Is perfectionism a trait of Asperger's

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Is perfectionism a trait of Asperger's?

Hello forum, I have a question for anyone out there that cares to share their opinion or experience. Before I ask my question, I would like to state for the record that I am not OCD, at least not that I am aware of. I am not a hand-washer, doorknob-checker, stove-checker, germaphobe, or anything else in that area, with all due respect for those that do suffer with those issues.

My question is:
Do you think perfectionism is a common trait of Asperger's or more likely a result of a Borderline personality (i.e. black and white thinking)?

Allow me to elaborate.
I am an adult (self-diagnosed) Aspie, and I have suffered from a love of perfectionism since as far back as I can remember. To me, perfection is relative to the situation or device compared to the optimal desired outcome.

Much as I have tried to explain this concept to people, even with examples of what I consider perfect, I still often receive the reply, 'Well, nothing is really perfect, just perfect to you maybe'. In some sense, this is true, but if I hear someone state that something was perfect for them, I can't help but be in agreement if they state valid reasons for thinking that just as I understand some of my perfect things are only perfect to my situation.

I honestly believe that sometimes, a 'thing' or 'situation' just cannot get any better within the confines of a complex universe and human endeavor. It is these things I love and constantly seek in my own actions and life.

In my life, I have had the same basic job for 18 years now. I have performed this job at multiple companies, always seeking to better my technique and awareness of the many details. For privacy's sake, I won't mention the exact job, but it involves organization, quick decision making, and a whole lot of hard work in the form of cleaning. By now, you can imagine that I must be awesome at this job, and I absolutely am, I am one of the best I have ever seen. I work every day to be as 'perfect' as possible, sometimes I fail miserably, sometimes I achieve notoriety, sometimes admiration.

As far as OCD goes, I can allow myself to do something without it being the best possible method or to use less than perfect materials, but it does bother me and if I can, I won't do something at all if I don't think I can do it right. My work ethic has always been, 'Why do something if you aren't willing to try to do it perfectly?' It doesn't mean you will achieve perfection - but I think it is perfect of me to always try

What do you think?

It's not one of the criteria, but I am exactly as you describe. I often won't try something if I don't think I can do it well, and I constantly try to do things as perfectly as possible. Sometimes it causes me problems in that I get depressed if I think I've fallen short of my own standards.

~Kate

I am a ridiculous perfectionist... Not about everything, just about the things that matter to me. If something is not 100% how I want it to be, I will destroy it, make a mess, and get really angry.
As for the things I don't care much for, I don't need much control over.

But I do have OCD, diagnosed... So that might be the reason...