I am always subconciously looking for AS traits in people I meet...it is because I fit the criteria well as a kid but trained myself to become exceedingly aware of these behaviours to the point where I'd be less likely to use them myself.
Some behaviors that may be indicative of an ASD (based on my observations):
- Overly formal way of speaking.
- Odd facial expressions that don't really suit the situation
- Lack of awareness of personal space
- Has very few people they interact with and do not seem to have any close friends
- Misinterprets friendships with people (i.e. thinks some people are close when they are not)
- Does not joke around or use plays on emotions when interacting with other people (a *very* common one).
- A very strong interest with a particular topic
- Will ask me the same questions over and over, even if I have already answered them.
- Will display behaviours that others may interpret as 'rude' (like texting people at a party instead of interacting with the people there)
- Will often act like they are using a social script instead of showing actual interest in a situation or 'faking' it convincingly.
- Lack of awareness of their appearance in relation to their surroundings (i.e. talking with their mouth full, having an usual gait)
- May stim, rock, or fiddle with things
- Won't be very open ended while interacting with others (making statements without room for feedback)
- Slow social processing (will take longer than usual to say something)
- Verbal tics and unusual ways of speaking (may mumble a lot, have uneven tone or speak too loud)
I'm sure there's more.
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Given a “tentative” diagnosis as a child as I needed services at school for what was later correctly discovered to be a major anxiety disorder.
This misdiagnosis caused me significant stress, which lessened upon finding out the truth about myself from my current and past long-term therapists - that I am an anxious and highly sensitive person but do not have an autism spectrum disorder.
My diagnoses - social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
I’m no longer involved with the ASD world.