[yellowfrog268]

So, I've been doing some research on Avoidant Personality Disorder and how is compares to Asperger's.

Here is what I've come up with so far with regards to the major differences.

1. Avoidant PD people typically don't have difficulties with imaginative play as youngsters like is common with Asperger's/Autism

2. Avoidant PD people don't experience clumsiness like people with Asper/Autism. All people are capable of clumsiness but with Aspie/Autism often it's more pervasive than a simple case of "Can't walk and chew gum at the same time".

3. Avoidant PD people don't (generally) have narrow interests that they very much want to talk about or share like with Asperger's

4. Avoidant PD people are hyper aware of social cues to the extent that they may miss out on conversation because they are so busy assessing other people's facial expressions and body language for signs of how the other person is feeling. Aspie's/Autism are the opposite. They may look for cues if they've learned to do so but may not know how to interpret them. I know that many adult Aspie people have learned either by family, counselors, or just plain experience to look for social cues for insight when communicating with others.

Any others I've missed?

I'm doing this research because I have an up and coming Asperger's evaluation in August. I know I'm not the professional but I can't help but look into this.

[priva]

In my opinion most of the criteria you listed above may be irrelevant (ie., someone does not have to have difficulty with imaginative play or be clumsy to be diagnosed ASD).

I think the main difference is that which you listed in #4. People with Asperger's Syndrome have trouble interpreting social cues and, unless they are taught, may be unaware of or misinterpret them, whereas people with AvPD are over-aware. Also, people with Asperger's Syndrome generally don't like eye contact because it makes them feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable. People with AvPD will also usually feel this way, but it's because they are self-conscious and are threatened by what the eyes symbolize, not because it feels "unnatural" for them.

Sorry, that's all I can think of off the top of my head. If I think of anymore, I'll post them.

[yellowfrog268]

Yes, these are good points. The stuff I covered in the post regarding common symptomology are from guidelines used by professionals when attempting to diagnose. But, of course, every person is unique and some will display certain traits while others will not.

[The_little_didgee]

...........

[yellowfrog268]

Yes, these criteria have been developed for children, however, adults undergoing evaluation are usually asked about their childhood development. The clinician must rely upon the individuals memories, eye witness accounts (such as a parent or sibling or school reports). This information about one's childhood is one of the things that helps the clinician to make their decision on a diagnosis. Many people withe Asperger's have learned adaptive behaviors through the years (didn't you do a post on this The_little_didgee?), while others have never experienced some of what is considered symptomatic of Asperger's. Again, each person is a unique individual and the original post should not be taken as anything more than a thought provoking question based upon material found on the two disorders from authoritative websites.

[The_little_didgee]

Originally Posted by yellowfrog268

Again, each person is a unique individual and the original post should not be taken as anything more than a thought provoking question based upon material found on the two disorders from authoritative websites.

I don't understand this comment. All, I was trying to do was point out Asperger symptoms are more florid in childhood. Sorry.

[yellowfrog268]

No need to apologize The_little_didgee, I too am only seeking to clarify the issue.
It was not my intention to offend

[The_little_didgee]

Originally Posted by yellowfrog268

No need to apologize The_little_didgee, I too am only seeking to clarify the issue.
It was not my intention to offend

Thank you.