While reading this book I decided to go online and take the test to see if I have Asperger's since so many of the traits described in the book seemed to fit my personality. I scored a 31. A 32 is needed to be considered on the Asperger's Autism spectrum. I'm considered to be borderline. There are days I can really relate to the people in this book. To have a more accurate diagnosis I would have to go see a medical professional that knows more about Asperger's Syndrome, however I doubt I'll be doing that as I don't have Asperger's; only a few of the traits.
I have my quirks. I'll go around at night, several times before bed, making sure all the doors are locked even though my spouse has assured me they are locked. I can't sleep at night unless the bedding is just a certain way. Maybe it is just a simple case of OCD.
I have trouble looking in the eye those with authority though I really try. Sometimes I succeed but then I feel more like I'm an actress that is just faking her way through a role.
I wring my hands when I'm anxious. I never even though of it much until I read more about it. If I'm not wringing my hands I'm doing something with my hands like folding and unfolding and refolding a clean tissue until there isn't much left of it. To me it is just one of my quirks; a nervous habit.
I can go for days working on projects and just ignore life around me. Which truth be known isn't really a bad thing as I'm able to get quite a bit accomplished if I'm just left alone to my own devices. However, I can forget to take my medicine and eat. While my husband was deployed to Iraq I was alone. I finished a one year length college level course, non-credited, in about four months. I wouldn't say I was bored living alone but rather dedicated to my studies.
One of the things Asperger's people seem to dislike is being taken away from their routine. I have a routine that I like to stick to and I don't want to deviate from it if possible even when traveling. For me that isn't weird because I have physical limitations and eating at certain times and resting becomes necessary. I need a routine because I will forget to take medicine, sleep, eat, and go to appointments. Forgetfulness for me is part of having Fibromyalgia.
Click here for the Asperger's test.
The official criteria for Aspergers Syndrome is an AQ score greater than 32.
According to statistical analysis, 26 – 31 Is a borderline score. 86% of people with this score can be correctly classified as having Aspergers Syndrome.
This post was inspired by Raising Cubby: A Father and Son’s Adventures with Asperger’s, Trains, Tractors, and High Explosives by John Elder Robison. Parenting is a challenging job, but what challenges does a parent with Asperger's face? Join From Left to Write on March 12 as we discuss Raising Cubby. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.
