Is it worth it to get a pro. diagnosis?

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From the first time I heard about Asperger's, I've suspected that I might have it. However, when I brought this up to my parents they told me no way, everything I do is completely normal. I know that's not true, but I feel uncomfortable labeling myself as an "aspie" without actually knowing for sure. I think it would make my life easier if I could confirm it, though.

I have never felt comfortable in social situations. I'm shy when I meet new people, but fairly loud with friends. When meeting new people, I frequently stutter and my words get jumbled up. I speak before I actually think out what I'm going to say, which leads me to be afraid of even talking at all. I can also never keep a conversation going. I worry about what the other person is thinking. I can tell when people are bored or annoyed with me. So yeah..the social aspect, definitely. I've never had a boyfriend. I think it's because I am so shy/awkward. And just different.
Really different. I've always been incredibly mature for my age. I couldn't care less about the things girls are "supposed" to care about. I'm a huge tomboy, science geek, I've loved reading all of my life.
I also participate in some OCD-type rituals such as:
when driving, if I pass over a shadow, I click my teeth together. I count the syllables in song lyrics in groups of three, sometimes five. I line things up - not just objects, but say - a window pain, a tree, a streetlight - within my line of sight. I'm constantly "playing" with things - water bottles, pencils, shaking my foot - enough for people to get irritated. I'm obsesed about dates and numbers. If I'm worried about something, I get obsessive about it. I'm obsessive about things in general. There are plenty more examples, but you get the idea.
I also know one of the symptoms is being clumsy, but that isn't entirely true. I am really athletic and love sports. I do tend to get hurt randomly, though. Bumping into things, dropping things, tripping, etc.
Also, the lacking empathy is not true at all. I am extremely sensitive, and will start crying even if I just see another person who is upset

Indeed! I went to the SPCA site earlier and started bawling. Those poor kitties!



It will, and it won't. It's not like diabetes where there's some way to control it... it just is. But, it's nice to know just to KNOW. You get what I mean?

And I hate how people try to tell me I'm normal too! I wonder what this 'normal' they speak of is, and how do I get some?

I think it's always worth it to get a professional diagnosis.

Welcome to WP!

You seem to have some Aspie traits, but of course if you didn't you wouldn't be on this board. If a professional diagnosis would give you peace of mind, go for it. Especially if you think you might ever need to substantiate that you have Asperger's- I'm heading off to college next fall and I'll be trying to get a few accommodations (like a quiet testing room, since I have troubles with sensory overload) and you can't request any such considerations without an official diagnosis.

Yes, if only to ram it down the throat of all those who said you were a 'sick weirdo', 'not trying to get better' and 'complete idiot'.

I don't know if that would be the most appropriate response. You seem rather bitter.

Welcome to WrongPlanet.

If I seem bitter, it's only because I am. Not only have I dealt with a lifetime of abuse and ridicule from people (including teachers and my own family), but I went through many years of psychiatric treatment where AS was not considered as a diagnosis, but I was routinely chastised as a malcontent for not 'getting better' with the inappropriate treatment I was given.

It's hard to view all that with equinimity.

At your age, an official DX is mostly for personal peace of mind - it's always reassuring to know that you're not alone and that the things that make you feel at odds with the world you live in are not personality defects, but an actual atypical brain function. Just an alternate wiring schematic, not an individual 'failing'.

Later in life, however, having that diagnosis may become very important. It can make it more difficult for management types at work, who may be uncomfortable with your unique perspective and unconventional ways of problem-solving, to label you as difficult or insubordinate and fire you. As an adult in the workplace, if you zig when the rest of the herd zags, you're in trouble. If you can point to a DX and say "I have a very real disability", you're more likely to have protections under the law.