How autistic are you?

[karadan]

40.  I think the prevalence of such high numbers makes me doubt the validity of tests such as these.  Should somebody be labeled as "autistic" because they like to be alone?

I'm inclined to agree but then there was a disclaimer citing 'this is not a diagnosis'. I have been surprised by a lot of the scores here to be honest.

[The Magic Pudding]

40.  I think the prevalence of such high numbers makes me doubt the validity of tests such as these.  Should somebody be labeled as "autistic" because they like to be alone?

I'm inclined to agree but then there was a disclaimer citing 'this is not a diagnosis'. I have been surprised by a lot of the scores here to be honest.

The only other atheist forum I've frequented had a surprisingly high number of members claiming to Aspis.
I thought atheist sites, focusing on science and such were attractive to them.

[humblesmurph]

40.  I think the prevalence of such high numbers makes me doubt the validity of tests such as these.  Should somebody be labeled as "autistic" because they like to be alone?

I'm inclined to agree but then there was a disclaimer citing 'this is not a diagnosis'. I have been surprised by a lot of the scores here to be honest.

I read the disclaimer.  I should have mentioned it.  Nobody has labeled me as anything.

[PoopShoot]

Score: 32

[PoopShoot]

40.  I think the prevalence of such high numbers makes me doubt the validity of tests such as these.  Should somebody be labeled as "autistic" because they like to be alone?

The test focused too much on mere sociality and numbers.  There are too many forms of high functioning autism not covered by this test.  it's par for the course on internet tests.

[humblesmurph]

40.  I think the prevalence of such high numbers makes me doubt the validity of tests such as these.  Should somebody be labeled as "autistic" because they like to be alone?

The test focused too much on mere sociality and numbers.  There are too many forms of high functioning autism not covered by this test.  it's par for the course on internet tests.

Would you have any suggestions on how to get a more reliable test?  Or is it the case that a questionnaire can't accurately measure such things no matter how the questions are worded?  Would I have to go see a (gasp) psychiatrist to get an idea of whether I've got this Asperger's syndrome?

[PoopShoot]

Would you have any suggestions on how to get a more reliable test?  Or is it the case that a questionnaire can't accurately measure such things no matter how the questions are worded?  Would I have to go see a (gasp) psychiatrist to get an idea of whether I've got this Asperger's syndrome?

I would say yes.  The only real way to get a questionnaire that wouldn't leave anything out would be too large for anyone to bother.  I would also say that a psychiatrist or psychologist wouldn't be really reliable either.  The doctors that tend to know what they're doing on the topic of autism are child development specialists (yes, they're often psyches, but they're specialized) and won't see adult patients.  That's why I've not been officially diagnosed when everyone I know who knows about high-functioning autism thinks I'm likely an aspie.

[humblesmurph]

Would you have any suggestions on how to get a more reliable test?  Or is it the case that a questionnaire can't accurately measure such things no matter how the questions are worded?  Would I have to go see a (gasp) psychiatrist to get an idea of whether I've got this Asperger's syndrome?

I would say yes.  The only real way to get a questionnaire that wouldn't leave anything out would be too large for anyone to bother.  I would also say that a psychiatrist or psychologist wouldn't be really reliable either.  The doctors that tend to know what they're doing on the topic of autism are child development specialists (yes, they're often psyches, but they're specialized) and won't see adult patients.  That's why I've not been officially diagnosed when everyone I know who knows about high-functioning autism thinks I'm likely an aspie.

So you self diagnose and try to temper the negative affects of this personality type on your own?  What reasons do specialists give for not dealing with adults?

[PoopShoot]

So you self diagnose and try to temper the negative affects of this personality type on your own?  

Self diagnosis of ANY disease is bad news.  I merely recognize what "failings" I can in myself and attempt to correct them (if I feel they need correcting).

What reasons do specialists give for not dealing with adults?

They're pediatricians.  Often they require a referral that you can't get as an adult and even then the insurance company won't honor it anyway, but most often they simply say "we don't take adults".

[humblesmurph]

So you self diagnose and try to temper the negative affects of this personality type on your own?  

Self diagnosis of ANY disease is bad news.  I merely recognize what "failings" I can in myself and attempt to correct them (if I feel they need correcting).

What reasons do specialists give for not dealing with adults?

They're pediatricians.  Often they require a referral that you can't get as an adult and even then the insurance company won't honor it anyway, but most often they simply say "we don't take adults".

Would Asperger's be accurately described as a disease?

 Isn't mild Asperger's just a personality type that makes things a little bit harder in present society?

 Maybe Aspies are just highly evolved and the rest of the world needs to catch up.

 Do you use techniques outlined in books on Asperger's to help you recognize your "failings" and how to correct them?

[Byronazriel]

I'm pretty sure asperger's is a syndrome...

[humblesmurph]

I'm pretty sure asperger's is a syndrome...

In your view, what is the difference between a syndrome and a disease?

[Byronazriel]

A disease is an imparment of health, or an abnormal functioning.

A syndrome is a recognised constellation of symptoms.

I'll have to look it up, but those are the definitions that I remember from health class. Should be close to it. I know I have a medical textbook somewhere...  :upset:\

Update: Merriam-Webster defines them as:  Disease: a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms.

Syndrome:  A group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality/condition, or set of concurrent things (as emotions or actions) that usually form an identifiable pattern.

[PoopShoot]

From a psychological standpoint it's a disorder.

[PoopShoot]

Maybe Aspies are just highly evolved and the rest of the world needs to catch up.

That's a thought that had crossed my mind.

Do you use techniques outlined in books on Asperger's to help you recognize your "failings" and how to correct them?

No.  I use feedback from people who care about me.