Aspergers tests - how reliable are they?

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Cash__
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20 Dec 2012, 11:30 am

I think they do a good job identifying autistic type traits. I don't think they address the issue of how do those traits impair you.



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20 Dec 2012, 11:32 am

emimeni wrote:
I think they're good for seeing if it's worth the resources necessary to get a test done in-person.


This.

The tests aren't all bad, and they certainly aren't "tick to the right throughout and you're an aspie"; but they are statistical tools to determine the necessity of a closer investigation.

"FREE ONLINE ASPERGER TEST!"s might be worthless, "Test your AQ!"s are potentially useful; but the best thing to do if you're in doubt?

Seek out a medical professional with relevant training.



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20 Dec 2012, 9:53 pm

I got 34 on the AQ test.



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20 Dec 2012, 10:13 pm

Dillogic wrote:
Si_82 wrote:
Maybe take them into account but don't rely on these tests alone for an answer as they will score positive for quite a few people without ASDs from what I understand.


With the AQ test, I recall reading that it found 4 people per 100 had autistic behavior when using the general population, whereas the "real" rate is about 1 in 100 for people who actually have autism. They concluded that it's poor to use as a general test for this reason.

So, only 1 in that 4 actually have an ASD when it's administered to the general population and who score over the threshold (25% accurate), whereas it's around 80% accurate when used on people who're referred to psychiatric care.

I'd say most people who take the AQ test for personal reasons would come under the former (well, of course).


There was a study in South Korea that looked at a true random sampling ( as opposed to just those officially diagnosed) that found 1 in 38 was on the spectrum. That would tend to indicate there is a large number of people with undiagnosed Autism. Do not assume that lack of diagnosis means lack of impairment.


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21 Dec 2012, 12:17 am

There is a difference between validity and reliability. Validity is what you mean to inquire about. Validity is the extent to which a test actually tests what it is supposed to be testing for. reliability refers to the ability of the test to give each subject the same score each time they take it. In my opinion these tests are reliable, and slightly valid. The biggest thing taking away from their validities is that they are self assessments. Most people are poor at judging themselves.


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Loborojo
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21 Dec 2012, 11:01 pm

I found on the Net what the symptons of Asperger are. On the first list I could actually tick nearly all characterstics. The second one though, not..
Why? I mean I am not averse to sex, I don's speak wtih a monotone voice...and there are about 6 more which I don't have...So, what does that say about me? I used to be shy until I was 21...I overcame it through LSD, I think. Although I have been clumsy for a long while,and still am.

However, I have a very good sense of my feet, I dance for my own pleasure, and noone could ever make me trip over my own feet, but boy have I broken glasses and messed up tables at home.
Everything in bold is what I don't have.

As for the AQ? I scored 32 o4 34. (tested 3 years ago)

Autism-World

List of Asperger’s Syndrome characteristics
September 13th, 2007


Below is a list of Asperger’s Syndrome characteristics.

Cognitive Characteristics?of Asperger’s Syndrome:

Susceptibility to distraction
Difficulty in expressing emotions
Resistance to or failure to respond to talk therapy
Mental shutdown response to conflicting demands and multi-tasking
Generalized confusion during periods of stress
Low understanding of the reciprocal rules of conversation: interrupting, dominating, minimum participation, difficult in shifting topics, problem with initiating or terminating conversation, subject perseveration
Insensitivity to the non-verbal cues of others (stance, posture, facial expressions)
Perseveration best characterized by the term “bulldog tenacity”
Literal interpretation of instructions (failure to read between the lines)
Interpreting words and phrases literally (problem with colloquialisms, cliches, neologism, turns of phrase, common humorous expressions)
Preference for visually oriented instruction and training
Dependence on step-by-step learning procedures (disorientation occurs when a step is assumed, deleted, or otherwise overlooked in instruction)
Difficulty in generalizing
Preference for repetitive, often simple routines
Difficulty in understanding rules for games of social entertainment
Missing or misconstruing others’ agendas, priorities, preferences
Impulsiveness
Compelling need to finish one task completely before starting another
Rigid adherence to rules and routines
Difficulty in interpreting meaning to others’ activities; difficulty in drawing relationships between an activity or event and ideas
Exquisite attention to detail, principally visual, or details which can be visualized (”Thinking in Pictures”) or cognitive details (often those learned by rote)
Concrete thinking
Distractibility due to focus on external or internal sensations, thoughts, and/or sensory input (appearing to be in a world of one’s own or day-dreaming)
Difficulty in assessing relative importance of details (an aspect o the trees/forest problem)
Poor judgment of when a task is finished (often attributable to perfectionism or an apparent unwillingness to follow differential standards for quality)
Difficulty in imagining others’ thoughts in a similar or identical event or circumstance that are different from one’s own (”Theory of Mind” issues)
Difficulty with organizing and sequencing (planning and execution; successful performance of tasks in a logical, functional order)
Difficulty in assessing cause and effect relationships (behaviors and consequences)
An apparent lack of “common sense”
Relaxation techniques and developing recreational “release” interest may require formal instruction
Rage, tantrum, shutdown, self-isolating reactions appearing “out of nowhere”
Substantial hidden self-anger, anger towards others, and resentment
Difficulty in estimating time to complete tasks
Difficulty in learning self-monitoring techniques
Disinclination to produce expected results in an orthodox manner
Psychometric testing shows great deviance between verbal and performance results
Extreme reaction to changes in routine, surroundings, people
Stilted, pedantic conversational style (”The Professor”)

Social Characteristics?of Asperger’s Syndrome:
Difficulty in accepting criticism or correction
Difficulty in offering correction or criticism without appearing harsh, pedantic or insensitive
Difficulty in perceiving and applying unwritten social rules or protocols
“Immature” manners
Failure to distinguish between private and public personal care habits: i.e., brushing, public attention to skin problems, nose picking, teeth picking, ear canal cleaning, clothing arrangement
Lack of?trust in others
Shyness
Low or no conversational participation in group meetings or conferences
Constant anxiety about performance and acceptance, despite recognition and commendation
Scrupulous honesty, often expressed in an apparently disarming or inappropriate manner or setting
Bluntness in emotional expression
“Flat affect”
Discomfort manipulating or “playing games” with others
Unmodulated reaction in being manipulated, patronized, or “handled” by others
Low to medium level of paranoia
Low to no apparent sense of humor; bizarre sense of humor (often stemming from a “private” internal thread of humor being inserted in public conversation without preparation or warming others up to the reason for the “punchline”)
Difficulty with reciprocal displays of pleasantries and greetings
Problems expressing empathy or comfort to/with others: sadness, condolence, congratulations, etc.
Pouting,, ruminating, fixating on bad experiences with people or events for an inordinate length of time
Difficulty with adopting a social mask to obscure real feelings, moods, reactions
Using social masks inappropriately (you are “xv” while everyone else is ????)
Abrupt and strong expression of likes and dislikes
Rigid adherence to rules and social conventions where flexibility is desirable
Apparent absence of relaxation, recreational, or “time out” activities
“Serious” all the time
Known for single-mindedness
Flash temper
Tantrums
Excessive talk
Difficulty in forming friendships and intimate relationships; difficulty in distinguishing between acquaintance and friendship
Social isolation and intense concern for privacy
Limited clothing preference; discomfort with formal attire or uniforms
Preference for bland or bare environments in living arrangements
Difficulty judging others’ personal space
Limited by intensely pursued interests
Often perceived as “being in their own world”
Work Characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome:

Many of the manifestations found in the categories above can immediately translate into work behaviors or preferences. Here are some additional ones:
Difficulty with “teamwork”
Deliberate withholding of peak performance due to belief that one’s best efforts may remain unrecognized, unrewarded, or appropriated by others
Intense pride in expertise or performance, often perceived by others as “flouting behavior”
Sarcasm, negativism, criticism
Difficulty in accepting compliments, often responding with quizzical or self-deprecatory language
Tendency to “lose it” during sensory overload, multitask demands, or when contradictory and confusing priorities have been set
Difficult in starting project
Discomfort with competition, out of scale reactions to losing
Low motivation to perform tasks of no immediate personal interest
Oversight or forgetting of tasks without formal reminders such as lists or schedules
Great concern about order and appearance of personal work area
Slow performance
Perfectionism
Difficult with unstructured time
Reluctance to ask for help or seek comfort
Excessive questions
Low sensitivity to risks in the environment to self and/or others
Difficulty with writing and reports
Reliance on internal speech process to “talk” oneself through a task or procedure
Stress, frustration and anger reaction to interruptions
Difficulty in negotiating either in conflict situations or as a self-advocate
Ver low level of assertiveness
Reluctance to accept positions of authority or supervision
Strong desire to coach or mentor newcomers
Difficulty in handling relationships with authority figures
Often viewed as vulnerable or less able to resist harassment and badgering by others
Punctual and conscientious
Avoids socializing, “hanging out,” or small talk on and off the job

Physical Manifestations of Asperger’s Syndrome:
Strong sensory sensitivities: touch and tactile sensations, sounds, lighting and colors, odors, taste
Clumsiness
Balance difficulties
Difficulty in judging distances, height, depth
Difficulty in recognizing others’ faces (prosopagnosia)
Stims (self-stimulatory behavior serving to reduce anxiety, stress, or to express pleasure)
Self-injurious or disfiguring behaviors
Nail-biting
Unusual gait, stance, posture
[b]Gross or fine motor coordination problems

Low apparent sexual interest[/b]
Depression
Anxiety
Sleep difficulties
Verbosity
Difficulty expressing anger (excessive or “bottled up”)
Flat or monotone vocal expression; limited range of inflection
Difficulty with initiating or maintaining eye contact

Elevated voice volume during periods of stress and frustration
Strong food preferences and aversions
Unusual and rigidly adhered to eating behaviors
Bad or unusual personal hygiene
Technorati : Asperger’s Syndrome


_________________
Your Aspie score: 152 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 48 of 200
You are very likely an Aspie


Last edited by Loborojo on 21 Dec 2012, 11:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Loborojo
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21 Dec 2012, 11:24 pm

Maybe they were not for Asperger only...this one on the same site here, below gives it all to me...
I can tick them all.

Asperger syndrome Symptoms of Adult
Friday, May 4th, 2007

Some of the common characteristics of Adult with Asperger syndrome include:

Hampered conversational ability
Inability to think in abstract ways
Difficulties in empathising with others
Average or above average intelligence
Specialised fields of interest or hobbies.
Inability to manage appropriate social conduct
Problems with understanding another person’s point of view
Problems with controlling feelings such as anger, depression and anxiety
Adherence to routines and [...]


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You are very likely an Aspie


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22 Dec 2012, 4:31 pm

allinthehead wrote:
Hi

I'm 60 years old and have always suspected that I have a mild autism problem. I first became aware of it when I was about 10. I have never done anything about it, but it has always been something I have been aware of, and it has caused me some considerable difficulties at specific times. I'm basically happy with 'me', but recently went to my doctor to see if I could get a formal diagnosis, and perhaps some possible assistance in coping with the problem. No joy there of course, as NHS resources are pretty scarce - even kids don't get much resources where I live (according to the doctor I saw). I have done the self-assessment test at the RDOS site and my score came out at 168/200 for Aspie and 39/200 for neurotypical (I love that word! :D) But how accurate do you think these tests are? Would I get a different result if I had a formal testing under the health service professionals?

I can't post my test graph because I have just joined this site, and it wont let me post a link


The test you were talking about is quite reliable, but it is still an internet test. If I were you, I would not give it overly big credit and would go to a doctor regardless what was said in the test.


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22 Dec 2012, 6:16 pm

No reaction at all tot the symptons I posted?


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Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 48 of 200
You are very likely an Aspie


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22 Dec 2012, 6:28 pm

From above: "Substantial hidden self-anger, anger towards others, and resentment" Woot, sounds like me!
Anyway, when I first came to WrongPlanet, I took all the tests and scored however most people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder would score and was eventually, formally diagnosed. I'm not saying everyone whose scores fall in the autism categories do have Asperger's, but I feel like, if you consistently score well away from the range, it's probably less likely since I think they do a decent enough job summarizing some of the more common issues. If I hadn't been formally diagnosed, I certainly would not have 'self-diagnosed' myself with Asperger's simply due to the tests but rather, comparing my issues with those common to the disorder.


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22 Dec 2012, 7:19 pm

windtreeman wrote:
From above: "Substantial hidden self-anger, anger towards others, and resentment" Woot, sounds like me!
Anyway, when I first came to WrongPlanet, I took all the tests and scored however most people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder would score and was eventually, formally diagnosed. I'm not saying everyone whose scores fall in the autism categories do have Asperger's, but I feel like, if you consistently score well away from the range, it's probably less likely since I think they do a decent enough job summarizing some of the more common issues. If I hadn't been formally diagnosed, I certainly would not have 'self-diagnosed' myself with Asperger's simply due to the tests but rather, comparing my issues with those common to the disorder.


So, now because you have a formal diganosis you are apt to judge who is not Asperger...weird turn...?


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You are very likely an Aspie


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22 Dec 2012, 9:14 pm

Loborojo, I think you misread my statement. I'm saying that, as a personal mantra, I wouldn't have diagnosed myself based simply on these tests but rather, based on how I fit both the diagnostic criteria and internet resources pertaining to Asperger's (specifically, symptom lists, such as the above and WrongPlanet's diagnosed posters). I'm not projecting my opinion onto anyone else here, least of all people that diagnose themselves for whatever reason they deem appropriate, but rather, sharing a personal opinion that is also, in no way critical of other people's reasoning for diagnosing themselves. All of that and sure, I'm certainly more apt to judge Asperger's as a syndrome after a formal diagnosis; that's like saying someone diagnosed with cancer is in no way more liable to be a resource on the topic than they were before ever encountering the disease. I live with it, I've always lived with it and I will to continue to live with it; if that doesn't make me more adept at understanding the syndrome than someone not diagnosed (whether neurotypical or otherwise), then what would? Everything psychologists know about AS has been provided by people with AS. If you're suggesting I weighted my initial opinions and observations of Asperger's from undiagnosed or self-diagnosed Aspies as highly as those professionally diagnosed, you're preaching an unrealistic level of equality.


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22 Dec 2012, 9:43 pm

You write beautifully, so well constructed!


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You are very likely an Aspie


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23 Dec 2012, 3:35 am

Loborojo wrote:
windtreeman wrote:
From above: "Substantial hidden self-anger, anger towards others, and resentment" Woot, sounds like me!
Anyway, when I first came to WrongPlanet, I took all the tests and scored however most people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder would score and was eventually, formally diagnosed. I'm not saying everyone whose scores fall in the autism categories do have Asperger's, but I feel like, if you consistently score well away from the range, it's probably less likely since I think they do a decent enough job summarizing some of the more common issues. If I hadn't been formally diagnosed, I certainly would not have 'self-diagnosed' myself with Asperger's simply due to the tests but rather, comparing my issues with those common to the disorder.


So, now because you have a formal diganosis you are apt to judge who is not Asperger...weird turn...?


I'm confused because I don't have a formal diagnosis but was assessed a few years ago by a psychologist I was already seeing (who happened to be specialised in ASD) and she said it was 'very likely' and gave me a copy of the assessment as an 'informal diagnosis'. I didn't get it formalised because I'm already an adult and, after thinking about it a lot- especially after someone who doesn't know me very well asked me about it, thought that it would be more detrimental than helpful with looking for jobs etc. She said I could still use it as a diagnosis if I was in the position where it would be useful (eg in a work situation) and she said I'm not 'self-diagnosed' but i still don't tell many people because it would feel 'wrong' without a formal diagnosis- the only people who know are a couple of people who I know really well and who weren't surprised when I told them. But you're right- just because you don't have a formal diagnosis, it doesn't mean you don't have difficulties.



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23 Dec 2012, 4:57 am

Bubbles137 wrote:
Loborojo wrote:
windtreeman wrote:
From above: "Substantial hidden self-anger, anger towards others, and resentment" Woot, sounds like me!
Anyway, when I first came to WrongPlanet, I took all the tests and scored however most people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder would score and was eventually, formally diagnosed. I'm not saying everyone whose scores fall in the autism categories do have Asperger's, but I feel like, if you consistently score well away from the range, it's probably less likely since I think they do a decent enough job summarizing some of the more common issues. If I hadn't been formally diagnosed, I certainly would not have 'self-diagnosed' myself with Asperger's simply due to the tests but rather, comparing my issues with those common to the disorder.


So, now because you have a formal diganosis you are apt to judge who is not Asperger...weird turn...?


I'm confused because I don't have a formal diagnosis but was assessed a few years ago by a psychologist I was already seeing (who happened to be specialised in ASD) and she said it was 'very likely' and gave me a copy of the assessment as an 'informal diagnosis'. I didn't get it formalised because I'm already an adult and, after thinking about it a lot- especially after someone who doesn't know me very well asked me about it, thought that it would be more detrimental than helpful with looking for jobs etc. She said I could still use it as a diagnosis if I was in the position where it would be useful (eg in a work situation) and she said I'm not 'self-diagnosed' but i still don't tell many people because it would feel 'wrong' without a formal diagnosis- the only people who know are a couple of people who I know really well and who weren't surprised when I told them. But you're right- just because you don't have a formal diagnosis, it doesn't mean you don't have difficulties.


A formal diagnosis may need to be made by a psychiatrist, and if the available psychiatrist does not agree with the psychologist (as a lack of data from the grown up and so required for a formal diagnosis) it may be a way for the psychologist to say that I agree with the diagnosis but I am not allowed to diagnose you. I have myself an informal diagnosis of ADHD in addition to my formal ASD.



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23 Dec 2012, 5:22 am

allinthehead wrote:
Hi

I'm 60 years old and have always suspected that I have a mild autism problem. I first became aware of it when I was about 10. I have never done anything about it, but it has always been something I have been aware of, and it has caused me some considerable difficulties at specific times. I'm basically happy with 'me', but recently went to my doctor to see if I could get a formal diagnosis, and perhaps some possible assistance in coping with the problem. No joy there of course, as NHS resources are pretty scarce - even kids don't get much resources where I live (according to the doctor I saw). I have done the self-assessment test at the RDOS site and my score came out at 168/200 for Aspie and 39/200 for neurotypical (I love that word! :D) But how accurate do you think these tests are? Would I get a different result if I had a formal testing under the health service professionals?

I can't post my test graph because I have just joined this site, and it wont let me post a link


The differential diagnostic procedure health service professionals do is an important stage and may be able to tell an ASD diagnosis from a diagnosis who shows similar symptoms and may peak out in the same way on tests. Also the observational stage prove important, and last the ability to discuss with the pasient why he/she answer each of the question in a test may help them understand if it is a logical reason or a sign of disorders which make you answer as you do. In example may I take a test which screen out psychosis and most probably I will get a very high score on it since I believe in telepathy and many other psychical possibilities. But since this belief is a philosophical and scientific reasoned belief, they would not count as symptoms of psychosis despite that the test who does not contain any background information score it as one. Such background checks may make change a high test score to a low score in minutes.