Hello and AQ Test

TY

All tests I've ever taken including AQ, ADHD, and IQ tests produce a range of results that just means my true result exists within a range based on a number of factors, the main one being how much sleep I've had last night and how long I was given to wake up before taking the test. If I've had some tired weeks that will also alter how I interact with the world in those weeks which may change my more recent perception about how well I cope with certain things.
Getting a different result doesn't mean the "other result is wrong" just that it was correct at the time you took it. And you should probably find your highest and lowest score and extrapolate a median result reading for a more generalised overview.
I personaly would never consider a single test conclusive. So maybe you should be working out the mean, median and average scores and then find the mean, median, and average between those 3 numbers and see where the overlap is, tha should give you a much more conclusive result for how you would rate on a general day.

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. 

I don’t think I’d ever be satisfied with self-diagnosis. At least I would never identify as autistic to others based on that. On the other hand I don’t know that I’d be satisfied with a formal diagnosis either after a lifetime of going things alone. Figuring how to make things work on my own. The camouflage would remain and life would carry on as normal…..for me. The camouflage verbiage is new to me. But it rings a bell. 

TY for the reply Roy. 

Hi Dawn. I’m in the US and as far as I can reckon it would cost around $2700 if my insurance wouldn’t cover it. I think I would do it privately anyway. I think I would want a diagnosis because it would explain SO MUCH! Not to anyone else, but to myself. 

Thoes scores are strong indicators of autism. The average neurotypical person would score about 17 tops. By the time you hit the 30s the odds are significant even if this obviously shouldn't be taken as a diagnosis.

As for an assessment, that's a personal choice. You have a right to ask your GP for a referral, albeit you'll have a long wait on the NHS.

But many people chose to just scrutinise the criteria for themselves, do some reading and then if they think it fits, self-identify. And that fine too.

Btw, I’m not whining about being alone. I was about to explain why I like being alone but realized I can’t. It’s just me. At 62 I’ve managed to stay single for better or worse. It’s not a good thing or a bad thing. Although I think society thinks it’s a weird thing. Idk….

I’ve managed to have a few friends and family take the AQ test and they all pass with flying colors. It leaves me somewhat baffled but suspiciously unsurprised. Kind of a weird feeling. I mean they weren’t even close! Like single digit scores! Kind of a weird twilight zone feeling. Again baffled but suspiciously unsurprised. I think it’s due to a feeling of being a bit different but somewhat un-noticed. I does make one feel a bit alone. Though I would never say that to friends or family. 

I did take the RAAD. Pretty sure that was it. I don’t remember the score but it was similar results to the AQ. 

Thanks for the replies. They are greatly appreciated. There is of course much more. As far as formal diagnosis goes it’s something I briefly explored. I’m just not sure the cost and effort would be worth it as at my age it wouldn’t change a thing. It would maybe explain some things. I will explore some of the tips given above and the board here. In the meantime maybe I’ll post more ‘traits’? And see if folks relate? Thanks again. 

Hi, I get a score of 37 on AQ 50 (167 on RAADS-R) and I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition at 59 years of age. I stim mostly by fiddling with small objects, especially mechanical things that rotate, slide or click.

Hi, he did answer his own message, he mentioned tapping and drumming fingers. I would take that as a stim. I will try to have a good day, I have to visit my mother so it could be a stressful one. Hope you have good day friend!

Morning Roy.       (seeing as how we are mates-and-all-that-now, fyi - the poster did not mention any stimming)  Needless to say, I can see why and how you had read it that way.  Hope you have a good day mate.  Number.

Hi, your results and stimming does indicate you could be autistic. There is a different test, it’s a RAADS-R test, maybe try that. Every autistic person is different, we often share some similar traits but also have very different ones.  As an older person you would have learnt to hide or mask autism more, it’s how we try to blend into the world. Are you looking for a formal diagnosis or are you happy to self diagnose? There is no right or wrong. There has been some good documentary’s on the TV recently, they might help you identify a bit more. The Chris Packham ones were good, Christine McGuinness aired one this week, Chanel 4 did one called,”Are you autistic?” All are available on catch-up. A good series of podcasts are on BBC Sounds called 1800 seconds on autism. Feel free to ask questions on this forum, we are a friendly bunch. If you are in the UK it’s often better to post in the daytime. Late night posts can get missed and pushed down the feed.

Good luck Roy,

Hi I am 53 and discovered ASD when I was 50. Yes it is quite likely you have ASD, do you also have obesessions/set interests and find socialising difficult? As I said I went to my GP three years ago and am still waiting for a NHS assment, now been refered to a private NHS provider. Like you its not going to change me knowing I have ASD, but it will let me know what my enemy is. There are many thousands of us older people who have undiagnosed ASD as it simply wasn't known about back then. I am pretty sure my dad had ASD. 

I found youtube really helpful as there are videos from people like me on there, just search for' autism and older people'. I watuch 'Yo Samdy Sam' and 'the aspie world' youtube channels.  Finally just be aware even if you get ofically diagnosed there is pretty much zero support out there.  Good luck

Maybe a bit more context? I believe I stim quite a bit. Always counting in the background, I used to drum and tap fingers a lot but went underground with it as it drove my parents crazy. In fact a lot of my stimming is counting but with textile slight movement that doesn’t get noticed because I don’t want the attention. I may not have explained that well but maybe someone can relate? Slightly? There’s more. But I don’t want to go on if none of this is ringing a bell. Thanks.