High functioning Aspergers VS Matter-Of-Factly Introvertion

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Hey there,

I was diagnosed with ASD, however I find it hard to trust the diagnosis questionnaire, it sounds more like a personality test for introversion. I suspect any introverted, logical, slightly socially anxious person who is good at math and memorizing info will test positive for Aspergers. Has anyone else felt that they are over-diagnosing Aspergers to those who are just introverted, logical, organized, and shy in nature?

I am all of those things, but I also am unable to understand people, deal with emotions, and cope with stimuli to the extent that people generally can. In general, I cannot really cope with everyday life to an appropriate degree. I believe that, whilst presentation may be similar, there is a difference.

It confuses me too. There are some people with social anxiety (I have read blogs online) who get exhausted after socialising, and even I don't have that symptom (and I have both AS and social anxiety).

But there's more to AS than just the social introversion. Well, some Aspies can be very talkative and loud. But there are other symptoms of AS besides social awkwardness.

A bit like ADHD. There is a difference between an extroverted kid with a hyper sort of personality, and a kid with ADHD. Some people with ADHD can be shy and lack friendships. People seem to look upon ADHD as "the most popular kid in class".

I don't. You need to fit the criteria to test positive. That's things like restricted repetitive behaviour, social communication impairments, clinically significant impairment to functioning - none of what you've just said fits any part of the criteria, so they wouldn't test positive.

I suspect that some people can genetically be better at math than others. Asperger's may enhance that ability, but not all geniuses have it. I suspect that most are though.

There is also the factor that many geniuses are (due to their advanced capabilities) given little time to develop social skills (accelerated studies from primary school etc.). They are also sometimes perceived only through their special abilities - development of other abilities, including social skills, is seen as secondary. Just a thought.

From everything I've read here, it's actually pretty hard for an adult to get a diagnosis. You really have to present in a clinically significant way to have a doctor sign off on it. The "INTJ" personality type you describe doesn't necessarily also have the sensory sensitivities, social blindness, and executive dysfunction of an autistic. Being neurotic and shy doesn't cause major impairments or keep a person from reaching their goals.

The thing is I have not sensory sensitivities except motion sickness; I have no problems making friends in elementary school before my family gets very messy; and I have always had good planning skills and I am good at carrying out a task without getting too worked up on details. I don't really have all the traits of Aspergers except difficulty to read/respond to others' emotions, and I wonder how I can test positive with only that trait.