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I signed up on this site because I was at one time diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, yet even here I feel out of place. I'm extremely intelligent(which isn't so out of place here), but my social skills are exemplary, I've never really had obsessive interests in the way that is common among Aspies, I have no particular loves or hatred towards textures, I read body language and facial expressions without fail, and my own are perfectly natural, and I feel many of the people here have problems that far exceed my own, which are glaringly non-existent. I know that these symptoms are merely broad generalizations of what Aspeger's is "supposed" to look like, and I know the Autistic Spectrum is absolutely huge, and I may simply be near the edge, but not enough so to be classified as neurotypical. Either my shrink misdiagnosed me, diagnosed me when a diagnosis was not needed, or thought I was just plain weird. Not sure exactly what point I'm trying to make, if any, but thoughts please?

That is very odd, yes. You'd really think they wouldn't diagnose someone with AS if they had normal social skills.

Possibilities:

1. You're very borderline AS, and you easily compensate.

2. Your psychologist was wrong--you weren't AS to begin with.

3. You're actually more AS than you think; you're just not good at evaluating yourself from the inside.

4. You were AS when you were diagnosed; but you've learned enough that you're not diagnosable anymore because it's no longer a significant impairment.

Each of these possibilities are very possible. lol Each one something to think about. And as it's 1am, they will be something to think about while i sleep. Thank you for your thoughts.

jamesp420: Most interesting....Sometimes ASD types can be too categorial, yes? Just because you do not necessarily fit every (or most) parameter doesn't mean you're not on the spectrum. For instance, I've read posts that read, in effect, "I cannot be ASD since I do have empathy...."

But those types are soft borders that define only variations of Asperger's and other Autistic Spectrum Disorders. I suppose I'm considered 'nice' and have been described as 'very sweet.' But I still have that Autistic innocence that renders me very vulnerable. I'm not unfeeling at all (who knows what NTs think of me though.....). I do not have the full range of emotions but then, neither does a child. Or an animal.

Empathy is the ability to put oneself in another place. This I do not possess. But I do have sympathy and compassion. Most certainly Lab Pet is HFA/AS. So your post gives insight in that you may not have the full-range of symptoms, but still the Dx.

Personally, I do think Aspies can have productive social relationships. Those whom I respect (and there are many) I have deep feelings for, as do many ASD individuals.

Without specficis, there are some members here who are, by self-report, only 'mildly afflicted.' And that's fine. Callista's words are truth too - as always.


edit: Also, as we all do, you've likely learnt to adapt.

If ASD's are a matter of brain wiring-how can someone become undiagnosable? It seems to me you are who you are despite your level of functioning. That's not a rhetorical question, I'm really curious about this.

I can remeber the first time I visited this place, I felt left out and uncomfortable, but after a while, I have got many online-friends here, I guess it's just an aspie thing to be uncomfortable like this at first

When you were younger, do you think you were as good reading body language and picking up on social cues? For me, it was definitely noticeable when I was young, but I "grew out" of the severity of most of my symptoms. I'm still an odd bird, but it's more manageable now than it was.

Diagnosed in the USA early childhood when the DX (in the States) was in it's infancy makes me think that the health care professionals might not have completly understood the DX in the first place. Mistakes in DX were bound to happen, nes't pas?

Whats your "AQ Test" score? You can find it online easily.
Also how old were you when diagnosed?

Quoting Jamesp420:

Another factor: We do learn to adjust/adapt - jamesp420, you are very adept. Which, of course, does not negate your Dx.

Many Aspies/HFAs DO interact well with others! Albeit differently (maybe) but nothing wrong with that, yes? You're probably right in that you may be more lightly effected by AS; that variance is normal too. For me, what I do is what matters and I would never purposely hurt anyone. Being conscientious is an asset but being a perfectionist is hard too since I continually disappoint myself.

Some AS individuals have 'soft signs' and their difference may not even be readily detectable - maybe you're in this category?

Is there anyone else in your family who is on the spectrum?

Have you thought about being re-evaluated? If the validity of your diagnosis is a concern to you, maybe you should seek a second opinion from someone with experience in diagnosing Autism. On the other hand, there are many very well informed members here on WP, who know as much if not more than many professionals, and maybe just spending time here interacting and reading posts will be sufficient to give you the answers you are looking for.
As long as you are not having any major issues that are impacting on the quality of your life.

In any case, I wish you well. Welcome to Wrong Planet.