Autism Survey

This survey is for purposes of determining characteristics standard to autism, and should be completed by people on the autistic spectrum only, whether diagnosed or not. Neurotypical parents and professionals, do not take this survey. Click here for the neurotypical perspective survey. The purpose of this particular survey is not to find out your perceptions of your autistic child/patient's condition, but to determine how autism is seen through the eyes of the autistic.

The following questions are a general survey of traits that are commonly considered to be indicative of autism. Please answer these questions as briefly as possible. However, keeping in mind that pat answers are often not entirely applicable, text input has been provided to allow for explanation of the answer if you feel there is a need for it.

All radio () button choices are required. Just give the closest answer you can or "No" if you really just don't know. All other required fields are marked as such.

A Note to Curmudgeons: If you have the need to make a snide, cynical or sarcastic remark, feel free, but please identify it as such. :-)

Classification (for statistical purposes only)

There is some debate on whether Asperger's is autism or a derivitive thereof, and also whether LFA or HFA are even valid diagnoses. Therefore, for purposes of general classification, please state your "degree" of autism.

If LFA or HFA, please explain this conclusion briefly:

Have you been diagnosed by a professional?

Please state the year of your birth (required):

Please state your gender:

Autism/Asperger's (Based on "Asperger's Syndrome Characteristics" by Roger Meyer)

(I) Social Characteristics

(a) Difficulty in accepting criticism or correction:

(b) Difficulty in offering correction or criticism without appearing harsh, pedantic or insensitive

(c) Difficulty in perceiving and applying unwritten social rules or protocols

(d) "Immature" manners

(e) Failure to distinguish between private and public personal care habits: i.e., brushing, public attention to skin problems, nose picking, teeth picking, ear canal cleaning, clothing arrangement

(f) Naïve trust in others

(g) Shyness

(h) Low or no conversational participation in group meetings or conferences

(i) Constant anxiety about performance and acceptance, despite recognition and commendation

(j) Scrupulous honesty, often expressed in an apparently disarming or inappropriate manner or setting

(k) Bluntness in emotional expression

(l) "Flat effect" (appears unemotional to others)

(m) Discomfort manipulating or "playing games" with others

(n) Unmodulated reaction in being manipulated, patronized, or "handled" by others

(o) Low to medium level of paranoia

(p) Low to no apparent sense of humor; bizarre sense of humor (often stemming from a "private" internal thread of humor being inserted in public conversation without preparation or warming others up to the reason for the "punchline")

(q) Difficulty with reciprocal displays of pleasantries and greetings

(r) Problems expressing empathy or comfort to/with others: sadness, condolence, congratulations, etc.

(s) Pouting, ruminating, fixating on bad experiences with people or events for an inordinate length of time

(t) Difficulty with adopting a social mask to obscure real feelings, moods, reactions

(u) Using social masks inappropriately (you are "x" while everyone else is "y"?)
(ex.: "friend" mask at work, etc.)

(v) Abrupt and strong expression of likes and dislikes

(w) Rigid adherence to rules and social conventions where flexibility is desirable

(x) Apparent absence of relaxation, recreational, or "time out" activities

(y) "Serious" all the time

(z) Known for single-mindedness

(aa) Flash temper

(bb) Tantrums

(cc) Excessive talk

(dd) Difficulty in forming friendships and intimate relationships; difficulty in distinguishing between acquaintance and friendship

(ee) Social isolation and intense concern for privacy

(ff) Limited clothing preference; discomfort with formal attire or uniforms

(gg) Preference for bland or bare environments in living arrangements

(hh) Difficulty judging others' personal space

(ii) Limited by intensely pursued interests

(jj) Often perceived as "being in their own world"

(II) Physical Manifestations

(a) Balance difficulties

(b) Difficulty in judging distances, height, depth

(c) Difficulty in recognizing others' faces (prosopagnosia)

(d) Self-injurious or disfiguring behaviors

(e) Nail-biting

(f) Unusual gait, stance, posture

(g) Low apparent sexual interest

(h) Sleep difficulties

(i) Verbosity

(j) Difficulty expressing anger (excessive or "bottled up")

(k) Flat or monotone vocal expression; limited range of inflection

(l) Elevated voice volume during periods of stress and frustration

(m) Strong food preferences and aversions

(n) Unusual and rigidly adhered to eating behaviors

(o) Bad or unusual personal hygiene