How can I tell if I am an Aspie?

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I read the wikipedia description of Aspergers once a while back and thought "omg, that is SOO me" however, I read it again today and there seems to be less information, or changed information. I have read a few threads here, and there are factors that I definitely display, and others that I do not. Here's a few, let's see if you "pro's" can make an informal diagnosis:


repetitive routines or rituals
I thought I had minor OCD for a while, nothing major or even externally noticeable, like finger-tapping and such

peculiarities in speech and language, such as speaking in an overly formal manner or in a monotone, or taking figures of speech literally
I am VERY professional/formal when speaking and especially typing, mainly as a byproduct of working in IT, but I frequently use big words when they are unnecessary.

socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior and the inability to interact successfully with peers
In middle school and the beginning of high school I had very few friends and was picked on a lot. In late high school I started to learn how people "worked" and was able to become quite popular. Now I am actually pretty good at dealing with people in social interactions.

problems with non-verbal communication, including the restricted use of gestures, limited or inappropriate facial expressions, or a peculiar, stiff gaze
My mother told me a few times that my teachers used to get freaked out by the way I would stare at them.

clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements
This does NOT describe me, I am usually very careful, I almost never drop important things (cell phone, drinks, etc) and I think I am actually pretty decent at playing sports, even though I have NO interest and never practiced or anything. I would say I am above average, in reference to motor skills, than most people who do not engage in sports-like activities.

difficulty falling asleep
This also does NOT describe me, I can fall asleep anywhere and anytime.

Obsessions
This is a big one for me, I have several:
Marilyn Manson - I have every album he has ever produced. Ever. And some books, too.
European cars - Specifically, Volkswagens. I even started a club, www.hatcitydubs.com
Computers - I am in the IT industry, mainly due to my obsession with computers
Driving - every corner has to be at maximum efficiency, taking into account traction, apex, vehicle dynamics, etc.

omg I just noticed how big this friggin' post is

oh yeah, I also frequently "mix up" words and make humorous/odd words with juxtapositions and adding prefixes and suffixes to words that don't have/need them. One quote I thought of the other day, while contemplating the current world-wide political situation: "We are all terra-ists" (get it?? terra meaning earth... we all live on earth!) yeah kinda dumb but a good example.

So, in your opinions, am I just "eccentric" or am I an aspie??

We really aren't in a position to accurately ascertain that.

What we can do, though, is point you towards some resources which can help you come to an answer. A good place to start may be to click here and take the Aspie Quiz at rdos.net. While it's not a definitive answer, it's a good place to start.

You should go see a doctor - internet quizes are full of crap

You can safely ignore TheZach bugging you to go see a doctor - it's one of his personal quirks, he does it to everybody, whether they need it or not, but we accept him for that. :)

Seeing a doctor is a possibility, though - as was told to me by Nan when I got here:

Why the number 26+? Isn't the cutoff listed by the creators of the test 32?

thanks for the link to the AQ test. i had not taken that before.

(got a 36)

I just took the test and got 46, but I couldn't believe it was that high so I took it again and got a 44 LOL

I'm tired (It's almost 3am), so I'm going to take it again tomorrow after some rest and see if it will score significantly different.

Another Idea is to consult a magic 8 ball - but its not that acurte.