Do you think you might be autistic? Have a look at the various autism tests and other psychometric tests (empathy, alexithymia, stimming, camouflaging, etc.) we compiled for you!
A thorough list of scientifically based assessments with descriptions and ability to complete and score. One of my favorite things about a few of these test is that they show that the spectrum isn't a continuum, but more of a web of traits that are on separate but related continua.
Feel free to share your scores to engage in discussion!
Note: A self-assessment is not sufficient to properly assess autism. These assessments can provide helpful insight, but a proper assessment includes at least a thorough interview by a licensed mental health professional that specializes in autism assessment.
For me, I got a 42. On one hand, I finally feel like I have an explanation for why I never "fit" in and felt like I was never meant for this world. On the other hand, I feel a little sad about this and, in a way, wish it was something else. But I can't quite figure out why. I need to keep ruminating on this.
About 2 weeks ago I saw something that made it twig for myself. It was a random Orion Kelly video about the biggest signs of autism in adults and I found myself stunned that I hit every point but one.
Initially I was like you. Confused on how to feel. 'Autism' for me has always been a loaded word and came with particular connotations.
But this last week, especially, has certainly softened those feelings. I'm still not happy with applying the word to myself. It feels awkward and an excuse, and coming from 32 years of being fearsomely independent (probably because I'm on the spectrum) and a strong believer in people being in control and responsible of their own actions it's still a tough pill.
Overall I think ruminating has been good for me. Keep researching it, reading/listening to other autistic people's stories and experiences and start making a list of the traits that you identify with.
It's helped me have something that I can share with my partner, and it's helped me realise things like what my stims are etc.
I feel kinda relieved. Autism would be an explanation why so many things that seem obvious to others, seem so weird or different to me. Of course I know that tests and self-evaluation doesn't mean you necessarily have it, but I have been told before by a mental health professional, that I might be autistic. I should definetly look into it more with a professional.
This downvote here is what has been mentioned by @backonmyBS@lemmy.world in the toxicity in this community thread. In the post it was asked to post results if someone is comfortable with it so this comment is exactly what contributes to the post.
Downvote things that don't contribute, not things you may not agree with.
It reminds me of the site ytmnd.com, which is where I first heard the idea of a downvoter. It was already a known phenomenon back in the mid 2000s. Someone even made a wiki page about it, categorizing users based on their driving cause.
I took as many of these as I could a few weeks ago in preparation for a doctor visit. While not medically useful, it helped a lot in clarifying where the suspicions are strong and where they are weak. If I had been more vague, I'd have been placed in the general queue where waiting times are years if they even feel they can spare the resources to talk to you (which they did not the last two times). Now I have chance to be assessed, so fingers crossed.
Well, the ASD was pretty much in line with any other screening tool, but I had honestly expected at least one of them to score me closer to the low range, given that I manage well day-to-day.
For ADHD I am mostly relieved it didn't indicate any, mostly because it would complicate my assessment attempts haha.
I was a bit surprised that my score for OCD was so low, because I struggled intensely with that as a child.
Well betond the autism threshold! Below are my results when I took it a few months ago. The social relatedness really hit home. I've had so much difficulty with that, so it's a bit validating to know I'm not making it up.
Out of curiosity I did one of these tests. I got 34 on Autism Spectrum Quotient, which it says is significant.
But to me the questions felt way too generic. I suspect most introverts would score high on this test.