Published on 12, July, 2020
I’m not enteirly sure how or where to start but there is something at the back of my mind that is suggesting to me that is may have Autism/Aspergers.
Hi there I can relate to a lot of what you have said even though I am female and 58!
One of the first things I did before referring myself for assessment was to complete free AQ and EQ questionnaires online. They can't tell you if you are definitely autistic but they do give a broad indication.
Many of the things you describe could be associated with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. I only got my official diagnosis on Friday, so it's early days for me.
I am being more relaxed about things at the moment and doing what feels like it is most helpful and calming. Your interest in chickens and ducks is fascinating. It must have been really exciting hatching your very own duckling.
I don't play video games these days having got very addicted to Lemmings decades ago. Maybe I will start again now. I do find some games very visually appealing and I really like problem solving.
I was very anxious at your age and continued to be throughout my life. It is definitely worth exploring the reasons for your anxiety as living with it takes a lot of energy and sucks some of the joy out of life.
Very best wishes to you as you continue to explore this.
Hi, thank you for replying so soon!
I am going to explore this a little further for a couple of months and then see if there could be a possibility that I could sit somewhere on the autism spectrum and go to the doctors. I just want to have a good idea by researching into it further because I’d be worried that I’d be wasting their time or looking silly for even thinking it. I just don’t wont to arrive much later in life and be much worse than I am with people. I know if I was on the spectrum it wouldn’t fix the issue but at least I would have an answer as to why I am anxious around people and can’t hold a conversations together.
From what I have looked up so far I can relate to a lot of various behaviour patterns ect that people with autism have like obsessions and intellectual in certain areas purely just because they’re interested in it.
The video games I play aren’t violent. I play a bit of every genre and can appreciate the visual beauty of a lot of games out there. Yes, raising a duckling in the house for a couple of months was interesting to say the least. We have a pond so she’s be all happy outside now and enjoying the freedom ha ha. I also have a pet snake called Xavier. (I really enjoy the company of animals, they’re the best kind of beings ha ha)
regrading AQ & EQ, do you have any links for a website that you could post. I haven’t been able to find any automated ones that you don’t have to add up the score/points yourself.
Thank you!
Hello again Joshua - you might find this link interesting as it discusses different types of tests and results:
http://www.lifeonthespectrum.net/blog/?page_id=1188
Xavier is an excellent name for a snake! I reared a baby hedgehog once then released it into the garden - that was a really interesting experience!
One thing to consider when you go to the doctor is that they may not be as well-informed about autism as you are. I mentioned that I thought ai was autistic a couple of times but this idea always got rejected. Take your test results like Henpecked did and some examples from infancy or early childhood where you showed autistic traits.
You can also mention things you are experiencing now to your doctor e.g. anxiety when having a conversation and the amount of time you spend playing video games. If you do not appear to be having any issues it may be more difficult to convince them.
Good luck with this. Do let us know how you get on. If you have any questions just ask - people here are very friendly and helpful.
I scored 43. I don't have Asperger's but the classic Autism kind of thing.
I'd just go do an assessment. That way you stop wondering and get an answer.
Hi NAS49890, I took the AQ test and scored 33. I do think you have reason to visit your doctor. Even if he or she is not all that clued up on autism. I think, however, that any good GP would have some knowledge of it. He or she should refer you to the mental health team. If you take that step and are diagnosed as autistic, this will be of great help if you are applying for benefits. I suffered a lot from anxiety in the past and to the point I was self harming. My doctor is aware of this and suspected autism and refered me to the mental health team in Brighton. I gave the psychtherapist my life story and to cut the long story short, she diagnosed me as having autistic spectrum disorder. She was absolutely wonderful and put me at ease. It felt like I had known her for a lifetime.
For me finding that I had so much in common with autistic people on this forum was an even stronger indicator than the autism tests.
I would see how you feel as time passes. Quite a few people here are undiagnosed or self-diagnosed. I felt I needed a diagnosis, but that is not true for everyone.