Autism Spectrum Quotient Test
Taking the online test
Yesterday I stumbled upon this AQ test right here: https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient
I probably took this test before, in fact, I probably took all AQ tests that exist online, many times. But I had a few minutes and I was in the mood for it, with the recent creation of this blog.
I got a score of 39/50 which means that there's a good chance I am on the spectrum, according to the website. I wasn't surprised, it's in line with all the other tests I took in the past. But I'm aware it will never replace a real diagnostic from a professional, at least I have a case for it.
Questions with clear answers
As I was answering the 50 questions, I had a few moments where I thought that the question was specifically describing me or the complete opposite. These questions were very easy to respond to, without a doubt in mind.
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.
The first two questions were crystal clear to me.
I just hate working with others, ‘teamwork’ is an expression that makes me anxious. It brought a lot of problems at work, in my career as a musician. I want to do everything on my own, without help and without helping others.
And when I find a way to do things that I like, I'll never change it. And if I'm forced to change something I'm used to, I get angry and I'll sulk like a child.
30. I don’t usually notice small changes in a situation or a person’s appearance.
I'm aware of this now, but it wasn't always the case. This would happen with girlfriends, they would cut their hair, wear new jewelry, buy new clothes, and I wouldn't notice. This, obviously, was trouble, as if I didn't care enough, it was perceived as a lack of attention.
46. New situations make me anxious.
I hate change, I hate new places, new settings, new people. I lost my job a year ago, and the thought of working with new people again makes me anxious. I'd rather be writing alone in my apartment, I wish it was easier.
Last year I also broke my arm. The whole process of going to the hospital was new and stressful. Actually, it's my girlfriend who convinced me to get checked, my hand was blue and I didn't know what to do.
Confusing questions
There are other questions that I find difficult to give a clear answer to. I want to be the most honest, but sometimes I have no clue.
18. When I talk, it isn’t always easy for others to get a word in edgewise.
I don't know, in a group I rarely talk, even with family, I prefer one-on-one situations. I know I can talk a lot about things that I like, but I have never been aware of how it's perceived on the other side of the conversation. I guess this something I should ask because I'll never be able to see it when I talk, especially since I don't look at the other person's face.
45. I find it difficult to work out people’s intentions.
This is another one that bugs me. I'm not sure if I can work out people's intentions, and if I do, I'm not sure if I'm right. I don't want to be the one always asking questions, it would be really annoying, so I guess I'll never know.
But as I write this, I remember a few occasions of friends telling me that a certain girl is interested in me. I even had girls admitting their interest to me, and I still wouldn't notice it, so I guess that the question is true.
In the end
So I made the test, it was fun. I'm starting to know the kind of questions a bit too much and I fear I'm starting to be biased. It will never replace a professional diagnostic, that's my objective in the future, but at least it gives me some little clues.