Joined: 2 Jan 2012 Gender: Male Posts: 87 Location: USA
18 Feb 2021, 9:36 am
I've been seeing a psychologist for a couple of years for anxiety and OCD, and he recently raised the possibility of my being on the spectrum. Since I became more aware of ASD after my son was diagnosed, I wondered if I was on the spectrum. The online tests say I have both ASD and NT traits, which seems right. I need to do more research before feeling confident with a self-diagnosis, but for now regard myself as probably autistic.
I asked my psychologist about whether I should pursue a formal diagnosis, and he didn't think it was crucial for my situation. I haven't completely taken formal diagnosis off the table, but for now want to look deeper into self-diagnosis. If you diagnosed yourself, what resources did you use?
I took the AQ test twice. The first time was several years ago, and I scored 30. I took it again recently and scored 39. I think the difference is partly because some of the question are open to interpretation, and partly because the second time was after an anxiety and OCD diagnosis and a few years of therapy and knowing myself better.
The more you are on the red side, the more likelihood of being autistic. It will also rank you in comparison to other people who are self-assessed, formally diagnosed, or unsure. I'll try to find my screenshot of my ranking chart.
Also, this isn't an assessment piece and it doesn't replace formal testing, but you may find this article relevant.
_________________ Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013 DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity
It is Autism Acceptance Month
“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman
Joined: 2 Jan 2012 Gender: Male Posts: 87 Location: USA
19 Feb 2021, 10:43 am
Thanks for the replies.
I took RDOS a few years ago and got a mix of NT and ASD. I looked at the results quickly and didn't save the chart, so I'll take it again and dig deeper into the results.