very mild autism/aspergers etc

[joko]

Is is possible to have a VERY mild form of autism that is barely noticeable and causes no major problems in life, just that socially you can be vague and not with it and seem distant and distracted, though not majorly - just at some times, so people 'don't take to you' but they don't know why.

tactless, and people seem a bit uncertain about you

though i am laugh a minute, quick witted etc with my good friends

i don't get obssesive about things, don't have any phobias or weird traits, quite messy, very artistic, intelligent,

also problems concentrating, focusing etc -

can this happen?? what is the treatment?

thanks

[Lonnie]

Hi joko, I'm not an expert, but my daughter is an 21 year old Autistic, and over the course of her life, I have seen, and mixed, with Autistics of just about all varying degrees, and their teachers/helpers. According to one of her teachers from the Special Needs School she used to go to, and this woman also specialised in Autistics, and Autistic behaviour, Everyone has Autistic Traits to some extent, so I wouldn't worry at all, from your post, you sound like a normal, rational thinking person.

[doctorsteve]

Autism and aspergers, as with a lot of mental health problems are spectrum disorders, being the extreme end of accepted normal. They are part of the wide ranging group of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. They are only diagnosed when a set of 'symptoms' are recorded, It is recognised that clumsiness, problems with non vocal communication, strange inflections of speech, social isolation are some of these. Usually they are present since childhood althought there are adult diagnosed forms. Many of these symptoms are considered to be part of a 'normal' personality and the majority of people can see these traits in themselves or their friends, if they look hard enough. From what you describe you have a personality type that tends toward the loner and are a bit awkward with strangers. I think that you are quite 'normal' as you seem to be describing me in my younger days, but maybe its because Ive got the same 'problems'. If you have any other problems like mood swings or sleep problems then have a chat to your GP as you may be suffering from low grade depression or dysthymia which may need treatment.

[Kingaroo]

I have an artist friend who very messy and disorganized, and says she has trouble concentrating or focusing. She was diagnosed (recently, as an adult) with Attention Deficit Disorder. She has tried some medications but not found something she's happy with. However, simply having the diagnosis makes her feel better to know it is actually due to the "wiring" in her brain, not her fault for "just not trying."

[Amara]

What is this 'normal' everyone talks about? You are unique and special, as is every one of us. There will always be people who we cannot resonate with, mainly because they operate on a different wavelength. It sounds as if you have some incredible gifts to offer this world, and I am sure your friends love you for who you truly are. Never put a label on yourself, accept and explore all the possibilities. Love and light. Amara x

[joko]

Thank everyone. I will look into it properly.

Perhaps you have a point amara - it's just this happens quite a lot and when I am trying to be as nice as i know how to be, it still happens, which is why i started to look for answers. I expect a certain amount of it is paranoia, brought on by past experiences, but sometimes it is blatant and clear that this person/people has turned on me for no real reason. If i knew I had warranted this behaviour, believe me, i would accept it and not let it bother me, and on the odd occasion I can understand where they are coming from, whether it be my own fault or a misunderstanding, i can let that go as understandable, but when its irrational, unfounded, and just downright mean, i get very frustrated and angry. just baffled really.

[Amara]

Hello again - I totally understand and empathise with what you are experiencing - I grew up feeling like I had been dumped here and didn't really belong - I have experienced the same hostility that you feel and the same anxiety that you do. These days I surround myself with people who love me and support me and accept me for who I am - I have learned to ignore the rest and you can too. I also have a child, who before I realised any different was 'labelled' as aspergers. I have lived with him through his own personal battles, rejections, name calling, bullying and bewilderment. He is 12 now and a beautiful being - yes he is different to what is classed as conformist and he is still subjected to things, as you are, but he is at peace with himself. I hope that you find the answers you seek - the world is changing and previous prejudices and ideas will disappear. You are you and you are perfect. Amara x

[ganesh]

Sounds a bit like my daughter-recently diagnosed with ADD. Diagnosis is always tricky because most people have these traits but not usually all of them or perhaps a bit more extreme than most.
She too is intelligent,and weird and the teachers thought she may have Aspergers. I'ts worth an.Educational Pscycologists report because at least you know. They also get 25% more time for exams, which may be necessary.Dont know if that is relevant though as you didnt mention your age.
Concentration is the big problem, but ADD 'Sufferers' can focus brilliantly when they're interested in something,often to the point of obsession.
There are drug treatments but we havent gone down that road. Look up ADD (and Aspergers) on the net and maybe do your own diagnostic test.
Good luck.

[-Zorro-]

I posted a Q under an alias last week about the subject, coz I blatently have Aspergers. People who dont know me can take me completely the wrong way, thinking Im ignorant.

My social skills are sh!te yet I have letters after my name. Cant put things into verbal words. Am witty, yet cant tell a joke, have cr@p cobnsentration and dont often understand what people are saying to me. Avoid eye contact. have numerous other autistic traits. Yet noone has ever suggested that i may be autistic. However having researched it greatly on the net recently, that is very clearly what is "wrong" with me.

[ganesh]

I think posting the question means you arent entirely convinced yourself. Yes,you can have things mildly- My daughter was diagnosed as having mild ADD(symptoms of lack of concentration,easily distracted,relationship and social problems, disorganised etc.)and there are a few similarities to Aspergers.
I was very shy as a child and had problems with social interaction and eye contact.I changed as I got older and I am definately not autistic.If you are worried or need a 'label' you should go to the doctor or school special needs co-ordinater who can refer you to a pscycologist, but ultimately you are what you are. There is treatment for ADD but I know of no cures as such especially for Aspergers other than learning to live with it and maybe some pscycological support.
I agree with Lonnie too, everyone has a few autistic 'symptoms' if you like, It's a question of degree and if you are unhappy then you need to see someone.
Good luck for the future.