Is HFA really that similar to Asperger syndrome?

Post Reply New Topic

Exactly. Many of our members are diagnosed on ICD standards, which have no levels but rather subtypes.

I was assessed with DSM5, but I believe the DSM is moving toward an elimination of levels to follow ICD.

Passive

Gentle, suggestible and easily led, the Passive type shares some similarities with the Aloof type, such as seeming disengaged when attempting to process input and a spikey cognitive profile, though they struggle less than the Aloof type with both issues. They are perseverative thinkers and their passivity may manifest through delayed echolalia. This type are introverts and need time to recuperate after socializing. Emotionally sensitive, passive types may react very visibly and strongly when overstimulated, especially through anger and sorrow.

Passives are usually gentle, generous and friendly, but can quickly become distressed.

30%Aloof

Aloof is more common in nonverbal Autistics. May appear to be disengaged but really have a very sensory way of processing the world around them. Aloof types may take longer to process input than other types of personalities. Independence may be difficult to achieve. Typical "spikey cognitive profile". Aloof types are deeply sensory and incredibly in tune with their environments.


10%Active but Odd

Active But Odd is a common personality type among Autistics. In Early development, many active but odd types may fit into Kanner's profile and many into Asperger's. Many make persistent but peculiar attempts at reaching people. May be verbally repetitive. This type is great at rote memory and repetition of large swathes of facts.

10%Stilted

This group almost appears neurotypical. They are often actors and have perfected and practiced the art of passing. They share the same idiosyncrasies as other Autistics and may appear to be slightly "off". This type holds meltdowns in until they get home. They are more concerned with social propriety than other Autistic personality types, and may not have the insight to see their own emotional reactions.

Where did you get that list, firemonkey?

It's interesting.

I'd say I'm in the Aloof category.

There is a speech delay in what they used to call Asperger's syndrome,it's a samantic pragmatic speech delay.

Children with Asperger's used echolalia and imitative speech,often not understanding it's meaning.

Children with Asperger's have a delay in the engagement of effective pragmatic communication.

It's a learning disability called "Samantic pragmatic disorder" and almost all children with Asperger's have this.

I'm not American but yes my test was very thorough. The report is about 20 pages of detailed statistics like I posted.

I should add that I have co-morbid diagnoses of CPTSD, MDD (>99th percentile), GAD (>99th percentile), Alexithymia, Agoraphobia, and Selective Mutism. I also suffered a stroke three years prior to the ASD tests. I'm in the midst of comprehensive ADHD testing and will get the result on Friday, but they've already said I am ADHD. I just need to know the subtype. I also have synaesthesia, if that makes a difference to one's test scores.

I'm very bright intellectually, especially in my areas of hyper-focused special interest which I studied in University. I'm an English and Philosophy scholar so the scores surprised me as well. I'm reassured that it wasn't a full IQ test so I assume I must have some higher scores in areas which weren't tested? When I've done full IQ tests online (even on WP if I can find it), I have always been in a very high range. I suppose the test I did for ASD looks at very specific criteria for VIQ such as processing speed.

I'm sorry you weren't measured for Adaptive abilities. If it makes you feel any better, despite my low scores I still didn't get any tangible support. I'm hoping the ADHD diagnosticians will be able to better guide me for ASD / ADHD services, combined.

I've read about the poor treatment you received. I'm so sorry to hear all you've been through to get your diagnosis.

I definitely have Aphantasia as well, but I didn't know the term during my ASD testing and I don't think it was measured. I've mentioned it to my ADHD doctors so I'll see if that factors into my assessment for short-term memory deficits or anything relevant. I can barely picture anything because of synaesthesia. I just see colours or swirls like a kaleidoscope, even with letters and numbers.

My official ASD diagnosis was Level 2 Moderate Autism requiring substantial support but I can't even find OT to help adults.

My sensory processing disorder and BFRB are off the charts, affecting every moment of my life.

Solidarity to anyone else who wasn't diagnosed until later adulthood!

Re: Speech delay. I spoke a little late, but not abnormally. I was around two when I said "turtle". I received speech therapy in Primary school because I had an odd accent, I slurred words, spoke quickly / quietly, and couldn't pronounce several sounds. I needed speech therapy again after my stroke in 2015. I've been selective mute most of my life, especially with my own mother. I'm not a verbal communicator at all.