Does it matter that I may have Asperger's?

Question

When I was younger I was socially inept. My parents reasoned it was because I had never been around other little kids. But I just couldn't relate.

However, I made friends and assimilated. Now, I'm sixteen (I'm unsure in new situations and am that kid that teachers dislike they think I'm a smart aleck, I'm really not, but I'm normal) The other day in psycholoy class when took an asperger's test and I did "good" enough to get the teacher's attention.

He claims that girls aren't diagnosted as often due to better coping skills. But, I'm really good at reading people. In fact, exceptionally good. No one can lie to me and I catch everything.

He thinks it matters and wants to tell my parents, but I have 4.0, good friends ( even though I sort-of feel like I spend to much time making sure that I listen for voice changes and facial movments), and I don't see why it matters.

Should I say anything?

Answer 1

Yes, you should tell your parents. A proper diagnosis by a trained professional is a big difference from a test in class.

If you do have Asperger's then you're probably listening for voice changes and facial movements because you need to remind yourself to do so. For those without it's more second nature. People with Asperger's have a more difficult time understanding various aspects of communication and social interaction. They learn what is involved and make themselves more aware of it as well as learning to mimic the methods other people use.

That said, at 16 you are at a point where you are just learning how to deal with, express and express your own complex emotions as well as understanding and interpreting those of others. Everything you describe is perfectly normal for your age.

Seeing a therapist, though, will help you to put your mind at ease regarding this, at the very least. You may well find out you are a perfectly normal 16 year old rather than spend time worrying that you are not.

If you do have Asperger's it will help you to learn skills you will need and to feel more comfortable with yourself and others.

It matters for your sense of well-being. Why not tell your parents and talk to a professional? You have nothing to lose in doing so. It can be scary but it will be worth facing that fear no matter how it turns out.

Answer 2

My younger 23yr old brother has Asperger's and I don't treat him any differently infact I at times have to be harder with him then my other siblings because he needs that at times from me who is his father figure as I am 12yrs older then he is.

I also coach a 20yr old who has it and I think he is a harder case because he gets very depressed but also needs that stronger male figure in his life who is hard on him but fair and caring.

I would tell your parents and read about it more, it would help them and you come to terms with certain things in your past better.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Good question. I hve know people with slight socialization problems that I was sure had Asperger's. I wished that they had been diagnosed.

However, if you are truly happy with your social life and don't find yourself confused with other's behavior, then I suppose you can go on doing what you're doing. If you are frustrated, then I suppose you would know the answer already.

Answer 4

Yes. You need to be tested by a medical professional.The test you took was probably an indicator that further evaluation
is needed. It could probably help prevent problems later on.