This is interesting. I was cruising the web and came across a test called the Autism Spectrum Quotient, a test which, according to Wikipedia, “aims to investigate whether adults of normal intelligence have symptoms of autism or one of the other autism spectrum conditions.”
The average person scores somewhere around 16 or 17. Additionally, “80% of adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders scored 32 or more, compared with only 2% of the control group.”
I scored a 31.
I still think that the intelligence barrier is a significant part of my difficulty, but this certainly introduces a new wrinkle that bears further investigation.
You can take the test here if you like: http://glennrowe.net/…
I took that test a few years ago….got something way over 30 myself. I even went to a couple of therapy sessions with someone who specializes in Asperger’s, until I decided that it’s just my personality and not just a disorder.
So what, I’m weird sometimes. People can deal.
Gifted people are often misdiagnosed with disorders they don’t have. Autism is a common one. It’s also possible that you are both Autistic and a genius at the same time.
Try reading “Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children and Adults”
There is an autism section.
And it will help you avoid being misdiagnosed with mental disorders and other nasties (happens to 25% of us!)