I don't know if this has been discussed on here before, I did a search but couldn't find anything.

What are your experiences/opinions about the AQ test developed by Cambridge University?

Research Project: Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient - Autism Research Centre

The article explains "It is recognized that at best the AQ is a screening instrument - it is not itself diagnostic." The AQ measures on a spectrum of 0-50 and a score of 32 or above tends to correlate with a diagnosis.

You can take the test here:

Wired 9.12: Take The AQ Test

I'm interested because I scored quite highly (26) yet other online tests (including Psych Central's) score me as neuro-typical.

However I often feel there are unwritten social rules I just don't 'get', I'm quite a sensitive, intense person and don't really do 'small talk' (although I have learned it), I don't have many friends (the ones I do have I treasure) but was frequently cliqued out of groups when younger (I'm in my 40s, female). Some of the things I read about Aspergers I can identify with, I often take things literally, read things wrong, don't like change and I'm sensitive to noise/crowds.

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by prefabsprout

I don't know if this has been discussed on here before, I did a search but couldn't find anything.

What are your experiences/opinions about the AQ test developed by Cambridge University?

Research Project: Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient - Autism Research Centre

The article explains "It is recognized that at best the AQ is a screening instrument - it is not itself diagnostic." The AQ measures on a spectrum of 0-50 and a score of 32 or above tends to correlate with a diagnosis.

You can take the test here:

Wired 9.12: Take The AQ Test

I'm interested because I scored quite highly (26) yet other online tests (including Psych Central's) score me as neuro-typical.

However I often feel there are unwritten social rules I just don't 'get', I'm quite a sensitive, intense person and don't really do 'small talk' (although I have learned it), I don't have many friends (the ones I do have I treasure) but was frequently cliqued out of groups when younger (I'm in my 40s, female). Some of the things I read about Aspergers I can identify with, I often take things literally, read things wrong, don't like change and I'm sensitive to noise/crowds.

You said you scored 26 correct? I just took the test and got 41. I love writing and reading and am a very creative person and understand those things.

Every test is different. Usually it takes a combination of test to figure out where you stand. I know for me, being diagnosed with ASD is very likely coming soon. Once I am transferred to my new clinic, I am going to ask to see a specialist in ASD and get it diagnosed because my psych asked me like three times, asking if I think I have ASD since I have researched the crap out of the DSM-V.

Also, in order to be diagnosed with anything, you have to meet the criteria in one of the DSMs as you probably. I'm no professional, so if you are wondering if you have something or not, it would be wise to see someone about it.

Hope this helps .

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[snickie]

I took it just now and scored 37. That seems consistent with my other online test results.

My problem with tests is that halfway through the test my brain goes into this hyperanalytic mode where I'm like, "Is this the answer that is true about myself or is it the answer that is true to some subconscious desire to score a certain way?" Because I know the typical behavioral traits of ASD and especially Asperger's, and I know exactly how each answer I put will affect my score, and I do think I am on the spectrum, but I also know I'm very high-functioning. So I'm always questioning the validity of my results.

I used to go over the test results with my mother (my dad won't talk about it which is fine I guess). Initially when I was exploring it originally my mother seemed receptive but now any time I bring up ASD she's like, "Do you want to be professionally tested?" And I kind of don't, partly because I'm afraid it'll come back normal and my entire existence here will frame me as a poser, partly because I'm afraid it'll come back as on the spectrum and they'll put me on drugs that I don't want to take, partly because psych and neurological testing are expensive.

[QuirkyGirl99]

There are no drugs to treat ASD. People with ADHD also tend to hyperfocus, as well as other symptoms (e.g. poor soc skills) very similar to ASD. However, they are 2 entirely different disorders on different spectrums. People with ADHD can empathize with others, as opposed to people with ASD who tend to lack that ability.

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[MiddayNap]

I scored a 35, though I do not have Asperger's. As I was taking the test, I couldn't help but wonder what was so strange about these preferences that they merited a diagnosis.

[snickie]

Originally Posted by QuirkyGirl99

There are no drugs to treat ASD.

I know that. It's still a fear. I don't like popping pills, not even vitamins.

Originally Posted by QuirkyGirl99

People with ADHD also tend to hyperfocus, as well as other symptoms (e.g. poor soc skills) very similar to ASD.

It's possible I have some sort of attention deficit disorder. I have lost some ability to focus on what people are saying as of late. Example: yesterday in pedagogy class they were doing peer teaching, and my mind would latch on to when the kids were playing but as soon as they stopped and the person started talking, it was like, "Nope. Not paying attention to you." And then the person would start playing again and I'd be like, "I have no idea what that person just said."

[QuirkyGirl99]

Originally Posted by snickie

I know that. It's still a fear. I don't like popping pills, not even vitamins.

People with ASD are often treated for symptoms of anxiety, depression and hyperactivity. However, these would already be an issue for you regardless of the diagnosis. If any of these problems were bad enough that it became difficult to manage your life, I'm sure you would be on them already. You don't have to be medicated either for these things. There are plenty of other techniques you can use besides drugs. There are many people with ASD, who don't need to medicated.

Originally Posted by snickie

It's possible I have some sort of attention deficit disorder. I have lost some ability to focus on what people are saying as of late. Example: yesterday in pedagogy class they were doing peer teaching, and my mind would latch on to when the kids were playing but as soon as they stopped and the person started talking, it was like, "Nope. Not paying attention to you." And then the person would start playing again and I'd be like, "I have no idea what that person just said."

Of course it is possible. I was just stating the differences between ADHD and ASD, since ASD is commonly misdiagnosed as ADHD. It's even possible to have both!
ASD is a nonverbal learning disability. Whereas, ADHD centers around attention. People with ADHD have the ability to empathize greatly with others. However, sometimes they are so wrapped up in whatever they are doing that they don't pay attention to how are others are feeling. People with ASD lack the ability to understand where another person is coming from. It is difficult for them to put themselves in another person's shoes. They often say inappropriate things, because they don't have the awareness that it may hurt another person. It's hard for them to match what they are saying with how other may react emotionally to it. People with ADHD usually say inappropriate things out of impulse, or because they lack the emotional attachment to certain things.

Btw, I scored rather high on those tests too. That is mostly due to the fact that I have ADHD. I don't have ASD.
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