Which autistic traits do you NOT have?

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My eye contact is mostly fine. But I've been told "you are staring" sometimes.

I don't have many noticeable stims.

I can read people well enough, I think.

I am pretty sociable when I wanna be. So people get the complete wrong idea about me.

I actually have too much eye contact I am told. But if I am talking with more than one person and another person tries to make eye contact suddenly that I am not looking at, it bothers me.

I can read non-verbal cues, well I do sometimes get them wrong I am told or I read stuff that really isn't there, but I get a lot right.

I know most figures of speech. I can pick up the tone of voice for sarcasm, but I don't use it myself.

I don't have alexythemia

I only have sensory issues when my diagnosed illness comes into play for some reason. Normally, my senses are just above average.

I just read a list of traits for females with AS, and unlike what it said appearance is a big deal for me. I love trying new things with makeup and making my hair perfect (maybe I go in the opposite direction back into Aspieness with that, lol, I tend to obsess over my bangs being [i]just right[/]) and I put a lot of time and thought into choosing outfits. f

Sarcasm is my mother tongue.

I don't have handwriting issues.

I read this list of traits, and I show just about all of them. The only things it seems I don't have is the inability to recognize faces (in fact I am better than average at it. I just took that Cambridge test and got 93%), and I have no problems with understanding jokes, in fact I love using sarcasm a lot, maybe too much.

From dunbots's list.

Repetitive routines or rituals-Not so much now, but when I was younger, yes

Can engage in tasks (sometimes mudane ones) for hours and hours-Only if it's a task I enjoy

Flat, or blank expression much of the time-No

Doesn't always recognize faces right away (even close loved ones)-Only if it's a person I haven't seen in a little while

Strong sensitivity to sound, touch, taste, sight, and smell (e.g. fabrics—won’t wear certain things, fluorescent lights)-Touch and taste but none of the others

Sensitivity to the texture of foods-Sort of

Eccentric personality-Not really
Attachment to inanimate objects-Well, my cat, but she's not "inanimate" and I don't have an attachment that would be consider "over the top"

Being "in their own world" / Preoccupied with their own agenda-A little

Highly gifted in one or more areas, e.g. math, music, etc-Not really

Single-mindedness-No

Likes and dislikes can be very rigid-Pretty much

Can spend hours in the library researching, loves learning and information-A little bit

May have difficulty staying in college despite a high level of intelligence-N/A

Limited interests / Intense focus on one or two subjects-A little, more than one or 2, I have about 5 or so, right now

Unusual preoccupations-No

Collects things-Yes, because of my "environment" special interest

Early in life they often have a speech impediment-I stutter, but only when nervous, anxious or excited

Clumsiness / Uncoordinated motor movements-A little

Speech and language peculiarities / hyperlexia-No

Non-verbal communication problems: difficulty reading body language, facial expression and tone-No

Word repetition (they may frequently repeat what you've just said)-Only before age 5

Excellent rote memory-Uh, sometimes

Desire for friendships and social contact but difficulty acquiring and maintaining them-Kind of, peers only

Shuts down in social situations-Only with peers

Social withdrawal / may avoid social gatherings-Again, only with peers

Lack of interest in other people-No

Lack of empathy at times-Sometimes

Difficulty understanding others’ feelings-Sort of

Can obsess about having friends to prove they’re “normal”-No

Rigid social behavior due to an inability to spontaneously adapt to variations in social situations-I don't know what that means

Has an urge to inform that can result in being blunt / insulting-Not really

Preoccupied with their own agenda-Often, but not all the time

Great difficulty with small-talk and chatter-Yes

Focus and diligence – The Asperger ability to focus on tasks for a long period of time without needing supervision or incentive is legendary-Yes, if I like the task

Internal motivation – as opposed to being motivated by praise, money, bills or acceptance. This ensures a job done with conscience, with personal pride-If I am interested in the task

Independent, unique thinking – people with AS tend to spend a lot of time alone and will likely have developed their own unique thoughts as opposed to a ‘herd’ mentality.-Yes, but I don't spend a lot of time alone, I spend time with people that don't worry about that stuff

Higher fluid intelligence – scientists in Japan have recently discovered that AS children have a higher fluid intelligence than non-autistic children. Fluid intelligence is "the ability to find meaning in confusion and solve new problems. It is the ability to draw inferences and understand the relationships of various concepts, independent of acquired knowledge. Experts say that those with AS have a higher than average general IQ as well-Not sure

Visual, three-dimensional thinking – some with AS are very visual in their thought processes, which lends itself to countless useful and creative applications-No

Attention to detail – sometimes with painstaking perfection-No

Honesty – the value of being able to say “the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes.”-Yes

Logic over emotion – although people with AS are very emotional at times, we spend so much time ‘computing’ in our minds that we get quite good at it. We can be very logical in our approach to problem-solving-No, I am always emotional

Meltdowns are my only "big trait'", I am beginning to wonder if I just have a mental disorder where you have meltdowns.

I dont have sensory issues

I dont have motor problems, its all pretty normal

I can read vocal cues fairly well

I dont really get meltdowns, I emotionally breakdown at times, its not as intense as ive seen people describe, I still have a lot of control over myself, I dont shut down.

Im emotional, I can sit around and talk about my emotions for hours, that seems to be an NT trait.

Im have got down small talk, I swear this one took me so far socially.

Overall, I have a lotta autistic symptoms their just very very mild. Like Im by no means NT even tho I sometimes like to think so.

From the list at Dunbot's link:

Personal / Physical

* Flat, or blank expression much of the time
* Doesn't always recognize faces right away (even close loved ones)
* Unusual preoccupations
* Collects things
* Early in life they often have a speech impediment

Social Interactions

* Lack of interest in other people

There are probably quite a few more that haven't crossed my mind. I've spent so much time looking for what I have I haven't given much thought to what I don't.

Lists are fun!

Repetitive routines or rituals
Yes.

Can engage in tasks (sometimes mudane ones) for hours and hours
Not so much hours. Half an hour max really.

Flat, or blank expression much of the time
Only in certain situations.

Doesn't always recognize faces right away (even close loved ones)
Yes.

Strong sensitivity to sound, touch, taste, sight, and smell (e.g. fabrics—won’t wear certain things, fluorescent lights)
Yes.

Sensitivity to the texture of foods
Yes.

Eccentric personality
I'm pretty sure. I'm kind of intense to be around at times.

Attachment to inanimate objects
Yes. A talking Dalek pull back toy. Who wouldn't be?

Being "in their own world" / Preoccupied with their own agenda
Yes

Highly gifted in one or more areas, e.g. math, music, etc
Find-a-words and Sudoku

Single-mindedness
Not always

Likes and dislikes can be very rigid
Yes.

Can spend hours in the library researching, loves learning and information
Definitely. However I spend hours in a library because I can barely track down one book even if I have exact location of it written down.

May have difficulty staying in college despite a high level of intelligence
Err...bit worried about the workload and suddenly getting over the course.

Limited interests / Intense focus on one or two subjects
Yep. Pretty much.

Unusual preoccupations
Eh? Maybe staring at common household items or ceilings, clouds, etc.

Collects things
A few Doctor Who collectibles...a bookshelf full.

Early in life they often have a speech impediment
Yeah mutism.

Clumsiness / Uncoordinated motor movements
Yep.

Speech and language peculiarities / hyperlexia
A little bit.

Non-verbal communication problems: difficulty reading body language, facial expression and tone
Tone I may be alright with. I can tell when different tone is used but I fail to appropriately identify the correct emotion with it. Facial expression...eh a bit better. Other body language I don't even notice.

Word repetition (they may frequently repeat what you've just said)
Yeah. It's not too repetitive but I notice it.

Excellent rote memory
The ADHD robs me of this. I remember some things.

Desire for friendships and social contact but difficulty acquiring and maintaining them
No desire except with rockstars. And yes much difficulty in acquiring and maintaining them.

Shuts down in social situations
Yes. Frequently.

Social withdrawal / may avoid social gatherings
Yeah.

Lack of interest in other people
Yeah.

Lack of empathy at times
Yeah at times.

Difficulty understanding others’ feelings
Delayed understanding I call it.

Can obsess about having friends to prove they’re “normal”
Again only with rockstars.

Rigid social behavior due to an inability to spontaneously adapt to variations in social situations
Is lining things up rigid? Flapping and staring out into space?

Has an urge to inform that can result in being blunt / insulting
Yes.

Preoccupied with their own agenda
Always

Great difficulty with small-talk and chatter
1 on 1 fine if I know them well but not so much around more people.

Focus and diligence – The Asperger ability to focus on tasks for a long period of time without needing supervision or incentive is legendary
Again ADHD robs me of this.

Internal motivation – as opposed to being motivated by praise, money, bills or acceptance. This ensures a job done with conscience, with personal pride
I call this 'kiss myself up the ass' motivation. Yes very strict on myself to follow tasks.

Independent, unique thinking – people with AS tend to spend a lot of time alone and will likely have developed their own unique thoughts as opposed to a ‘herd’ mentality.
Yes.

Higher fluid intelligence – scientists in Japan have recently discovered that AS children have a higher fluid intelligence than non-autistic children. Fluid intelligence is "the ability to find meaning in confusion and solve new problems. It is the ability to draw inferences and understand the relationships of various concepts, independent of acquired knowledge. Experts say that those with AS have a higher than average general IQ as well
IQ is average but the rest sounds like me.

Visual, three-dimensional thinking – some with AS are very visual in their thought processes, which lends itself to countless useful and creative applications
Yes.

Attention to detail – sometimes with painstaking perfection
Yep in pictures and sound.

Honesty – the value of being able to say “the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes.”
Yes.

Logic over emotion – although people with AS are very emotional at times, we spend so much time ‘computing’ in our minds that we get quite good at it. We can be very logical in our approach to problem-solving
Yes, emotions are silly things.

Also, bad at math.
I think I'm ok with talking to people. Sometimes I barely say a thing and other times I do get a few things. Sometimes it's impulsive and rude, other times those people I am talking to are equally as rude and will laugh along with me.

I can be very sarcastic and I have a sense of humour although it is a little unusual I think.

Also don't flap my hands I don't think.

But I do have a lot of stereotypical autistic symptoms/behaviors but it's not that bad to be honest. Eye contact is a major distraction for me, I repeat words mentally and occasionally repeat what someone says involuntarily but it's all still kind of subtle I think. I remember being in ROTC and rocking while talking with the colonel maybe b/c i was nervous, felt natural to me but I remember getting a rather strange look from him. I really do a lot of autistic things but I still don't think it's that bad to be honest, most people think I'm just a "slow thinker" and a little awkward but my IQ is pretty high. Just wish I would have known that I had ASD sooner, would have gone to school for engineering if at all. Sorry for the digression/rant.

Repetitive routines or rituals

I like routine. But it isn't a major issue.

Can engage in tasks (sometimes mudane ones) for hours and hours

ONLY if it is interesting in some way.

Flat, or blank expression much of the time

Yup. Except when I am talking about something interesting to me.

Doesn't always recognize faces right away (even close loved ones)

Some of this, especially if I see a person outside of the context where they are most familiar to me.

Strong sensitivity to sound, touch, taste, sight, and smell (e.g. fabrics—won’t wear certain things, fluorescent light)

Mild sensory issues. Loud rooms full of people get to me pretty quick. I can't fall asleep if my wife is touching me (like laying her arm across me or even barely touching my foot with hers).

Sensitivity to the texture of foods

Nope

Eccentric personality

Absolutely yes

Attachment to inanimate objects

Nope

Being "in their own world" / Preoccupied with their own agenda

Huh? There's another universe other than mine?

Highly gifted in one or more areas, e.g. math, music, etc

Yes. Or so I'm told.

Single-mindedness

Sometimes very single minded.

Likes and dislikes can be very rigid

Somewhat

Can spend hours in the library researching, loves learning and information

My idea of heaven

May have difficulty staying in college despite a high level of intelligence

Never was able to finish my undergraduate degree. Tried for about 10 years.

Limited interests / Intense focus on one or two subjects

I've had a life long obsession with fixing myself. It has genuinely been a singular interest. Imagine my surprise when I determined I am on the spectrum and the inconvenient fact that autism can't be fixed. Several other areas of less intense interest are present.

Unusual preoccupations

I don't think so. Does living at Wrong Planet count?

Collects things-

No

Early in life they often have a speech impediment

No. Problems initiating and sustaining conversation.

Clumsiness / Uncoordinated motor movements

Sometimes. When focused on movement I can be very coordinated. When not, I bump into walls.

Speech and language peculiarities / hyperlexia

Yes. Professorial, pedantic and overly complex when trying to express something meaningful to me. Goofy and and bizarrely non-linear when in 'normal' conversation mode.

Non-verbal communication problems: difficulty reading body language, facial expression and tone

Yes. I can't read real time social information worth crap.

Word repetition (they may frequently repeat what you've just said)

No

Excellent rote memory

No. Terrible at this.

Desire for friendships and social contact but difficulty acquiring and maintaining them

Definitely

Shuts down in social situations

Yes

Social withdrawal / may avoid social gatherings-

Yes

Lack of interest in other people

Yes

Lack of empathy at times

Yes

Difficulty understanding others’ feelings

Yes

Can obsess about having friends to prove they’re “normal”

No

Rigid social behavior due to an inability to spontaneously adapt to variations in social situations

Yes

Has an urge to inform that can result in being blunt / insulting

Yes

Preoccupied with their own agenda

Often, but not all the time

Great difficulty with small-talk and chatter

Yes

Focus and diligence – The Asperger ability to focus on tasks for a long period of time without needing supervision or incentive is legendary

Proportional to the square of my interest level. Or maybe the cube.

Internal motivation – as opposed to being motivated by praise, money, bills or acceptance. This ensures a job done with conscience, with personal pride

Absolutely

Independent, unique thinking – people with AS tend to spend a lot of time alone and will likely have developed their own unique thoughts as opposed to a ‘herd’ mentality.

Definitely

Higher fluid intelligence – scientists in Japan have recently discovered that AS children have a higher fluid intelligence than non-autistic children. Fluid intelligence is "the ability to find meaning in confusion and solve new problems. It is the ability to draw inferences and understand the relationships of various concepts, independent of acquired knowledge. Experts say that those with AS have a higher than average general IQ as well

Yes, I think. I have trouble sometimes processing new information, but once I've got it inside my head and integrated with my thoughts, I have a a way of linking disparate ideas

Visual, three-dimensional thinking – some with AS are very visual in their thought processes, which lends itself to countless useful and creative applications

Yes

Attention to detail – sometimes with painstaking perfection

Yes

Honesty – the value of being able to say “the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes

Absolutely

Logic over emotion – although people with AS are very emotional at times, we spend so much time ‘computing’ in our minds that we get quite good at it. We can be very logical in our approach to problem-solving

Very much so

Ooh, I wanna do mine this way too, cuz I like lists:

Repetitive routines or rituals

Absolutely. My daily tasks are all done in the same way and order.

Can engage in tasks (sometimes mundane ones) for hours and hours

What is considered mundane? I can look at stuff on the internet for up to 10 hours a day, if it has to do with an interest of mine. Also, if I am doing a craft, I can spend half a day doing that.

Flat, or blank expression much of the time

NO.

Doesn't always recognize faces right away (even close loved ones)

NO.

Strong sensitivity to sound, touch, taste, sight, and smell (e.g. fabrics—won’t wear certain things, fluorescent light)

Medium-level sensitivity. I cut all of the tags out of clothes, I cannot bear being outside in hot weather, fluorescent lights make me feel dizzy and tired, sudden loud noises make me jump etc.

Sensitivity to the texture of foods

Yes. I am a very picky eater.

Eccentric personality

To a degree.

Attachment to inanimate objects

Yes. Especially my iPod.

Being "in their own world" / Preoccupied with their own agenda

All of the time.

Highly gifted in one or more areas, e.g. math, music, etc

I don't know about "highly" gifted. But I'm told I am gifted at writing.

Single-mindedness

Yes.

Likes and dislikes can be very rigid

Yes.

Can spend hours in the library researching, loves learning and information

Absolutely.

May have difficulty staying in college despite a high level of intelligence

Opposite for me. I didn't wanna leave college cuz I didn't know how to function in an adult world.

Limited interests / Intense focus on one or two subjects

At times. Other times I feel aimless cuz I have no interest in anything,

Unusual preoccupations

Again, at times, I become obsessed with certain ideas.

Collects things-

As a child, I used to collect erasers. Now, I do tend to collect music, just for it be part of a collection. Half of the music I own I've never even listened to.

Early in life they often have a speech impediment

NO.

Clumsiness / Uncoordinated motor movements

Yes, I always trip down stairs and cut myself when cutting vegetables. I have a fear of knives.

Speech and language peculiarities / hyperlexia

Talking too much, non-linear conversation. I've also been told my accent is strange and my voice goes up at the end of sentences.

Non-verbal communication problems: difficulty reading body language, facial expression and tone

Sometimes. But I have been studying people for a long time, so I think I am okay at it.

Word repetition (they may frequently repeat what you've just said)

If the word sounds cool, yes.

Excellent rote memory

NO.

Desire for friendships and social contact but difficulty acquiring and maintaining them

Yes.

Shuts down in social situations

Sometimes.

Social withdrawal / may avoid social gatherings-

Yes.

Lack of interest in other people

Most people bore me.

Lack of empathy at times

Yes.

Difficulty understanding others’ feelings

Yes.

Can obsess about having friends to prove they’re “normal”

No, I don't care.

Rigid social behavior due to an inability to spontaneously adapt to variations in social situations

To a degree. I cannot be spontaneous.

Has an urge to inform that can result in being blunt / insulting

Yes.

Preoccupied with their own agenda

Yes.

Great difficulty with small-talk and chatter

No, but I find it very tiring.

Focus and diligence – The Asperger ability to focus on tasks for a long period of time without needing supervision or incentive is legendary

Yes.

Internal motivation – as opposed to being motivated by praise, money, bills or acceptance. This ensures a job done with conscience, with personal pride

Yes. I don't care about making lots of money.

Independent, unique thinking – people with AS tend to spend a lot of time alone and will likely have developed their own unique thoughts as opposed to a ‘herd’ mentality.

Yes.

Higher fluid intelligence – scientists in Japan have recently discovered that AS children have a higher fluid intelligence than non-autistic children. Fluid intelligence is "the ability to find meaning in confusion and solve new problems. It is the ability to draw inferences and understand the relationships of various concepts, independent of acquired knowledge. Experts say that those with AS have a higher than average general IQ as well

I can't understand this idea, so probably NO!

Visual, three-dimensional thinking – some with AS are very visual in their thought processes, which lends itself to countless useful and creative applications

Yes.

Attention to detail – sometimes with painstaking perfection

Too much so.

Honesty – the value of being able to say “the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes

Way too much.

Logic over emotion – although people with AS are very emotional at times, we spend so much time ‘computing’ in our minds that we get quite good at it. We can be very logical in our approach to problem-solving

No. I am too emotional.

I'm not good with maths.

I did not have early or late speech acquisition.

I'm not an encylopedia. I do not remember lists of facts on my interests. It's more like thinking about and spending time with them like you would with people.

I do not think visually or in pictures.

I think I've had mostly all main traits in some situation or time in my life to some degree, sad but true. I will look at at a trait and think I do not have it but then some example comes to mind where I've been accused of such or it has got me into trouble.

1. Repetitive routines or rituals.

Sometimes.

2. Can engage in tasks (sometimes mudane ones) for hours and hours?

Yes.

3. Flat, or blank expression much of the time?

When I am not talking to people, it's a blank expression or a frown unless I make sure I grin which I often do, on purpose. I learnt to become aware of the need to make a conscientious effort to smile. When I am talking to people, I am over-animated in expression and gestures. It's like going from being switched off to on. Someone flicks my animation switch when I talk.

4. Doesn't always recognize faces right away (even close loved ones)?

I recognize faces but might tune people out. If I am in my car and a friend sees me and waves I almost never see them and they get aggravated at me for not noticing them or waving back.

5. Strong sensitivity to sound, touch, taste, sight, and smell (e.g. fabrics—won’t wear certain things, fluorescent lights). Sound, especially. Can hear things before others do. Since I have been wearing sunglasses, am sensitive to sunlight.

6. Sensitivity to the texture of foods?

Definitely. Pasta must be al dente!

7. Eccentric personality?

Emphatically yes!

8. Attachment to inanimate objects?

Like a house? Probably. I think I am too attached to my home. I feel so comfortable there I like to stay.

9. Being "in their own world" / Preoccupied with their own agend.

Absolutely! Without a doubt. Everyday, nearly.

10. Highly gifted in one or more areas, e.g. math, music, etc.

Somewhat. I have surprised people with my capabilities in the past in several areas. Don't know if this counts as gifted.

11. Single-mindedness?

Affirmative.

12. Likes and dislikes can be very rigid?

When I don't want to do something, I have a difficult time doing it, if that's the same as being rigid in dislikes and likes.

13. Can spend hours in the library researching, loves learning and information?

Most certainly. I'm a studier.

14. May have difficulty staying in college despite a high level of intelligence?

To a point, depending on what the subjects are. Did great in some, abysmally in others. Not doing well in certain subjects does effect the ability to finish a degree.

15. Limited interests / Intense focus on one or two subjects?

I choose my own interests and can get really involved in a subject once I'm interested in it.

16. Unusual preoccupations?

Not sure...

17. Collects things?

Only little things, like antique keys, that don't take up a lot of space. I dislike clutter.

18. Early in life they often have a speech impediment?

Yes, but had surgery and outgrew it.

19. Clumsiness / Uncoordinated motor movements?

Yes.


20. Speech and language peculiarities?

Very slight. Been told I sound snobbish when I speak.

21. Non-verbal communication problems: difficulty reading body language, facial expression and tone?

Only sometimes. I have improved in this area.

22. Word repetition (they may frequently repeat what you've just said)?

I do this.

23. Excellent rote memory?

When I was toddler aged, I memorized books, songs, tapes, numbers. My memory was really good but got worse as I got older.

24. Desire for friendships and social contact but difficulty acquiring and maintaining them?

Easy come, easy go is my motto.

25. Shuts down in social situations?

Frequently.

26. Social withdrawal / may avoid social gatherings?

Even more frequently than shutting down...

27. Lack of interest in other people?

All too often.

28. Lack of empathy?

It depends.

29. Difficulty understanding others’ feelings?

It depends.

30. Can obsess about having friends to prove they’re “normal”?

Definitely not.

31. Rigid social behavior due to an inability to spontaneously adapt to variations in social situations?

Probably.

32. Has an urge to inform that can result in being blunt?

Yes. I want to be the one who is the first to inform.

33. Preoccupied with their own agenda?

A great deal of the time.

34. Great difficulty with small-talk and chatter?

Can respond to small talk in a dull, terse way. I have the most trouble with in-person banter.

35. Focus and diligence – The Asperger ability to focus on tasks for a long period of time without needing supervision or incentive is legendary...

It depends on if I am interested in it or not. I have a hard time with mundane, boring studies.

36. Internal motivation – as opposed to being motivated by praise, money, bills or acceptance. This ensures a job done with conscience, with personal pride.

I have a difficult time understanding why people are so money oriented...

37. Independent, unique thinking – people with AS tend to spend a lot of time alone and will likely have developed their own unique thoughts as opposed to a ‘herd’ mentality.

Indubitably!

38. Higher fluid intelligence – scientists in Japan have recently discovered that AS children have a higher fluid intelligence than non-autistic children. Fluid intelligence is "the ability to find meaning in confusion and solve new problems. It is the ability to draw inferences and understand the relationships of various concepts, independent of acquired knowledge. Experts say that those with AS have a higher than average general IQ as well...

Perhaps.

39. Visual, three-dimensional thinking – some with AS are very visual in their thought processes, which lends itself to countless useful and creative applications...

Perhaps.

40. Attention to detail – sometimes with painstaking perfection?

At tiiiiiimes...

41. Honesty – the value of being able to say “the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes?"

It depends on the situation.

42. Logic over emotion – although people with AS are very emotional at times, we spend so much time ‘computing’ in our minds that we get quite good at it. We can be very logical in our approach to problem-solving.

I can be logical