Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve223
You sound like you have the classic picture of AS going on. These tests can have variable results because sometimes you change as you get older due to increasing socialization, increased demands, and a generally different life structure that the autism will sometimes fade into the distant background. This was why when I took the test a while ago, I only got a 19 on the AQ score (which is considered a reliable screening tool). I definitely am autistic (self diagnosed), but the only reason I got this score was because of forced changes in my environment (due to social pressures) caused me to lose many of my autistic traits. To surprise many of you, I actually miss a lot of them, especially my utterly intense, singular interests which have now been completely lost never to be seen again. I used to watch the same movies over and over and over for hours as a kid, delve deeply and passionately into scientific subjects acquiring rainman like knowledge of them, but as I integrated into the social world I totally lost all of that  |
I would... question some of this.
To say one is definitely anything that requires a professional assessment without said professional assessment is odd, to say the least. The fact that you recieved a 19 on the AQ indicates that, if you believe it incorrect, you should seek further assessment by a professional.
I am active in society, have gone to college, public school, etc.
I have very specific interests, some detailed preferences, behavioral things like stimming, echolalia at times, I have actually been non-verbal at times when way over-stimulated.
I watch spongebob every day. Still. No joke.
I freak if people move my shoes.
I'm very particular about which spoon or fork I use and the color of my dishes.
I tend to yell random crap if I get too excited and I have tactile and auditory sensitivities.
I have a lot of social anxieties, oddities, and awkwardness but I've kind of learned how to navigate a lot of social situations with a mix of humor and some kind of sublime "charm" [i guess?] that i seem to have developed. Anything else I just brush off as a learning experience.
But I mean, I'm 31. Navigating the world is still pretty tiring on a daily basis, because I'm still autistic, and that can still be assessed.
I would encourage you to seek professional assessment if you are legitimately curious.