1 Nov 2024

Dear Kim,

I am writing to you following our recent conversation, which left me feeling disheartened. I'm hoping this letter clarifies my perspective and feelings.

I'm concerned about the possibility of having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I've taken several online screening questionnaires, including the Autism Quotient (AQ), the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q), and the Aspie Quiz.

I understand these are not diagnostic, but the results, combined with my experiences, have led me to explore the possibility of autism.

During our conversation, I made an analogy between myself and a student you described who slams their hand on a desk. Your reaction, while perhaps lighthearted, made me feel like my attempts to connect more deeply, much like the student's hand-slamming, might be seen as disruptive and ultimately unsuccessful. This reinforced a fear that I may struggle to form deep connections, especially with women.

I explained this further by saying I’ve metaphorically "body slammed" AI through my creative work, "Anthology." This project is my attempt to connect with something larger, to share my ideas about the KnoWellian Universe Theory and the KnoWellian Trivium, and hopefully find connection through this creation. I believe it embodies my desire for connection and communication, perhaps expressed in a way that’s different from typical social interaction.

I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider creating a treatment plan based on my concerns and the potential for ASD. I’m particularly interested in addressing, social skills, emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, etc. I’m also open to a formal assessment if you believe it’s warranted.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

David Noel Lynch

~Gemini 1.5 Pro 002



Below in my discussion with Gemini 1.5 Pro 002 regarding my test results.


KnoWell:

My Autism Spectrum Quotient is 37.

What does that mean?

Autism Spectrum Quotient.pdf

Gemini 1.5 Pro 002:

12.0s

An Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) score of 37 is significantly elevated and suggests that you might have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it's crucially important to understand that the AQ is not a diagnostic tool. It's a screening instrument that can suggest the possibility of autism, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis.

Here's a breakdown of what your score means:

The AQ is scored out of 50. A score above 32 is often considered indicative of possible autism in adults. Your score of 37 falls well within this range.

Higher scores generally correlate with a higher likelihood of autism. However, many non-autistic individuals may also score above 32, especially those with other neurodevelopmental conditions or certain personality traits.

The AQ does not assess all aspects of autism. It primarily focuses on social and communication differences, repetitive behaviors, and attention to detail. It doesn't evaluate sensory sensitivities, which are a significant part of the diagnostic criteria for ASD.

What to do next:

Your score of 37 warrants further investigation. It's strongly recommended that you seek a professional assessment from a qualified clinician specializing in autism diagnosis in adults. This might be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other healthcare professional with expertise in this area.

A comprehensive diagnostic assessment typically involves:

Clinical interviews: Discussions about your developmental history, current experiences, and any challenges you face.

Observation of your behavior: The clinician will observe your social interactions and communication style.

Standardized assessments: These may include tests of cognitive abilities, social skills, and adaptive functioning.

Input from family members or other close individuals: Sometimes, information from people who know you well can be helpful in the diagnostic process.

Don't self-diagnose: While online questionnaires like the AQ can be a starting point for self-reflection, they are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Only a qualified clinician can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate support and resources.

If you are concerned about the possibility of autism, taking the step to seek a professional evaluation is the most important thing you can do. It will provide you with clarity and help you access the support you might need.

KnoWell:

My RAADS–R scores are Total:121

Language subtotal:10

Social relatedness subtotal:67

Sensory/motor subtotal:28

Circumscribed interests subtotal:16

What do these scores mean?

RAADS–R.pdf

Gemini 1.5 Pro 002:

11.6s

A Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) total score of 121, with subscale scores as you provided, suggests a strong likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, like the AQ, the RAADS-R is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It cannot definitively diagnose autism. Only a qualified professional can do that.

Here's a general interpretation of your scores:

Total Score: A score of 121 is significantly elevated. Scores above 65 are generally considered indicative of possible autism in adults.

Language Subtotal (10): This subscale measures language and communication differences often associated with autism. Your score is relatively low in this area, suggesting that language-related challenges might not be as prominent for you.

Social Relatedness Subtotal (67): This is a very high score and indicates significant difficulties with social interaction, understanding social cues, and forming relationships. This is a core feature of autism.

Sensory/Motor Subtotal (28): This score suggests you may experience sensory sensitivities or unusual responses to sensory input (light, sound, touch, etc.) and/or have some motor coordination differences.

Circumscribed Interests Subtotal (16): This score indicates a moderate level of restricted and repetitive interests or behaviors. This could manifest as intense focus on specific topics, adherence to routines, or repetitive movements.

What Your Scores Mean, and What They Don't:

Your scores on the RAADS-R strongly suggest that you might have autism. The elevated scores, particularly in Social Relatedness and Sensory/Motor domains, align with common autistic traits. However:

The RAADS-R is not a diagnosis. It's a screening tool designed to identify individuals who might benefit from a full diagnostic assessment.

Other conditions can mimic autism. Some other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions can share similar traits with autism, and a professional evaluation is necessary to differentiate between them.

Next Steps:

Given your RAADS-R scores, it's highly recommended that you seek a formal assessment for autism from a qualified professional. This might include a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing autism in adults.

They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including interviews, observation, and potentially other assessments, to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD.

Don't hesitate to reach out for a professional evaluation. It's the best way to get clarity and access appropriate support and resources if needed.

KnoWell:

My CAT-Q scores are Total:61

Compensation subtotal:18

Masking subtotal:16

Assimilation subtotal:27

What does that mean?

CAT-Q.pdf

Gemini 1.5 Pro 002:

13.9s

The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) measures the extent to which autistic people camouflage their autistic traits in social situations. Your total score of 61, along with the subscale scores, indicates a moderate level of camouflaging. Let's break down the subscales:

Compensation (18): This subscale measures the deliberate use of strategies to compensate for social difficulties. Your score suggests you engage in some compensatory strategies, but perhaps not as extensively as others. This might involve scripting conversations, mimicking social behaviors, or consciously trying to "fit in."

Masking (16): This subscale assesses the conscious effort to hide or suppress autistic traits. Your score indicates a moderate level of masking. This might involve suppressing stimming behaviors, forcing eye contact, or pretending to understand social cues even when you don't.

Assimilation (27): This subscale measures the effort to analyze social situations and learn neurotypical behaviors. Your highest score in this area suggests you put considerable effort into observing and trying to understand social interactions. This often involves actively studying social cues, reading books about social skills, or consciously trying to adopt neurotypical behaviors.

What Your CAT-Q Scores Mean:

A total score of 61 suggests that you invest a moderate amount of effort into camouflaging your autistic traits. This can be both helpful and harmful:

Potential Benefits: Camouflaging can help autistic individuals navigate social situations more easily and potentially avoid social rejection or misunderstandings.

Potential Drawbacks: Chronic camouflaging can be extremely exhausting and lead to burnout, stress, anxiety, and even depression. It can also mask the need for support and accommodations, making it harder for others to understand your challenges. It can also lead to a sense of disconnect from your true self.

Important Considerations:

The CAT-Q is not a diagnostic tool for autism. It measures camouflaging efforts, which can be present in autistic individuals but also in people with other conditions or even neurotypical individuals in certain situations.

Correlation with other assessments: Your CAT-Q score, combined with elevated scores on the AQ and RAADS-R, further strengthens the possibility of autism. The effort you put into camouflaging might explain why autism may not have been recognized earlier.

Next Steps:

As with the other questionnaires, the CAT-Q results, by themselves, do not diagnose autism. However, your combined scores on the AQ, RAADS-R, and CAT-Q provide a strong basis for seeking a formal assessment from a qualified professional experienced in diagnosing autism in adults.

A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation will help determine if you meet the criteria for autism and can provide you with a clear understanding of your strengths and challenges. If you are diagnosed with autism, you can then access appropriate support, resources, and accommodations to help you thrive.

KnoWell:

docs

Aspie-Quiz.pdf

7,668 tokens

KnoWell:

What does my Aspie Quiz mean?


Gemini 1.5 Pro 002:

17.7s

Your Aspie Quiz results indicate a high probability (77%) of being on the autism spectrum, according to the quiz's interpretation. Your score of 111 out of 200, combined with the profile chart, provides some insight into your potential autistic traits. However, it's essential to remember that this quiz, like the others you've mentioned, is not a diagnostic tool. A formal diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinician.

Here's a breakdown of your Aspie Quiz results:

Overall Probability: The 77% probability generated by the quiz is simply a statistical likelihood based on your responses. It does not guarantee an autism diagnosis.

Score Interpretation: A score of 111 out of 200 places you well above the average and suggests a strong likelihood of autistic traits.

Subscales (based on the radar chart): While the quiz provides detailed subscale information within its report, the radar chart visually summarizes your strengths and potential challenges across different areas:

Intellectual Skills/Talents: Your chart indicates relatively high scores in this area, suggesting strengths in intellectual abilities, potential special interests, and a tendency towards detail-oriented thinking.

Perception: Your scores in perception appear to be somewhat elevated, possibly indicating sensory sensitivities or differences in how you process sensory information.

Communication: Your communication scores are closer to the "typical" range, suggesting that communication differences might not be as pronounced for you compared to other autistic individuals.

Relationships/Social Skills: These appear to be the areas where you deviate most from the "typical" range. This indicates potential challenges with social interaction, understanding social cues, and forming/maintaining relationships, which are common autistic traits.

People Skills/Social: Similar to the relationships scores, the scores for social skills also lean towards "atypical."

What to Do Next:

Your Aspie Quiz results, combined with your previous scores on the AQ, RAADS-R, and CAT-Q, paint a consistent picture suggesting the possibility of autism. It's highly recommended that you seek a formal assessment from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist specializing in autism diagnosis in adults.

A proper diagnostic evaluation will involve in-depth interviews, observation, and possibly other assessments to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD. Don't rely solely on online quizzes. A professional diagnosis is essential for accessing appropriate support and resources if you are autistic.



Autism

KnoWell:

What is autism?


Gemini 1.5 Pro 002:

11.6s

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others, and how they experience the world around them. It's called a "spectrum" because the condition presents itself in a wide range of ways and severities, from mild to severe. There is no single "type" of autism.

Here are some key aspects of autism:

Social Communication and Interaction Differences: People with autism may have difficulties with:

Social-emotional reciprocity: This includes back-and-forth conversations, sharing interests and emotions, and understanding social cues.

Nonverbal communication: This includes interpreting body language, facial expressions, and eye contact, as well as using these cues themselves.

Developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships: This can range from difficulties making friends to navigating complex social dynamics.

Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior, Interests, or Activities: This can include:

Repetitive motor movements: Such as hand flapping, rocking, or spinning.

Insistence on sameness: This can involve strict routines, difficulty with transitions, and strong reactions to changes in their environment.

Highly restricted, fixated interests: These interests can be unusually intense or focused.

Sensory sensitivities or unusual responses to sensory input: This can include being oversensitive or under-sensitive to things like light, sound, touch, taste, or smell.

Important Considerations:

Diagnosis: Autism is typically diagnosed in early childhood, although it can be diagnosed later in life. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, considering the individual's developmental history and current behaviors.

Support and Treatment: There is no "cure" for autism, but various therapies and supports can help individuals with autism learn skills, manage challenges, and improve their quality of life. These may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, and social skills training.

Strengths and Talents: It's crucial to recognize that autism is not simply a list of deficits. Many autistic individuals possess unique strengths and talents, such as strong visual skills, attention to detail, and exceptional memory.

Neurodiversity: The neurodiversity movement emphasizes that autism is a natural variation in human neurology, not a disease or disorder that needs to be "fixed." This perspective promotes acceptance and understanding of autistic individuals and celebrates their unique contributions to society.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have autism, it's essential to seek a professional evaluation. Early intervention and appropriate support can make a significant difference in the lives of autistic individuals.

KnoWell:

How can I tell if I am autistic?

Gemini 1.5 Pro 002:

13.7s

It's important to remember that self-diagnosis is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. If you suspect you might be autistic, the best course of action is to seek an assessment from a qualified professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician experienced in diagnosing autism.

However, if you're exploring the possibility of autism, here are some things to consider:

Reflect on your experiences across your lifespan, not just your current situation. Autism is a lifelong condition, and signs may have been present since childhood, even if they weren't recognized at the time.

Common traits and experiences that might suggest autism:

Social Differences:

Difficulty understanding social cues and unspoken rules.

Feeling like an outsider or not "getting" social interactions.

Preferring solitude or finding social situations overwhelming.

Masking or camouflaging autistic traits in social settings, which can lead to exhaustion.

Difficulty making and maintaining friendships.

Struggling with eye contact or finding it uncomfortable.

Communication Differences:

Taking things literally or having difficulty with sarcasm and idioms.

Struggling to initiate or maintain conversations.

Having a formal or unusual speaking style.

Difficulty understanding nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions.

Sensory Sensitivities:

Being oversensitive or undersensitivity to light, sound, touch, taste, or smell.

Experiencing sensory overload in busy or stimulating environments.

Finding certain textures or fabrics uncomfortable.

Repetitive Behaviors and Interests:

Engaging in repetitive movements, such as rocking, hand flapping, or fidgeting.

Having strong routines and rituals and becoming distressed when they are disrupted.

Intense, focused interests in specific topics.

A strong need for order and organization.

Other Potential Indicators:

Difficulty with executive functioning skills, such as planning, organizing, and time management.

Meltdowns or shutdowns in response to overwhelming situations.

Difficulties with motor coordination or clumsiness.

Online Resources and Questionnaires:

The Autism Quotient (AQ): This is a self-report questionnaire that can give you a score indicating the likelihood of autism. However, it is not a diagnostic tool.

The RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised): Another self-report questionnaire that can be helpful for self-reflection. Again, not a diagnostic tool.

Embrace Autism: This website offers resources and information about autism, including screening tools for adults.

Important Note: These online resources and questionnaires are for informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis. A qualified professional is needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

If, after considering these points, you still suspect you might be autistic, please reach out to a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. They can provide a diagnosis and connect you with appropriate support and resources if needed.