How Do You Know If You Are On the Spectrum?

The bottom line is, there is NO definitive tests for teens and adults. None! The only recognized "test" is the ADOS and that involves a chest of toys. Really?

It is best to talk with a counselor who IS on the spectrum and can see it in your words, thoughts, body language and intellect. Most people with Level One and Level Two Autism are highly-intelligent, even if IQ tests don't show it. People on the spectrum generally have larger brain growth as infants, more grey matter in adulthood and more white matter. White matter helps to produce Myelin, the fatty substance that provides insulation for the electrical connections between neurons in the brain.

This higher connectivity can mean differences in thought, recognition of patterns others cannot conceptualize and deeply focused interests that may be foreign to others. The thoughts of those on the spectrum may seem "weird" but being so allows people to invent great things, think great thoughts and perform at historic levels. Think Mozart, Einstein and Steve Jobs.

There are many misconceptions about people on the spectrum that impedes a good diagnosis by those who are not on the spectrum. They DO have empathy. In fact, their thoughts go into problem-solving mode for the person who is suffering. Instead of emoting with a person, the person on the spectrum immediately being to seek solutions. That....is true empathy.

People on the spectrum may need to "stim" to maintain their focus and ease their anxiety. It could be that person rubbing their fingers together, pacing, rocking back and forth or side to side, is simply trying to calm themselves, due to the "overactive" brain. Don't buy into all the negatives and don't assume you cannot function or your brain is a colorful jigsaw puzzle. Your brain is better capable to solve puzzles and is not a puzzle itself.

We have developed a quick questionnaire to help people see if they have traits of being on the spectrum. Again---NO test is valuable because, well, it is called "the spectrum" for a reason. There are many myths, many of them harmful. If you would like take the questionnaire, email Dr. Probst at: drprobstwisconsin@gmail.com.

So, don't spend thousands on "evaluations". A psychologist who is not on the spectrum can put you through a battery of useless "tests". Use our survey form and talk with one of us who understands being on the spectrum, because we are, also, "neurodivergent".