Self-Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome

The Autism Spectrum Quotient Identifies Autistic Traits in Adults

Oct 14, 2009 Melissa Hincha-Ownby

As awareness about autism spectrum disorders increases, a new trend is emerging: adults self-diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome.

Asperger’s Disorder was not officially added to the Diagnostics and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) until 1994, with the release of the DSM-IV. Prior to the inclusion of Asperger’s Disorder (also known as Asperger’s Syndrome), the only autism spectrum diagnosis available to clinicians was autistic disorder (which was added in 1987).

This lack of diverse diagnostic criteria led to a generation of children growing up with obviously Aspergic traits but no diagnosis. As the public began to learn more about the various autism spectrum disorders, many adults with these unique qualities began to self-diagnose themselves with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome

Autistic disorder, PDD-NOS, and Asperger's Syndrome share similar diagnostic characteristics. According to WebMd, symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome include social impairments, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and strict adherence to rituals and routines. However, individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome may not have experienced delays in language or cognitive development.

These symptoms may have left children with labels like odd, quirky, or socially aloof. Once Asperger’s Syndrome was added to the DSM-IV as a separate pervasive development disorder, clinicians were able to apply a diagnostic label to these children.

Quirky Adults

When information about Asperger’s Syndrome became more readily available, adults that were once considered quirky or that had received a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder may have been intrigued by the characteristics of individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Reading through a list of the common traits of Aspergic individuals, one may find himself nodding his head in agreement. To help in identifying the symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome in oneself, several online tools were created.

The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ Test)

While there may be several online Asperger’s Syndrome tests available, the Autism Spectrum Quotient is one of the most well respected tools. Simon Baron-Cohen, a noted Cambridge psychologist and expert in the field of Asperger’s Syndrome, created the AQ Test. Baron-Cohen operates the Cambridge Lifespan Asperger Syndrome Service, which is dedicated to meeting the needs of adults with Asperger’s Syndrome.

The AQ Test features 50 questions to help adults evaluate their own autistic traits. Questions on the test address a person’s social aptitude, repetitive behaviors, narrow interests, adherence to routines, and other traits common among adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. During the first trial period of the AQ Test, 80% of adults with an actual autism spectrum diagnosis recorded scores of 32 or higher.

While the AQ Test isn’t an actual diagnostic tool, many adults use this to help self-diagnose themselves with Asperger’s Syndrome. It is important to note that while the test may be helpful in identifying autistic traits, individuals that feel they may be on the autism spectrum should seek an evaluation by a professional experienced with adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

Source:

Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., & Clubley, E. The autism-spectrum quotient (aq): evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism males and females, scientists and mathematicians. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 31(1), 5-17.

The copyright of the article Self-Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome in Autism/Asperger's Syndrome is owned by Melissa Hincha-Ownby. Permission to republish Self-Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Adults May Self-Diagnose with Asperger’s Syndrome.