Exploring the Aspie Quiz: Understanding Its Context and Relevance

By NeuroSpark Health

The term aspie quiz is a commonly searched phrase online, referencing a self-assessment tool that explores traits associated with autism, particularly those linked to what we used to refer to as Asperger's Syndrome.  The quiz can provide insight into neurodivergent traits, but it’s important to contextualize its use within the more modern understandings of autism, including the shift away from Asperger's as a diagnostic term. Read on to understand the history of the term aspie, the reasons for the reclassification of Asperger's Syndrome, concerns about aspie supremacy, and why neuroaffirming frameworks are essential.
 

What Does Aspie Mean?

The term aspie comes from Asperger's Syndrome, the diagnosis previously used (in the US at least) to describe autistic people who were perceived as "high-functioning." Often described as socially awkward, highly intelligent, savants, and hyperfocused, the term aspie became a colloquial identifier over time. Now, online Aspie quizzes can best be used as a self-reflection tool for those wondering if they're autistic. 
 

Why Is Asperger's Syndrome No Longer a Diagnosis?

In 2013, the release of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) marked a significant change in how autism was understood and diagnosed. Asperger's Syndrome was subsumed into the broader diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, used to describe the spectrum or range of presentations and support needs. This change was made for several reasons:
 

1. Overlap in Traits: Research studies found no significant differences in brain function or traits between individuals labeled as Asperger's and those labeled as "high-functioning.” "High-functioning" is another outdated term that was replaced with level 1 autism or referred to as low support needs. Essentially, there was no reason to have a separate diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome when it could be just as accurately described as autism or autism spectrum disorder. 
    

2. Issues with Functioning Labels: Terms like "high-functioning autism" or "mild autism" are misleading and dismissive of the challenges faced by autistics, while the terms “low-functioning” or “severe autism” may deny autistic individuals autonomy. The Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis, referring to “high-functioning” autistics, contributed to the misconception that those individuals did not require support. Autistic people, in general, regardless of what traits they have, require some amount of support or accommodations. The current system, which isn't perfect but is much improved, recognizes support needs and explicitly communicates that all autistic people need and deserve both support and autonomy. 

3. Problematic Origins: Hans Asperger, as in Asperger's Syndrome, has been linked to dehumanizing and unethical practices associated with the Nazi regime. Hans Asperger protected autistic children believed to be intelligent or 'less disabled' but willingly sent the other autistic children to their deaths in concentration camps. This sickening history understandably further solidified the need to discontinue using his name in clinical and cultural contexts.

Negative Effects of 'Aspie Supremacy'

While the term aspie is embraced by some, it has also given rise to aspie supremacy. This phenomenon refers to the belief that people who were previously diagnosed with Asperger's are inherently superior or better than other autistic people. Negative effects of this troubling dynamic include:
 

1. Reinforcement of Harmful Stereotypes: Aspie supremacy perpetuates the myth that intelligence or verbal ability determines worth, dismissing the experiences of those with different or higher support needs. In many ways, it essentially perpetuates, to a lesser degree, what Hans Asperger did during his work with the Nazis: valuing the lives of those who appear intelligent or 'less autistic' over the lives of other autistic people. 
    

2. Division Within the Autism Community: Aspie supremacy creates a divide between individuals who identify with "Asperger's" traits and other autistic individuals. It undermines the unity of the neurodivergent community, which is one of our biggest assets and perhaps our most beautiful strength. Despite the traits of the former diagnosis of Asperger’s being quite literally described within the criteria for autism, Some autistic individuals continue to self-identify as Asperger's. Self-identification is a right and is valid, but it is sometimes rooted in subconscious internalized ableism, the belief that Asperger’s is better, superior, or less “problematic." 

3. Marginalization of Nonverbal (or nonvocal) Autistics: By valuing and glorifying traits like verbal communication, academic achievement, and high IQ, aspie supremacy marginalizes those with other equally valid traits or experiences of autism. Aspie supremacy perpetuates the idea that other autistic experiences are inherently inferior to the Aspie experience. It equates disability with being worse, wrong, or bad. 

What Is the Aspie Quiz?

The Aspie quiz is an online self-assessment. It's designed to identify autistic traits, particularly traits formerly described as Asperger’s. The Aspie quiz includes questions about sensory experiences, communication styles, and special interests. It's not a diagnostic tool, but it's popular with people exploring their neurodivergence, especially early on. 
 

Sample Aspie Quiz Questions

 An Aspie quiz might ask:
 

1. Sensory Experiences: Are you overwhelmed by bright lights, loud sounds, or strong smells?
    

2. Social Preferences: Do you prefer meaningful one-on-one conversations instead of large group settings?
    

3. Interests: Do you have a deep fascination with specific topics and enjoy learning about them extensively?
    

4. Routine and Predictability: Do you find comfort in routines and feel distressed when they are disrupted?
    

5. Nonverbal Communication: Do you find it challenging to interpret facial expressions or tone of voice?
    

These are actually great questions. They refer to some of the traits commonly associated with autism, especially late-diagnosed or late-identified autism. But here's the thing: autism is a spectrum. 
 

The Autism Spectrum: Beyond Quizzes

The Aspie quiz is informative but it offers only a limited cursory view of the autism spectrum. Autism is a broad and varied neurotype. It includes a wide range of characteristics, experiences, and needs. Self-assessment (see Am I autistic?) can be a helpful starting point or good date, but self-identification and self-diagnosis require deep exploration and reflection on lived experiences, and, for some, it includes seeking validation through formal diagnosis and assessment.
 

The Role of Professional Evaluations

An official diagnosis from a professional isn't required to embrace neurodivergence. Self-diagnosis is valid. And for many people, that's all they need. But for others, adult autism testing offers validation or practical benefits like access to accommodations. Interested in learning more? Keep reading:
 

• Who can diagnose autism?

• How is autism diagnosed?

• Where can I get tested for autism?
   

Beyond Labels

The Aspie quiz can be great for those curious about the autism neurotype and self-discovery, but it's not diagnostic or a definitive measure of neurodivergence. The term aspie reflects a historical understanding of autism that is connected to prejudice and oppression, but our knowledge, research, and clinical practice have since expanded to encompass a more inclusive and affirming perspective referred to as the autism spectrum. The neurodiversity movement celebrates differences, rejects harmful hierarchies, and creates a society where all individuals can thrive. 

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