Am I autistic? - J05ua.

Post Reply New Topic

Hi,
I'm Joshua, I'm 17 and I'm from the UK.
I first became curious as to whether or not I have autism about a month ago. My friend -who is a diagnosed autistic- pointed out that I had some characteristics associated with it that led him to believe I too may be autistic.
Recently I decided to take a series of tests/surveys for Autism online and got the following results..

AQ test = 34
EQ test = 9
FQ test = 38
SQ test = 53
SQ-R test = 96

All the results I got placed me in the range for HFA/Asperger's although i'm aware it doesn't necessarily mean I have either.

My friend with diagnosed Autism scored

AQ - 38
EQ - 8

I want a professional diagnosis just for the sake of knowing 'yes-or-no' although my parents seem against me being recieving a diagnosis.

Thoughts?

Can you describe any of your symptoms?

Poor organisational skills - I never remove anything from my school bag as I know if i do 9/10 I will forget to put it back. This has lead to me having multiple year's worths of books collect up in my school bag.

I am very standoffish when around people I don't know and find it hard to maintain -or even make- eye contact with someone I don't feel close to or comfortable around.

Obsessions/knowledge, I can go from being obsessed with something; spending all my time researching it and spending all my money of related materials to being completely disinterested in it. - Yet I never regret my actions. E.G. Railways/Steam trains. The second World War. Photography. Guitar.

I have strong opinions on subjects such as religion which people can often find offensive - yet I can't help but offend people with my views ( I can't alter the way I express my views )

I'm a Kinsesthetic learner and have a Photographic memory.

There are certain sounds which can cause my mood to switch instantly, pots and pans - being the most prime example. I can go from any mood to instantly angry and aggressive upon hearing them crashing about.
I also shiver, get goosebumps and cringe at the sound of an apple being bitten into. (I don't know if that is relevant)
I am sensitive to touch in the centre of my back - like my reaction to sound - being touched here without knowing it is going to happen can cause my mood to suddenly switch.

I cannot sit still. I have to be touching something or drumming my fingers or bouncing my leg up and down.

I often 'spaced out' - become completely oblivious to the world around me and star into empty space as if fixated on something.

I dislike phone conversations, especially with people I don't know.

I often offend people by being blunt, emotionless and truthful without intending to hurt their feelings. Although I may say sorry for doing so I very rarely feel bad about my actions and view it as their fault rather than mine that offense has been taken.

It sounds rude and self absorbed but I find it hard to show interest in other people's life.

When I'm with people i'm comfortable around I often find it hard to stop talking. With people I don't know it is usually the opposite.

I prefer to work on my own than with others.

Those are example I can think of off the top of my head.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

I am no expert, and indeed have yet to seek diagnosis for AS myself, but sounds like you may have reason to have these suspicions. I think the fact your friend with autism perceived it first might also be telling: a case of recognizing your own. I also have doubts as to whether I have AS because of people I know with diagnosed AS who are SO like me.

Either way, welcome on here. Talk to people, discuss things. I'm new myself but find everyone here to be really nice and respectful. You will gradually see as you discuss things with them whether you have things in common with the autistic community. Diagnosis looks like a long and difficult road, so if at least you have made a few contacts on here, you might be able to discuss same process on the forum.

Good luck.

there's also a brief test based on criteria docs use at www.iautistic.com/test_AS.php

from what you describe: special interests, stimming, social awkwardness, you certainly have some AS traits. a diagnosis can get you help in school. i'm not diagnosed cuz i was older when i realized i fit AS and don't see any use in it. i already understand myself. by the way, when my overhonesty offends someone, i understand why and sincerely apologize. maybe that comes with age.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Welkome to WP

Mick