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The Assessment Protocol

Instructions:

Set aside 15-20 minutes.
Be brutally honest about your internal feelings, not just what you show the world.
Scoring Scale:
- 0 = Never / Not True
- 1 = Occasionally / Mildly True
- 2 = Often / True
- 3 = Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

1. I feel like I am constantly "acting" or "performing" a character when I am around others to appear normal.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

SECTION A: Social Camouflaging & The "Performance"

This section measures the energy cost of appearing neurotypical.

2. I explicitly rehearse conversations in my head before they happen (including ordering coffee, making phone calls, or casual chats).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

3. I have a mental library of "pre-prepared" scripts, jokes, or anecdotes that I use to survive social interactions.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

4. If a conversation goes "off-script" or takes an unexpected turn, I feel a sudden wave of panic or go blank.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

5. I consciously monitor my body language (e.g., "Are my arms crossed? Am I nodding enough? Is my face making a weird expression?").

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

6. I force eye contact because I know I am supposed to, even though it feels invasive, intimate, or overwhelming. (Or I look at the nose/mouth to fake it).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

7. I often mimic the vocabulary, accent, laugh, or mannerisms of the person I am talking to without realizing it until later.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

8. After socializing, I experience a "social hangover" where I feel physically ill, exhausted, or need to lie in a dark room for hours/days.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

9. I constantly analyze past social interactions (rumination), worrying that I made a mistake or was misunderstood.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

10. People are often surprised when I tell them I am struggling or anxious because I appear "calm" or "put together" on the outside.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

SECTION B: Sensory Processing & The Physical World

This section measures how your nervous system filters input.

11. I hear low-level noises that others ignore (e.g., electricity buzzing, the fridge humming, a clock ticking three rooms away)

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

12. In a busy environment (restaurant/bar), I cannot filter out background noise to hear the person next to me; it all becomes a wall of sound.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

13. I am extremely particular about clothing textures. I cannot tolerate wool, tight waistbands, certain synthetics, or tags.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

14. I prefer low lighting. Supermarket lights or fluorescent office lights make me feel dizzy, nauseous, or instantly drained.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

15. I have a limited diet or "safe foods" that I eat repeatedly. I avoid foods due to "bad" textures (e.g., slimy, mixed textures like yogurt with fruit).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

16. I am easily startled by sudden loud noises (balloons popping, dogs barking, motorcycles).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

17. I notice smells that others don't, and strong smells (perfume, food cooking) can make me feel physically sick or angry.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

18. I hate light touch (brushing against someone), but I often enjoy deep pressure (weighted blankets, tight hugs, heavy clothes).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

19. I struggle with "Interoception" (internal body sense): I often forget to eat, drink, or use the bathroom until I am in pain or dizzy.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

20. I have a paradox in pain tolerance: I can ignore major injuries (like a cut or bruise) but a minor discomfort (like a wet sleeve) ruins my entire day.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

SECTION C: Cognitive Rigidity, Routine & Justice

This section measures your need for predictability and structure.

21. I feel a disproportionate spike of anger, tears, or anxiety if my plans change at the last minute.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

22. I need to know exactly what to expect before going somewhere (e.g., checking the menu online, looking at street view, knowing where the parking is).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

23. I have a very strong sense of "Right vs. Wrong." I cannot "let it go" when I see someone breaking a rule or behaving unfairly.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

24. I struggle to lie, even about small things. Being dishonest makes me physically uncomfortable.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

25. I tend to be very literal. I often miss sarcasm, hints, or flirtation unless it is explicitly explained to me.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

26. I have a specific way of organizing things (books, apps, clothes, dishwasher) and I get upset if someone rearranges them.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

27. I find comfort in repetition (watching the same TV show over and over, listening to the same song on repeat).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

28. I am often told I am "argumentative" or "pedantic" because I correct people on facts, even when I am just trying to be helpful/accurate.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

29. I prefer clear instructions. Vague requests like "clean the living room" overwhelm me; I need to know exactly what steps to take.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

30. I struggle with "black and white" thinking (e.g., a person is either all good or all bad; a project is either perfect or a failure).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

SECTION D: Social Connection & Communication Style

This section measures how you naturally connect with humans.

31. I find small talk (weather, "how are you") painful and boring. I prefer to jump straight to deep or intense topics.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

32. I often feel like an alien or an anthropologist observing humans, trying to figure out the "rules" of how to be a person.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

33. I have been called "intense," "too much," or "overbearing" in relationships.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

34. I prefer to communicate via text or email rather than phone calls because it gives me time to process the information and compose my response.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

35. I often unintentionally interrupt people because I am afraid I will forget my thought if I don't say it immediately.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

36. I sometimes go non-verbal or struggle to speak when I am extremely stressed, overwhelmed, or emotional.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

37. I find group settings (3+ people) exponentially harder than 1-on-1 interactions because there are too many variables to track.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

38. I struggle to judge physical boundaries; I might stand too close to people or, conversely, need much more personal space than average.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

39. My facial expressions sometimes don't match my mood (e.g., resting b*tch face, or smiling when I'm actually nervous).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

SECTION E: Special Interests & Monotropism

This section measures the intensity of your focus.

40. I have specific topics (hobbies, media, history, science) that I am obsessed with. I can engage with them for hours without realizing time has passed.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

41. When I talk about my interests, I feel a rush of energy. I can talk for a long time (infodumping) without realizing the other person is bored.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

42. I collect things (physical objects, or digital information/screenshots) related to my interests.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

43. My "special interests" might be socially acceptable topics (like psychology, self-improvement, or a specific band), but the intensity with which I pursue them is higher than my peers.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

44. If I cannot engage in my interest, I feel bored, restless, or depressed. It acts as a regulator for my mood.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

45. I tend to "hyperfixate" on people (a new friend, a crush, a celebrity), learning everything about them very quickly.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

SECTION F: Stimming & Regulation

This section measures how you self-regulate your nervous system.

46. I have Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) that I do constantly, such as skin picking, nail biting, cheek biting, or hair pulling.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

47. I constantly move a part of my body (bouncing leg, wiggling toes, cracking knuckles, tensing muscles) to stay focused.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

48. I engage in "vocal stims"—repeating a word, sound, or phrase under my breath, or making random noises when I am alone.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

49. I often sit in "unusual" positions (perched on a chair, legs crossed on the couch, curled up in a ball) because "normal" sitting is uncomfortable.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

50. When I am excited or distressed, I feel an urge to make larger movements (hand flapping, jumping, pacing), though I usually suppress this in public.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

SECTION G: Executive Function & Burnout

This section measures the "spiky profile" of ability.

51. I experience "Autistic Inertia": It is physically painful to start a task, but once I start, it is equally hard to stop.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

52. I can perform complex tasks at work but struggle with "basic" life skills (showering, doing dishes, making phone calls).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

53. I have experienced "Autistic Burnout": a period of months/years where I lost skills I used to have and felt completely unable to function due to exhaustion.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

54. I often lose things, forget appointments, or struggle with time management (time blindness), despite trying very hard to be organized.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

55. If I have one appointment at 3:00 PM, I cannot do anything productive all day because I am in "waiting mode."

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

SECTION H: Childhood History (Retrospective)

Diagnostic criteria require symptoms to be present in childhood.

56. As a child, I was described as "shy," "highly sensitive," "mature for my age," or a "dreamer."

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

57. I preferred playing with younger children (where I could be the leader) or adults (who were predictable), rather than peers my own age.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

58. I was a "rule follower" in school and was terrified of getting in trouble.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

59. I had intense childhood phobias or hatred of specific things (buttons, certain fabrics, balloons, hand dryers).

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)

60. I spent a lot of time observing other children on the playground to figure out how to join in, rather than just naturally joining in.

Never / Not True

Occasionally / Mildly True

Often / True

Very Frequent / Strongly True (This is a defining part of my life)