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How Do We Know This Is Real

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GalaxyDreamer90

Senior Member
Since I first learned about reincarnation in middle school it gave me a bit of a sense of comfort to think a person can come back as someone else in another place and time. Also I have always had an unusual interest in the paranormal which led me to eventually believe in Wicca. However, my parents are athiest, my dad is even the second generation in the family to be athiest since my grandpa was also athiest. Whenever I mention my beliefs to them they say things like its make believe. Now I dont talk to them as much about my beliefs. However this causes me to sometimes have doubts in my beliefs including my belief in reincarnation. How can I know for sure reincarnation is real. I hate to think that when we pass away we become nothing like my parents believe but Im afraid that might be what actually happens. However my mind cant comprehend being nothing.
 
Hi Galaxy,

To me, it is actually very difficult to think otherwise. However, I believe this is especially true for those who have had NDEs or OBEs. I experienced the latter around the age of 20. I already was very inclined to believe in an after-life/reincarnation, but my OBEs also helped to confirm that I was more than a merely physical being. I mention this because there is an active thread on this board dealing with the subject, with very detailed instructions and tons of materials and books available online and in hard copy. Having said that, going OBE is not without its risks IMO, but so is driving a car. However, the risks seem to be very manageable for most. Why not do some reading and perhaps contact Eowyn, who is our resident expert in such things.

Cordially,
S&S
 
Whatever you decide to believe, we all have to make peace with dying. The more you can cultivate feelings of love and fondness now, which are real, the better off you'll be. My grandpa just died, in and out of consciousness for days- he was a fighter. But in the end, he decided to make peace with his family and his mortality. Don't let anyone tell you they know best, atheist or otherwise. You have every freedom to explore your own beliefs, and make your own decisions.
 
It’s true that many find comfort in love or in making peace with death. But some of us question whether that’s really the end of the road—whether love and peace are final goals, or just stages on a longer path. What if the deeper point isn’t to make peace, but to never stop questioning what we are and what death even is?
 
SeaAndSky said:
Hi Galaxy,

To me, it is actually very difficult to think otherwise. However, I believe this is especially true for those who have had NDEs or OBEs. I experienced the latter around the age of 20. I already was very inclined to believe in an after-life/reincarnation, but my OBEs also helped to confirm that I was more than a merely physical being. I mention this because there is an active thread on this board dealing with the subject, with very detailed instructions and tons of materials and books available online and in hard copy. Having said that, going OBE is not without its risks IMO, but so is driving a car. However, the risks seem to be very manageable for most. Why not do some reading and perhaps contact Eowyn, who is our resident expert in such things.

Cordially,
S&S
Click to expand...
Before I was even born my mom almost died and had a NDE but doesnt remember anything of it. Says it was like she passed out. Sometimes it makes me wonder why my mom survived to eventually have me and if Its a sign I have an important purpose in this life. And hate to but trying to distance myself more from my parents all of a sudden. Besides Im an adult and live on my own now. Also talking more to my friend who is also into Wicca. Seem to help to talk to my friend. Hope I can find more like minded friends.
 
GalaxyDreamer90 said:
Before I was even born my mom almost died and had a NDE but doesnt remember anything of it. Says it was like she passed out. Sometimes it makes me wonder why my mom survived to eventually have me and if Its a sign I have an important purpose in this life. And hate to but trying to distance myself more from my parents all of a sudden. Besides Im an adult and live on my own now. Also talking more to my friend who is also into Wicca. Seem to help to talk to my friend. Hope I can find more like minded friends.
Click to expand...
Hi Galaxy,

I do not believe that being unconscious while having a cardiac arrest or numerous other phenomena that put one on the point of death is what the term NDE is used to describe. Actually, I have never heard it used for such a thing. Many people have accidents or other close encounters with death (i.e., have their heart stop, etc.) that leave them unconscious and "dead" (as the term is usually defined) for a brief period. But only conscious OBE experiences while they are in this state are, I believe, referred to as NDEs. You may wish to search the term "NDE" online, and also to search and read a few accounts by people who have had NDEs.

Cordially,
S&S
 
SeaAndSky said:
Hi Galaxy,

I do not believe that being unconscious while having a cardiac arrest or numerous other phenomena that put one on the point of death is what the term NDE is used to describe. Actually, I have never heard it used for such a thing. Many people have accidents or other close encounters with death (i.e., have their heart stop, etc.) that leave them unconscious and "dead" (as the term is usually defined) for a brief period. But only conscious OBE experiences while they are in this state are, I believe, referred to as NDEs. You may wish to search the term "NDE" online, and also to search and read a few accounts by people who have had NDEs.

Cordially,
S&S
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From what Ive heard my mom actually flat lined though I never asked for how long. And it might help to look up NDE.
 
Sorry to bump but not entirely sure what to believe Still. Probably doesnt help that my best friend who is also wiccan has been rather busy and I learned the hard way that I cant talk to most other people about this kind of stuff. Im starting to worry I'll eventually be nothing. At least thats what my parents amd most others seem to believe. My mind still cant comprehend being nothing but the thought makes me sad. Thinking of trying future life progression tonight but how can I know any of it is real.
 
Hi galaxy dreamer, I love your username. All those years you've lived, I don't think you're nothing.
I'm listening to this and I think I'm meant to share it with you:


You are already enough.
 
You can spend an entire life worrying about what others think about you, or you can live your life. The choice is always yours.

I wish you the best, and am happy you are open to the video. Maybe it will serve you in a different way at a later time.

Gentle regards ~ <3 ~
 
@GalaxyDreamer90

If death truly ends awareness, nothing afterward matters. But if awareness continues, then how you live now decides whether you arrive after death with regret or satisfaction. The safest choice is to act as if awareness persists — because if it does, you’ve acted wisely, and if it doesn’t, there’s nothing lost. That’s why it makes sense to take your beliefs seriously, no matter what anyone else says.
 
I guess I shouldn't worry so much about others but they always think so low of me. Like I said they think Im autistic and now it is so stuck in my mind that I am. And doesn't help when my parents dont take my beliefs seriously. Whenever I predict stuff and it happens my parents will just say its just coincidence. I guess I could always not communicate with them but I kind of hate to. They are my parents even if they dont always believe in me. And besides I got it so stuck in my mind im autistic that I just cant get it out.
 
Dear Galaxy,

being autistic doesn’t need to be a flaw. Autistic people are not worthless, right on the contrary. Autism can be a strength and really useful.There are many historical figures who achieved great things and who are believed to have been autistic, like Einstein, Tesla, Mozart, Darwin. The list goes on. Even when this is somewhat speculation and even when maybe it isn’t true in all the cases, the mere fact that it is thought to be possible that these people might have been autistic should tell you something. There are as well contemporary famous people who have a form of autism, of course, like Elon Musk, Anthony Hopkins or Greta Thunberg. Greta started a whole political movement as a teenage girl which is very impressive.

Autistic people are able to focus better on a task and on details than average people. Some companies look for and hire autistic employees on purpose, especially in computer programming and computer science. Book-keeping and accounting or library system are other examples of jobs where autistic people can perform well and even better than non-autistic people.

However, without a proper diagnosis by a medical specialist you can’t know for sure. But if you really are autistic, this shouldn’t lower your self-esteem. It depends on what you do with your unique abilities, just like with any talent or skill.
 
If you're seeking a free online self-assessment for autism, several reputable tools are available to help you explore whether you might be on the autism spectrum. These assessments are not diagnostic but can serve as a useful starting point for further evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Here are some of the most widely recognized and accessible options:

---

### 1. **Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Test**

* **Overview**: Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen, the AQ test consists of 50 questions designed to measure autistic traits in adults. It is widely used in both clinical and research settings.
* **Where to Take It**: ([Psychology Tools][1])

---

### 2. **DSM-5 Autism Self-Assessment**

* **Overview**: This screening tool is based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It assesses traits related to social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors.
* **Where to Take It**: ([Thruday][2])

---

### 3. **RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised)**

* **Overview**: The RAADS-R is an 80-item self-report questionnaire designed to identify autism in adults, particularly those who may have been missed or misdiagnosed earlier in life. It focuses on developmental, social, sensory, and communication traits.
* **Where to Take It**: ([Embrace Autism][3])

---

### 4. **Psychology Today Autism Test**

* **Overview**: This brief test helps determine if you may be showing signs of autism, focusing on areas like social challenges, repetitive behaviors, and differences in information processing.
* **Where to Take It**: ([Psychology Today][4])

---

### 5. **Exceptional Individuals Autism Quiz**

* **Overview**: A free online autism test for adults that helps determine if you have traits associated with autism or being on the autistic spectrum. It includes questions from the Adult Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ).
* **Where to Take It**: ([Exceptional Individuals][5])

---

**Note**: While these tools can provide insights into whether you might have traits associated with autism, they are not definitive diagnoses. If your results suggest that you may be on the autism spectrum, consider consulting with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
.

[1]: https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) - Psychology Tools"
[2]: https://thruday.com/self-assessments/free-dsm-5-autism-self-assessment?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Free Online DSM-5 Autism Self-assessment - Thruday"
[3]: https://embrace-autism.com/raads-r/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "RAADS–R | Embrace Autism"
[4]: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/tests/health/autism-test?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Autism Test / Quiz - Psychology Today"
[5]: https://exceptionalindividuals.com/...zzes/autism-quiz-test/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "
Autism Test | Am I Autistic Quiz | Free & Online"
 
GalaxyDreamer90 said:
Took the test and here are my results
Click to expand...
So you aren't autistic. You just have the right amount of it in you. If your family didn't bully you with that, you would score even lower.

You could take the autism test for them, as you know them quite well, and you can approximate their scores.
 
These are the chatgpt's comments on how to read autism-test results:

Sep 19, 2025 — 1:21:33 PM (Chicago).

Good, direct set of questions. I’ll break it down:

---

### 1. **How to read an autism test result**

Most free online tests are *screening tools* (not diagnostic). They measure traits on a spectrum, not a yes/no cutoff.

* **AQ (Autism Spectrum Quotient, 50 items)**:

* Average score in general population: **around 16–17**.
* Around **26–31+** is common in clinically diagnosed autistic adults.
* Scores **32+** are often used as a threshold for “clinically significant” autistic traits.
* **RAADS-R**:

* Scores **65+** suggest clinically relevant autistic traits.
* Many autistic adults score over 100.
* **DSM-5 checklists**: No numeric cutoff, just a screening of symptom categories.

The key point: **these tests don’t say “you are” or “you aren’t.”** They indicate whether your traits cluster more toward the autistic end of the spectrum compared to average.

---

### 2. **Is “normal” partly autistic?**

Yes — everyone has some autistic traits. Autism isn’t a switch, it’s a distribution.

* Most people show *a few* traits (need for routine, sensory preferences, social awkwardness).
* The difference is whether traits are numerous, strong, and affect functioning in daily life.

So “normal” means being somewhere on the spectrum but near the population average, not at the extremes.

---

### 3. **Average autism scores in population**

* **AQ Test**: Mean \~16–17 (non-autistic adults), with men scoring slightly higher than women.
* **Autistic adults**: Typically 27–35+.

---

### 4. **Differences across sex, race, job, income**

* **Sex**: Men tend to score a bit higher on average. Women are often underdiagnosed because they mask or camouflage traits.
* **Race**: Studies show underdiagnosis in non-white populations due to healthcare bias, not because traits are absent. When tested, average scores don’t differ significantly by race.
* **Job**: Higher rates of autistic traits appear in STEM fields (engineering, math, IT) — Simon Baron-Cohen’s studies suggested engineers and scientists often score higher on AQ.
* **Income status**: Not strongly correlated. Autistic traits show up across all income levels; what differs is access to diagnosis and support.

---

### 5. **How to use your score**

* If your score is near population average → it means you have some traits but they’re not concentrated enough to suggest autism.
* If your score is high (e.g. 30+ on AQ, or 65+ on RAADS-R) → it suggests you *might* be autistic, and a formal evaluation could clarify.
* Regardless, your score is descriptive, not prescriptive. It maps how your mind tends to process things compared to the statistical “center.”

---

Want me to chart this visually (a bell curve with average AQ scores and thresholds) so you can *see* where “normal” and “autistic range” fall?
Click to expand...
 
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The Chatgpt's comments on your result:

Alright, let’s break down those three results in context:

1. AQ (Autism Spectrum Quotient): 25/50
General population average: ~16–17
Clinical threshold: ~32+
25 sits in the “above average traits” range but below clinical cutoff.
Interpretation: noticeable autistic traits compared to average, but not high enough alone to suggest likely autism. This is often considered the “borderline” or “intermediate” range.

2. Psychology Today Autism Test: 48/100
This test is less standardized than AQ.
48/100 = right around the middle.
Usually, scores in the 40–60 range are “average number of traits” with some areas of overlap into autistic patterns.
Interpretation: suggests some traits, but not strongly concentrated.

3. Free Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment: 18/48
That’s ~37.5% of max possible.
Again, suggests some traits present, but not high.
These tests usually treat higher scores (>30–35/48) as more consistent with autism.

Combined Picture
All three results are consistent: traits are present above average, but not clustered at a level usually linked to autism diagnosis.
This pattern often shows up in:
People with mild autistic tendencies but strong coping/masking.
People in the “broader autism phenotype” (family resemblance to autism without meeting diagnostic criteria).
People with high introversion, social anxiety, or very systematic thinking styles, which overlap with autism tests but aren’t autism per se.

Comment in Plain Language
The scores suggest this person does have more autistic-like traits than the average person, but not to the degree usually considered diagnostic. They may be somewhere in the “grey zone” — enough traits to notice, but not strongly enough to define their functioning. Whether that matters depends on how much their traits affect daily life, not the numbers alone.
Click to expand...
 
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Yeah but what does that have to do with my situation. Anyway realizing im overthinking because Im constantly bored but seems the most exciting thing can be happening and Im still bored.
 
GalaxyDreamer90 said:
Since I first learned about reincarnation in middle school it gave me a bit of a sense of comfort to think a person can come back as someone else in another place and time. Also I have always had an unusual interest in the paranormal which led me to eventually believe in Wicca. However, my parents are athiest, my dad is even the second generation in the family to be athiest since my grandpa was also athiest. Whenever I mention my beliefs to them they say things like its make believe. Now I dont talk to them as much about my beliefs. However this causes me to sometimes have doubts in my beliefs including my belief in reincarnation. How can I know for sure reincarnation is real. I hate to think that when we pass away we become nothing like my parents believe but Im afraid that might be what actually happens. However my mind cant comprehend being nothing.
Click to expand...
Galaxy,

Good to see you on here again. Over the years having had an NDE years ago and off and on-again OBE's the only thing I can tell you is we are all here so the soul may know itself by its own experience. Having said that your belief in reincarnation is a personal journey only you can experience. We start off with fate or belief which is not a bad thing we all have to start somewhere. However, over time we must go beyond belief and have a personal experience for ourselves in order for that belief to become a living reality for us.

For me when I had the NDE I experience briefly cosmic consciousness. This expansion in awareness allowed me to become aware that I had lived before many times as does all of humanity on this planet. I was raised Baptist growing up. I left the church at 13 years old and for a while I became agnostic. So, the concept of reincarnation was new to me when I finally experience it for myself for the first time. Over the years I read books and tried different spiritual paths until I found something that was right for me. I even when to regression session when I lived in San Diego during the 80's and 90's which really helped in convincing me the reality that soul is eternal and that we all survive physical death. But again, this was a personal journey only I could take no one else could do it for me. So, you are in that process of finding something that will allow you to experience your own eternal nature as soul. So be patience it takes time. Look how long it has taken you just to reach this place in questioning the nature of reality itself from within you. Lifetimes my friend. I wish you all that best. And you have a lot of support here from everyone else on the forum.

Polaris
 
Thanks Polaris but Im not entirely sure I believe in NDEs. For one my mom nearly died before I was even born as Ive mentioned on here before and she doesnt remember anything. Says it was like she blacked out. Also Ive heard the brain doesnt shut down all at once when we die which may be why some people have NDEs. I hate to not believe in something more but doesnt help that i got bullied growing up for being wiccan as a teenager not just by my parents but at school. Sadly I had to learn the hard way not to be so open about my beliefs. Since I was about 12 I have had dreams that seem to later come true every now and then but like I said when I tell my parents about it they are quick to dismiss it as coincidence which leaves me to doubt myself.
 
GalaxyDreamer90 said:
but what does that have to do with my situation
Click to expand...

In my interpretation, "The Ugly Duckling" is about one's beliefs causing one's emotions, by creating one's personal reality. If you want to change an emotion (or feeling) you need to identify and change the belief that causes it.
 
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