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iCANTthinkOFaNAME
Raven
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23 Dec 2016, 4:13 pm

Hello.
I'm just curious whether to know this is linked to aspergers or not, as I'm currently being assessed (focussing on specific; memory)
So basically, my short term memory is practically useless. I'm awful at following instructions and remembering to do simple tasks like hoover up, or forget what I was gonna say or gonna do when distracted. I'm bad at recalling information that I've just received verbally, unless it's one of my intense interests and therefore I'll remember it (mainly if it's written down, however I can possibly replay verbal information related to an intense interest, just not as easily)
However, I've had many instances where people have told me that I have an amazing memory; I often can memorise written class material with specific strings of information which evidently no-one else had been able to remember. My sense of direction has also been noted to be very good, which is halvely due to my memory I feel. Someone told me that I have a photographic memory, so I took this test (http://www.iflscience.com/brain/do-you- ... -find-out/) I don't always use tests to see whether I have something or not but I passed the quiz.
So, is bad short term memory but great long term memory linked to aspergers?



t_mac
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23 Dec 2016, 5:49 pm

I'm currently being assessed as well and yes it's my understanding that short-term memory is often poor in Aspie's, though there are probably exceptions. In my case, remembering verbal information and directions is a chore. I always try to write directions down and that usually helps. If someone is telling me where their house is or where a restaurant is, I will often remember it better when landmarks or unique places are mentioned. My sense of direction is also very good, I rarely feel lost and if I do I just keep going figuring eventually I'll end up somewhere. I do this on hikes (I always stick to paths) as well as driving/biking and always find my way back. I also have the uncanny and often useless ability to remember spoken numbers like receipt totals, sometimes a week later (comes in handy when doing the bills). I've memorized other strings of numbers like my library card, debit cards, etc. In general, my long-term memory is very good especially regarding numbers (birthdates are handy to know). Seems like I read somewhere that Aspie's are frequently associated with photographic memory though I don't have this trait.


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Fraser_1990
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23 Dec 2016, 6:26 pm

There are co-existing conditions such as Dyspraxia and ADHD that can negatively impact working/short term memory. You may not have enough of the symptoms to get a formal diagnosis, but there's always a high probability that you will share at least some of these co-morbid symptoms.

There's a stereotypical view that people with Aspergers are mega organized and tidy...... well not if they have Dyspraxia or ADHD to go along with it.


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Prof-Diagnosed: Aspergers Syndrome (I still call it that!), Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia
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Treatment: 5-HTP, Ginkgo Biloba, Omega-3, Pro-Biotics, Multi Vitamin, Magnesium


iCANTthinkOFaNAME
Raven
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23 Dec 2016, 6:32 pm

Fraser_1990 wrote:
There are co-existing conditions such as Dyspraxia and ADHD that can negatively impact working/short term memory. You may not have enough of the symptoms to get a formal diagnosis, but there's always a high probability that you will share at least some of these co-morbid symptoms.

There's a stereotypical view that people with Aspergers are mega organized and tidy...... well not if they have Dyspraxia or ADHD to go along with it.


I heard of that before, co-existing conditions. I'm really really unorganised and not tired, however I feel like I am (but i'm absolutely not and it always gets pointed out!!) I have a lot of symptoms of Aspergers, not sure about anything else though. He did say, though, "a diagnosis is positive as it helps you understand yourself" so do you think he thinks I have it or something?!



Fraser_1990
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23 Dec 2016, 6:36 pm

iCANTthinkOFaNAME wrote:
I heard of that before, co-existing conditions. I'm really really unorganised and not tired, however I feel like I am (but i'm absolutely not and it always gets pointed out!!) I have a lot of symptoms of Aspergers, not sure about anything else though. He did say, though, "a diagnosis is positive as it helps you understand yourself" so do you think he thinks I have it or something?!


There's no easy answer to give you i'm afraid. All you can do is speak to a specialist and explain to them what you experience day to day. Their diagnosis generally comes from their opinion on the matter. If you don't like their opinion, you can always get a second opinion from another specialist. But nothing is ever 100% absolutely definitive.


_________________
Prof-Diagnosed: Aspergers Syndrome (I still call it that!), Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia
Self-diagnosed: ADHD-PI, Social Anxiety, Depression
Treatment: 5-HTP, Ginkgo Biloba, Omega-3, Pro-Biotics, Multi Vitamin, Magnesium


iCANTthinkOFaNAME
Raven
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23 Dec 2016, 6:38 pm

Fraser_1990 wrote:
iCANTthinkOFaNAME wrote:
I heard of that before, co-existing conditions. I'm really really unorganised and not tired, however I feel like I am (but i'm absolutely not and it always gets pointed out!!) I have a lot of symptoms of Aspergers, not sure about anything else though. He did say, though, "a diagnosis is positive as it helps you understand yourself" so do you think he thinks I have it or something?!


There's no easy answer to give you i'm afraid. All you can do is speak to a specialist and explain to them what you experience day to day. Their diagnosis generally comes from their opinion on the matter. If you don't like their opinion, you can always get a second opinion from another specialist. But nothing is ever 100% absolutely definitive.


Fair enough. Thanks for the reply & opinion



ImNat
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23 Dec 2016, 8:17 pm

I´m not diagnosed, but I think I might have mild autism. I´m getting diagnosed now, my physiologist seems to think I have it.

Anyway, I have a big problem remember uninteresting things said verbally too. And I just can´t remember things over a short time, like if someone tells me to do something. I will most likely forget it a few seconds later, as I get distracted as well.



Exuvian
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23 Dec 2016, 9:05 pm

I know well the situation of being terrible at remembering what I just heard someone say, yet remember easily something that, at least at one time, was interesting to me.

People get frustrated with me sometimes because it seems like I have a great memory in some situations (usually long-term) and poor in others (usually short-term).



KatyKat_721
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23 Dec 2016, 9:21 pm

I definitely think that can be an autism thing. I have a poor short term memory, but an above average long term memory.



EzraS
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24 Dec 2016, 9:36 am

Fraser_1990 wrote:
There are co-existing conditions such as Dyspraxia and ADHD that can negatively impact working/short term memory.


Yep that's me. My abysmal short term memory can be attributed to autism and/or any or all of those conditions.

Fraser_1990 wrote:
There's a stereotypical view that people with Aspergers are mega organized and tidy...... well not if they have Dyspraxia or ADHD to go along with it.


That would be why my room always looks like a landfill within a couple of days after it's cleaned haha.