Expert: Jene Aviram - 4/24/2010

Question
Hi,
 Is it possible to have a very mild form of autism that isn't as full blown as having all the symptoms of aspergers? I only ask because I see some of the symptoms in myself.
  Ever since I was young I was always shy child. I had trouble giving eye contact, introducing myself, and initiating conversations. I did most of this since I was shy. When I started school I would be so anxious I would end up crying for the first few hours. I was able to make friends like normal kids, but it isn't like i was a social butterfly.
   As I progressed, some of my social anxiety still lingers. I was able to give eye contact it just wasn't a natural thing. My mom would often remind me to do things that my other siblings would just naturally do. I also had bouts of obsessions with certain topics. Like in 5th grade when i was getting a puppy, most of what I talked or researched had to do with puppies. I was not just focused on the dog, but it was a main concern. Then in seventh grade I began to research twins. I would learn all this info on twins and tell my social studies teacher. Don't think I just talked about it all the time, it was more of an interesting thing to me.
 Recently in ninth grade we were assigned a research paper, which I picked twins for. I felt the need and interest to go very in depth and my paper wound up being 30 pages wen most kids were 10 pages.
  I also think it is pertinent to share that I have a moderate form of OCD since They grade that is being treated with antidepressants. My main symptoms presented with obsessions over school work. They are currently under control
   I also have been told that I am a bit insensitive in situations. I let out a quiet giggle in movies where a person has just died or another tragedy. I don't do this because I find it funny, it just happens. I am also very logical and can rationalize situations into having a solution I find appropriate that most would reject.
  I don't think I have aspergers, but do feel I possess low grade symptoms  It just seems like I lacked and eventually taught myself social norms. Like eye contact, shaking hands, saying socially appropriate things, and so on. So, what do you think about my behavior, could it be related to aspergers syndrome?
     Thanks for your help,
          Meghan

Answer
Hi Meghan,

The autism spectrum is huge.  It ranges from having severe challenges to where you are practically indistinguishable in most situations.  As the saying goes "If you know one person with autism then you know one person with autism."  To get a diagnosis of Aspergers you  have to meet a specific criteria.  In other words, you can have many traits associated with the disorder but you have to have "enough" of them to get a formal diagnosis. There is often a lot of overlap in characteristics with aspergers, adhd, ocd etc.

The label is not important.  It really serves as a tool to get someone the services they need. I think in your case that you're perhaps needing some validation about yourself.  But let me tell you this.  Diagnosis or not....  Your struggles with eye contact, social norms, anxiety and obsessions are real.  And you've had the ability to deal successfully with them.  And of lot of what you've accomplished is SELF TAUGHT.  Well that is remarkable and I take my hat off to you.  So many people would love to be in your shoes because they simply can't get through school with support and modifications and it's frustrating for them.

You did mention a lot of characteristics that is found in Aspergers such as the poor eye contact, obsessions, tunnel vision and special interests.  Inappropriate responses such as laughing in a movie after a tragedy is another hallmark.  I was very interested to hear this as I know a few children who do this and I would love to know the reason for it.  It sounds almost like nerves because of not knowing the appropriate response.

Something you might find interesting is the AQ test.  This was developed as a measure to see where you are on scale of normal to aspergers.  Here is the link http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html

Another website that you'll find of interest is http://www.wrongplanet.net/forums.html
This is a message board for all those who are on the spectrum and for those that think they might be.  Just reading some of these responses might make things a little clearer for you.  

In addition you can read the interviews on this site with people who have Aspergers and autism.  They answer questions about their childhood and you might be able to relate (or not.) http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-interviews.htm

Whether you qualify for a diagnosis or not is not so important.  What's important is for you to feel good about yourself.  You have LOTS of reasons to do so.  It sounds like you have achieved wonders with very little support on the social front.  You should be so proud.  Just reading your message made me feel proud of you.  You're doing incredibly well.  If you feel you need some additional supports then certainly go out and find them.  But never doubt yourself.  I can see that you have the ability to achieve whatever you want in your life.

I wish you much luck and great success.

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com