Which Autism Subtype Are You? Version 2

Post Reply New Topic

So, this was inspired by a recent paper which used machine learning to identify 4 autism subtypes.

Below is my sketch version with names for the four subtypes, plus I've added some intermediate ones for those on the boundaries. Apologies if the naming offends, I tried to use words that we or others already use about us, it's just intended as a bit of fun.

Which subtype are you?



For those interested, here is a more detailed summary of the types in the paper:
Subgroup 1:
From the text: Above average verbal IQ + High connectivity in verbal IQ network + abnormally low connectivity in language processing areas.
Also, from the charts: impairments in social affect and RRB.

Subgroup 2:
From the text: Below average verbal IQ + Low connectivity in verbal IQ network + abnormally high connectivity in language processing areas. Plus many individual differences in aspects of IQ.
Also, from the charts: impairments in social affect and RRB.

Subgroup 3:
From the text: High social affect symptoms + high connectivity in social affect networks + low RRB symptoms.
Also, from the charts: Abnormally low connectivity in RRB networks? + average to above verbal IQ.

Subgroup 4:
From the text: Low social affect symptoms + abnormally low connectivity in social affect networks + high RRB symptoms + high connectivity in RRB networks.
Also, from the charts: Average verbal IQ.

Summarised in my own words by principal traits, with a few inferences, these are:
Type 1 = high IQ except language processing, may be stimmy
Type 2 = low verbal IQ (or very spiky IQ profile)
Type 3 = more socially impaired (+may have sensory issues?)
Type 4 = more restricted/repetitive behaviours (obsessive interests, rigid schedules?)

I've gone with "aspie" for myself.

This is because, although I do have social impairments and repetitive behaviours, they don't seem to be as bad as for some on this site. And I have mostly high IQ (though my auditory processing, and processing speed in general, is really really bad).

Type 3 and 4, I guess?

Types 3 and 4 don't overlap, sorry!
Can you choose one based on which is worse for you, the repetitive behaviours or the social impairments?

If your social issues are mainly in verbal area, you could go with Type 2/4 "Classic".
Or if you have severe social impairment, and your repetitive behaviours are mainly related to sensory sensitivities, that might put you Type 3 "alien".

Then I guess I don't fit any of the subtypes. lol

Maybe I should add a "super-autistic" subtype which combines all of them?!

I was thinking 3 but maybe 1. I don't have a lot of RRB unless I'm just thinking of it wrong. I do have strong special interests, if that points to RRB.

I have social impairment, and I consider it my main problem but I kind of think it's referring to really severe social impairment.

So maybe 1?

Ooooh I wanna be the Super Sub!!




I was thinking Type 3, even on this new thread, because my social is really bad.
Then I noticed Type 3 doesn't have much sensory or RRB.
It also bugged me being attached to Aspie / Type 1.
I don't see myself as Aspie at all, even though I'm sensitive.
So, cross out Type 3.


Then I looked at Type 4 because it has higher RRB.
But it doesn't mention Social, and it's still attached to Aspie.
I don't feel like an expert on anything either.
So, cross out Type 4.



There's no way I'm Type 1.



That left Type 2, which I hadn't really looked at before.
I definitely have a spiky IQ profile.
I'm disconnected.
I'm classic.
It doesn't mention RRB but it's connected to Type 4.
It doesn't mention Social, but it's connected to Type 3.



Therefore, I hereby pronounce myself a Second Class Sub Unicorn.





Really though, Mrs Peel -- The work you've done on this article is outstanding.
I think your next step (our next step?) (someone's next step?) is to contact the authors and direct them to this thread so they can see how much their paper confused all of us, and also see the results of your tedious yet fulsome effort. I bet they'd be fascinated to know how their study has been received in real time, by brilliant autistic minds like your own.

Big hugs and thanks for all your hard work!

Thanks Isabella looks like you're our first "unicorn"

Let's see how this plays out, and whether enough of us can fit ourselves into a category. If lots of people say "nope, I don't fit anywhere", that will suggest the subtypes are bunk (But still fun to consider)

By the way, pure Types 3 and 4 are not connected to Type 1, so you can be a Type 3 without being connected to aspies. Just I allowed an overlap between Types 1 and 3 as the subtype "Sensitive" in case some people felt they fell on the boundary.

I've changed the polling to allow for re-voting in case anyone changes their mind where they fit.

Type 2 at most certainty.
Yet doesn't lean much to neither types 3 and 4 at the same time.

Although I can attest that while I'm an alien and too sensitive, I'm not disconnected or have notable social issues (unless I'm not thinking straight or dysregulated).

Maybe closer to classic and the expert if I tried, yet also not a shaman...
Yet and also definitely not a type 1 at the same time.

Gained Number Post Count (1).
Lose Time (n).

Lose more time here - Updates at least once a week.

I think I'm 1/3 "sensitive". I have a fairly large vocabulary, stim a lot, have sensory issues. RSD. I tend to take everyone literally (unless I know something is a metaphor).

I may not fit to any of these profiles, I think that I might be the closest to subtype 1 or 3, but (rather) not 1/3.

I am pretty "neurotypical" for a person who was diagnosed with AS, but I am obviously debilitated in adult life. Religion is the hardest area for me. I am very impaired in areas like working or earning money. I have no driving license and I have never been in a romantic relationship. I am very "weird" in addition, of course.

I just can't choose whether restricted behaviours or social impairments affect me "more" because honestly they both f**k up my life by a large margin. It's also not like I'm "super autistic" or anything either just for being affected by two common, non-mutually exclusive problems from being on the spectrum. lol

Type 1, definitely, possibly with "sensitive" leanings.