Do I have AS?

[Frogging101]

I have been diagnosed with a few things, Depression (Confirmed to be wrong), AS and ADHD. I believed I had AS until today. I really like computers, I have a very strong interest in almost every aspect of them. I enjoy games, 3D modelling, learning programming, and all sorts of other stuff. My other interests have to do with science. I spend most of my 'free' time using computers, I built my own computer in September, and it is my main computer. I got in an argument today with my family over my use of the computer (no, it wasn't about sharing, as I have my own computer), it was because they were 'worried'. They think I use it too much. As a result, I performed a Google search containing the following:

Aspergers computer addiction

I got quite a few results about heavy computer use can 'cause' aspergers or very autism-like symptoms to appear. Is this propaganda crap or is it to be believed?

A few details:

- I have been interested in computers since the age of 4

- I do not sneak a laptop into bed and play games

- I use a personal laptop for most of my school assignments

- I don't pass on social events to spend more time on the computer, though my family believes this. I don't like social events because they can get awkward and people often ask stupid, inconsequential questions such as "How are you?", "Do you want something?".

I will update if I think of anything else, for now, please tell me what you think.

 

[Ruby_Aspergic]

I have AS AND a computer addiction, I am sure. I don't see how heavy computer use could cause enough symptoms to merit a diagnosis of full AS, even the symptoms caused by heavy computer use can mimic SOME of AS symptoms.

 

[Frogging101]

Thanks for the reply, if it makes any difference, I am 13 years old, diagnosed at around 10-11 years (hope I am not violating forum rules ). Could that have something to do with my diagnosis?

 

[Julio]

Do you love Pepsi? I love Pepsi. I wear Pepsi shirts to school and drink Pepsi soda only. If someone gives me a coca-cola I wont drink it.

 

[Ruby_Aspergic]

Have you looked at the diagnostic criteria for your country of origin? That might clear things up for you. You could always ask your doctor to clarify your diagnosis for you.

 

[Chris]

@The title: Yes, it's entirely possible you do have AS, if a psychological professional diagnosed you with it.

Funnily enough, I was in a similar situation to you when I was 13. I have the same interests in computers - programming, 3d modelling etc and I did spend too much time on the PC. Where we differ is where as you'd go to social events, I'd pass them to stay in on games etc. Also, I wasn't diagnosed with AS but suspected I had it - well that's not even true, I just felt I was never quite right and didn't suspect AS until more recently.

It's possible that you do have AS but it's just more mild or you're better adjusted to it than a lot of us.

In my opinion the only way computer usage would result in AS-like traits is through complete overuse and physical social isolation. In other words, you don't develop the necessary social skills in your childhood/teenage years to be able to function properly in society - I thought that was 'me' for a long time. With it probably holding some truth for me, the AS is still there.

Were you assessed privately or via your national health service? It can't hurt to has for some sort of follow-up if you have doubts.

 

[BruceCM_Aspergic]

Although I don't think heavy computer use can cause AS, it could mimic the problems. Inasmuch as you'd not be socialising, etc. As you find out more about AS, it'll probably become clearer to you whether you do have it or not.

 

[Willow]

I can see how it could make AS like symptoms appear...but only social and obsessional interest (only for the computer though). Obviously if you dedicate you life to being on your computer then you won't be going out and making the friends other people your age are making, and if you have missed all the social rules you learn from that because you were inside on your computer, then yeah...you'd have social difficulties. But you have to look at the diagnostic criteria and see how many things to can see in yourself, because if it's more than just social problems and obsessions then...you have it just because you have it.

 

[mikkyh]

The only thing I can see the computers having to do with AS is the obsession trait. Maybe that's why you're so obsessed with computers ?

Ask a doctor to clarify it for you. Your information says you're officially diagnosed. If you're unsure about this diagnoses...see another doctor to get it confirmed.

 

[Emor]

Well, all research(creditable[or do I have a bias ]) points to AS being pre-natal so no post-natal factors(i.e vaccinations, computer use, mercury) would result in spontaneously(I suppose it's not really spontaneous when it has a supposed causative agent[with no scientific evidence to imply that it is one]) developing Asperger's Syndrome.
However, I do think that social isolation, and a general lack of social interaction, would lead one to being socially inept.
My next door neighbours are like, hardcore Christians, and their children really have no idea how to act in a lot of social situations because their parents isolate them from any perceived negative influences, but I highly doubt they have 5(or w.e number they have) Autistic children.
If you are interested in computers and spend an excessive amount of time on them, and are rationalising why you spend that much time on(it's the people, not the computer), then it's possible you're just social isolation induced your perceived social awkwardness, but your social development/abilities, as such, are on par with your age. Thus being NT.
I don't know though. I think a lot of that applies to a couple of members here, my self possibly included(IMO I'm addicted to the computer, but I was never good at socialising and making friends way before we even got a computer, nm the internet, so idk).
In the end of the day would it really matter if you were born with it? You act AS, and AS diagnosis reflects your behaviour- keep it?
This is nothing but mere trivia regarding whether or not you were born with AS(we still don't know for sure that AS even exists, never mind whether or not it's pre- or post-natal), or because your behaviour at a reasonably young age lead to you having most AS traits.
Note: As you've probably assumed, I've got no qualifications in psychology, thus anything I say here should be clarified with a psychologist or someone with some sort of qualifications, etc. etc.
EMZ=]

 

[mikkyh]

Well, all research(creditable[or do I have a bias ]) points to AS being pre-natal so no post-natal factors(i.e vaccinations, computer use, mercury) would result in spontaneously(I suppose it's not really spontaneous when it has a supposed causative agent[with no scientific evidence to imply that it is one]) developing Asperger's Syndrome.
However, I do think that social isolation, and a general lack of social interaction, would lead one to being socially inept.
My next door neighbours are like, hardcore Christians, and their children really have no idea how to act in a lot of social situations because their parents isolate them from any perceived negative influences, but I highly doubt they have 5(or w.e number they have) Autistic children.
If you are interested in computers and spend an excessive amount of time on them, and are rationalising why you spend that much time on(it's the people, not the computer), then it's possible you're just social isolation induced your perceived social awkwardness, but your social development/abilities, as such, are on par with your age. Thus being NT.
I don't know though. I think a lot of that applies to a couple of members here, my self possibly included(IMO I'm addicted to the computer, but I was never good at socialising and making friends way before we even got a computer, nm the internet, so idk).
In the end of the day would it really matter if you were born with it? You act AS, and AS diagnosis reflects your behaviour- keep it?
This is nothing but mere trivia regarding whether or not you were born with AS(we still don't know for sure that AS even exists, never mind whether or not it's pre- or post-natal), or because your behaviour at a reasonably young age lead to you having most AS traits.
Note: As you've probably assumed, I've got no qualifications in psychology, thus anything I say here should be clarified with a psychologist or someone with some sort of qualifications, etc. etc.
EMZ=]

The debate about what causes AS is a very heated one...and it's been going on for ages. No one really 100% knows for sure what causes it. I myself believe I was born with it, because I have shown aspie traits since before I can remember.

And about the computer thing...I don't think that would have caused the AS but instead is sort of pointing towards the obsession trait. I'm the same, I've been obsessed with computers for a long time. But I don't think that that's what caused the AS.

I always love your posts.

 

[Emor]

Thanks Michael ^_^.
I think someone would should make a thread in the Serious Discussion thread about it.
I'm lazy.
But I might get around to it.
.
LOL.
EMZ=]

 

[Dani Evar]

Just as Classical Autism is, in itself, always PRE-NATAL, Asperger's is definitely PRE-NATAL. And so is Genius/Profound (often severe) Giftedness (any specific kind), although both (AS and Genius) are not necessarily identical (most often not), just as (no matter how freaky) an autistic savant is, by definition, not a genius (often due to an enigmatic lack of reflexive thinking and creativity).

'Smartness' (brightness) or simply 'being intelligent' (IQ), on the other hand, can be both pre-natal and post-natal.

 

[Google]

If you've been diagnosed with it you probably have it.

 

[TV-STAR]

I were diagnosed late because northampton wouldn't accept anything else were wrong with me alls were noted down as speech delayed, dyspraxic attention seeking little kid.

but when moved south west i were going to be kicked out of mainstream school due to my behavioural and learning problems and ended up at a specialist school at age 7 years old

i got proper diagnosis at age 14 but they went through ADD, X Fragile, ADD, Aspergers to finally autism. There is no evidence to show how it caused. there is no cause how i got mine either.

 

[xrobertxdavisx]

Not trying to hijack this thread but do alot of people with AS tend to be adicted to using the computer?

 

[Calvert]

I am. I see it as my main form of entertainment unless i'm with friends, which isn't often.