I may have Aspergers?

Question

I would appreciate if anyone could tell information or direct me to a good site explaining Aspergers or Autism. Basically I was diagnosed as being Dyslexic and Dyspraxic at 7 years old ( I am 22 now). However my mother recently told me she thinks I may be mildy Autistic because apparently I am alway "very quiet" and isoliated. I feel my mum could be correct because she has been working with people with special needs or learning disorders most of her life. I have done a few Autism test and keep coming up as having possible Autistic traits. i think I may possibley be Schizoid as well. For example: I am a loner who has never been close to anyone emotionally, have barely any friends none really, I like videogames and the internet and often care more for those things than say getting a job (no one is willing to give me a job, I don't have any criminal record) I never ask women out, single most of my life I like it that way, I am no genius but can remember facts well, an Aspergers trait.

I have been told I sometimes say the same thing over and over again which is Autistic. I don't feel I need or want to change but more want to know if this is what I have and would explain my apparent "odd" behaviour to others.

Thanks.

2 things that really stand out as well was that my mum said as a kid I would stack cars up in a line rather than play with them, I sometimes spin things around like a bowl, plate or cussion on my finger. Sounds silly but apparently Autistic people apparently do those things. Another thing I was told is "thats why people thing you're Autistic because you don't tell people or friends about things, or personal problems most people want to share their problems with others" etc. That is what my mother told me.

Answer 1

Aspergers is a big word to label someone with. I have a 9 yr old son with Autism and there is many forms of autistic spectrum disorders with Aspergers being one of them and PDD being another . Here is site that might help you out. My suggestion to you would to go and get a psychological evaluation by a licensed psychologist if you are truly concerned at least you can get the proper diagnosis if there really is a problem.

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer

Answer 2

The other responders gave you good advice. However, since you report being a frequent Internet user, I imagine you have already surfed the world seeking autistic spectrum disorder information. You have completed the research portion. Now it is time to stop endlessly thinking about your condition and go see a professional about your symptoms to get a real diagnosis. Find a professional who sees people with your situation every hour of every working day - not a professional who has seen one twice this year. The social isolation/avoidance behavior you have used your whole life will make this part difficult. Have your mother go with you. Aspergers was not well known when you were 7 - things have improved. As you probably know, there is no cure, but there is treatment.

Answer 3

There are lots of reputable websites, here's one from Yale University in the U.S.:
http://www.med.yale.edu/chldstdy/autism/aspergers.html
Good luck to you, self-diagnosis is fine, but you should get an official diagnosis from a mental health professional.