Hi, I have been tested for AS 3 times in the last 8 years. I want a perspective from other autistic people who might be able to give me an insight to gauge if I'm really autistic or not. Here are some of my symptoms

- Major Sensory issues/ Sensory Processing Disorder
- Major Dislike of unexpected changes in routine*
- Recently developed a habit of repeating things over and over  underneath my breath
- Has difficulty with understand verbal and non-verbal language**
- Some minor hand flapping
- Has trouble with understanding certain types of humor
- Somewhat low self-esteem/ Self-image

Factors that may keep me from being diagnosed
- Can make eye contact 98% of the time
- No delayed speech
- Social and outgoing 95% of the time
- Has a diagnosis of SPD and OCD
- Toilet Trained on time

* I can handle changes in schedule or routine as long as I'm warned/told beforehand. I have trouble with things like if my van that picks me up to take me to school is late or we're doing something different in a certain class or something like that

** I have trouble understanding things like sarcasm and vague directions (ie: recipes, written or typed instructions without pictures of final product)

Probably not.

I would expect more internal stuff, whereas those are visible things that anyone would know about. But maybe you just haven't thought about it.

I don't understand why people feel the need to label themselves as autistic if they show even the mildest traits. Everyone would be autistic if it worked like that.

It's like some sort of mass autism hysteria.

People want to feel an identity. They are rarely asking the right question but I wouldn't deny comfort to the masses until I can provide an alternative heaven on earth, and I have my washing to do before that...

I realize that, I'm looking for an answer as to why I have these quirks. I've always had them and my parents know that, so do I for that matter. We have suspected autism might be playing a part of all my issues for over 8 years now.

I also had a VERY hard to socializing with my peers when I was younger. I often prefer to do things alone rather than in a group. Mainly because when I'm in a group, I really don't understand my place or function.

Everyone has quirks.

Yes, everyone has quirks. The question is: Do you happen to have particular quirks which cause problems for you? If so, then a diagnosis makes sense.

There's a large group of people--probably more numerous than outright autistic people--who have autistic traits but cannot be diagnosed because of lack of impairment. This is because the spectrum fades quite seamlessly into the typical; and it's possible to have more in common with autistics than with NTs, but still not be diagnosable. It's also possible to be culturally and/or neurologically autistic and not be diagnosable.

So when you ask, "Is this autism," you need to specify: Are you asking, "Can this be diagnosed as autism?" or are you asking, "Are these autistic traits?" The second question, answered with "yes", would put you on the broader autistic phenotype--a group of people who, while they don't need a diagnosis or have any disability, have the same behaviors (usually at a lower intensity) and perceptions as diagnosed autistics.

Can you spot autistic traits in your relatives? Might be the best clue.

Not in any direct relatives, I distant cousins who have but nobody in the immediate family!

I was diagnosed finally in June of 2011 with Asperger's Syndrome! Finally teachers now are able to go off of something in terms of teaching me things!

For anyone who would like to know diagnosis is not often a simple one-trip-to-a-doctor process.  It takes time.

Just found the thread - for sure - from the first post - your list of quirks drop you on the autistic spectrum... for sure.

The thing that happens to some is that - when they  re older they have more expectations on them and people need to to more executive functions - multi tasking is common and routines are rare-- so many random things - it becomes necessary to be aware of that impact on your functioning. Life gets harder!

The coping skills that were almost natural for someone who seems to get by when younger (termed HFA) start to not be enough.. hence the need for someone to figure out techniques externally that can help/support....