New to Autism and the Possibility I Might be on the Spectrum

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Hello. After hearing about the stories of some people with Autism, I started to suspect I may be Autistic. Recently I have taken the AQ test (score 35/50) and the Aspie Quiz(Neurodiverse score 135/200 and Neurotypical score 53/200). I know these tests don't provide solid answers and the results aren't particularly high. However, I think they begin to explain some things about my life.

I have always struggled with relationships down to the point where I have just given up on making any. I never felt I could understand people to the level that most people seemed to. I pretty much feel like a social robot, only doing what I need to do to get my tasks done without trying to worry about what other people think. Conversations feel like a minefield and I never know where to focus my eyes during a long discussion with someone. I am so afraid of over-talking that I just do what I can to cut a conversation as soon as possible.

After several experiences in my life, I became cynical and just wanted to live alone. However, I am also coming to understand that it may not be the healthiest lifestyle for me. I have things that I still want to do with my life and I don't want to feel limited by certain aspects of who I am, whether it be because of autism or something else.

I would eventually like to get an official diagnosis for the sake of clarity. If anyone has any opinions on whether this sounds like ASD, it would be much appreciated. I am new to all this and I feel like I am just scratching the surface.

Welcome, great to have you here.

Sounds like you'll fit in.

Hi and welcome, B4 . Your story does sound very familiar. Hope you find acquaintance/friendship with like-minded people here ... who tend to accept you just as you are, and accept the need for “alone time” yet have your back, when needed. Good to have you with us.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Welcome.

I have recently been diagnosed at 56. I don't know what your rush is.

Autism is a life-long condition. I had to find evidence in my childhood of autistic behavior. Fortunately, I had written school reports from the age of 10. My mother and wife were also able to add to this information. I also realized I have sensory issues (sound mostly) and behaviors such as meltdowns and shutdowns. It is funny how you can live with something all your life and never notice it, just thinking everyone has the same thing.

Finding a doctor that can diagnose you can also be difficult--most doctors diagnose children. I was lucky, but the wait was long. Although I suspected I has ASD for a number of years, the diagnosis really helped me--it is very different when I doctor confirms something you only suspected. Still, I am still trying to figure out what this means and how to live with this knowledge.

From your description, I cannot tell if you have ASD. There are other conditions that share autistic traits. There are also criteria, like having this since early childhood, that are fundamental to the condition. But apparently, humor is not one of them.

Hello and thanks for the warm welcome everyone. Really appreciate it. Haven't been on a forum in a while so apologies for some hiccups I might make along the way.