The new guy I met scored a 30 on the Aspie quiz. (For some reason, the link code isn't working for this address: http://www.okcupid.com/tests/1982215450153908026/Asperger's-Syndrome) Yay. He asked if that was bad, and I said "I much prefer it over a 20 or lower. People too different from me in that respect don't sit well with me." I have an intuitive sense of that spectrum, I believe.
I'm currently having my closest friends take it to see how true that statement is. I'd wager none are at or below average level (16.4, whereas I got a 37). I don't take it too seriously, but it's fun and more reliable than your average internet quiz, being based on legitimate research.
Irina scored lowest of all so far at 17. She said, "the test asked a lot about social situations and you know how social i am hehe i guess in that respect you tend to be social too but not always?"
So I told her I'm very social but not as smoothly skilled as she. Honestly, I think part of her appeal to me is being able to relate on some levels yet having exposure to her differences on other levels so that I can get into a "normal" state of mind in social contexts, which is often more functional. In turn, I shy away from working with autistic populations because I don't want to slip into bad old habits again and make them too acceptable in my mind. I've worked hard to look this normal when I'm out and about acting extroverted! I may blend right in, but it tires me easily because of the extra effort. That's why, when I'm physically tired (and not craving company), the first thing to go is my will to socialize while all kinds of systematizing patterns in my head remain.
As a clarification, this is not how I define my identity. Some people on the internet do that, and I find it lame. I could no more define myself by this than someone defining herself based on a need for corrective lenses. "I'm a near-sighted person, and that's who I am." Umm, no, it's just a detail of your functioning.
I'm currently having my closest friends take it to see how true that statement is. I'd wager none are at or below average level (16.4, whereas I got a 37). I don't take it too seriously, but it's fun and more reliable than your average internet quiz, being based on legitimate research.
Irina scored lowest of all so far at 17. She said, "the test asked a lot about social situations and you know how social i am hehe i guess in that respect you tend to be social too but not always?"
So I told her I'm very social but not as smoothly skilled as she. Honestly, I think part of her appeal to me is being able to relate on some levels yet having exposure to her differences on other levels so that I can get into a "normal" state of mind in social contexts, which is often more functional. In turn, I shy away from working with autistic populations because I don't want to slip into bad old habits again and make them too acceptable in my mind. I've worked hard to look this normal when I'm out and about acting extroverted! I may blend right in, but it tires me easily because of the extra effort. That's why, when I'm physically tired (and not craving company), the first thing to go is my will to socialize while all kinds of systematizing patterns in my head remain.
As a clarification, this is not how I define my identity. Some people on the internet do that, and I find it lame. I could no more define myself by this than someone defining herself based on a need for corrective lenses. "I'm a near-sighted person, and that's who I am." Umm, no, it's just a detail of your functioning.