High Functioning Severe Autism.

Post Reply New Topic

I've wondered if I have severe autism with an above average IQ.
To explain better, as far as I can tell my differences are not noticeable to other people. I seem to be able to casually socialize with no problem and blend in.
At the same time I seem to have difficulties with things aspie's don't even have trouble with. I will give some examples.

My lack of empathy is severe. I cannot understand people often even when they explain.
I do not understand basic emotions. When people try to explain them I still do not understand.
I do not understand why people are emotional and sensitive.
I do not understand how people effect each others thoughts.
I do not comprehend why most people want the same things in life.
On facial expression tests I usually score below someone with classic autism.
I cannot comprehend what I read unless it is under a page and I read it a few times.
I have failed simple theory of mind tests and other basic tests.
I have trouble learning new things even when things are explained to me several times. For example something like burning a cd-r has took me years to learn while being explained probably 30 times.
My motor skills are badly impaired. To give an example most the resturants I frequently visit know to give me plastic cups and dishware.
I do have savant abilities in piano and music and excel in subjects such as abnormal sciences.

I'm also glad I am the way I am but I feel like the only sane person in a world that thinks I'm the crazy one.

It is entirely possible to have fairly severe autism and have an IQ that is well above normal; I do.

Regrettably, schizoid personality disorder is very difficult to treat.

think a lot of the blending in ability comes in with age. ASD is a developmental issue. With time and intelligence than an Aspie can learn enough to be able to pass as a NT to most people that you see in your average day.

In reality, I can only pass for 'seeming fairly high functioning' verbally, in my house. To others in public I appear moderately to severely impaired by my autism (for example my social skills are not there, except for waving or saying 'hi', that I have re-learned).

Professionals who work with special needs children have been shocked that I can write expressively very well and have difficulty believing it if they have not seen it themselves.

For sensory difficulty, it is in the severe-moderate range.
My IQ score (not intelligence) is below 80, Raven's higher at 83.

Rain Man compared to Mr. Bean (severe HFA to mild HFA).

Compare yourself to either of those, and you get a fairly accurate idea. I'm far closer to the latter, even if I have bits of the former.

You said you have schizophrenia, right? FYI, when it comes to stuff like that your autism can be very difficult to differentiate from your schizophrenia.

man it's just that most people are control freaks now...
i'm fine with people but look what has happened to society as a general - a huge mess
it needs to be fixed.