just joined, possible autism

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hey, i am 29 and I suspect I have aspergers or hfa. i show symptoms, such as obsession with
music and videogames ( I'll literally play guitar til my fingers bleed), I have a hard time in public settings and I socially isolate myself. I have sensory issues where too many things are going on at once and it drains me. i pace for hours walking in circles. and I have trouble communicating with people. if I know the person well I can manage somewhat, but if they are strangers i struggle. if two other people are having a conversation, I'll disrupt and change the subject to music or videogames, or something I'm interested in. I have anger issues when dealing with stressful situations to the point where I'll punch walls. and I can't seem to relax and I'll purposely slap my head or sit in a contorted position, and it feels like it soothes me. I have over sensitive hearing and little sounds agitate me. like I stated earlier I don't know if I have autism, so if this sounds like autism or symptoms you have let me know, as I don't wish to pay thousands of dollars for a diagnosis. sorry for rambling and thanks for reading

try this brief test based on the criteria docs use to diagnose autism:

www.iautistic.com/test_AS.php

it won't give you the equivalent of an actual diagnosis, but will get you in the ballpark.

your brief description sounds apieish.

thanks man, yes I was suspecting aspergers.

Hey Metalgear29 welcome.

Welcome!

thank you for the warm welcome, I'm relieved I've found a community where I fit in lol

I was going through the same thing you are. I was finally able to find a place that would do the testing over 2 hr. time increments and would take my insurance so it ended up not costing thousands. Having the official test has helped with getting more correct meds prescribed and the referral to a psychologist that specializes in autism. If you are having any issues with work, it gives evidence to HR so that they must provide appropriate accommodations under ADA. I had taken the online tests, but it was as if counselors & such never took it seriously until I had the official written & signed diagnosis.

thank you for the advice sky dancer. all my life I just thought the way I acted was just because i was wierd. I watched the movie rain man, and I noticed how he repeated lines from tv shows. i do this as well, either from movies or conversation, and I discovered it is a condition called Echolia. what a strange way to suspect autism in myself lol

You may have the actor type autism. It is the hardest to diagnose as you are very good at imitating others & covering it up when you need. I also had that kind and actually studied theatre in high school & college. I had a lot of mis diagnosis as general anxiety & social anxiety disorder. Finally a counselor felt convinced that the anxiety was stemming from something else. She kept encouraging me for months to have the testing done & I am thankful I did. It has helped my family also take it more seriously. If you are the actor type it can be very exhausting as you feel like you are always pretending & that takes a lot of focus & energy.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

sounds strangely familiar, only I cry when Im upset or overwhelmed instead of getting angry.