Hello

Post Reply New Topic

Hello, I am new here, though I've been lurking about for a while.

I believe I may have Asperger's, though I have not been diagnosed.

My shrink laughed when I suggested it, as he thinks I'm far from it.



GILLBERG'S CRITERIA FOR ASPERGER'S DISORDER

1.Severe impairment in reciprocal social interaction
(at least two of the following)
(a) inability to interact with peers <--- Limited interaction that is awkward and uncomfortable (often feel out of place).
(b) lack of desire to interact with peers
(c) lack of appreciation of social cues
(d) socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior <--- I am not sure.

2.All-absorbing narrow interest
(at least one of the following)
(a) exclusion of other activities
(b) repetitive adherence
(c) more rote than meaning

3.Imposition of routines and interests
(at least one of the following)
(a) on self, in aspects of life
(b) on others

4.Speech and language problems
(at least three of the following)
(a) delayed development <--- I've read that advanced language development is typically associated with Asperger's, not delayed. My language has always been at least slightly advanced.
(b) superficially perfect expressive language <--- At times, usually concerning my areas of interest.
(c) formal, pedantic language <--- Formal at times.
(d) odd prosody, peculiar voice characteristics
(e) impairment of comprehension including misinterpretations of literal/implied meanings

5.Non-verbal communication problems
(at least one of the following)
(a) limited use of gestures
(b) clumsy/gauche body language
(c) limited facial expression
(d) inappropriate expression
(e) peculiar, stiff gaze

6.Motor clumsiness: poor performance on neurodevelopmental examination <--- I am clumsy.

(All six criteria must be met for confirmation of diagnosis.)




If bolded, I am fairly sure it is applicable or do not have anything else to say on the matter.



I also have a number of "stims," I believe. I tap my right foot (especially when anxious or nervous) and run left thumb over the callouses on the fingers of my left hand (from playing guitar). There are others that I can not think of at the moment.

I have often suddenly found myself rhythmically moving something, such as flapping a piece of paper or tapping a pencil. I also usually continue the action, unless I determine it to be too disruptive to the people around me, because I find it calming. I also rock back and forth when I am upset or feel sick (sometimes).

My areas of interest are usually narrow and intense. Currently, I am primarily focused on my guitar and homework. I do little else and have little interest in anything else.

In addition, I feel uncomfortable looking people in the eyes. I can force it out of politeness if they are speaking, but I cannot look them in the eyes if I am speaking.

I also tend to fiddle with anything I have with me (a hoodie string, a book, a hair tie, etc.) whenever I visit my shrink.

I enjoy math and my grades stay near the top of the class. I also pick up on patterns and use them moreso than actual concepts in my thought process.

My handwriting is illegible if I do not put extra effort into it (resulting in wasting time and getting a hand cramp).

While I use more advanced vocabulary than most, my writing comes out a jumbled mess. I have issues with organizing my thoughts in writing.

I like keeping things orderly, such as always putting my name and the date on the top of my school papers and handouts. Messes disrupt my concentration, and I dislike being in a messy room. I also like having a schedule.

I have also been told to that I look upset, angry, or too serious all the time.

I have also been told that I seem to stare off into space, but I seem determined, as opposed to blank or daydream-y, when I do.

I remember useless facts, but forget important things. I have been told that I memorize lyrics quicker than most.

I also enjoy artistic things, such as drawing, painting, playing guitar, and listening to music. I have interest in almost anything music-related and almost every instrument.

I am also curious as to how many of those of you diagnosed with Asperger's experience Echolalia. I myself only seem to repeat commands when I am overwhelmed.

I sometimes repeat odd vocal patterns (such as those in some music, though I can't think of an example), words, or sayings.

Last edited by RosaliaVenetia on 14 Oct 2007, 9:02 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Welcome to WrongPlanet!

This is probably because he has very little understanding of AS, like most shrinks. It's ridiculous that they'll laugh and blow it off instead of actually listening to a person's valid reasons for believing that they have AS.

Well, he did ask me why I thought I had it first. I made a bad argument of it because I couldn't think straight to remember anything even remotely convincing.

Welcome to WP!

Tim

That's understandable, my mind always goes blank in situations like that. You should try again, but have notes with you to refer to so you don't forget the important things that you want to mention. You know yourself better than he knows you, you just have to figure out how to get him to understand the difficulties that you have.

Have you taken this test yet? http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html
If you score high on it you could print out the questions with your answers and results, and show them to your shrink. They could be a starting point for an in depth discussion.

Take the aspie test and then show him the results.

Nice to meet you, RosaliaVenetia.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Don't worry about diagnoses or what the shrink thinks. This place will offer you support and advice for anything.
Most people only understand autism from what they hear. That is, a symptom list, or the horrifying video "Autism Everyday".