Could I have the asperger syndrome???

Question

I'm 14,and I have read about the asperger syndrome and its symptoms and I found myself thinking "I do some of that stuff!"

*I have a way I do things and I want to do it that way no matter what,and I get pissed off if I don't

*I am really good at computers and foreign languages,but that not good at any other subjects

*I have a pretty awkward posture while sitting/sleeping etc.

*I get "lost in my own wolrd" really often and have a difficulty paying attention sometimes

*I get obssesed about things I like and I could talk about them for hours!

*I kind of have a stimming habit,which is sticking my thumb in my mouth,not like sucking it as a baby,but more like biting the edge of my thumb...I usually do it while thinking,or making a decision,I find it pretty relaxing...

I have no particular problem in being social though...I have a lot of friends and I like chit chatting!

So,could I be half "Aspie" or something like that???Please,give me some serious answers!

Thanks in advance,
Sophie

Yeah,I've done these tests and 1 more and they have all shown I could have it...

Answer 1

Sophie,

Why don't you contact a university psycology department and see if you can get some free testing?

Answer 2

If you have good social skills, then its very likely that you do not have Asperger's. One of the main defining feature of autism and related conditions on the spectrum like Asperger's and Nonverbal Learning Disability is the inability to understand social communication, social rules, etc. It's a pretty severe problem for most people with Asperger's and its one of the main defining features that sets them apart.

You could have some related traits, but everyone in the population does to a certain extent. If you often get lost in your own world, get obsessed with certain things and can't stop chatting, and have difficulty changing the way you do things, those could also be mild symptoms of ADHD, predominantly innatentive type.

But if your symptoms do not cause you trouble at school or at home, then you probably are just on the normal "variation" of human traits.

Answer 3

Asperger's Disorder seems to be the popular diagnosis these days. Pop culture gives out misinformation about particular illnesses every now and then, and a bunch of people act like they want to have the new "in" diagnosis.

I don't think you have it at all.

If you can socialize normally, you don't have Asperger's.

We all have our own personalities; it's doesn't always mean we have a disorder.

If you had it, your doctor or your school should have noticed something a long time ago. Those on-line tests are not reliable.

I have seen people with those kind of disorders, and it's pretty obvious to everybody that something is different. Not talking, not making eye contact with other people, hand flapping, staring at things like electric fans for hours, etc.

Answer 4

Hi Sophie,
If you have successful attempts at socializing, it is highly unlikely that you have Asperger's Syndrome. There are specific criteria that must be met in order for you to have a dx of Asperger's Syndrome. However, it is possible to have some of the traits and symptoms. Shadow traits are common for relatives of those in the Autism Spectrum. OCD is also common. But, if you do feel that you are an Aspie, it's not a curse or anything bad. I know people with Aspergers and those with the traits. They are both unique and loveable.
Best wishes in your search for answers.

Answer 5

Many of the disorders in the DSM-IV (the diagnostic manual for psychological illnesses) have many symptoms that all of us can relate to. So you cannot take these symptoms at face value. It's when these symptoms interfere with your daily functioning, then you might consider this to be a problem.

If you are truly concerned, discuss it with your parents. They can take you to a psychologist to get an evaluation done.

Answer 6

I'd say no, you don't fit all of the requirements. Having personal idiosyncrasies is normal, even if a lot of them point to one thing. The thing is, not all of them do. The social aspect of Asberger's the most prominant aspect to me.

Answer 7

There are a couple of test you can take online
http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=1982215450153908026
and
http://www.thegeeksyndrome.com/
These test are not to be used as a substitute for a diagnosis.
They can tell you if you have a likelihood of AS/HFA

This link has basic info and a list of clinicians who can evaluate in more detail http://www.aspergers.com/

Answer 8

I'd say no.

Aspergers syndrome is like ADHD or autism.

And I don't think you qualify.