What's your AQ score?

[Deleted User]

I found an interesting test recently. It measures autistic traits in adults. My score (33) supports what I've known all my life - that I'm on the mild end of the autistic spectrum. I have difficulties with social situations and like my routines.
Have a go and see what you get:

http://www.wired.com/2001/12/aqtest/

 

[KOLIO]

I think it's BS at best.
These 'experts' and the like want to put everything & everyone in a category or group.
To hint that anything outside of the mean or average is a syndrome is BS.

 

[Deleted User]

Well the questions are tailored towards social behaviour, which is where autistically inclined people have difficulties. And yeah, it might well be complete BS, but I think recognising why you behave in a certain way, or find things difficult, can help you accept the way you are, instead of trying to bend yourself into some accepted 'normal' pattern of behaviour.
I often think that it's almost impossible for someone who is good at socialising to understand what it's like to not be able to naturally do that.
The trigger for this was because my daughter has problems in this area. She is very bright, but has difficulties with social communication and interacting with her peers. Actually it's upsetting her a lot. So on the one hand I'm reluctant to label her with something like an autistic disorder. But part of me thinks that this will help her to accept the way she is, not try to mould herself into something she can never be.

 

[dontpanicbobby]

9 is that good?

 

[Deleted User]

It's not a question of good or bad.

 

[KOLIO]

Well the questions are tailored towards social behaviour, which is where autistically inclined people have difficulties. And yeah, it might well be complete BS, but I think recognising why you behave in a certain way, or find things difficult, can help you accept the way you are, instead of trying to bend yourself into some accepted 'normal' pattern of behaviour.
I often think that it's almost impossible for someone who is good at socialising to understand what it's like to not be able to naturally do that.
The trigger for this was because my daughter has problems in this area. She is very bright, but has difficulties with social communication and interacting with her peers. Actually it's upsetting her a lot. So on the one hand I'm reluctant to label her with something like an autistic disorder. But part of me thinks that this will help her to accept the way she is, not try to mould herself into something she can never be.

That's a tough one,I don't envy your situation.
You sound like a good parent,in allowing your child to find her way & develop her own personality.
Perhaps her teachers/school counselors have some suggestions/programs in aiding your daughter with developing/opening up to more social interaction with her peers.
After-school activities that interest her would be a good place for her to interact with those who have interests similar to hers.

 

[Deleted User]

That's a tough one,I don't envy your situation.
You sound like a good parent,in allowing your child to find her way & develop her own personality.
Perhaps her teachers/school counselors have some suggestions/programs in aiding your daughter with developing/opening up to more social interaction with her peers.
After-school activities that interest her would be a good place for her to interact with those who have interests similar to hers.

Thanks, it is a tough one. I can relate very much to her situation as I went through all this at school. Unfortunately school is an environment where anyone who doesn't quite 'fit in' can feel very alienated, even ostracised by their peers. In some ways the problem is about other people understanding and accepting, which in itself is tricky, because quiet people are very often avoided by others. It's not that the quiet person doesn't like other people, it's just they find it difficult to actually think of something to say, on a social banter level. This is often interpreted as a 'stand offish' attitude, which doesn't go down well.
We actually transferred schools as she had a nightmare with bullying at her previous one, with the whole class systematically tormenting her. I'm not overstating things when I say this would have led to clinical depression, and possibly worse. We made a great decision to transfer schools, as the new one is light years ahead in terms of pupil well-being, and her peers have a better attitude.
So you can see we are trying to do the right thing. My daughter has many musical interests, so we're encouraging that side of things. And yes, maybe we can talk to the school about developing her social interaction.

 

[KOLIO]

Thanks, it is a tough one. I can relate very much to her situation as I went through all this at school. Unfortunately school is an environment where anyone who doesn't quite 'fit in' can feel very alienated, even ostracised by their peers. In some ways the problem is about other people understanding and accepting, which in itself is tricky, because quiet people are very often avoided by others. It's not that the quiet person doesn't like other people, it's just they find it difficult to actually think of something to say, on a social banter level. This is often interpreted as a 'stand offish' attitude, which doesn't go down well.
We actually transferred schools as she had a nightmare with bullying at her previous one, with the whole class systematically tormenting her. I'm not overstating things when I say this would have led to clinical depression, and possibly worse. We made a great decision to transfer schools, as the new one is light years ahead in terms of pupil well-being, and her peers have a better attitude.
So you can see we are trying to do the right thing. My daughter has many musical interests, so we're encouraging that side of things. And yes, maybe we can talk to the school about developing her social interaction.

Sounds like things are going in the right direction.
Your daughter sounds like she's a well-adjusted person, not necessarily shy, but, perhaps, just doesn't feel compelled to be as social as the majority of her peers.
That's perfectly OK.
Not every thought or notion needs to be shared, as a lot of people, young & old alike, feel every fleeting moment needs to be quoted/photographed/shared.

 

[zuben el genub]

It used to be social and economic status and even race that was the "problem." Like likes like and will group together regardless of any type of study. Someone would have to change human nature to fix that. It's probably still based on what someone thinks is "optimum" and not taking in social and economic behavior in different groups of people. This is America - this is the norm. You behave this way or you are not right.

The saddest thing about all this - some try to normalize with drugs. Drugs for a true imbalance are one thing - drugs to make everyone behave the same just for "well-being" are another.

One size doesn't fit all.

 

[Deleted User]

bbb

Like likes like and will group together regardless of any type of study. Someone would have to change human nature to fix that.

And if you are one of a kind that can be a lonely place.

 

[Deleted User]

That was rather interesting (I scored 13).

I know a guy from theater who was diagnosed with mild autism and recognized several of the traits in the questions.

One additional question they could have included near the end: "I can easily tell the intent behind these questions."

OP, I'm guessing you are from the UK? (The"have a go" was my clue.) In any event I think it's good that you share some tendencies with your daughter. Difficult though some things may be, that makes it easier for you to understand her and to help her.

Thanks for the post, and happy new year.

Yup, I'm from the UK. Happy new year to you too. Is "have a go" a British phrase?

The questionnaire is probably fairly transparent, and the results predictable. Quite honestly I think it wouldn't tell you anything you didn't already know about yourself.
I do empathise with my daughter, but ultimately I think it will be down to her to come to terms with who she is. Obviously I want her to be happy.

 

[zuben el genub]

bbb


And if you are one of a kind that can be a lonely place.

It ain't that bad. There's plenty of new things to learn, hobbies to keep you busy, and at least one person. If you are the type of person who has to sit on your butt and wait to be entertained and amused, you have a problem.

 

[shalemail]

I am an 8. I assume that means I have few Autistic traits. Which after having worked with the developmentally disabled in a past life (including close proximity to several diagnosed as autistic) I found I have at least several autistic traits - though mine are very slight compared to someone who's authentically diagnosed.

 

[Deleted User]

I am an 8. I assume that means I have few Autistic traits.

Correct.