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Hello and AQ Test

John C

Hello, I’m new here. About a year ago I took the AQ test and scored in the 40’s. I’ve taken it several times since and have gotten lower score but I think the very lowest was 33. What are the chances I’m on the spectrum? The last being 37.  I’m 62yrs old so there is no answer that is going to rock my world as I’m very set in my ways. The cost of a formal diagnosis is more than I’d care to pay. Any sincere input would be appreciated. Thanks, John

Parents

  • There’s another trait I’ve had for a very long time. Background anxiety. I became very consciously aware of it in my late teens. Looking back on it though I realized it started manifesting after I was held back in the 3rd grade. I still to this day have no idea what good that did anybody. Especially me!! I mean it’s not like they equipped me with any further tools. All they did was make me a further oddity. This is all old stuff that I’m not complaining about but trying to understand where I fit in. I’m retired now so I have more time to ponder. And maybe I might even be able to help others avoid some pitfalls that I fell into? That’s all assuming I’m even on the spectrum!! I could just be an odd duck. 

  • in reply to John C
    John C said:
    There’s another trait I’ve had for a very long time. Background anxiety.

    Could you just elaborate on what you mean by that? I’m just curious about what that looks like for you. 

    By the way, my AQ test scores have varied a little as well. They’re always in mid- to high- 30s, with the one used for my formal diagnosis coming out at 38. 

Reply
  • in reply to John C
    John C said:
    There’s another trait I’ve had for a very long time. Background anxiety.

    Could you just elaborate on what you mean by that? I’m just curious about what that looks like for you. 

    By the way, my AQ test scores have varied a little as well. They’re always in mid- to high- 30s, with the one used for my formal diagnosis coming out at 38. 

Children
  • in reply to rustyb

    “I find it difficult to work out what is and isn’t the autism”….You’re preachin to the choir brother!Joy  Of course I’m not claiming to be autistic at this point. Might not ever. But it’s not lookin good for the kid….

  • in reply to John C

    I’m not sure I’d describe a persistent “butterfly” feeling but I have had times where I’ve had a low-lying anxiety that I haven’t wholly been able to explain. I’m still trying to get my head around masking, but part of me thinks this might have been at times when my “work mask” is getting a bit worn out and worrying about getting found out. 

    Sorry - I don’t know how helpful that is. Having only ever experienced my brain I find it difficult to work out what is and isn’t the autism sometimes…

  • in reply to rustyb

    Hi Rusty. Was any of that relatable? I’m really trying get a handle on autism and if I have it. Any evidence anecdotal or not for or against is appreciated. Thanks. 

  • in reply to John C

    It did actually so thanks very much!

  • in reply to rustyb

    Hi Rusty. I’ll explain as best I can. In my late teens or 20’s I became aware of a butterfly feeling in my chest. I’d felt that before but not constant like I was at the time. It subsided eventually as it felt like crisis level. Other than the butterfly feeling there was nothing really wrong. But it was still somewhat there but at a much lower level. And it’s been that way ever since. Not always low though. I still have ‘episodes?’ where it becomes intolerable. That probably didn’t answer your question.