There are many different Asperger tests available online from the AQ to the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, that many people have used to diagnose themselves. This is disturbing for a few reasons. Most of these online questionnaires are gender biased and are rife with autism stereotypes. For example two questions in Cohen’s Systemizing Quotient ask: When an election is being held, I am not interested in the results for each constituency and In maths, I am intrigued by the rules and patterns governing numbers. Any autistic who is not interested in politics and/or math would answer Definitely Disagree.

Not every person on the spectrum conforms to these stereotypes.

What if your interests or fixations don’t fall under the stereotypical autistic male? The ‘symptoms’ of girls and women are generally more subtle. Genetics, gender and society are believed to be the reasons for this difference. A little girl’s interests and fixations are often very different. She maybe intrigued by princesses, animals and so forth. None of these tests reflect this difference at all. Or what is you are a male who does not fit the autistic standard? What then? Axis II disorders?

Comorbid conditions such as OCD can also explain some of these stereotypical behaviours. Some other psychiatric conditions like social anxiety disorder can also mimic Asperger’s, even certain learning disabilities. These online tests don’t account for this whatsoever. Nor do they acknowledge that Asperger’s is evident in young childhood. People don’t suddenly develop this.

The aforementioned reasons make it very clear why an assessment with a clinician who specializes in ASDs is important. They can test for other Asperger traits that those online tests overlook such as communication difficulties, repetitive self stimulating behaviours (stimming) etc.... Also an evaluation should include an interview with family, especially for adults.

Note: 80% of people with an ASD score above 32 on the AQ. The other 20% do not.

My point is everyone manifests Asperger’s differently. There really is no generic form of Asperger’s although there are common traits in both men and women.

Jimrat you are very, very right!

I just did the test twice and scored 38 and 38. Yes, I have Asperger's.