Have Trouble Connecting With Other Humans?

Bosnian_CowboyBosnian_Cowboy Join Date: 2003-06-07 Member: 17088Members, Constellation
edited September 2003 in Off-Topic
<div class="IPBDescription">Asperger's Syndrome</div> Are you nervous of talking to other people because you tend to receive reactions you don't understand? Do you have trouble expressing your emotions to other people? Having trouble making eye contact?

<a href='http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html' target='_blank'>http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/as...pergers_pr.html</a> - You guys would probably have an easier time understanding this article above the rest (the dork connection <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->). Scroll down for the AQ test. Post your scores and your reactions here.

<a href='http://users.wpi.edu/~trek/aspergers.html' target='_blank'>http://users.wpi.edu/~trek/aspergers.html</a>
<a href='http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html' target='_blank'>http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html</a>
<a href='http://www.asperger-syndrome.com/diagnosis.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.asperger-syndrome.com/diagnosis.htm</a>

I guess this will help with diagnosis. I also should mention that I read somewhere that the difficulty in noticing social cues could just manifest itself when in a group.

I did a school research paper on this. I'm not sure if I have it, I scored 33 on the AQ test but I haven't gotten a therapist to diagnose me so I won't say I have it.
«13

Comments

  • TenSixTenSix Join Date: 2002-11-09 Member: 7932Members
    I got a 31, likely because I embellished on some questions... but also because other questions were very vague:

    <!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I find it easy to work out what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Sometimes I can, other times I will try to analyze them but quickly realize there are many major and minor factors that may influence their gestures and therefor because I do not have enough information, I cannot truly determine their feelings.

    I don't find the results too surprising, sometimes I am a very sociable person and other times I would rather just get away from large crowds. Im not great with meeting people for the first time, I always make some minor slip up or simply have a conversation thrust on me so fast that I can't think of anything to say. And I am a perfectionist at social interaction, so later I look back at my slip ups and slap myself on the head for being so stupid.

    I am also an aspiring electrical engineer, which could potentially be the reason I write out tremendously long analytical posts about simple subjects and questions. And also the reason I am easily bothered when people don't immediatly give me the info I need or don't get to the point (I'm an engineer, gimme the damn facts not fluff!).
  • MerkabaMerkaba Digital Harmony Join Date: 2002-01-24 Member: 22Members, Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester
    I scored 35, so in the 'possibly autistic' range. I believe I am mildly autistic or aspergic, as a lot of the stuff I read applies to me (although less so now that I'm older).
  • Bosnian_CowboyBosnian_Cowboy Join Date: 2003-06-07 Member: 17088Members, Constellation
    edited September 2003
    Remember to go through all links and maybe even find some more on your own before you decide if you are or if you're not.

    Edit: A visit to your local therapist is good, too.
  • MelatoninMelatonin Babbler Join Date: 2003-03-15 Member: 14551Members, Constellation
    edited September 2003
    wow, yet another condition which describes me pretty accurately... but then maybe im just a hypocondriac.
    interesting stuff tho..

    *edit* 29
  • KeitaroSempaiKeitaroSempai Join Date: 2003-06-04 Member: 17003Members
    I got a 12.

    I like talking to people I don't know.
  • ZigZig ...I am Captain Planet&#33; Join Date: 2002-10-23 Member: 1576Members
    edited September 2003
    12.

    edit: <!--QuoteBegin--KeitaroSempai+ Sep 3 2003, 01:34 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (KeitaroSempai @ Sep 3 2003, 01:34 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I got a 12.

    I like talking to people I don't know. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    w00t for socializing.
  • DuoTheGodOfDeathDuoTheGodOfDeath NY, Japan, Arizona, Florida Join Date: 2003-08-17 Member: 19877Members
    I got 13. Must be my lucky number. Used it for baseball. Im born on the 13th. My birthday is sometimes on friday the 13th.
  • LegionnairedLegionnaired Join Date: 2002-04-30 Member: 552Members, Constellation
    14.

    I'm a geek, but I'm a geek with a life. Wewt.
  • p4Samwisep4Samwise Join Date: 2002-12-15 Member: 10831Members
    27.

    Ph33r da geekiness.
  • SirusSirus Join Date: 2002-11-13 Member: 8466Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    9.

    Aww yeah. Let's rawk.
  • NumbersNotFoundNumbersNotFound Join Date: 2002-11-07 Member: 7556Members
  • cshank4cshank4 Join Date: 2003-02-11 Member: 13425Members
    16, mostly cause I'm a loner. Oh well **** that
  • Bosnian_CowboyBosnian_Cowboy Join Date: 2003-06-07 Member: 17088Members, Constellation
    I thought people with scores in the 30s would be common. I guess I have nothing to feed my denial anymore. <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif'><!--endemo--> I'm a socially inept twit. I'm joining a club. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • ZigZig ...I am Captain Planet&#33; Join Date: 2002-10-23 Member: 1576Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--Bosnian+Sep 3 2003, 02:54 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Bosnian @ Sep 3 2003, 02:54 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I thought people with scores in the 30s would be common. I guess I have nothing to feed my denial anymore. <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif'><!--endemo--> I'm a socially inept twit. I'm joining a club. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    no.. as it turns out, a lot of us make sacrifices in order to participate socially. it's not all fun. NS forums are way more fun than 9/10 of my conversations at school, regardless of whether they're with hawt chex, smart people, stupid people, animals.... whatever. so, yeah.
  • CommunistWithAGunCommunistWithAGun Local Propaganda Guy Join Date: 2003-04-30 Member: 15953Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--cshank4+Sep 2 2003, 09:21 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (cshank4 @ Sep 2 2003, 09:21 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> 16, mostly cause I'm a loner. Oh well **** that <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    16 also....I live solitary, but thats my own choice. I really like going out and seeing people and stuff. Especially if I can start an argument/debate/discussion. Yay <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • ZigZig ...I am Captain Planet&#33; Join Date: 2002-10-23 Member: 1576Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--Zig+Sep 3 2003, 02:56 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Zig @ Sep 3 2003, 02:56 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> no.. as it turns out, a lot of us make sacrifices in order to participate socially. it's not all fun. NS forums are way more fun than 9/10 of my conversations at school, regardless of whether they're with hawt chex, smart people, stupid people, animals.... whatever. so, yeah. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    although that might be cuz, unless i get damn lucky, hs f*cking sucks if you're looking for meaningful conversations, meaningful relationships, or meaningful anything (besides work). argh.
  • JasonBostwickJasonBostwick Blossom Join Date: 2002-04-14 Member: 444Members, NS1 Playtester
    edited September 2003
    13.
    Quite silly, really. To evaluate things based on a simple test, yah, if I took the test again tomorrow based on my emotions and experiences during that day my answers would probably vary somewhat - today was the first day of school, I was obviously moreso social and such.

    Shrug. I'm sane enough.

    Mrr. And to comments regarding not finding interest in talking with people at highschool, blech. I just personally don't understand that, I mean... I suppose other people might not have the luck I do just finding interest in simple conversation, but I mean.. not all of your life has to be completely meaningful, not every conversation has to leave you feeling as if you've learned something or shared a deep insight on something. Idle chitchat can be a nice relief, yah.
  • DiscoZombieDiscoZombie Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18951Members
    according to this thread, 30+'s ARE common... I got a 17 but I feel like a 35 sometimes...
  • ZigZig ...I am Captain Planet&#33; Join Date: 2002-10-23 Member: 1576Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--BoZmAn20+Sep 3 2003, 03:14 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (BoZmAn20 @ Sep 3 2003, 03:14 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Idle chitchat can be a nice relief, yah. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    too bad that, with most people my age, that's all it's good for.
  • Soylent_greenSoylent_green Join Date: 2002-12-20 Member: 11220Members, Reinforced - Shadow
  • NecrosisNecrosis The Loquacious Sage Join Date: 2003-08-03 Member: 18828Members, Constellation
    Score: 21

    I also know exactly why that is <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • Bosnian_CowboyBosnian_Cowboy Join Date: 2003-06-07 Member: 17088Members, Constellation
    edited September 2003
    <!--QuoteBegin--BoZmAn20+Sep 2 2003, 08:14 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (BoZmAn20 @ Sep 2 2003, 08:14 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> 13.
    Quite silly, really. To evaluate things based on a simple test, yah, if I took the test again tomorrow based on my emotions and experiences during that day my answers would probably vary somewhat - today was the first day of school, I was obviously moreso social and such.

    Shrug. I'm sane enough.

    Mrr. And to comments regarding not finding interest in talking with people at highschool, blech. I just personally don't understand that, I mean... I suppose other people might not have the luck I do just finding interest in simple conversation, but I mean.. not all of your life has to be completely meaningful, not every conversation has to leave you feeling as if you've learned something or shared a deep insight on something. Idle chitchat can be a nice relief, yah. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Sir, I'm sorry but we can't take comments from little girls dressed in pink dresses seriously. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->

    I took the test three times on three separate occasions and got similar results. You probably perceive this test as trying to fit you into a small box, but it is really just fitting the diagnosis of the syndrome into a small box and deciding what relation you have to it. I believe the results are conclusive, but I'm not sure what results in this test actually mean (is it faithful to the syndrome? I'm not sure). It is kind of feels worthless to play around with our lives based on numbers but you never know. Keep what is written preceding the test in mind.

    <!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at Cambridge's Autism Research Centre have created the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, or AQ, as a measure of the extent of autistic traits in adults. In the first major trial using the test, the average score in the control group was 16.4. Eighty percent of those diagnosed with autism or a related disorder scored 32 or higher. The test is not a means for making a diagnosis, however, and many who score above 32 and even meet the diagnostic criteria for mild autism or Asperger's report no difficulty functioning in their everyday lives.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Edit: Let me repeat once again, if you have any doubts about anything please use the links I provided to find out more, the test is a small part and I certainly didn't intend it to get the attention you guys are giving it.
  • VyvnVyvn Join Date: 2002-08-24 Member: 1226Members
    20. Hm.

    I didn't realize until the end that "definitely" and "somewhat" agree / disagree gave the same scores. And like Boz said, it is pretty hard to take a test that is so heavily dependent on certain moods and expect constant results. For example, with all the "are you social" questions, I could swing to either a "somewhat agree" or a "somewhat disagree", and that would essentially be like choosing yes or no, given the scoring system.

    I did find that I connected with some of the questions, though. Like that one about finding patterns. For as long as I remember, I've always been looking for patterns in most places. Like I follow the big diamond shapes on the rug with my feet and make them connect in certain ways. Or I trace a squiggle in the air, and then try to remember how I drew it so that I can trace it up the other way and make it symmetrical. Weird stuff, I guess.
  • CatpokerCatpoker Join Date: 2002-06-25 Member: 816Members
    i dont like partys, i drink, and i used to smoke weed, alone...

    i whould rather be at a museum or library

    i hate meeting new people, but being a boy scout and a furture marine, i dont find it difficult to give and take orders

    i dont really like to talk and am really shy, i wont speak my mind unless asked

    never had a girlfriend (i am 18)

    i have VERY bad handwritting

    and i scored a 34.....
  • CommunistWithAGunCommunistWithAGun Local Propaganda Guy Join Date: 2003-04-30 Member: 15953Members
    I'd ditch the shyness asap. I know a marine, and he USED to be shy to. If you can't, they will fix it, hehe <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • SoulSkorpionSoulSkorpion Join Date: 2002-04-12 Member: 423Members
    24.

    Most of the symptoms don't really fit me. I used to monopolise conversations a hell of a lot more than I used to, I used to be extremely ignorant of social conventions, and I have difficulty meeting new people. The difference is, I'm very aware when I'm boring other people ****less. I tend to deliberately ignore social conventions, rather than blunder over them. I can't talk about nothing, I don't have many close friends and I've drifted apart from my high school friends (we have very little common interests these days and mostly they just annoy me), I've always been something of a loner.

    No, I'm an oddball and proud of it <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • NecroticNecrotic Big Girl&#39;s Blouse Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 53Members, NS1 Playtester
    <!--QuoteBegin--KeitaroSempai+Sep 3 2003, 01:34 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (KeitaroSempai @ Sep 3 2003, 01:34 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I got a 12.

    I like talking to people I don't know. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Ditto

    I work in retail I have to be sociable otherwise I would go insane with all the customers.
  • KastroKastro Join Date: 2002-11-16 Member: 8888Members
    i got an 18.

    everybody is always telling me "you should talk more" or "stop being anti-social". it sucks cause i dont really have anything to say to most people. im not the type of person to be loud for no reason and be really animated. i hate small talk, the meaningless bs people talk about to pass time. id rather sit by myself than talk about something i dont care about. i dont try to be anti-social, it just happens.

    but its wierd cause i always go to parties when i hear of them, hoping that i will "click" with the people there. though most of the time im just quiet cause i dont feel like i belong. i sit and analyze everything when im not talking, and its taught me quite a few things about people.
  • SinisterSinister Join Date: 2002-04-15 Member: 451Members
    25.

    I like being social. I just get so nervous with some people I dont know I can't. Mostly with pretty girls. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo--> Also I have trouble coming up with stuff to talk about, and usually say something in such a bad way the conversation can't continue. And (much) later think of a better way I could have said it. This goes for a one on one conversation.
    Talking in a group I often sit quietly. In this situation I don't feel I get any chance to say anything or that I have anything to add to the conversation. If I get the word, I usually don't say anythin at all because I get nervous and my brain stops so I barely remember what we're talking about.
    Talking to older people (or talking "buisness" with people) won't often make me nervous by the way.. probably because I in some way expect them to know everything and take responsibilities and stuff. I don't like responsibility. Especially if it involves people I don't know closely. Give me responsibility and I'm very likely to screw at least something up. Like the third year in highschool. <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif'><!--endemo-->
    Also I don't have very good contacts to get into social activities.. for example, I'd love to go to parties and such, but I don't know anyone to go with or anyone that even knows a party to go to. I could imagine myself going to bars trying to attract girls, but going there alone wouldn't do me any good. If I only had a friend that would be willing to come with me, that would add a great deal to my selfesteem. (sp?)

    I like talking to people, I'm just not very good at it.. or have the right contacts for it. I guess.

    I'm not really sure why I'm telling you all this.. it just kept coming. Might have something to do with that I like theorizing, thinking.. and unconsiously trying to be a psyciatric. (sp?) <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->

    Well, back to school I go.. to sit quietly at my desk. <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • CronosCronos Join Date: 2002-10-18 Member: 1542Members
    I got a 39...

    I think I'll go back to my corner now...
Sign In or Register to comment.