pmvd,
I’m going to suggest you take this test,
Wired 9.12: Take The AQ Test
and if you score is hi, which I suspect it might be, go and get tested by a qualified PHD for Aspergers Syndrome, which is quite often found to be the explanation for “social problems” in intelligent, introverted people. An inability or difficulty in interacting socially with others in a fluid, easy manner, is a hallmark of Aspergers. You may very well not be depressed, but if there is a reason- In Aspergers the brain is wired differently- for your difficulties with social interactions with others, then identifying it may be a first step to figuring out what you can change. People can get better at social interactions with others, but it takes practice, the more the better.
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<p>I don’t have time right now to answer to all the messages that were posted on this thread since my last visit, but I read and thought about all of them. For now, I will only say that I took the AQ test and did score 32 or above. However, you need to keep in mind the following proviso:</p>
<p>*Eighty percent of those diagnosed with autism or a related disorder scored 32 or higher. The test is not a means for making a diagnosis, however, and many who score above 32 and even meet the diagnostic criteria for mild autism or Asperger’s report no difficulty functioning in their everyday lives. *</p>
<p>Since it’s possible for autistic people to score less than 32 and for seemingly functional people to score above 32, it’s unclear to me what the meaning of my score is. I suppose it means next to nothing.</p>
<p>'it’s unclear to me what the meaning of my score is. ’
'Eighty percent of those diagnosed with autism or a related disorder scored 32 or higher. The test is not a means for making a diagnosis, however, and many who score above 32 and even meet the diagnostic criteria for mild autism or Asperger’s report no difficulty functioning in their everyday lives. "
This is known as a disclaimer. Your score may mean nothing. On the other hand, it may be an explanation for the trouble you have interacting with others, which is a hallmark of Apsergers. You should NOT try to diagnose yourself, and then call it a day. Since your score was right on the cut off, it is possible, if not probable, that you have a mild case of Aspergers, based on your descriptions of your social difficulties.
That is why I suggested this-
“go and get tested by a qualified PHD” for Aspergers Syndrome. Try to find someone who specializes in the diagnosis of Autism and other related social disorders at a University Psychiatric clinic. And IF you are diagnosed, then ASK for help. The brain is very “plastic” and malleable, and though you will probably never be Mr. Popularity, you CAN with time, practice, and repetition, get better at interacting with others. Good luck.</p>
<p>I’m actually diagnosed with the disorder and I have an AQ of 29? Huh?
Then again the average score is 16. The point is that one should at least go to a professional and not just rely on the test.</p>
<p>"Does nobody take Dale Carnegie courses any more? "</p>
<p>My former boss did (emphasis on “former” ) </p>
<p>Total waste of his time and money. It was like a pyramid marketing scheme - he gave the stupid instructor contact information for half the staff and we were pestered by them for months until I finally told the instructor that I saw what results he had with my boss, and not only was I not impressed, I thought he owed the boss a refund! That shut him up for good…</p>
<p>People can only change if they want to change. No course instructor, friend or family member can do a thing about it.</p>
) </p>