Is this the right planet for me?

Post Reply New Topic

Hi I'm Dorfin, I'm 32 and I live in south east England.

I've been reading this forum for the last week and trying to write my first post for the last 2 days. I found this website while doing some research into Asperger's Syndrome, after someone mentioned they thought I had some of the traits.

I found the symptoms of AS by googling, and would agree that they do appear similar to how I am. However, as they were mainly general and lacked specific examples I am uncertain. I am not sure whether I may be over analysing (<<<these may not be the right words to explain what I am actually thinking) myself and trying to make the self-diagnosis fit.

Since reading several posts on this forum where people describe what they do/think/feel, and realising how it is exactly the same or very similar to myself, i am starting to get confused. I think I may actually have AS but still cannot lose the doubts I have too. I know the only way to know for sure is by talking to a doctor, but even the thought of doing that is terrifying.

One thing I do know for definite is that I am not like other people I have ever met, this feels kind of right to me but maybe I should just keep searching for another answer At least there is one good thing- I have learnt the meaning of a new phrase, thanks to this forum!

Look through some of the old posts. If a lot of what you see feels familiar then AS may well be on the autistic spectrum. Also look around for other alternatives. You may find something that fits you better but you may also end up coming back to AS. By the way, this thread may be of interest to you.

Why are you terrified of doctors? Generally, they have good intentions, and they might be able to diagnose you if they agree with your thoughts.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

I'm not really good at working out peoples intentions and I think that makes me a bit paranoid sometimes. Also speaking to a doctor means:
a) going to the surgery- not a place I feel at all comfortable in
b) speaking- something I find very difficult to do especially with people I don't know/trust/like, even knowing how to start is hard
c)actually trying to talk about how I feel and think, in a way they can understand- its like trying to speak another language
d)knowing I will have to answer any questions the doctor asks- trying to find the right answer, even if I didn't really understand the question and all the time feeling like I'm going to have some kind of mental breakdown and trying to stop myself screaming and running out the door as fast as I can.

Hi Dorfin! Welcome to Wrong Planet. Check out the forums here. There are some specifically dealing with Autism/Asperger's stuff. You can do some research there to help you. At least one of them will point you to some online tests you can take. After taking the tests print out copies, so you can show them to the doctor if and when you go. Also make a list of symptoms you have that seem to match those on the Autism/Asperger's spectrum, and you can bring that along to the doctor, too.

Based on things you described about yourself, it is possible you might be on the spectrum, but you need to do some research for more info.

I am also not fond of going to doctors. I am self diagnosed, with the help of personal research, an online test, and my own sister's independent opinion, before she even knew that I knew about Asperger's. If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a duck. Well, I'm an Aspie, and it was a big relief once I finally knew what was wrong with me.

Just remember, you are among friends here at WP.

I have already completed some online tests
AQ test score: 43
Aspie quiz: 166/200 NT 36/200
EQ: 7, SQ: 121

How accurate are these tests? I'm not sure a doctor would take much notice of results from a test taken on the internet.

The AQ, EQ and SQ tests are scientifically validated. You can find a fair amount of documentation here. You can print some of that out and show it to your doctor as well as your results.

Welcome to Wrong Planet, I'm from the South East of England as well. We are having a Wrong Planet meet up in London in April, if you want to know more, feel free to message me.

To WrongPlanet!! !