Interesting variety of responses we have here...
Of course, Aspies all have different personalities and the autistic spectrum allows for great variety as well. I'll preface my response by saying that I was diagnosed in the intersection of Asperger's and hyperlexia, with a few complications.
-Do you have terrible memory?
I sometimes joke that I have a tape recorder in my head with broken buttons. I can replay entire songs or conversations in my head, but it doesn't work very well when I'm nervous.
-Are you very clumsy?
Not really, though I can appear to be. If you try to give me a high-five, my reaction to it will be slow because I won't see it coming. (I'm very bad at reading body language.) On the other hand, I have excellent balance and motor control. I have competed in fencing (sword-play) and precision motorcycle riding. It's probably worth noting here that I'm partially paralyzed on my left side. I have done these things with one arm and my left leg is mostly numb.
-Do you have trouble talking and expressing yourself?
It depends on the topic and the situation. I struggle greatly with expressing my emotions and with understanding the emotions of others. If the topic is more factual, especially an area in which I have expertise, I usually express myself with ease and can make myself understood to a wide variety of audiences. This is probably due, at least in part, to my hyperlexic traits. Like many hyperlexics, I have odd reading habits. I tend to read technical manuals and dictionaries.
-Do you have impulse control problems?
It depends on the situation. I do have a tendency to say what's on my mind, but I'm aware of that, so I watch for it and try to bite my tongue. I also find it difficult to resist pursuing a problem or idea that has caught my interest. On the other hand, I'm very deliberate about most other choices.
-Do you have a regular sleeping pattern?
Usually
-Are you an insomniac?
When my mind starts chasing an idea or problem, I will probably stay awake thinking about it. This can last for days. I may also have to be reminded to eat during those times.
-Are you easily startled to the point where you have heart palpitations(increased heart rate)?
It depends on the situation. When I'm working on an idea or problem, I tend to hyperfocus. If something manages to interrupt that, I might be startled...or I might be highly annoyed. On the other hand, I am often calm in situations that cause others to panic.
I hope this helps to answer your questions. More importantly, I hope it raises further questions.
