So, uh, what am I?

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faithfilly,

No worries, I understood your point (how you can see the humor in it, I see it too); I just didn't want to come across as...pretentious by using the shortened term so I clarified my point (as I said, it's friendly joking on my part).

KingdomOfRats,

I agree with you; "autistic spectrum" seems like such a better label, as a true spectrum without labels that place you along certain points. There's too many facets to define all of us under a couple of labels.

richardbenson,

Thanks, but I got over the "shock" of being "downgraded" by the experts mighty quickly when I put thought into it. I've realized that the label doesn't bother me much...at all, for the difficulties are still there, and "treatment" is the same.

RB,

Yeah, the same one; West End near the museum (which is cool to me as I like museums). I guess, if you fit the criteria objectively, you score "positive" on the tests that are posted around here and you want a label; they'll give you one if you give them the money and you satisfy the criteria. I haven't started "treatment" however (that's next week), it seems quite "gentle" and empathetic compared to most therapy I've seen, i.e., rather than push, push and push like the typical CBT, it's more of recognizing "our" strengths and working with them, rather than trying to strengthen our weaknesses which never will be strengthened (the aim of CBT). I'll let you [and anyone] know how it goes if you'd like.

I'm not after the label unless it truely matches, it would be nice to have an understood source of what makes me me. It might also be a good start for learning to be more sociable. I do semi-ok but can only do what I can copy and see regulary, once it comes to real flirting and beyond I have no idea what to do and don't get anywhere. I'm fairly sure this is all related to the effects AS has on a person, all the traits sound exactly like me, but won't assume that without a diagnosis. I unfortuantly am a student and have no money to part with so I may just have to go on not knowing for a few years.

RB,

If you get a 'GP mental health plan' medicare contributes $80 towards each session. Medicare funds 12 sessions per year. When you reach a certain threshold (eg have spent a certain amount out of pocket), they kick in 80% of the cost. I think the initial assessment is about $200, then sessions are $160.

My 2 sons and me go regularly to Minds and Hearts for therapy. If you want more info, PM me.

Helen

Thanks Smelena I could afford one session that way, though I would want to be very sure I knew what I was getting myself into beforehand. I'm not entirely sure I need the diagnosis as if I do have AS, it is not as crippling as many others here. Though I still want to know badly for the reasons said before.

The psycho got it wrong (not that she diagnosed me); I'm not Asperger's using their criteria (Gilberg's) for the simple reason:

You need this for Asperger's if you use Gilberg's criteria; I've had a neurodevelopmental examination and my motor skills are fine.

Asperger's Criteria

WOW! MY clumsiness is open to debate. I think few call me clumsy, but I DO limit things I have trouble with. How do they measure clumsiness? I mean what do they have you do, etc...?

Still, earlier, that was not a requirement for ANY autism or AS. A likely symptom, SURE, but not required.

Balance, coordination, fine motor movements, reflexes, basic walking, posture, weakness and whatnot; they usually do it when you're in the first year of your life. I actually had one done a month ago; I'm fine now, and I was extremely advanced with my motor skills at an early age; I've always been a "walker" rather than a "talker" (up and running at 9 months; I rarely spoke for the first 5 years). I was riding a bike at the age of four, and I was doubling my sister at the time who was 7.

Yeah, it's confusing that Gilberg included point 6 in the criteria (the rest looks ok); I never heard of Gilberg's criteria for AS before going to Attwood's clinic.

Well, my balance isn't as good as it should be. I can't do junping jacks. My reflexes probably aren't that good. I have poor posture looking down to the ground. I was walking and talking by nine or ten months. I was riding a bike before 8 but relatively late. Probably about 6. By doubling, do you mean jump rope? I never did that either.

Apparently, gilberg is a VERY popular doctor with regard to criteria and tests.

Well, my balance isn't as good as it should be. I can't do junping jacks. My reflexes probably aren't that good. I have poor posture looking down to the ground. I was walking and talking by nine or ten months. I was riding a bike before 8 but relatively late. Probably about 6. By doubling, do you mean jump rope? I never did that either.

Apparently, gilberg is a VERY popular doctor with regard to criteria and tests.

Going by Gillbergs I would match the criteria except for section 4, I don't know if I would get 3. I do sometimes use overly formal "big" words but not consistently, and sometimes I talk like a complete fool who couldn't remember his own birthday so I'm not sure what to say on that.

I doubt anyone with half a brain sues big words all the time. When I was very young I often did, but that was simply because OTHER kids didn't keep up. Eventually, the basic vocabulary of everyone becomes mostly similar.

That could be an explanation for it, it would be odd if I had dozens of traits in common with other people with AS yet didn't have it at least mildly myself. I know I definitly talk terribly, I get told constantly. I can't control the volume of my voice so either talk to softly or to loud, or the worst and most frequent is I talk halfway in between so it sounds like my voice is breaking. When I'm drunk I speak loudly and for years now people who have recently met me say "hey your voice has broken finally" or "hey your voice is better" when I'm drunk, I can deal with that but it is annoying. My brother is similar and is seeing a speech pathaologist I think.

RB,

I know it may not make any difference to you but... Just so you know... My voice cracked for quite a bit ALSO! I always said, and maybe it is true, that it was because I simply didn't talk much. So you are not alone there. I guess I am lucky nobody really commented on it to me. BUT, as I said, I didn't talk much. I sometimes STILL try to see how long I can go without making a sound.

And HEY, at least your voice changed! I have seen several people that were apparently male(These days with "sex changes", etc... who can be truly sure), that had VERY feminine voices. No offense meant if some people here feel insulted.

It definitly helps, I'm fairly worried about graduating uni next year and having to do interviews. Especially since most people often take me as sick the first time they meet me.. but it doesn't go away.

If I may ask, WHY do they immediately take you as sick? I ask this for lots of questions, not the least of which is that I DO interview people. I also may be able to offer advice.

I have difficulty getting my voice to sound right. I can whisper and talk loudly (when drunk) fine but for normal day to day stuff it constantly sounds like I have a cold, or as if it's breaking, because I speak with an inconsistent volume if that makes sense.