Just taken an Asperger's test

[Introvert]

I'm a regular, but I've changed my name because I really don't know what I think at the moment or whether it's all bollocks. And I just need to get my head round this...

I don't know why, but a couple of things have made me think recently and I've been looking into a test for Aspergers. I found one here .

But when I took it I scored fairly high (33 out of 50) and it's freaked me out a bit. I've always just viewed myself as rather socially inept, an introvert, self-sufficient. Someone who's rather obsessed with routine and organisation. But a couple of (minor) things that have happened recently have suggested to me that I'm rather detached too ... oh, I can't explain it. Sorry.

What I don't know, is what do I do about it? Is it worth as an adult going for a diagnosis? Am I just being a hypochondriac? I'm fairly happy about my life (apart from giving myself high standards I never seem to reach, but that's by the by) - I don't know if I've just opened a can of worms or if this test is fairly discredited anyway as a form of diagnosis.

Hmm.

agree with peachy plum. Sensory issues are usually part and parcel of autism (including AS), and can be the cause of lots of the behaviours. This test is more about social ability. I never understand why they include empathy- I know loads of NTs completely lacking any ability to empathise.

Hmm, I got DH to take the test, and he got 19. Which is theoretically more autistic than the average man. I totally don't buy it, DH is really really not an autistic sort of person.

But he's not really keen on some sorts of social circumstances, hence the higher-than-normal score.

I think this test measures a lot of different things, but not necessarily autism, IYSWIM. (And how good are actual autistic people at knowing they aren't good at telling what other people are thinking?)

I am highly amused - I just scored 44 - I am not autistic - I am a scientist, I like routines, and I hate social stuff ..I can 'do' it but it exhausts me so I try to avoid it unless I have to... I don't think the test is that good.

PeachyPlumFairy's got it in one - it measures social aptitude not all the other things.

Introvert - sounds like a good school. I'd maybe wait a while & take some guidance from them. They're bound to have people who could come & observe him and work out with you, what to do (if anything).

Enid - good to know my ds isn't the only one. I don't seriosuly thing he's anywhere on the spectrum - just a thought that flitted across my mind once or twice as I always seem to be the only parent in the party room with their child when all the others are happy partying and mine is a mixture of not wanting to miss out but really not wanting to join in. I think it's just his nature though and not a big deal.

sorry to butt in so late in the thread, and apologies if anyone else has already said this...

but PLEASE don't put any weight in online tests... a lot of things like aspergers, mental illnesses and the like have symptoms experienced by pretty much everyone. the difference is that if you actually have it it is constant, non-stop, it is affecting how you live your life etc etc

i have done a million online tests and been "diagnosed" with everything from pnd to ocd to aspergers and so on and so on

if you are really worried then see your GP... but don't think that just because you score highly on any online test that it is an accurate portrayal of your health/mental wellbeing

I scored 12. I am not that outgoing, though I don't mind meeting strangers. I loathe smalltalk and chitchat and am terrible at it, but that's hardly a disability.
DH is a hardened scientist and to my utter shock only got 13.

I'm not sure this is a great test.

I got 2. Blimey, I'm not that outgoing!

I scored 35. I'm not suprised.
I might have an unusual personalilty, but I certainly don't think I have a problem with life. So I don't care. ATM, I see no reason to seek to have my personality "diagnosed".

My DS with autism, OTOH, has a problem. He needs help, supprot and therapy.

14 for me too, but I didn't think I would score high, it does seem to me that this is more emotional. The theater would involve people more than "things" at a museum I would think.

39, I do think I have trouble in social situations, but I work with SEN and am looking at the answers and nwouldn't rely on my answers as accurate.

Scored 16

I got 8 but at other times in my life it would have been much higher as I was much shyer and lacked social confidence. Its too easy to read into these kinds of tests. But if it is something you have suspected then it might confirm things for you.

Probably not worth going for a diagnosis, unless you think that you would be helped by services in respect of the Aspergers (but services are few and far between anyway as other posters have said). If you don't want to access services, then there isn't much point going for a diagnosis other than to satisfy your own curiosity. In terms of coming to terms with yourself/your personality, I think just accepting that you are an introvert/not a sociable butterfly or even that you have certain traits of Aspergers is a reasonable explanation for things that you aren't comfortable with, without seeking an official diagnosis.

I wouldn't view the test as being particularly reliable, just more as giving a hint of being wobbly on social skills, and whether you are into numbers/lists etc.

You might find this link useful if you want to consider further the possibility of an official diagnosis:-

www.autismresearchcentre.com/clinical/class.asphere

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I got 37 and have a son with AHDH/dyspraxia and another son with dyspraxia.