if someone is shy and introverted does that mean that have Asperger's Syndrome?

Question

I am shy and introverted and because of this people think I have Asperger's Syndrome, is this true or not?

Answer 1

Probably not. Asperger's is a very mild form of autism. Your situation is likely much less serious.

You could simply be shy, which is a personality trait many people have. It's not abnormal at all.

You may be experiencing social anxiety, which would only mean that you feel nervous when you're around other people.

You might even have Social Anxiety Disorder, which is a more troublesome form of simple social anxiety. You likely have this if you feel intense dread while around other people. Another symptom of this is obsessing over what might happen socially, or possible ways of embarrassing yourself.

These are usually considered less serious than Asperger's Syndrome and there is nothing wrong with you.

Answer 2

I think your psychologist is very ignorant. Far from all shy, introverted people have Asperger's (or other autism spectrum disorders). It is possible to be shy and introverted without having any kind of a disorder. Also, not all people with Asperger's/autism are shy and introverted. I know many aspies who are not shy and I know a few who are extroverted. It is a widespread misunderstanding that all people with Asperger's syndrome are shy, introverted nerds. Asperger's syndrome causes people to have poor social skills, obsessive interests and such, but they still have various types of personality traits, just like everybody else. I think you should see a different psychologist (preferrably one that specializes in autism spectrum disorders) and get a second opinion. Your psychologist doesn't seem to know what she is talking about, so I wouldn't trust her diagnosis.

Answer 3

No not at all. My son is dianogse with Aspergers. It is a communication or Social Disorder that causes people to not get along with people. The person who discovered this wanted to know why it was hard from him to make and keep friends. He found out that it is a social disorder. My son does these weird things with his hands (one sign of having aspergers) he also is very articulate and doesn't like mistakes (he is extremely anal about that) which is another sign of aspergers. It reminds me of anxiety with Ocd and bi polar mixed all together into on classification. It is tough but being shy just means your shy.

Answer 4

Asperger's includes auditory processing issues, among other characteristics. Being shy and introverted by itself does not mean you have Asperger's. The auditory processing can be exemplified in the situation where the 'Aspie' is asked, "What color is the sky?" Very often they will 'download' information to you, not necessarily answering the question directly. This is just one very small example.

Answer 5

Asperger's Syndrome consists of autistic-like symptoms. Just because someone is shy and introverted does not mean they have a neurological disorder.

Answer 6

It is not true. Asperger's is a category of autism. There are several markers for this, one of them is being socially awkward, not necessarily shy. However, if it is parents and counselors telling you this, it is possible, as another marker is lack of self awareness. If it is just other kids or adults, they are probably just making a guess thinking they actually know something they don't! Don't take it personally.

Answer 7

I don't even know what that is.

I think I'll go look it up; read all the symptoms; and diagnose myself with it.

Ah, never mind. I just read the previous post. I have Social Anxiety Disorder.

Answer 8

Of course not, well you could but you dint seem so shy asking this question,if you did, so what.I'm really shy at times too!Lots of people are.

Answer 9

No. It's normal to be shy. You just need to find ways to overcome your shyness.

Answer 10

More likely than anything else, it probably means you will make a good engineer.