- Why can’t I be like them?
- What can I do to make myself fit in?
- What can I do to be normal?
- How can I make others like me?
You have now completed the 50 questions of the Aspergers AQ test and have your AQ score in front of you.
So what does this number mean?
Interpreting Your AQ Score
Basically the range for possible answers is 0 to 50. The information below shows you the different ranges as recorded from others sitting this same AQ quiz over the years.
- 0-11 low result – indicating no tendency at all towards autistic traits.
- 11-21 is the average result that people get (many women average around 15 and men around 17)
- 22-25 shows autistic tendencies slightly above the population average
- 26-31 gives a borderline indication of an autism spectrum disorder. It is also possible to have aspergers or mild autism within this range.
- 32-50 indicates a strong likelihood of Asperger syndrome or autism.
In fact, scores of 32 or above are one of strong indicators of having as ASD.
It is important to keep in mind that this quiz and the result you got are a useful tool, but are by no means a form of diagnosis or asperger’s syndrome or an autism spectrum disorder. If your resulting AQ score was above 31 then you may want to follow up with a medical practitioner to do further tests in order to determine 100% if you do have an ASD or aspergers.
If you suspect that you or someone you care about is affected by asperger then it is important that you continue to learn more about this condition. You can begin on this website with some of the useful articles that are here and more that will be added in the future.
Simon Baron-Cohen, a psychologist from Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre was assisted by his colleagues in the development of this AQ test. This Autism Spectrum Quotient quiz was created to give an indication of autism spectrum disorder traits in adults.
It is interesting to note that 16.4 was the average score that people received in the first major trial of this autism test. Another point of interest is that around 80% of those actually diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder got an AQ score of 32 or higher out of the maximum 50.
Autism Spectrum Quotient Questions
Below are the actual questions and instructions on taking the AQ Quiz
How to take the Aspergers AQ Test
For each question, record if you “Definitely agree”, “Slightly agree”, “Slightly disagree” or “Definitely disagree”.
1. I prefer to do things with others rather than on my own.
2. I prefer to do things the same way over and over again.
3. If I try to imagine something, I find it very easy to create a picture in my mind.
4. I frequently get so strongly absorbed in one thing that I lose sight of other things.
5. I often notice small sounds when others do not.
6. I usually notice car number plates or similar strings of information.
7. Other people frequently tell me that what I’ve said is impolite, even though I think it is polite.
8. When I’m reading a story, I can easily imagine what the characters might look like.
9. I am fascinated by dates.
10. In a social group, I can easily keep track of several different people’s conversations.
11. I find social situations easy.
12. I tend to notice details that others do not.
13. I would rather go to a library than to a party.
14. I find making up stories easy.
15. I find myself drawn more strongly to people than to things.
16. I tend to have very strong interests, which I get upset about if I can’t pursue.
17. I enjoy social chitchat.
18. When I talk, it isn’t always easy for others to get a word in edgewise.
19. I am fascinated by numbers.
20. When I’m reading a story, I find it difficult to work out the characters’ intentions.
21. I don’t particularly enjoy reading fiction.
22. I find it hard to make new friends.
23. I notice patterns in things all the time.
24. I would rather go to the theater than to a museum.
25. It does not upset me if my daily routine is disturbed.
26. I frequently find that I don’t know how to keep a conversation going.
27. I find it easy to “read between the lines” when someone is talking to me.
28. I usually concentrate more on the whole picture, rather than on the small details.
29. I am not very good at remembering phone numbers.
30. I don’t usually notice small changes in a situation or a person’s appearance.
31. I know how to tell if someone listening to me is getting bored.
32. I find it easy to do more than one thing at once.
33. When I talk on the phone, I’m not sure when it’s my turn to speak.
34. I enjoy doing things spontaneously.
35. I am often the last to understand the point of a joke.
36. I find it easy to work out what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their face.
37. If there is an interruption, I can switch back to what I was doing very quickly.
38. I am good at social chitchat.
39. People often tell me that I keep going on and on about the same thing.
40. When I was young, I used to enjoy playing games involving pretending with other children.
41. I like to collect information about categories of things (e.g., types of cars, birds, trains, plants).
42. I find it difficult to imagine what it would be like to be someone else.
43. I like to carefully plan any activities I participate in.
44. I enjoy social occasions.
45. I find it difficult to work out people’s intentions.
46. New situations make me anxious.
47. I enjoy meeting new people.
48. I am a good diplomat.
49. I am not very good at remembering people’s date of birth.
50. I find it very easy to play games with children that involve pretending.
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.
How to score your answers:
“Definitely agree” or “Slightly agree” responses to questions 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 33, 35, 39, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46 score 1 point.
“Definitely disagree” or “Slightly disagree” responses to questions 3, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 44, 47, 48, 49, 50 score 1 point.
Parents who look at their child with Asperger syndrome (AS), and see the struggles and difficulties, want to know what Aspergers treatment is available to enable their child to live a full and happy life. No parent wants to see their child struggling with things that many of us take for granted. So what options are available to assist families and patients with Asperger’s syndrome?
Aspergers Treatment Options:
- Behavioral therapy
- Hiring a behavioral therapist to assist with your Aspie child at home
- Social skills therapy
- Healthy, well-balanced diet
- Educational support
- Medications
- Natural herbal remedies (as part of the overall treatment strategy)
Treatment For Aspies
Any treatments or interventions that can improve your child’s quality of life or functionality are well worth considering. Also setting up a holistic approach to Asperger treatment is almost certain to achieve much better results, rather than just focusing on one plan of attack.
It is important to keep in mind that there is currently no cure for those with Aspergers, but there is hope with treatment. There is no single Asperger syndrome treatment that achieves positive results in all cases, but one of the main forms of treatment for Aspies is behavioural therapy.
The main goal of any treatment is to e
mpower the Aspie to be able to better interact with those around them and to enable them to become a self-sufficient member of society. With this in mind it is important to begin behavioral therapy at as young an age as possible, once AS has been diagnosed. Since each child and adult with Aspergers differs in the specific symptoms, both in severity and number, it is important that any treatment plan be designed with this specific Aspie in mind in order to achieve the optimum outcome.
Behavioral Therapist At Home
Some families have found that it is tremendously helpful to hire a behavioural therapist to assist on a regular basis at home. This sets up a stable environment where your child builds a relationship with the therapist and can develop social skills through the on-going treatment.
As well as hiring an independent person as a behavioral therapist in your home, it is important that the parents and other family members also learn some behavioral techniques so as to assist your child. These skills will also give everyone involved a better understanding of the aspie and the resulting behavior.
Finding Services
You can begin by asking your family doctor if they can recommend any services or sources of treatment for your child. Most doctors or medical centers should be able to refer you to local services in your community.
The next port of call would be to contact your local school district. You should be able to gather information on what specific assistance is available to your child through the education system or other community based support systems.
Treat Other Possible Conditions
Another fact that is important to be mindful of is that your child may have other conditions as well as the Aspergers, which could bring additional challenges to the table.
Such coexisting conditions may include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
If you suspect that your child is affected by any of these additional conditions then be sure to consult your family doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will then be able to point you in the best direction for treatment for any of these other disorders or conditions.
By getting on top of these quickly your child will be better able to handle any challenges that arise from AS and face life in a more positive way.
Conclusion
Aspergers syndrome is not always easy to deal with or understand, but for those with a loved one with AS it is essential that family members invest some time to better know and understand what is going on. There is hope and a future for aspies and their families. Remember to keep positive and seek support when you are feeling down or overwhelmed with the whole situation. Aspies can live a fulfilled life as a part of society; it just takes some effort to teach skills and patterns of relating socially.
Resources:
Aspergers Treatment – Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers-syndrome/DS00551/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Listen and Learn Centre – Asperger’s Syndrome
http://www.listenandlearn.com.au/disorders_aspergers.asp
Treatment for Asperger’s Disorder
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/treatment-for-aspergers-disorder/
When you are wondering if someone you love may have Asperger syndrome (AS) it is helpful to look at a list of symptoms. That is why this article has been written with an Aspergers checklist that you can use as part of your preliminary investigations into AS.
There are distinguishing factors and characteristics that set children apart when they suffer from one of the known autism spectrum disorders, specifically in this case Asperger’s Syndrome. Keep in mind too that Aspies can vary greatly in the extent and nature of the problems, characteristics or symptoms that they display. This fact alone means that treating AS needs to be targeted as much as possible for each unique person.
Aspies are generally impacted in any of these four different areas of life:
- Social interaction
- Communication skills
- Physically
- Repetitive or restrictive patterns
Those with Asperger syndrome may be characterized by some of the following, which have been broken down into the four areas mentioned above:
Social interaction
- Difficulty interacting with others – social skills
- Difficulty making friends
- Find it hard to get close to others
- Difficulty understanding jokes and metaphors
- Concept of fiction is not easily understood
- Difficulty looking others directly in the eye
- Inappropriate staring
- May appear bored in social situations
- Tendency to misinterpret or misunderstand gestures and facial expressions
- May seem to lack empathy for others
Communication skills
- Communicating with others may be impaired
- Tendency to speak with a monotone inflection
- May speak too formally for the situation
- Slang language may not be a part of usual speech
- Fixed pitch when talking
- May run off on tangents
- Tendency to sound incoherent in conversations
- Difficulty in picking up on changes in conversation topic
- Tendency to speak incessantly about one particular subject
- May not allow opportunity for the other person (or people) to say anything
- May never really come to a conclusion in any conversation
Physically
- Tendency to be clumsy
- Oversensitivity to stimuli through the five senses – including light, taste, textures, smells and sound
- Unusual facial expressions
- Unusual posture
- Different gait when walking
Repetitive or restrictive patterns
- Overly reliant on fixed routines
- Difficulty handling changes to the daily routine
- May become overly attached to specific objects
- Interests may be limited
- Tendency to become obsessive over details
- May throw temper tantrums
- May become preoccupied with a certain activity
The Aspergers checklist above lists some of the symptoms that Aspies may exhibit. It is important to understand that each case is unique and the specific asperger symptoms experienced by each person with AS will also be unique.
As an Aspie grows from childhood into adulthood the symptoms and severity of them may change. Each stage in life will hold its own set up challenges that will need to be dealt with and addressed in order for the Aspie child, teenager or adult to be able to relate to others and fit in as well as possible to society.
Resources:
Listen and Learn Center – Asperger’s Syndrome Symptoms
http://www.listenandlearn.com.au/disorders_aspergers.asp
Asperger’s in Children
http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/aspergers-syndrome-asperger-disorder.html
Web MD – Asperger’s Syndrome Symptoms
http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/tc/aspergers-syndrome-symptoms
Angel Fire – Asperger Syndrome
http://www.angelfire.com/clone/asperger/index.html
Aspergoid features
http://www.paulcooijmans.com/personalitytests/asperger.html
Just as children can struggle with AS so too Aspergers in adults also presents challenges and hurdles. There is no cure for Aspergers. Hence kids who are diagnosed as having asperger syndrome will carry many of the difficulties and symptoms into their adult life.
Symptoms Of Aspergers In Adults
The symptoms in adults are similar to those in children and young people. Keep in mind too that aspies have strengths as well as weaknesses, just like everyone else on the planet. So even though there are challenges and difficulties there are also strengths that need to be remembered and encouraged.
- Difficulty with problem solving
- Problems making predictions
- Problems using high-level verbal reasoning skills
- Difficulty in participating in general conversations including ‘small talk’
- Difficulties with seeing and understanding the view points of others
- Difficulty empathizing with the feelings and emotions of others
- Tendency to become stressed when routines are altered
Strengths may include:
- Average to above average intellect
- Passionate about a specific hobby or interest
- Ability to work well within a set routine
Aspergers In Adults May Produce Challenges
Some of the areas that aspie adults need to work through and develop skills in may include:
- Relationships
- Marriage
- Intimate Relations
- Parenting
- Work place
Relationships
Everyone, regardless of whether they have asperger syndrome or not, struggles at times in relationships with others. It is true that aspies may have more difficulties than some, but the fact remains that every person who has friends or is in a relationship sometimes find it hard to get on and communicate well with the other party or parties.
Those with aspergers can especially struggle due to the inability to participate well in ‘small talk’ and general, every day conversation. The difficulty with understanding jokes and abstract concepts can also make communications within a relationship somewhat harder than the average relationship.
Difficulty understanding social cues may also make communicating somewhat challenging for those with asperger syndrome. Finding it hard to understand facial expresses or to read between the lines with what others say or do can also make relationship building a challenge. Being attached to fixed routines may at times make it difficult to develop deep and meaningful relationships.
But regardless of the challenges it is possible to develop real friendships and relationships, but will take some effort and understanding from everyone involved.
Marriage
One issue that can especially arise in marriage is the difficulty that a person with aspergers has in empathizing with others. Emotions and feelings are important in marriage, or any relationship for that matter, and if the couple is unable to share these emotions with each other then it can put additional strain on the relationship and marriage.
It may not even be that the person with aspergers does not experience emotions, but rather that he or she does not know how to express these emotions. If you step back for a moment and imagine what
it would be like if you did feel various emotions in different situations and yet were unable to know how to express these emotions, then what would you do? How would you feel in such circumstances? According to some aspies this is indeed the case, that they feel emotions, sometimes evenly strongly, but are not able to display and express what they are feeling inside.
Intimate Relations
There is also the issue of relating sexually. It may be difficult for an Aspergian to fully grasp the importance of the entire concept of courtship and relating that precedes sex. It is really important that this whole issue be discussed and brought out into the open so that the marriage relationship can have the very best chance of success.
It may be that the one with asperger does not have a high sex drive, as some people who are married to aspies have indicated. Or it may also be that they simply do not know how to relate intimately with another person. If social interaction is difficult then being physically intimate can take this difficulty to a whole new level!
If you are in a relationship with someone who has been diagnosed as having asperger syndrome then it is important to discuss this situation with someone who understands aspergers. Do not just suffer in silence if this is impacting you or someone you love, but rather reach out for help.
Parenting
Parenting is not an easy task at the best of times. When one or both parents have aspergers then the task of being a parent may be even more challenging. It is important that the situation be explained to the child as they grow so that they can better understand that both parents love him or her and that it is because of the asperger condition that some of the additional challenges arise.
Problems may come up when routines and schedules are broken or changed. If the kids are meant to do something at a certain time and this gets altered then it may cause stress for the aspergian parent.
It may also be hard for the aspie parent to understand and empathize with the emotions that the child is feeling or expressing. This can leave the child feeling like the parent doesn’t care, when this is not the case.
Perfectionism can also cause strain on the relationship between the parent with asperger and the child. If things are not done the way the parent wants and they become angry then the child may learn to fear the parent and pull away from them.
Work Place
Oftentimes aspies feel most relaxed and comfortable when they operate within fixed routines. Hence a job that does not throw up unexpected surprises is probably the best choice for those diagnosed with asperger’s syndrome.
Possible Career Ideas
Many Aspergians can still live a very full and happy life and enjoy a fulfilling job or career. It is important to select a line of work though that plays to the aspie’s strengths while minimizing the need to rely on areas of challenge or weakness. If you enjoy technology and have a good eye for detail then there are many jobs or careers that you could pursue. Hence below is a list of possible career or job ideas.
- Designing websites
- Photography
- Computer programming
- Drafting
- Auto mechanic
- Building trades
- Video game creator
- Drafting
It is important to find something that you will enjoy doing day after day and that will not stress you too much. This list hopefully will spark some ideas for you.
Misspelling of Asperger
Sometimes when people have not known of Aspergers previously and they are researching the topic then they may type ‘Asberger’ into the search engine online instead of the correctly spelled Asperger. For instance, ‘Asbergers in adults’ or ‘asberger in adults’ may be the term that they type in to find out more information. I just thought that I would mention this as you may arrive at this page and be happy to learn the correct spelling of this word.
Conclusion
Aspergers in adults can be challenging just as it is for children and teens. Hence it is important to seek assistance from a support group or professional that understands the hardships faced by those with asperger and the family and friends of these people.
Even with the difficulties involved it is still possible for those adults with aspergers to live happy, fulfilling lives, to enjoy healthy relationships, to become parents and to have an interesting career or job.
Resources:
FAAAS – Families impacted by Asperger Syndrome
http://faaas.org/
Wikipedia – Aspergers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome
Adults with Asperger
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-main-symptoms-of-aspergers-syndrome-in-adults.htm
Asperger Emotions
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/aspergers-diary/200809/asperger-emotions-and-adult-relationships
Workplace ideas
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/asperger_syndrome_and_adults
You may think that Asperger behavior is something, which is easy to define and categorize, but this is not always the case. The behavior that aspies demonstrate can be as varied as each individual person is. But having said that there are still certain tendencies and patterns of behavior that can be helpful in pin pointing general asperger syndrome behavior.
Reasons for Aspie Behavior
The child or adult that has aspergers is not behaving in a specific way with the conscious intent of annoying you or the situation. No. An aspie does not always understand the appropriate or expected behavior in any given scenario. Hence the behavior that the person with ASD displays may be totally inappropriate.
The reasons behind the ‘inappropriate’ behavior are most likely because the child, teenager or adult with asperger syndrome honestly has no idea of the correct or best way to handle the situation that they find themselves in.
Picture yourself in a situation and as hard as you try you are not able to work out how you should behave or what you should do. Can you imagine the stress and confusion that could result from such a scenario?
Results of Misunderstanding Asperger Behavior
It is important for you to keep in mind when the behavior that an aspie demonstrates is misunderstood then it can cause great stress for this particular person. If left unresolved and unaddressed then this stress can actually go on to cause anxiety disorders and/or depression to develop within this person with asperger syndrome.
Hence it is important that within your family you work to understand why the aspie is behaving in a particular manner and work out strategies to manage this behavior.
Triggers for Aspergers Behavioral Problems
One big trigger could be disruptions or changes to routines. It is well known that most aspies love set routines. It is when these routines are altered that problems can arise because the person involved does not know how to cope with the changes.
Another trigger can be when the person with asperger finds him or herself in an unfamiliar situation. If it is not something that they are familiar with or know what is expected of them then it is quite likely that they will behave in a way that is perhaps not the best.
Winning or losing in a race or competition may be another area that causes difficulty for an aspie. In society there are certain expectations for what is accepted behavior and what is not. If the child or adult with asperger does not understand what these appropriate behaviors are in any given situation then problems may arise due to the stress, pressure and anxiety that they feel.
Specific Types of Aspergers Problem Behavior
If an aspie finds him or herself in a situation that they have no idea how to handle then they may display behaviors that are not publicly accepted.
For instance:
- Temper tantrums
- Anger and aggression
- Physical aggression – including hitting, punching, kicking, biting or pinching
- Withdrawal
- Low motivation and self-esteem
- Problems relating to going to the toilet
Other Conditions?
Keep in mind too that the behaviour could be caused by other conditions rather than just asperger syndrome. So if you are concerned then please contact a medical professional who is familiar with this autism spectrum disorder and other conditions.
Conclusion
Always remember that anyone with aspergers syndrome is not consciously trying to behave in a certain way. The behavior comes out of their lack of knowledge of how to cope with any given situation. Seek to set up open communication and strategies for handling difficult situations when they arise. Also be quick to forgive and move on. There is no point in dwelling on any past asperger behavior that has occurred.
Resources
Aspergers Problem Behavior
http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2009/06/aspergers-children-and-behavior.html
Asperger’s Behavior
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm
Your Asperger Child: The Reasons Behind the Behavior
http://www.familyeducation.com/life/signs-and-symptoms-aspergers-syndrome/your-asperger-child-reasons-behind-behavior
Coping with Behavioral Problems
http://sd-dickens.hubpages.com/hub/Coping-with-Aspergers-Behavior-Problems
Hi I'm Justine. Welcome to my Aspergers website.
I am passionate to increase understanding of asperger syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.
I truly hope you enjoy what you find on the site.
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