Adult Aspies - do you still fit the DSM-IV criteria?

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I'm not WANTING to be anything atypical, in fact I wish I had little or no problems with my thinking/behavior so I could do better in my career and by my family. Just about everything about AS, save for a few details, speaks personally to me. The criteria in the DSM-IV seems a bit too "black and white" and leaves, IMO though I'm no expert, room for mild variants to go overlooked. Because of my socializing and work performace issues I'd just as soon say I probably suffer from Avoidance Personality Disorder if it weren't for things such as being a complete "space cadet", my one-sided soliloquy's (which I've learned to control, so I think), and my all-encompassing fixations and interests that suggest I have more in common with AS than anything else.

So, 2 questions for the grown-ups who've been diagnosed: 1. Were you diagnosed as an adult, and if so, did you meet exactly all of the DSM-IV criteria? And 2. If diagnosed as a child, would you to this day meet the criteria for diagnosis?

here it is for those that dont know it:

1) qualitative impairment in social interaction
2) restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and interests
3) significant impairment in important areas of functioning
4) no significant delay in language development
5) no significant delay in cognitive development, self-help skills or adaptive behaviors(other than social interaction)
6) criteria are not met for another specific pervasive developmental disorder or schizophrenia.

[1]
The World Health Organization ICD-10 criteria are almost identical to DSM-IV:[2] ICD-10 adds the statement that motor clumsiness is usual (although not necessarily a diagnostic feature); ICD-10 adds the statement that isolated special skills, often related to abnormal preoccupations, are common but are not required for diagnosis; and the DSM-IV requirement for clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning is not included in ICD-10.[3][4]

I was diagnosed as an adult.

I meet the DSM-IV definition of AS. That means that I have enough of the criteria to qualify for a diagnosis.

I do not meet every item on the list. I am creative, have no routine, enjoy change, and have few OCD-like behaviors.

I qualify for the diagnosis because I have trouble with social interaction, I have narrow intense interests, I stim, and these things make it hard for me to hold a job, get through school, have a social life, etc.

Age 49, Self-diagnosed 3yrs ago, professionally diagnosed Feb 08.

I think I have, over the years, smoothed the roughest edges of my social awkwardness. I've been able to hold jobs and pursue a career in a somewhat specialized field. Although, now that that field is rapidly becoming obsolete, I've had a difficult time finding something to switch to that I can cope with on a daily basis. I am able to get past the innate aversion to social contact enough to function and seem relatively normal to most of the people around me, though the longer they're exposed to me the more clear it becomes that something is atypical. Close interpersonal relationships are still a nightmare. In fact, I've decided that I'm far better off alone in every respect.

Have my AS traits changed significantly since childhood? Not essentially, no. If what you're hoping is that you'll outgrow it, I wouldn't count on it. It's not that bad, really. The worst frustration is, that NTs often think they can help you to change and that change is a positive thing - it's growth - when the simple truth is, it's one of the definitions of autism: forced, unwanted or sudden change is actually painful and psychologically damaging for us. I think it's one of the hardest things for NTs to comprehend. Spontaneity is the enemy.

Yes, I fit all the criteria.

1) qualitative impairment in social interaction - I am socially inept at best. I have absolutely zero interest in socialization, preferring to just stay in my cave with my family.

2) restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and interests - narrow interests, OCD tendencies, stims

3) significant impairment in important areas of functioning - social, and anxiety that causes impairment in most areas of functioning when not in a comfortable, familiar environment.

4) no significant delay in language development - nope, I was always quite advanced in language skills

5) no significant delay in cognitive development, self-help skills or adaptive behaviors(other than social interaction) - no significant delays

6) criteria are not met for another specific pervasive developmental disorder or schizophrenia. - nope. I am mildly bipolar/cyclothymia.

ETA: I was not diagnosed until recently, but self-diagnosed when seeking a dx for my daughter 3 years ago. She's nearly 10 now.

I was diagnosed as an adult, not even a year ago, so I fit enough of the DSM-IV criteria to 'qualify.'

1) qualitative impairment in social interaction
That's definitely true for me

2) restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and interests
No

3) significant impairment in important areas of functioning
Only in social situations, especially job interviews

4) no significant delay in language development
True

5) no significant delay in cognitive development, self-help skills or adaptive behaviors(other than social interaction)
True

6) criteria are not met for another specific pervasive developmental disorder or schizophrenia.
True

I met enough of the criteria to be formally diagnosed at the age of 28. The official diagnosis only confirmed what I knew about myself.

AS is a fairly "stable" condition, so if you meet it when younger, one usually meets it when they're older if they're affected.

I'm excluded from the AS criteria.

I meet all of the points for Autistic Disorder now, except (2) (a) and (c), as I can communicate now. I used the DSM-IV-TR to diagnose myself, and I had a psychiatrist confirm such.

I self diagnosed about 10 months ago after listening to a radio interview with music writer Tim Page. I had just turned 74 years old! The diagnostic criteria fit me very well. I was reluctant to admit to criteria 2 (restricted and stereotyped behaviors) but as I have tried to observe myself over the past 10 months it has become clear that all the criteria fit me.

Thanks for the replies!

Another question: Do you find professionals usually listen to you and consider your personal opinion, i.e. self diagnosis?