Hello, I am posting this as fast as I can before I chicken out. Long story short....I have been caring for a friend's difficult child. I became concerned as I got to know him that he might have an underlying condition, particularly as I noticed his behavior was actually quite predictably linked to communication issues and transition issues. As I learned about Aspergers, it seemed to fit so I suggested his mother learn more. I myself became curious as I read more about it and took a short online screening test using answers based on what I knew about this child just to see. The interesting thing was that I realized how many answers might apply to me. 'He' scored quite high. I was curious to try a longer test for myself and found one which was recommended on some google excerpt of a forum somewhere. Anyway, at first I laughed at some of the questions, then I got frustrated as I realized how many strange questions I identified with, remembering my childhood, teens, and young adulthood. Finally, I recruited my older children to help me answer a few just to make sure I wasn't subconciously trying to skew the results. I scored 133 out of 200 with the results suggesting I was most likely an 'Aspie'.
I identified with many characteristics in a mild way, a few strongly, and one or two seemingly major Aspergers characteristics that don't seem to be me at all. In particular, empathy. I have always felt that I was particularly gifted in that department, although occasionally I admit to disconnect. I am baffled though about the description and how I could be an Aspie when one of the main themes seems to be a lack of empathy.
I am quite scared to even read more on this forum, which is the main reason I am forcing myself to participate at least this far. One of the dominating problems in my life that I haven't discussed outright with anybody, ever, is my need to withdraw from online society, facebook, forums, emails for school and bills, and even from family and close friends, sometimes for long periods, usually starting in the late fall or early winter, often lasting till spring or summer. Although my stretches have been lengthening to the point that it has become extremely difficult to return to online social activity. I don't have a reason for this at all. Can't explain it. but I recognize it as a problem possibly related to other difficulties I have had throughout my life that I identify with characteristics of Aspergers, so here I am. Thanks in advance for helping me find clarification.
I identified with many characteristics in a mild way, a few strongly, and one or two seemingly major Aspergers characteristics that don't seem to be me at all. In particular, empathy. I have always felt that I was particularly gifted in that department, although occasionally I admit to disconnect. I am baffled though about the description and how I could be an Aspie when one of the main themes seems to be a lack of empathy.
I am quite scared to even read more on this forum, which is the main reason I am forcing myself to participate at least this far. One of the dominating problems in my life that I haven't discussed outright with anybody, ever, is my need to withdraw from online society, facebook, forums, emails for school and bills, and even from family and close friends, sometimes for long periods, usually starting in the late fall or early winter, often lasting till spring or summer. Although my stretches have been lengthening to the point that it has become extremely difficult to return to online social activity. I don't have a reason for this at all. Can't explain it. but I recognize it as a problem possibly related to other difficulties I have had throughout my life that I identify with characteristics of Aspergers, so here I am. Thanks in advance for helping me find clarification.
