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Can an individual with Asperger's more easily identify Asperger's in others?

Daniel

Hello everyone,

I'm Dan, 30, and I wanted to know a little more about individuals with Asperger's and whether they're more adept at spotting Asperger's or Autistic Traits in others? 

I recently had a short lived relationship with a young lady who had Asperger's. I admit it was my first experience of Asperger's and accept I'm very ignorant of the topic. This relationship lasted around four months but to my surprise within just a few weeks she was very adamant I had it too. This put me into a rapid mood change (something I've always done, but never really realized) which made me ignore the rest of the conversion. Ultimately it was my ignorant mood swings that led to the termination of our relationship.

It's weighed on my mind and the more I look into it the more I start to see her point. It would explain a lot of my issues I've struggled with over the past 15 years; everything from my overdosing, to failed relationships, the depression and anxiety among a lot of other things. I certainly differ from her; for instance she shows very little empathy and likes to plan waaaay in advanced, whereas I am very empathetic and prefer to plan a week ahead (So I have time to deal with the anxiety, but failing that it's just short enough that 'something came up' is believable.) Again, I accept how ignorant I was and have since learned everyone has a unique set of difficulties.

Is it worth me talking to a GP, or am I maybe looking to deep into something she said?
I'm happy to go into further details on habits and past events in my life should it help. Right now it's just driving me a little crazy.

Thanks,

Dan

  • UPDATE: Finally managed to speak with my GP. I'm being referred for screening.

  • Yes! No! Maybe/probably?

    Since being diagnosed, to parody '6th Sense'... "I see autistic people... EVERYWHERE!"

    And I mean everywhere, including in a couple of science fiction books I've recently read and through song lyrics i.e. not just actual people I've interacted with to any degree (or even just observed).

    So, yes - 'It takes one to know one' but...

    No, you can't always just spot fellow autists via 'A-dar'...

    So 'probably'...

  • I had never considered it until I was diagnosed - now i realise that all of my close friends are probably undiagnosed aspies too.   I can spot them a mile away.

  • in reply to Deepthought

    Very useful information, thank you.
    I have an appointment booked with my GP next Friday.

  • Daniel said:
    Is it worth me talking to a GP, or am I maybe looking to deep into something she said?
    I'm happy to go into further details on habits and past events in my life should it help. Right now it's just driving me a little crazy.

    There are a number of online tests such as the AQ50 (Autistic Quotient 50 questions) test that indicate whether it might be worth getting referred for a diagnosis, with the AQ50 involving a test result on or above 32 being considered indicative.

    Here follows is a link to a whole ream of tests from the Autism Research Center (ARC) at Cambridge University, so perhaps do the most applicable tests for you age-wise and use them as evidence if you wish to seek a referral for diagnosis:

    https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/arc_tests

    If you score enough to and think an assessment is required, you can telephone (at any time) the NAS (National Autistic Society) helpline: 0808 800 4104 ~ you will hear a recorded message, thereafter choose Option 1.) To request an information pack to be sent to you, then Option 1 again for an adult version of which, and then finally leave your full name and address, and state that you are an Adult rather than a Parent, Student or Researcher. The information pack should arrive in a couple of weeks ~ and it will give you guidance on going about getting referred for assessment, and whats involved.

  • I really appreciate you all taking the time to respond. I've decided the best course of action then would be to talk to my GP. Hopefully then I can get some answers or at least pave the way to some answers.

    Thank you all

    Dan

  • Yes, I think so. Not only has the person with ASD researched the syndrome to the n'th degree and hence can consciously spot the signs, there's also a natural intuitive sense of comfort in the company of another person on the spectrum, which appears as a subconscious ID mechanism that some have called "Aspiedar".

  • The short answer to your question is yes, we can often spot ASD in other people. If you believe that you have ASD then talk to your GP, but maybe research it more first so that you are more certain? Did you ever ask your ex why she thinks that you have Asperger's?

  • I believe so, yes.  I think we are prone to seek out others who also view and feel things a bit differently and can recognise it in others.