Hi... I'm not sure if I belong here.
I haven't been diagnosed with Aspergers or anything. I'm 31 years old now and I've always known there was something off about me. I just heard about Aspergers like a few months ago but only learned more about it in the past week or 2. I was treated in high school for ADD and depression but it didn't seem to help any. I tried again (for depression) after I was discharged from the army and I still didn't feel any different. I don't have any friends currently, and I can count the number I've had in my life on one hand. I've never had a long term relationship (or short term really) with a woman. I think the most dates I've had with a girl is 3. Most women just start to ignore me after a while and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I could go on and on about my woes with the opposite sex but suffice it to say I have no social skills. I can get along with co-workers, but it usually takes a long time, 2 or 3 months, to warm up to anyone. I've also realized recently that I only seem capable of mimicking the social behaviors of others, even when I do warm up to them. I sort of adapt my personality to different people and situations, and I don't know how to act around unfamiliar people and situations. I can speak to others to convey information just fine, but anything personal or friendly is difficult for me. I am also very uncomfortable in large groups.
I'm not sure if this Aspergers or an autism spectrum disorder since I don't think I really have any repetitive or obsessive behaviors. I've thought about trying to get it diagnosed but I don't want to affect my career and it doesn't seem like a diagnosis gives you much help except for piece of mind. I definitely don't want to have to go to a class to try and learn social skills.
Does this sound familiar to anyone here? Does anyone think these are signs of Aspergers or an ASD?
Well, since you asked, here's a link to a pretty comprehensive online test created by professionals in the field. Be sure to answer the questions truthfully.
Aspie Quiz RDOS
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AnonymousAnonymous
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Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Age: 34
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Location: Portland, Oregon
Though diagnostic criteria are sometimes used in an all-or-nothing manner for formal diagnosis, Attwood describes in his book the problems with the DSM-IV guidelines for AS, and how he deviates in his diagnostic criteria. I see ASD as a sub-spectrum in continuum with one that encompasses NTs on the opposite end.
That being said -- yes, I do think you exhibit many of the symptoms, and I can relate to your experiences. But diagnosis is often drawn at the line where impairments impact the individual not just socially, but occupationally as well -- which I do not think is your case outside of the less-structured social settings you mention.
I guess what I'm getting at is that regardless of whether or not you warrant a formal diagnosis, it's your symptoms and experiences that are underlying. Welcome to the forums!
I notice we've been having about a dozen or so members join every week for the last few months thanks to search engine traffic bringing AS and AS-curious people to our forum. Open discussion is what makes Wrong Planet a hot destination, Ron, so welcome.
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AS and NT people annoy me about equally.
||| 120/200 AS ||| 80/200 NT |||
These scores do NOT constitute a medical diagnosis and are provided for entertainment and discussion purposes only.
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