Do you think I meet Autism criteria?( everyone's opinion is helpful)?

Question

1) I have trouble making friends
2) I have somewhat of a hard time feeling sorry for people, but I do sometimes.
3) I feel somewhat as though I live in a world of my own, but I know that I am somehow connected to the world around me.
4) I don't twitch in awkward ways, but I did have some repetitive, awkward habits as a young child, which I have overcome.
5) I don't like being hugged, but I appreciate whoever is hugging me because I know it must mean that they love me.
6) I want to branch out and make some new friends and have a more normal life. I want to get married and have a child.
7) I have been homeschooled my whole life, so I haven't had the valuable experience with people that I need. I do go to church, but I have a hard time talking to people there, too.
8) No one seems to share many interests with me. I don't have obcessive interests.
9) I'm not intersted in science or technology, and my IQ is slightly above average.
10) Did I mention I desire a normal life?

also, if you have any advice for me, I'd love that ,too.

don't tell me to go to the doctor and get a test, please. That's what everybody says.

STILL ACCEPTING ANSWERS

Answer 1

There are certain conditions in the family of Autistic Disorders which might 'fit' you. You do not want to see a psychiatrist (which you actually need to do), so I will share my experience with you.

I, too was home-schooled. There was major trauma in my early childhood. As I grew older, I became emotionally distant to people for two reasons : FEAR and UNDERSOCIALIZATION. I did not know how to identify with people my own age. I "lived in my head". As a teen, I was misdiagnosed by psychologists, I was mis-medicated by general practitioners, and I was treated as a criminal (because I had been labeled anti-social).
I am an adult now, middle-aged, and because of an above-average IQ I have been able to overcome my childhood experiences. I do not think I could have done it without the burning desire within me to "fix myself". Before I was "fixed", I married, and married, and married, and married and had lots of children who had to grow up with an "unfixed" mother. It was a mistake.
I worked on "fixing myself" by reading all the psychiatric/psychological books I could get my hands on. I spent years and years in the office of a clinical therapist, and it took 7 yrs before I trusted her enough that I could REALLY talk. In order to try to relate to people, I studied music, drama, public speaking, and I learned how to play Duplicate Bridge. I am involved with people. If you actually desire a "normal" life, start doing what 'normal' people do. That would not interest me, but you may be different. Look at your nighbours and mimic them, if you will.
When people talk about me (and they DO talk about me), they describe me as 'marching to my own drum'. They describe me as an 'observer', a talented musician, a gifted speaker and a 'mediocre' bridge player.
As a speaker, I am unable to speak extemporaneously and I know it, so I keep my mouth closed unless I have my written speech in front of me.
Today, my "normal" life would be considered anything BUT normal for most people. It is "normal" for me. I am married, have a beautiful home, and am sought out by the community for my skills. I accept the "hugs" from senior citizens (who are in a residential nursing facility) when I go there, weekly , as a volunteer pianist.I do have a mostly-correct diagnosis now, I take medication, and I am still "fixing myself" by forcing myself to be active in the community by taking adult ed classes on many different topics. Luckily, I married an introvert this time.
I think you are wasting money by going to a general practioner. I found a good therapist (after years of search), but your best bet is a psychiatrist for an evaluation (if you're interested). Good Luck to you in Your Journey!

Answer 2

ok, you are not autistic so relax. Your social skills may not be as developed as some of the people who were not home schooled. I think you are just shy, and a little scared. I can deffinately relate to that, i am similar in a lot of ways. However, you are deffinately not autistc. That disease is diagnosed during childhood, and the feact that you are able to go on the net and ask this question, tells me that you are a smart, well functioning person, with just some trouble socializing. There arre a lot of peole like you. You might want to look for some seminars, or try joining some groups.

Answer 3

Autism covers a wide range of conditions from mild dyspraxia (clumsy child syndrome) through to asbergers syndrome, the full "Rainman" scenario and beyond.

There is no clinical test for any of these conditions and doctors are often reluctant to make a diagnosis.

but there are clues - typical asbergers syndrome being very late to talk as a child three or later but sometimes coming out with the odd complicated sentance in complete context.

The need or desire for rigid routine is common as is clumsiness.

the ability to read other peoples emotions is compromised.

you may be dyspaxic possibly even mildly asbergers but i would doubt if you are autistic - mind you I am not a professional just someone who knows two children with the condition and had the chance to compare notes with another parent

Answer 4

I don't think you are autistic bceause being autistic would mean you cant go to parties because of the close dancing, loud music, crowds, etc. You may want to get a test done but always be optimistic. Look for the good in being unique. Many of us have awkward problems taht we find within ourself but it doesn't mean they are bad.

Answer 5

Could it be depression, anxiety and depersonalization disorder.
I don't think it's autism, although many symptoms fit the DSM criteria for autism. I know you said not to say see a doctor and get evaluated, but that's the only real way to know.

Answer 6

Based on the information you've given, I there's no way to really tell, but maybe just the fact that you're trying to communicate here speaks against it.

check my sources and see if you match the descriptions there.

Answer 7

I don't think u sound autistic...I just think u have been sheltered and stunted in your social growth......I know lots of people w/ at least some of the symptoms u described......and they're normal....I think u are too....just give urself time.....if u sitll doubt, make an appt. w/ ur doctor and discuss it w/ him/her.....Good luck!

Answer 8

instead of telling you to go to a doctor, you can go online and take a test to see if you meet the criteria and then do more research!!

Answer 9

It don't think so but I'd have to know more about your childhood behavior patterns. Here is the diagnositic criteria.
Diagnostic criteria for 299.00 Autistic Disorder
(cautionary statement)
A. A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3):

(1) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
(a) marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
(b) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
(c) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)
(d) lack of social or emotional reciprocity

(2) qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following:
(a) delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)
(b) in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
(c) stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
(d) lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level

(3) restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
(a) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
(b) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
(c) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
(d) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

B. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years: (1) social interaction, (2) language as used in social communication, or (3) symbolic or imaginative play.

C. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

Reprinted with permission from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth Edition. Copyright 1994 American Psychiatric Association

Answer 10

The fact that you can even ask that question I would say NO.