to be humorous of course.


..Oh by the way, cats have Asperger's. All of them do! Watch a cat and you will see.

[Leon_C]

Anyone else get told they stand or dance like a statue? :D

HAHAHA yes when I try to dance it looks awful because I'm all limb and nothing else, if I've had a lot to drinK I loosen up a little though :d

[Hoca]

I think it is fake.

[Midori]

If Aspergers is anything more than a personality type then I think 60% of all males under 25 would be diagnosed with it.

Seriously? I doubt that. I rarely see people who show symptoms of Asperger's IRL. Being introverted =/= Aspie

[larali]

Anyone else get told they stand or dance like a statue? :D

My husband dances like a retarded robot. Maybe he has Aspergers.

[Leon_C]

Seriously? I doubt that. I rarely see people who show symptoms of Asperger's IRL. Being introverted =/= Aspie

what I mean is that the symptoms for diagnosis are very ambiguous and a lot of people who claim to be socially awkward tend to have a lot of these symptoms.

[Stefan]

Trust me, if you meet somebody with HFA/Asperger's you can tell quite clearly why they've been diagnosis. Of course, people with severe Asperger's/HFA can't tell, but a typical non-Autistic person or mildly afflicted person can tell. For example, a guy in my Calculus class would not stop interrupting the class complaining it was cold, or telling entirely irrelevant, insignificant facts. I knew he had some form of Autism. The very next day when I was asked to join a group to help other people with Asperger's syndrome learn some coping mechanisms and techniques, and just have a discussion, guess who was across from me. It manifests itself differently in different people, but by no means is it subtle once you get to know somebody and in some people it is quite obvious.

[Vesuvian Sky]

I think there may be a tendency to misdiagnose or over diagnose these things. I knew a psychologist in the educational system who basically said autism/aspergers diagnosis was more or less used as means to deal w/ child behavior that teachers can't or don't know how to deal with.

A perscriptive medication was then recommended to help deal with the "problem".

[Jackson]

HAHAHA yes when I try to dance it looks awful because I'm all limb and nothing else, if I've had a lot to drinK I loosen up a little though :d

Yeah hehe.

Like when i'm dancing i think i'm proper rockin' it out.

Look at photos later...living statue. :D

[Jackson]

Maybe it's just a combination of OCD, lack of requirement for socialising, and some aspects of intelligence being above average, while social intelligence is much below average, being misdiagnosed as aspergers?

[Stefan]

Maybe it's just a combination of OCD, lack of requirement for socialising, and some aspects of intelligence being above average, while social intelligence is much below average, being misdiagnosed as aspergers?

Misdiagnosed? No, this sounds like a person with Asperger's syndrome to me. The real question is whether or not the bolded is true. Some people think they have low social intelligence but really they have social anxiety.

[Jackson]

Misdiagnosed? No, this sounds like a person with Asperger's syndrome to me. The real question is whether or not the bolded is true. Some people think they have low social intelligence but really they have social anxiety.

Good point. Will read up about social anxiety.

[Amapola]

I hit some symptoms but at the same time I am quite empathetic so I rule it out.

[Kelta]

Some engineers, scientists or researchers and doctors tend to fit these Asperger symptoms and Asperger types tend to gravitate toward the science field with higher IQ's and the extreme logical thinking. There are also other disorders that can mimic or overlap the described symptoms making it hard to recognize; ADD; Narcissistic Personality Disorder (PD); Schizoid PD; Social phobia and other anxiety disorders. They can also interfere with relationships equally well.

[SKYNET]

the Silicon Valley is full of the Aspergers.

[Fortis in Arduis]

NB Ass-purgers is something else. It is from the 1970s and involves a special shower attachment:


http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac272/yeahbart/showerdouche.jpg

[Hurrem sultana]

lol so many aspergers people here :D

[Neanderthal]

lol so many aspergers people here :D

And your point is...?

[VeronicaStranger]

I honestly think that it's a trendy ''illness''. There're so many lazy people who simply use their diagnose as an excuse.

[Jackson]

I honestly think that it's a trendy ''illness''. There're so many lazy people who simply use their diagnose as a excuse.

To what purpose though? I wouldn't want to be diagnosed with it, but i don't think i have it. I can't imagine there are many people out there who would want to have it.

[Neanderthal]

I honestly think that it's a trendy ''illness''. There're so many lazy people who simply use their diagnose as a excuse.

Excuse for what? I have a work, go to college, a girlfriend. It's not my fault I don't like people and things are twice as hard for me since I have to interact with them daily. So how exactly i'm being lazy?

[Pallantides]

I'd prefer not to even have the diagnosis.


There are some benefits, but still...

[VeronicaStranger]

To what purpose though? I wouldn't want to be diagnosed with it, but i don't think i have it. I can't imagine there are many people out there who would want to have it.

I've seen this among many young people who blame their so called ''illness'' for the things they don't want to take responsibility for.

[VeronicaStranger]

Excuse for what? I have a work, go to college, a girlfriend. It's not my fault I don't like people and things are twice as hard for me since I have to interact with them daily. So how exactly i'm being lazy?

And here it goes...

[Stefan]

Asperger's Syndrome is not an "illness" it's a disorder. There is a clear, concise definition of these terms in psychiatry.

[VeronicaStranger]

Asperger's Syndrome is not an "illness" it's a disorder. There is a clear, concise definition of these terms in psychiatry.

Sorry for using the wrong word, but it doesn't change my opinion about the subject.

[Sunphq]

Sorry for using the wrong word, but it doesn't change my opinion about the subject.

What's your opinion on Bipolar?

[Stefan]

Sorry for using the wrong word, but it doesn't change my opinion about the subject.

It does reveal your ignorance on the matter though. That's all.

[VeronicaStranger]

It does reveal your ignorance on the matter though. That's all.

Or my experience with people having Asperger has been really bad.

[VeronicaStranger]

What's your opinion on Bipolar?

It's serious. But I think it's wrong to compare them both.

[Stefan]

It's serious. But I think it's wrong to compare them both.

Why?

Because you're uneducated on what Asperger's Syndrome/High Function Autism is, or you've met a few individuals whom can easily hide their disorder and perceived them as lazy for it.

Regardless of you experiential observations and perceptions there is empirical evidence for the disorder and it does affect people's lives negatively.

aT0zCzCp6yY

[Sunphq]

It's serious. But I think it's wrong to compare them both.

LOL!! I knew your response already, which is why I asked. Autism which is a debilitating condition is less serious than what used to be called melancholy back in the day. Yup. Not to trivialize depression, but you know..

It's so weird that people accept a biological foundation to depression so easily, but Autism is questioned. Despite the traits being salient and present during infancy.

You probably think Autism is caused by mothers not hugging their children enough, they just need therapy, they'll get out of it. Perhaps if we put some magic crystals on their forehead it'll cure them...lol

It probably is over-diagnosed in the U.S, where everyone is hysterical and fears one another. But I doubt Hans Asperger was just nitpicking traits.

[Sikeliot]

I have a mild form of High Functioning Autism/Asperger's but I think it is getting worse as I get older. I have been improving on the social skills/reading people/etc. but getting way more intense OCD-like symptoms and the inability to adapt to change.

[VeronicaStranger]

Why?

Because you're uneducated on what Asperger's Syndrome/High Function Autism is, or you've met a few individuals whom can easily hide their disorder and perceived them as lazy for it.

Regardless of you experiential observations and perceptions there is empirical evidence for the disorder and it does affect people's lives negatively.



I guess it's hard for me to perceive it as a serious disorder because so many people have it and so many people have lived with it and still are living with it not even knowing that they have it. I've never met a single person suffering from it who would have all or at least the majority of symptoms which are described as typical for Asperger's patients.

I've attended lectures regarding the subject of this discussion, I personally know at least 10 people having the diagnosis so that's where my opinion comes from.

[Stefan]

I have a mild form of High Functioning Autism/Asperger's but I think it is getting worse as I get older. I have been improving on the social skills/reading people/etc. but getting way more intense OCD-like symptoms and the inability to adapt to change.

I think I'm similar. My theory of mind skills have been greatly improved since I was young. They're still mechanical and conscious, but they are almost like a side-process, much like computing basic arithmetic. However; my obsessions, routines, and sensory overload have increased comparison. This I suspect is a combination of more personal responsibility and cemented neural pathways. It would make sense that as you get older and you've had more experiential data that you have more ingrained routines.

[VeronicaStranger]

LOL!! I knew your response already, which is why I asked. Autism which is a debilitating condition is less serious than what used to be called melancholy back in the day. Yup. Not to trivialize depression too much, but you know..

It's so weird that people accept a biological foundation to depression so easily, but Autism is questioned. Despite the traits being salient and present during infancy.

You probably think Autism is caused by mothers not hugging their children enough, they just need therapy, they'll get out of it. Perhaps if we put some magic crystals on their forehead it'll cure them...lol

It probably is over-diagnosed in the U.S, where everyone is hysterical and fears one another. But I doubt Hans Asperger was just nitpicking traits.

I don't deny Autism and I don't deny Asperger, but I think it's a trendy diagnosis.

[Stefan]

I guess it's hard for me to perceive it as a serious disorder because so many people have it and so many people have lived with it and still are living with it not even knowing that they have it. I've never met a single person suffering from it who would have all or at least the majority of symptoms which are described as typical for Asperger's patients.

The incidence rate is only 1 out of 200. I hardly call that "so many people." Also, it isn't something a person with Autism can tell they've got. To us, we are acting naturally and normally, and all problems arise because of the differences of others.



I've attended lectures regarding the subject of this discussion, I personally know at least 10 people having the diagnosis so that's where my opinion comes from.

Just being part of a group consisting of five people with the disorder, I can tell quite clearly the severity of the individual and why they were diagnosed AND I have the disorder myself. I'm sure the more subtle individuals like myself can be noted by a neuro-typical person. Some people can live quite fine with it, for these people - such as myself - it's not a disability according to the ADA. For others, it's much more severe, and I've met such people.

[Sikeliot]

The Autistic experience is very real and if you talk to other people who have it, you know that it is not just some combination of OCD and obsessive tendencies.

[Sunphq]

I don't deny Autism and I don't deny Asperger, but I think it's a trendy diagnosis.

The lists of public figures with Bipolar and Asperger's.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:People_with_bipolar_disorder

Lot of people - well known names.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:People_with_Asperger_syndrome

Most of the names on the Asperger's list aren't even familiar to most people.

It doesn't seem that trendy.

[Sikeliot]

Also, Autism has to be genetic. My father and uncle also have it as did my grandfather.

[VeronicaStranger]

The incidence rate is only 1 out of 200. I hardly call that "so many people." Also, it isn't something a person with Autism can tell they've got. To us, we are acting naturally and normally, and all problems arise because of the differences of others.

I haven't noticed very different behaviour patterns in people having Asperger. Maybe it's just me, but I haven't had any problems communicating with people having the diagnosis.



Just being part of a group consisting of five people with the disorder, I can tell quite clearly the severity of the individual and why they were diagnosed AND I have the disorder myself. I'm sure the more subtle individuals like myself can be noted by a neuro-typical person. Some people can live quite fine with it, for these people - such as myself - it's not a disability according to the ADA. For others, it's much more severe, and I've met such people.

I guess it's how you put it... you can live your life complaining about it all the time or try to make the best of your life the way it is.

[Sikeliot]

I haven't noticed very different behaviour patterns in people having Asperger. Maybe it's just me, but I haven't had any problems communicating with people having the diagnosis.


People I have met with more extreme forms of Asperger's have eyes that barely move when they talk, flat voices, and a lack of much expression or movement.

[VeronicaStranger]

People I have met with more extreme forms of Asperger's have eyes that barely move when they talk, flat voices, and a lack of much expression or movement.

As I wrote before, I don'y deny Asperger, but it seems that a lot of people having it, are not really having it. Again, I base this on my experience.

[Stefan]

I haven't noticed very different behaviour patterns in people having Asperger. Maybe it's just me, but I haven't had any problems communicating with people having the diagnosis.

Then they are likely a select few who can hide it consciously.



I guess it's how you put it... you can live your life complaining about it all the time or try to make the best of your life the way it is.

No that's not what I was saying. I was saying that there are different levels of severity on the Autistic Spectrum.

[Stefan]

You must understand that Asperger's Syndrome and Autism in general, are developmental disorders. They're labeled PDD's, meaning Pervasive Developmental Disorders as opposed to SDD's Specialized Developmental Disorders (ADHD, Learning Disorders, etc.) One has an atypical development, that doesn't mean that they can't eventually develop to an acceptable point, in many cases, it means that they had trouble (and continue to have trouble) to develop.

[VeronicaStranger]

No that's not what I was saying. I was saying that there are different levels of severity on the Autistic Spectrum.

Why do I have the feeling that those having less serious symptoms are those who complain the most...

[Neanderthal]

Why do I have the feeling that those having less serious symptoms are those who complain the most...

Who is complaining? since when being diagnosed and talk about it can be labeled as 'complaining'?

[Stefan]

Why do I have the feeling that those having less serious symptoms are those who complain the most...

Well your "feeling" is not empirical. I have fewer severe symptoms and I attend the 22nd highest ranked University in the World, having gotten there by being in the top 5 percentile of students in the world and I am working on a double major in Physics and Mathematics. Temple Grandin was diagnosed as a child, showing obvious symptoms of language impair and social deficiencies. She became a very successful animal scientist and professor. You're projecting your own experiential observations to reality, inducing a logical fallacy to gain information on the world that is fallacious.

The reason why you don't hear people with severe symptoms complaining because most people accept that they have a problem that needs to be met. This isn't true for the "more normal" persons, despite these "more normal" persons having problems of their own.

[VeronicaStranger]

Who is complaining? since when being diagnosed and talk about it can be labeled as 'complaining'?

I'm not saying that you're complaining. I base my opinion on real life experiences with people having the diagnosis.

[VeronicaStranger]

Well your "feeling" is not empirical. I have fewer severe symptoms and I attend the 22nd highest ranked University in the World, having gotten there by being in the top 5 percentile of students in the world and I am working on a double major in Physics and Mathematics. Temple Grandin was diagnosed as a child, showing obvious symptoms of language impair and social deficiencies. She became a very successful animal scientist and professor. You're projecting your own experiential observations to reality, inducing a logical fallacy to gain information on the world that is fallacious.

But I never said that people having Asperger syndrome are somehow worse or less intelligent than people who don't have it.


The reason why you don't hear people with severe symptoms complaining because most people accept that they have a problem that needs to be met. This isn't true for the "more normal" persons, despite these "more normal" persons having problems of their own.

And as I wrote before... it's how you put it.

[Stefan]

But I never said that people having Asperger syndrome are somehow worse or less intelligent than people who don't have it.


You said they were lazy and only complained without any justification for their laziness and complaints. If I were lazy and I complained, then I wouldn't be where I am now. It has nothing to do with raw intelligence or aptitude.



And as I wrote before... it's how you put it.

But you're assuming that all people with Asperger's have the same abilities and disabilities. This is not true. Most are unsuccessful not because they're lazy, but because their disorder inhibits their freedoms and abilities.

[VeronicaStranger]

You said they were lazy and only complained without any justification for their laziness and complaints. If I were lazy and I complained, then I wouldn't be where I am now. It has nothing to do with raw intelligence or aptitude.

As I wrote before, it must be my bad experience with people having Asperger's syndrome.



But you're assuming that all people with Asperger's have the same abilities and disabilities. This is not true. Most are unsuccessful not because they're lazy, but because their disorder inhibits their freedoms and abilities.

No! Going trough that list of symptoms even I could have it. And you can't deny that a lot of people having the diagnosis use it as an excuse. I also believe that a lot of people have been misdiagnosed with it.

[Stefan]

No! Going trough that list of symptoms even I could have it. And you can't deny that a lot of people having the diagnosis use it as an excuse. I also believe that a lot of people have been misdiagnosed with it.

If one truly has all of the symptoms, then yes - they do have it. The disorder is defined by the symptoms, not vice-verse. But I doubt you actually have the qualified and quantified symptoms.

Also, until you provide empirical evidence that people have been misdiagnosed, it's all conjecture and not fact.

[VeronicaStranger]

If one truly has all of the symptoms, then yes - they do have it. The disorder is defined by the symptoms, not vice-verse. But I doubt you actually have the qualified and quantified symptoms.

Also, until you provide empirical evidence that people have been misdiagnosed, it's all conjecture and not fact.

But that's exactly what I'm talking about... one must have all symptoms, not just few.

[Stefan]

But that's exactly what I'm talking about... one must have all symptoms, not just few.

One must have a certain number of symptoms from each category. Not a single person has "ALL" the symptoms.

[VeronicaStranger]

One must have a certain number of symptoms from each category. Not a single person has "ALL" the symptoms.

And that's where I start to doubt the real number of those who suffer from it.

What if I have just one symptom, but it's really severe?

[Stefan]

And that's where I start to doubt the real numbers of those who suffer from it.

What if I have just one symptom, but it's really severe?

You need one(or more) symptom from each category to be diagnosed. That's how all the diagnostic criteria work. Furthermore, it must be at a minimal level of severity.

[larali]

Asperger's is a real thing, but a lot of people who don't have it, think they do.

It's an ambiguous set of symptoms.

[VeronicaStranger]

You need one(or more) symptom from each category to be diagnosed. That's how all the diagnostic criteria work. Furthermore, it must be at a minimal level of severity.

Oh my... I think all people might have it.

[VeronicaStranger]

Asperger's is a real thing, but a lot of people who don't have it, think they do.

It's an ambiguous set of symptoms.

I know few people who have it, but I really doubt that they actually have it.

[Stefan]

Oh my... I think all people might have it.

So all people have language impair of some kind, for example? It's impossible for everybody to have a disorder. Seriously, this is simple psychology/psychiatry. A disorder can't be typical, otherwise it's not a disorder.

.


Social impairment (extreme egocentricity), at least in two of the following:
a) Inability to interact with peers;

b) Lack of desire to interact with peers;

c) Lack of appreciation of social cues;

d) Socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior.

2. Narrow interest, at least one of the following:

a) Exclusion of other activities;

b) Repetitive adherence;

c) More rote than meaning.

3. Repetitive routines, at least one of the following:

a) On self, in aspects of life;

b) On others.

4. Speech and language peculiarities, at least three of the following:

a) Delayed development;

b) Superficially perfect expressive language;

c) Formal pedantic language;

d) Odd prosody, peculiar voice characteristics;

e) Impairment of comprehension including misinterpretation of literal/implied meanings.

5. Non-verbal communication problems, at least one of the following:

a) Limited use of gestures;

b) Clumsy/gauche body language;

c) Limited facial expression;

d) Inappropriate expression;

e) Peculiar stiff gaze.

6. Motor clumsiness:

Poor performance on neuro-developmental examination.

[VeronicaStranger]

So all people have language impair of some kind, for example? It's impossible for everybody to have a disorder. Seriously, this is simple psychology/psychiatry. A disorder can't be typical, otherwise it's not a disorder.

But there're so many different symptoms and you said that one or many symptoms must be at a minimal level of severity. So yes, I'm pretty sure we all have at least one symptom from that really long list at a minimal level of severity.

[Stefan]

But there're so many different symptoms and you said that one or many symptoms must be at a minimal level of severity. So yes, I'm pretty sure we all have at least one symptom from that really long list at a minimal level of severity.

OF EACH CATEGORY

[VeronicaStranger]

OF EACH CATEGORY


What if I have two symptoms from the first category, one from the second category and none from the rest?

[Stefan]

What if I have two symptoms from the first category, one from the second category and none from the rest?

Then you wouldn't be diagnosed. That's a fact. It says specifically how many symptoms from each category one requires. "Asperger's Syndrome" is the term given to the combination of these traits.

[VeronicaStranger]

Then you wouldn't be diagnosed. That's a fact. It says specifically how many symptoms from each category one requires. "Asperger's Syndrome" is the term given to the combination of these traits.

What if those symptoms are really severe? Even more severe than for a person having at least one symptom from each category at a minimal level of severity?

[Lemon Kush]

Don't you guys mean ASS BURGERS? LOL :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIDx96vraYo

[Stefan]

What if those symptoms are really severe? Even more severe than for a person having at least one symptom from each category at a minimal level of severity?

You're asking a "what if" that makes no sense. The disorder is caused by a biophysical phenomenon. If there is a severity of these symptoms, then they are also caused by a biophysical phenomenon and that is some other disorder. It's not as if the psychologists arbitrarily made these symptoms up. They are categorizations of observations caused by the biology of the individuals being observed and generalized to that group.

[VeronicaStranger]

You're asking a "what if" that makes no sense. The disorder is caused by a biophysical phenomenon. If there is a severity of these symptoms, then they are also caused by a biophysical phenomenon and that is some other disorder. It's not as if the psychologists arbitrarily made these symptoms up. They are categorizations of observations caused by the biology of the individuals being observed and generalized to that group.

You're not really answering my question, but it's ok. I don't deny Asperger, but the way it's diagnosed really makes me think that so many people having it don't really have it.

[Stefan]

You're not really answering my question, but it's ok. I don't deny Asperger, but the way it's diagnosed really makes me think that so many people having it don't really have it.

I answered your question, you just didn't understand it. If that person has severe language impairment, for example, then they'll be diagnosed with having a SDD(specialized developmental disorder.) If that person has an extreme habit of routines, then they'll be diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.) If it's something entirely new, then they'll do research. It's quite simple really.

[larali]

Don't you guys mean ASS BURGERS? :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIDx96vraYo

Coonass burgers are the best. Seriously!

http://webtothumb.com/Coon-Ass-Recipes.html

[VeronicaStranger]

I answered your question, you just didn't understand it. If that person has severe language impairment, for example, then they'll be diagnosed with having a SDD(specialized developmental disorder.) If that person has a extreme habit of routines, then they'll be diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.) If it's something entirely new, then they'll do research. It's quite simple really.

But we're talking about Asperger syndrome, right?

And again... I don't deny it.

[Stefan]

But we're talking about Asperger syndrome, right?

And again... I don't deny it.

You asked if one had a severity in one trait, what would they be diagnosed with? I mentioned that there are other disorders in existence that they would either qualify under, assuming they are quantifiable severe in that area that the psychiatrists assumes a neurological disorder (which can be physically verified.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurological_disorders


A neurological disorder is any disorder of the body's nervous system. Structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain and altered levels of consciousness.There are many recognized neurological disorders, some relatively common, but many rare. They may be assessed by neurological examination, and studied and treated within the specialities of neurology and clinical neuropsychology.
Interventions for neurological disorders include preventative measures, lifestyle changes, physiotherapy or other therapy, neurorehabilitation, pain management, medication, or operations performed by neurosurgeons. The World Health Organization estimated in 2006 that neurological disorders and their sequelae (direct consequences) affect as many as one billion people worldwide, and identified health inequalities and social stigma/discrimination as major factors contributing to the associated disability and suffering.[1]

[Dombra]

There are three kinds of people. Those with some sort of asperger, those who are just weird and me.

[Atlantic Islander]

Hi there.

I was wondering if anybody who has, or knows someone who has some form of Aspergers had any information of their own experiences surrounding it - That they would be willing to share of course?

I only ask because i was reading up about it recently and i seemed to tick pretty much every box symptoms-wise, although a few are perhaps less pronounced. Think it's possible i could have some sort of mild-ish form of Aspergers, and wanted to see what other people recognise in someone with Aspegers.

Thanks.

Do you obsessively collect something or obsessively read everything you can about a particular subject? That would be a sign.

[Pallantides]

There are three kinds of people. Those with some sort of asperger, those who are just weird and me.

Nawh


There is Pallantides and the rest.

[Dandelion]

I think too many people get misdiagnosed of self-diagnose themselves with Asperger's. This all got worse with the advent of cable internet, as too much time in front of a computer monitor levels down one's social skills.

[larali]

I think too many people get misdiagnosed of self-diagnose themselves with Asperger's. This all got worse with the advent of cable internet, as too much time in front of a computer monitor levels down one's social skills.

This.

[Pallantides]

Well some of my "Asperger tendencies" manifested itself before I started using computers.

[Atlantic Islander]

Out of all the diagnostic requirements, I like Gilberg's the most.

Sounds like Anya:

eCnbKCkMho0

[Pallantides]

It took almost three years with visiting psychiatrists, sessions and tests before I got diagnosed with Asperger.
Maybe they just got tired of me or couldn't put their finger on what was up with me so they just gave me a random diagnosis.


I remember some of the stuff written in the report:

"haughty and eccentric of speech, tendency to hold monologues when engaged in conversation, interrupts others when they have the word, detached from situations not related to oneself."

[Stefan]

Sounds like Anya:

eCnbKCkMho0

Yep, if you go to the forum wrong planet and look at one of the threads about Tv Show characters with Aspergers tendencies Anya is one of them. Of course, hers is caused by being a demon/witch for hundreds of years haha.

[Óttar]

You probably think Autism is caused by mothers not hugging their children enough
If anything, I display some traits of it because my mother hugged me too much :p. "Because mommy never hugged me" is not an excuse on my end.

[VeronicaStranger]

I think too many people get misdiagnosed of self-diagnose themselves with Asperger's. This all got worse with the advent of cable internet, as too much time in front of a computer monitor levels down one's social skills.

We share the same opinion! That's why I wrote - it's a trendy diagnosis.

[Jackson]

Do you obsessively collect something or obsessively read everything you can about a particular subject? That would be a sign.

Sometimes, less so with books and items. But i'll spend a lot of time gathering all the information about things that i can...like genetic genaeology for example. I tend to be obsessed with things for some time but it'll tend to stop after a while and might go on to something else for a bit. But to be fair i think i might just take after my Dad. He semi-obsessively collects coins and knows probably almost everything about them. :P

But then that is his main interest...genes for me and coins for him.

I don't think it's quite obsessive overall, but it can be.

[Jackson]

"haughty and eccentric of speech, tendency to hold monologues when engaged in conversation, interrupts others when they have the word, detached from situations not related to oneself."

Much of that sounds familiar, but not the same exactly.

[Qemist]

Cheers for the input Hellhammer. Yeah those things definitely sound familiar, although was less violent. :)

I remember we used to have these word-cards to read and practice our spelling - We'd take them home and were meant to revise them and then the teacher would ask us the spelling of each word. Never revised, never got a word wrong. And then had a reading age of like 16 or 17 or something according to this test when i was 8 or 9. Was reading Lord of the Rings in primary school. :D Good times.

Being precocious is like having Asperger's anyway. Of course you don't find interacting with people whose mental level is far below you atttractive or stimulating. They share none of your interests so you either play stupid to be accepted or withdraw. The staff may perceive you as reserved, socially backward, and even immature.

[Albion]

Aspergers is no longer a diagnosis -- most people who would have been diagnosed with Aspergers' now get diagnosed with "High-Functioning Autism" which is basically what it is.

No it isn't, autism is totally different. I resent Aspies being lumped together with any old retards just because some leftist says so. Furthermore I dislike it being called a 'syndrome' as if it's some sort of unfortunate mental disorder.
I may be putting that strongly, but I'am just tired of observers jumping to such conclusions.

I have Aspergers, I do not go around feeling sorry for myself like some Aspies seem to want to do. There are some problems I face in daily life possibly due to it, but it's not some terrible thing whereby I must hide from the world and live on welfare.

Here are a few things from daily life and how I go about them. I'm not writing a list, rather some casual information since anyone can get a list of "symptoms" of the internet if they want to know:

Work

I was never very comfortable around other people unless I've known them for a long time. On average I don't open up to people for at least 12 months.
I found it difficult finding work and really just wanted something where I didn't have to be around too many different people all the time. Obviously one cannot b picky though, and I found work which required me to be surrounded by totally new people all the time. To be honest it's not so bad, it isn't what I like but I can live with it.

It takes me a while to adjust to work. When I walk through the doors is the worst part because I feel like everyone is after my attention. Well meaning co-workers greet me from practically everywhere it feels whilst I just try to creep in without being noticed. I find it overwhelming.
I also don't understand how to respond to praise, criticism is easy, but praise is just tough because often I do not really think it was necessary whilst in other cases I don't want to milk it. So I wouldn't say I'm humble when it comes to it rather than dismissive almost.

People

Apparently we lack empathy. I didn't really understand this until recently. Some guy was telling me about the cancer he had and the most I could do is ask him if it had been fully treated. WTF? I cared of course, I just didn't know what to say.

Language is also tough, not the spoken part but the facial expressions that are supposed to accompany it. I don't really do many facial expressions, Aspies apparently do a good poker face and at school my mates always commented on how believable my lies were with such a blank expression.
However, a lot of people are thick and rely a lot on facial expressions and predicting what one is going to say rather than actually listening to the voice alone. I find it annoying.

Obsession

Aspies aren't little geniuses as some people try to portray us. We are often good at a lot of things, but Aspies only really excel at things that interest them. Aspies become obsessive about these things and devote a great deal of time and energy to them, talk about them obsessively and often without conclusion (I find myself doing that a lot).
These obsessions can regard very strange things, my own is currently grape vines, despite all the types of fruit in my garden better suited to the climate, grapevines have been for a number of months my area of obsessive study. I don't think I'd be exaggerating if I said I knew more about their breeding and climatic merits than the average professional viticulturalist.
They can change over time, but months or even years can be dedicated to them.

Company

People are good when they are quiet. I prefer the company of some people to others. I've tried to get along with certain people, but often they are just too impossible - the masses interested in football, drinking and the exploits of other people. I cannot relate to them, they are boring and I don't want to bother learning about football just to bore myself in conversations with them.
I like keeping to myself but maintain some very close friends. I like a lot of time alone to think and research, this often eats into much of the night though.

With regards to relationships - I've had a few close ones, nothing lasted too long though. I don't like my lifestyle being changed too much and like my routine, so I suppose I'll have to compromise if I get in any long term relationships.



Anyway, I'll maybe at a few more things latter. There's a basic overview of a few things from the life of an Aspie and my opinions. I don't usually tell anyone that I have it since it isn't of much importance to them nor to me to tell them my weaknesses. But online is different since I don't personally know any of you.
Anyone with Aspergers indulging in self pitty needs to stop feeling sorry for themselves and actually look at the positive attributes in it. I like how I live, a few changes would be nice but I'am basically content.

[Tomorr]

NB Ass-purgers is something else. It is from the 1970s and involves a special shower attachment:


http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac272/yeahbart/showerdouche.jpg

God damn nigga :eek:

[Andarijo]

I think I have the personality spectrum aspie. (Got this from Paul Cooijman)
I have a lot of traits aspies, but others do not, I'm on the borderline between being eccentric and being aspie.

[Stefan]

A recent diagnosis of mine.

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/7504/imag0311e.jpg

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2681/imag0310e.jpg

[Graham]

Sometimes, less so with books and items. But i'll spend a lot of time gathering all the information about things that i can...like genetic genaeology for example. I tend to be obsessed with things for some time but it'll tend to stop after a while and might go on to something else for a bit. But to be fair i think i might just take after my Dad. He semi-obsessively collects coins and knows probably almost everything about them. :P

But then that is his main interest...genes for me and coins for him.

I don't think it's quite obsessive overall, but it can be.

It's not the worse trait. Being obsessive like that. It's like having a hobby. Perhaps not to everyones liking. Your hobby is in Genetics. For some it's football or Computer Games.

[Jackson]

One thing i noticed pretty recently is that people that I've seen with aspergers often seem to walk pretty loosely. I dunno if this is the case with all of them but the majority seem to move like this. I don't remember seeing people walking like that most of the time though. I've had a couple of friends comment on me doing the same too (and i know i move/hold myself like that anyway :P).

Other things are avoiding eye contact and having very monotone voice too, do all three of those myself. Anybody else here noticed something similar about the movement, maybe it is coincidental or maybe there is something to it?

[Albion]

Other things are avoiding eye contact and having very monotone voice too, do all three of those myself. Anybody else here noticed something similar about the movement, maybe it is coincidental or maybe there is something to it?

Yeah, I dislike eye contact too but make it to appear normal. Sometime I have been accused of staring or giving people funny looks though. :picard1: Other people communicate with eye and face too much, I just expect to do so with words. With eye contact I think it can vary between cultures (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_contact#Cultural_differences) too. Interestingly other primates and wolves / dogs see it as a sign of agression. There's that theory that suggests Aspergers is Neanderthal traits resurfacing, although it might just be natural human behavioral range. Then again, I've never heard of black people with Aspergers.

[StonyArabia]

Yeah, I dislike eye contact too but make it to appear normal. Sometime I have been accused of staring or giving people funny looks though. :picard1: Other people communicate with eye and face too much, I just expect to do so with words. With eye contact I think it can vary between cultures (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_contact#Cultural_differences) too. Interestingly other primates and wolves / dogs see it as a sign of agression. There's that theory that suggests Aspergers is Neanderthal traits resurfacing, although it might just be natural human behavioral range. Then again, I've never heard of black people with Aspergers.

There is but it seems to be rare, for example:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3IMP0fwlCM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVqRT_kCOLI

quite amazing.

[mvbeleg]

A recent diagnosis of mine.

Apparently, the WAIS III was used here. On the WAIS IV, performance and verbal subscale measures were removed altogether.

The significantly higher verbal scale score is common among persons with `Asperger's'-like traits.

[Jackson]

From:
http://www.rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php

I keep showing up with high scores on every test and low empathy on every test, as well as watching plenty of videos on youtube from other people with it the similarities are pretty clear.

Was an interesting tests with lots of questions, and you get a handy graph too:

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu7/Brodir93/aspietest.png

Thank you for filling out this questionnaire.

Your Aspie score: 151 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 41 of 200
You are very likely an Aspie

Detailed results:


Aspie talent
This group contains intellectually related Aspie traits. Typical traits are related to interests (e.g. having strong interests; hyper focusing; having periods of contemplation; collecting
information; good long term memory related to interests; figuring out how things work; making connections between things; strong-willed; stubborn). Other traits are related to information
processing (e.g. noticing details; finding patterns; unusual imagination; solving problems in unusual ways; unique ideas). Some people have special talents (e.g. numbers; language;
computers; music).
Diagnostic relation
None, but a high score is related to giftedness.
Your group score: 8.5 of 10 (above average).



Neurotypical talent
This group contains neurotypical intellectual talents. Often these are defined in terms of Aspie disabilities. Typical traits seem to be adaptations to cooperative living (e.g. giving and
remembering verbal instructions; learning from others; describing events; summarizing events; taking notes; keeping track of several conversations; learning things on demand; learning by
imitation). Other traits include multitasking and attention (e.g. doing several things at the same time; rapidly shifting focus; getting back to things quickly), getting a quick picture of one’s
environment (e.g. generalizing; getting the overall picture), remembering where things are, grasping abstract concepts and organizing daily life.
Diagnostic relation
No direct, but many diagnoses like ADD/ADHD seem to be related to a low score
Your group score: 1.9 of 10 (below average).


Aspie compulsion
This group contains obsessive and compulsive Aspie traits. Typical of this group is a preference for sameness (e.g. routines; lists; schedules; sitting on the same seat; going to the same shop;
wearing the same clothes; eating the same food; always doing things in the same way). Related traits include getting frustrated when interrupted and a need to prepare oneself before doing
new things. Some people have strong attachments to objects and like to collect and organize things and may need precision or symmetry.
Diagnostic relation
A high score is related to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Your group score: 8.7 of 10 (above average).

(I can relate to this, I've got the same lunch - or perhaps with occasional change due to changes in stock - from the same shop for the last three months, and walked the same way in and out every time, just an example.)


Neurotypical compulsion
This group contains socially related compulsive traits. Key traits are to enjoy social interaction (e.g. meeting people; involving others; games; crowds; large social networks; hosting events;
being a leader; gossip; cheering). Other traits are related to social conformity (e.g. having views typical of peer group; preferring to socialize with others of the same age and gender; interest
for fashions; wearing jewellery; wearing makeup; taking pride in ones appearance, style, image and identity; status seeking; climbing hierarchies).
Diagnostic relation
None.
Your group score: 1.3 of 10 (below average).


Aspie social
This group contain Aspie social traits. Important traits are a highly variable activity level with higher than normal motivation threshold. Other traits include atypical relationship & courtship
preferences (partner obsessions; not giving up on relationships; preference for friends of the opposite gender) and sexual preferences. Unusual eating and sleeping patterns as well as having a
hard time with authorities and social hierarchy are other traits.
Diagnostic relation
A high score is related to ADD/ADHD, Bipolar and ODD.
Your group score: 5.4 of 10 (average).


Neurotypical social
This group contains neurotypical social traits. The absence of the traits is often described as a dysfunction. Key traits are adaptations for living in changing social groups (e.g. smalltalk;
social chitchat; shaking hands; saying ‘hi’, ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’). Related traits are adaptations for socializing with strangers (e.g. being comfortable with strangers; enjoying talking
face-to-face with strangers; maintaining large social networks; easy to get to know; talking in public; enjoying uninvited guests). Other traits are related to friendships and relationships and
expressing feelings in typical ways (e.g. making and maintaining friendships and relationships; looking at people you talk to; enjoying hugs and touch; being emotionally close to others;
describing and talking about feelings) and cooperation with others (e.g. using others expertise; working while being observed).
Diagnostic relation
A low score is related to Social Phobia.
Your group score: 2.1 of 10 (below average).


Aspie communication
This group contains communication related Aspie traits. Key traits in this group are related to atypical nonverbal communication (e.g. odd facial expressions; odd posture; odd prosody;
being accused of staring; using unusual sounds in conversations; blinking or rolling eyes; clenching fists; grinding teeth; thrusting tongue; blushing). Related traits are stims (e.g. wringing
hands; rubbing hands; twirling fingers; rocking; tapping eyes; pressing eyes; fiddling with things; pacing; flapping hands; biting self or others; chewing on things; picking scabs; peeling skin
flakes; examining hair of others; singing). Tics are also here and are often confused with stims (e.g. stuttering; sniffing; snorting; coughing; echolalia; echopraxia). Other traits include
general communication differences (e.g. not verbalizing thoughts; talking softly or loudly; turning words around; talking to oneself; odd pronunciation; not separating ‘I’, ‘we’ and ‘you’).
Some people also prefer to look a lot at people they like and not at all at people they dislike.
Diagnostic relation
A high score is sometimes related to Tourette, but the primary relation is with stimming and unusual communication.
Your group score: 6.7 of 10 (above average).


Neurotypical communication
This group contains typical nonverbal communication traits. A key trait is the ability to interpret and show typical nonverbal communication (e.g. facial expressions; body language;
courtship; timing; reciprocity; turn-taking; prosody). The absence of these abilities lead to secondary problems (e.g. unaware of how to behave; unaware of boundaries; being misunderstood;
missing hidden agendas; being unaware of others intentions; misinterpreting figures of speech, idioms and allegories; literal interpretation; not knowing when to apologize; saying
inappropriate things; seemingly poor empathy).
Diagnostic relation
A low score is related to Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
Your group score: 1.0 of 10 (below average).


Aspie hunting
This group contains passive hunting traits. One part of the traits is related to preferred habitats (e.g. slowly flowing water; caves; woods; liking mist or fog). Another part seems to be
close-contact hunting traits (e.g. jumping over things; climbing; chasing animals; biting; enjoying spinning in circles; strong grip; strong hands; physical endurance; enjoying rodeo riders).
Some other traits are related to sneaking (e.g. sneaking through the woods; sneaking up on animals; walking on toes) and general hunting tactics (e.g. mimicking animal sounds; digging;
throwing small things; building traps; fascination for fire; sniffing)
Diagnostic relation
None.
Your group score: 6.5 of 10 (average).


Neurotypical hunting
The traits in this group are related to cooperative hunting. These traits are often described in terms of dysfunctions. Typical traits are recollections of environmental information (e.g.
positions of things; scores in games; order of words, letters and digits; map reading) and passing on information to others (e.g. passing on messages; knowing left from right; dates and times
of events; remembering appointments and events; reading clocks and calendars; carrying over information between contexts). Other traits are related to trading and exchange with others (e.g.
calculating change from a purchase; knowing what to bring to appointments; remembering sequences of past events; remembering formulas; filling out forms).
Diagnostic relation
A low score is related to Dyslexia and Dyscalculia.
Your group score: 4.2 of 10 (average).



Aspie perception
This group contains perception-related Aspie traits. These traits commonly become disabilities, but their core seems to be more sensitive senses (e.g. touch; sound; tactile; smell; taste; light
and glare; humidity; changes in air pressure; wind; heat; electromagnetic fields) or less sensitive senses (e.g. pain). Related to this are instinctual reactions to sensory information (e.g. being
distracted by sounds; being afraid of motor-bikes; being afraid of floods or fast running streams; disliking stomping). Other traits are difficulty filtering out speech from background noise
and using peripheral vision.
Diagnostic relation
No direct, but Autistics often have differences in perception.
Your group score: 9.5 of 10 (above average).


Neurotypical perception
This group contains neurotypical motor abilities and perception traits. The absence of these traits is often referred to as clumsiness. A key trait is the ability to interpret spatial information
(e.g. judging distance, speed and acceleration; keeping track of positions of objects; predicting motion; concept of time; optimal pressure to apply). The absence of these skills leads to
secondary problems (e.g. poor fine and gross motor skills; poor body awareness; poor body control; problems with ball sports; poor hand-eye coordination; poor balance; poor handwriting;
dropping things).
Diagnostic relation
A low score is related to Dyspraxia.
Your group score: 4.1 of 10 (average).


Environment
This group contains traits that seem to be of environmental origin. Typical traits are related to stress and overload (e.g. shutting down; having a meltdown) and consequences of not fitting in
(e.g. depression; being bullied; being taken advantage of; low self-esteem; suicidal thoughts; harming oneself; mood swings).
Diagnostic relation
A high score is related to many psychiatric diagnoses and is sometimes required in order to get a diagnosis.
Your group score: 4.7 of 10 (average).

[Albion]

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/4440/aspergers.png

[Jackson]

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/4440/aspergers.png

So we are more or less equal, except i am more perceptive?

Only a 3 point difference overall, that's pretty remarkable. What did you get for the detailed report?

[Albion]

So we are more or less equal, except i am more perceptive?

Only a 3 point difference overall, that's pretty remarkable. What did you get for the detailed report?

Can't remember, I did it last night and just downloaded the PDF.

[Jackson]

Can't remember, I did it last night and just downloaded the PDF.

It should be written on the PDF, but no worries.

[Albion]

It should be written on the PDF, but no worries.

Wasn't paying attention, spotted it.

Aspie talent: 9.4 of 10 (above average)

Neurotypical talent: 3.4 of 10 (average)

Aspie compulsion: 9.0 of 10 (above average) a high score is related to obsessive compulsive disorder - I don't have that.

Neurotypical compulsion: 1.1 of 10 (above average) A low score is related to social phobia - I don't like being around people but I manage, I'm not agoraphobic yet :D

Aspie social: 7.5 of 10 (above average) a high score is related to adhd, bipolar and odd :(

Neurotypical compulsion: 1.7 of 10 (above average)

Aspie communication: 5.7 of 10 (above average)

Neurotypical communication: 0.7 of 10 (below average) a low score is related to autism spectrum

Aspie hunting: 5.1 of 10 (average)

Neutortypical hunting: 3.3 of 10 (average) A low score is related to dyslexia and discalcula - had both of those as a kid, mostly learned my way out of dyslexia, still shit at maths though.

Aspie perception: 6.6 of 10 (average)

Neurotypical perception: 1.8 of 10 (below average)

Environment: 5.9 of 10 (average) A low score is associated with dyspraxia

PDF (http://imageshack.us/a/img837/4808/quiz.pdf)

[Jackson]

This guy has made a lot of vids about it, entertaining to watch and so right:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJshPDOeT4A

[Graham]

meh!

Your Aspie score: 92 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 120 of 200
You seem to have both Aspie and neurotypical traits

http://imageshack.us/a/img17/9932/poly12c.png

[Jackson]

It's interesting reading about some people trying to link Asperger's to Neandethals. While it sounds pretty far fetched, it certainly does seem to be a somewhat archaic mind-set. I know myself I always felt pretty 'archaic' or ancient in the mind. It's also interesting reading about how many feel stronger emotions towards animals than to humans, I can understand that. I think it's because most animals are more direct and honest with their emotions, and less complex and easier to understand to some degree, while humans are forever hiding some things and sending conflicting signals and all sorts. Which is annoying.

[Jackson]

I also just realised something I missed before. It also keeps mentioning sneaking, and preference for walking on toes and things like that. Despite being a big and somewhat unwieldy chap i apparently move very stealthily. I always used to frighten people by accident because i could be walking with them for several minutes listening to their conversation, and then talk and they would jump. It was so funny. Useful thing to have really. People always lose track of me, they turn one way to talk to me and find i am on the other side, not there, or i am there when they think i am not or don't hear me approaching. It is quite hilarious, although it happens less often nowadays.

It is always tempting to sneak up on people, but maybe i just inherited some practical joke preferences from my grandmother.

[Jackson]

Took it a second time to make sure, might try a third another time I don't know:

Your Aspie score: 157 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 34 of 200
You are very likely an Aspie

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu7/Brodir93/poly12c.png


Aspie talent
This group contains intellectually related Aspie traits. Typical traits are related to interests (e.g. having strong interests; hyper focusing; having periods of contemplation; collecting
information; good long term memory related to interests; figuring out how things work; making connections between things; strong-willed; stubborn). Other traits are related to information
processing (e.g. noticing details; finding patterns; unusual imagination; solving problems in unusual ways; unique ideas). Some people have special talents (e.g. numbers; language;
computers; music).
Diagnostic relation
None, but a high score is related to giftedness.
Your group score: 8.5 of 10 (above average).


Neurotypical talent
This group contains neurotypical intellectual talents. Often these are defined in terms of Aspie disabilities. Typical traits seem to be adaptations to cooperative living (e.g. giving and
remembering verbal instructions; learning from others; describing events; summarizing events; taking notes; keeping track of several conversations; learning things on demand; learning by
imitation). Other traits include multitasking and attention (e.g. doing several things at the same time; rapidly shifting focus; getting back to things quickly), getting a quick picture of one’s
environment (e.g. generalizing; getting the overall picture), remembering where things are, grasping abstract concepts and organizing daily life.
Diagnostic relation
No direct, but many diagnoses like ADD/ADHD seem to be related to a low score
Your group score: 1.4 of 10 (below average).


Aspie compulsion
This group contains obsessive and compulsive Aspie traits. Typical of this group is a preference for sameness (e.g. routines; lists; schedules; sitting on the same seat; going to the same shop;
wearing the same clothes; eating the same food; always doing things in the same way). Related traits include getting frustrated when interrupted and a need to prepare oneself before doing
new things. Some people have strong attachments to objects and like to collect and organize things and may need precision or symmetry.
Diagnostic relation
A high score is related to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Your group score: 8.5 of 10 (above average).


Neurotypical compulsion
This group contains socially related compulsive traits. Key traits are to enjoy social interaction (e.g. meeting people; involving others; games; crowds; large social networks; hosting events;
being a leader; gossip; cheering). Other traits are related to social conformity (e.g. having views typical of peer group; preferring to socialize with others of the same age and gender; interest
for fashions; wearing jewellery; wearing makeup; taking pride in ones appearance, style, image and identity; status seeking; climbing hierarchies).
Diagnostic relation
None.
Your group score: 1.3 of 10 (below average).


Aspie social
This group contain Aspie social traits. Important traits are a highly variable activity level with higher than normal motivation threshold. Other traits include atypical relationship & courtship
preferences (partner obsessions; not giving up on relationships; preference for friends of the opposite gender) and sexual preferences. Unusual eating and sleeping patterns as well as having a
hard time with authorities and social hierarchy are other traits.
Diagnostic relation
A high score is related to ADD/ADHD, Bipolar and ODD.
Your group score: 6.3 of 10 (average).


Neurotypical social
This group contains neurotypical social traits. The absence of the traits is often described as a dysfunction. Key traits are adaptations for living in changing social groups (e.g. smalltalk;
social chitchat; shaking hands; saying ‘hi’, ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’). Related traits are adaptations for socializing with strangers (e.g. being comfortable with strangers; enjoying talking
face-to-face with strangers; maintaining large social networks; easy to get to know; talking in public; enjoying uninvited guests). Other traits are related to friendships and relationships and
expressing feelings in typical ways (e.g. making and maintaining friendships and relationships; looking at people you talk to; enjoying hugs and touch; being emotionally close to others;
describing and talking about feelings) and cooperation with others (e.g. using others expertise; working while being observed).
Diagnostic relation
A low score is related to Social Phobia.
Your group score: 1.1 of 10 (below average).


Aspie communication
This group contains communication related Aspie traits. Key traits in this group are related to atypical nonverbal communication (e.g. odd facial expressions; odd posture; odd prosody;
being accused of staring; using unusual sounds in conversations; blinking or rolling eyes; clenching fists; grinding teeth; thrusting tongue; blushing). Related traits are stims (e.g. wringing
hands; rubbing hands; twirling fingers; rocking; tapping eyes; pressing eyes; fiddling with things; pacing; flapping hands; biting self or others; chewing on things; picking scabs; peeling skin
flakes; examining hair of others; singing). Tics are also here and are often confused with stims (e.g. stuttering; sniffing; snorting; coughing; echolalia; echopraxia). Other traits include
general communication differences (e.g. not verbalizing thoughts; talking softly or loudly; turning words around; talking to oneself; odd pronunciation; not separating ‘I’, ‘we’ and ‘you’).
Some people also prefer to look a lot at people they like and not at all at people they dislike.
Diagnostic relation
A high score is sometimes related to Tourette, but the primary relation is with stimming and unusual communication.
Your group score: 7.7 of 10 (above average).


Neurotypical communication
This group contains typical nonverbal communication traits. A key trait is the ability to interpret and show typical nonverbal communication (e.g. facial expressions; body language;
courtship; timing; reciprocity; turn-taking; prosody). The absence of these abilities lead to secondary problems (e.g. unaware of how to behave; unaware of boundaries; being misunderstood;
missing hidden agendas; being unaware of others intentions; misinterpreting figures of speech, idioms and allegories; literal interpretation; not knowing when to apologize; saying
inappropriate things; seemingly poor empathy).
Diagnostic relation
A low score is related to Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
Your group score: 0.8 of 10 (below average).


Aspie hunting
This group contains passive hunting traits. One part of the traits is related to preferred habitats (e.g. slowly flowing water; caves; woods; liking mist or fog). Another part seems to be
close-contact hunting traits (e.g. jumping over things; climbing; chasing animals; biting; enjoying spinning in circles; strong grip; strong hands; physical endurance; enjoying rodeo riders).
Some other traits are related to sneaking (e.g. sneaking through the woods; sneaking up on animals; walking on toes) and general hunting tactics (e.g. mimicking animal sounds; digging;
throwing small things; building traps; fascination for fire; sniffing)
Diagnostic relation
None.
Your group score: 6.8 of 10 (above average).


Neurotypical hunting
The traits in this group are related to cooperative hunting. These traits are often described in terms of dysfunctions. Typical traits are recollections of environmental information (e.g.
positions of things; scores in games; order of words, letters and digits; map reading) and passing on information to others (e.g. passing on messages; knowing left from right; dates and times
of events; remembering appointments and events; reading clocks and calendars; carrying over information between contexts). Other traits are related to trading and exchange with others (e.g.
calculating change from a purchase; knowing what to bring to appointments; remembering sequences of past events; remembering formulas; filling out forms).
Diagnostic relation
A low score is related to Dyslexia and Dyscalculia.
Your group score: 4.1 of 10 (average).


Aspie perception
This group contains perception-related Aspie traits. These traits commonly become disabilities, but their core seems to be more sensitive senses (e.g. touch; sound; tactile; smell; taste; light
and glare; humidity; changes in air pressure; wind; heat; electromagnetic fields) or less sensitive senses (e.g. pain). Related to this are instinctual reactions to sensory information (e.g. being
distracted by sounds; being afraid of motor-bikes; being afraid of floods or fast running streams; disliking stomping). Other traits are difficulty filtering out speech from background noise
and using peripheral vision.
Diagnostic relation
No direct, but Autistics often have differences in perception.
Your group score: 7.3 of 10 (above average).


Neurotypical perception
This group contains neurotypical motor abilities and perception traits. The absence of these traits is often referred to as clumsiness. A key trait is the ability to interpret spatial information
(e.g. judging distance, speed and acceleration; keeping track of positions of objects; predicting motion; concept of time; optimal pressure to apply). The absence of these skills leads to
secondary problems (e.g. poor fine and gross motor skills; poor body awareness; poor body control; problems with ball sports; poor hand-eye coordination; poor balance; poor handwriting;
dropping things).
Diagnostic relation
A low score is related to Dyspraxia.
Your group score: 5.7 of 10 (average).


Environment
This group contains traits that seem to be of environmental origin. Typical traits are related to stress and overload (e.g. shutting down; having a meltdown) and consequences of not fitting in
(e.g. depression; being bullied; being taken advantage of; low self-esteem; suicidal thoughts; harming oneself; mood swings).
Diagnostic relation
A high score is related to many psychiatric diagnoses and is sometimes required in order to get a diagnosis.
Your group score: 6.5 of 10 (average).

[Graham]

Couldn't imagine anyone with Aspergers going to some social fancy dress, as a Pirate. OCD Pirate.

[Jackson]

Couldn't imagine anyone with Aspergers going to some social fancy dress, as a Pirate. OCD Pirate.

Well that's the first time I've been anywhere fancy dress, and I was drunk.

Although Uni has made me better at socialising, I still sometimes have problems. Like twice now I've been to other clubs where I've just had to leave asap. That one is alright though for some reason, or not as overwhelming.

In fact that's the only picture I've seen of me smiling properly in years at least, the girl told me I wasn't smiling so I basically massively exaggerated my normal smile. It's annoying when I smile and people tell me to smile, because it feels like I am.

[Jackson]

Couldn't imagine anyone with Aspergers going to some social fancy dress, as a Pirate. OCD Pirate.

You will walk the plank, but only in six evenly spaced steps. ;)

[Albion]

I also just realised something I missed before. It also keeps mentioning sneaking, and preference for walking on toes and things like that. Despite being a big and somewhat unwieldy chap i apparently move very stealthily. I always used to frighten people by accident because i could be walking with them for several minutes listening to their conversation, and then talk and they would jump. It was so funny. Useful thing to have really. People always lose track of me, they turn one way to talk to me and find i am on the other side, not there, or i am there when they think i am not or don't hear me approaching. It is quite hilarious, although it happens less often nowadays.

It is always tempting to sneak up on people, but maybe i just inherited some practical joke preferences from my grandmother.

Yes, I've been told I sneak up on people as well even though I don't intentionally. I don't go shouting people, I just approach them and talk when I'me there instead of being loud to be heard some distance away. If this takes people by surprise sometimes then it's not my problem. :D

[Sikeliot]

I call into serious question anyone who has Aspergers' (now called High-Functioning Autism) that it doesn't debilitate those of us who have it. It honestly makes my life so much harder and more conflicted.

[Albion]

I call into serious question anyone who has Aspergers' (now called High-Functioning Autism) that it doesn't debilitate those of us who have it. It honestly makes my life so much harder and more conflicted.

Well it will if you go around feeling sorry for yourself and thinking badly of yourself. Part of dealing with it is forgetting about it and learning how to act around people. I dislike adjusting my behaviour to meet theirs, but compromise is the price I pay for a quiet life.
I don't want any psychologists attempting to read me, I don't want welfare, pity or anything from anyone else. I just compromise and emulate neurotypicals, not to the extent that I fit in perfectly, just enough so that I can function in society.

Greet people as they greet you, take up their ridiculous small talk - weather, popular tv, celebrities - anything you can feign interest in. Look people in the eye when it is warranted, fake a smile at even the crappiest joke (it shows politeness, at least your trying to find them funny).
Don't go into your own weird interests too much unless your with someone who you're certain shares such interests (unless it is something like football, in which case go for it). Read newspapers at lunch break, discuss some issue which most people seem to agree.

There's this btw, (http://www-users.cs.york.ac.uk/alistair/survival/) I only looked at a page of it but it might give you some ideas/

[Siberian Cold Breeze]

I am not diagnosed with Asbergers but I found out I have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when I was at school ...whoops..as a teacher(not student)..yes.. one of my student had ADHD and I knew nothing about that, because I am not graduated from a educational branch ,I am graduated from Literature. Later I got certificate as a teacher. Anyways..I started to read everything about education to fill the gap.

Than there was that boy 10 years old cute chubby boy ,passive or completely chaotic at lessons..He was rather warping himself to a dream state or using classroom as a playground..scored least at exams even not writing his name..I read school records that he has ADHD .I started to search about ADHD and saw I may have this syndrome ..(diagnosed by doctor later)

I took him in front seat and just gave eye contact (smiles,pets on shoulder,stickers as gifts etc)..nothing else..He started to join lessons..His mind and body were at same place at once..His points started to rose..He got 50 at first and yesss a full 100 A+ at last exam, proved himself he is actually not a retard but very very intelligent daydreamer..

And thought me I have ADHD...he helped me back ..I learnt a lot about myself and about my profession as a newbie teacher ,thanks to that 1O years old boy
I may have asbergers too, because I am too intoverted (asberger trait) and ı have low social skills..but I still can make a difference..like showing a boy that he is intelligent and quick in uptake if he can focus on something.

[Daniyyel]

I was diagnosed with aspergers.. I do not consider it an advantage, it really makes it hard to communicate with people...