I think I might have Aspergers (high-functioning autism)?

Question

I am a 16 year old female. When I was little I has some 'autistic' like symptoms, like I'd repeat everything everyone said to me before I'd answer, then I would repeat myself. I stopped doing this OUTLOUD when I was 8. Now I just say it in my head, sometimes I lip it. I never liked to play with other kids, I'd tell them they played 'wrong' and when I got older, I'd only ever have one friend at a time. This is still true. I'm not totally socially awkward, but I am shy, and don't always know what to say. I never understand jokes. People always tell me I'm impolite, even though I don't think I am. I like to do the same thing, the same way over and over, and if I can't I feel very uneasy, people always tell me I'm OCD. I get super focused on one thing and forget about everything else. I'm very creative with music, but not so much with words. I have a hard time making up stories, and I don't much like to read fiction either. I find patterns in EVERYTHING. What do you think?

Answer 1

Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism are two different things. You will need to see a doctor to find out whether you have one or the other.

Answer 2

You could have Asperger syndrome but then you have managed very well to get to the age of 16. Would getting a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome really make a difference? It is after all another label and if you are coping do you really want to add to that?

Answer 3

talk to your parents or go see a doctor

Answer 4

The best thing you can do is talk with your parents and doctor to see about getting tested.

Answer 5

Have your parents send you to a psychiatrist for evaluation and testing ... whatever you have , doesn't sound like Asperger's Syndrome but it could be something that needs treatment ..

Answer 6

you could have aspergers or you could also be the littlest bit dyslexic....you should see a physcolojist.  If you have ever watched degrassi that could help you determine if you have some problems because coming up in season 8 there is one person coming up who has aspergers.  idk just a thought.

Answer 7

You may have Asperger's or a related disorder. No two people present in exactly the same way. While the usual course of Asperger's involves language developing "normally," that isn't always the case; in fact, I recall reading an estimate, from one well-known expert in AS, that up to 40% of kids with the diagnosis had some atypicality in language development. You do show some other characteristics, such as rigidity in play (telling other kids they play "wrong"), reliance on routines, and trouble with humor.

You may have something else, though, and only a skilled evaluator will know for sure. If you think it would help you feel better, or would like more help, you could seek a psychological evaluation. There are a couple of things that might also help you, even without a diagnosis:

- Check out books about Asperger's that offer strategies for dealing with the kinds of problems you have. Whether or not you have that diagnosis, you have some similar issues, and you might pick up some good ideas for dealing with the need to repeat, or the perception of impoliteness.

- A therapist might be able to help you with some of the symptomatic stuff that gets in your way. For example, there are ways of reducing the OCD-like need for sameness. A therapist might help you expand your social horizons if you want to -- although having one good friend can be very satisfying for some people.

So, you can look for a diagnosis if you think it will help, but the most important thing is probably to ease some of the things that are troubling you, and a good therapist may help. Good luck.

Answer 8

I agree with the idea that you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist for assessment.  I do also agree with the parent who commented.  You have some asperger's symptoms, but much of what you are describing is not quite what would be expected.  

One thing that is particularly significant to me is that children with Asperger's generally acquire and deal with language in similar manners to those who do not have Asperger's so what you are listing relating to linguistic abilities is not consistant.  Please don't think I am diagnosing you, though, I am not qualified to do that at all!!!!  Also, if it makes you feel any better, I had/have many of the social symptoms you describe and do not have Asperger's.  I'm just an introvert with a bad sense of humor!  :  )   And I love patterns (that's a sign of a high IQ sometimes!)  

But you should talk to some one if you are concerned, we can't really tell you for sure.  Maybe you have it, they'll be able to tell you, but if you don't have it, it sounds like you'd still like help!  Good luck to you!