Do you think it is likely that I have Asperger's Syndrome given these characteristics?

Question

I asked a thorough question here (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnypwRUUYU_XOVx4bykksdPsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100104210727AASA8Gi) about the possibility of having Asperger's Syndrome.

I dont have any friends at all and growing up I had no desire to maintain friendships. I know I seemed odd because I didn't understand the rules for the social game. I never knew where to put my hands in conversations, how to respond to rhetorical questions, how to interpret meaning and relevance, what to say and to what extent, how to understand sexual innuendos, when to take something literally, how to act "cool" in conversations, when to end conservations, how to initiate conservations, what facial expressions to use, etc. 

I have absolutely no common sense. My decisions are guided almost entirely by routine and stability in rituals. As an example, I have to the same thing the same way even if it's less efficient. I am horrible at directions. 

I have difficulty understanding abstract concepts and new material, and cant concentrate during exams with distractions, even something like a pencil dropping or someone getting up to hand in their exam. 

As a child, I'd have "tantrums" even in grade 4 and 5 when I didn't understand something, felt stupid or otherwise inferior, when things didn't go my way (got a bad exam, didn't have anyone who wanted to work with me for a project, etc) or otherwise unstable. 

I was just extremely stupid growing up, but I like learning facts about stuff like the Russian revolution, etc.  I didn't want a romantic relationship growing up and had no sexual desires. 

I only covered a few things because otherwise I wouldn't get many responses if it was too much to read, but this is dramatically influencing my life in a negative way. I dont know if I can maintain my job in a stressful environment or succeed academically if I dont get the right support.

themixedt4pe · Accepted Answer

A read through both versions of your question, and it sounds a lot (almost exactly) like the three Aspie's I know on some level. Not knowing you personality, I can't say for sure, but it's definitely something I would look into.

And georgie, autism in general is a spectrum disorder and is not always terribly severe. Out of the three aspies I know, one can hardly function in social situations, one is a bit chatty, but otherwise alright unless angered, and one it's hard to tell but the characteristics are all there. As I said, it's hard to tell online, but I would really look into it. It doesn't sound to me like you're reading too much into your personality.

Summer · Answer

Most people with aspergers wouldn't think about having it or diagnosing themselves. I don't mean to be rude, but it sounds like you read the signs of the disorder and adapted them all practically word for word to fit certain aspects of your life. To some degree we've all felt stupid or akward in social situations. If you are really concerned, just see a specialist, but to me it sounds like you've been doing too much research and self-diagnosing. Most schools would have picked up on it if you had it and referred you back in elementary school for testing or counseling.

anon · Answer

honestly no.

go see a psychiatrist if your concerned, but i honestly wouldnt think you have aspergers, and i also believe that its immoral to diagnose a minor with a serious mental disease unless it is very, very severe and is seen throughout every aspect.


if you are feeling like anything is standing in your way of being happy though, you should most definitely see a psychologist and talk to them; they would be better at saying whether or not you have a mental illness, and whether or not you have one, they should be able to help you in some way, whether it be psychotherapy or drug therapy or both.


but what you have doesnt sound like aspergers in my opinion.



i mean i myself have no desire for friendship and still have outbursts (or, "tantrums") over silly things, but those two things do NOT equal aspergers.

aspergers is a very serious mental ailment and its not something that is common... i mean, thats like someone saying they have auditory hallucinations and automatically thinking schitzophrenia. 

mental illnesses are much more complex than what you can find on wikipedia or something.. no one can diagnose you on here, your better off seeing a doctor. (NOT a general practitioner, a psychologist. most general practitioners arent fully trained in psychiatry and shouldnt be able to diagnose a patient with a mental illness)

2uk_ · Answer

I wouldnt like to say,
It would be better to go to a doctor, even if it is embarresing, get up the corrage and do it.
Get it sorted out for good =)

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Do you think it is likely that I have Asperger's Syndrome given these characteristics?

4 Answers