How do I find out?

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When I was a kid, Asperger's was not an accepted or widely-known syndrome. I often got in trouble for following the literal wording of a teacher's or parent's instructions. My essays and poetry were too 'wierd' even for avant-garde standards. I excelled at maths and sciences, and did poorly in communications- and creativity-based classes. "Does not play well with others" was a common teacher's comment, and "For such a smart guy, you sure are stupid" was the usual opinion of my classmates (when they weren't beating me up). I was a socially inept geek, long before being a geek was socially acceptable.

Nowadays, I prefer the company of electronic equipment to that of people. Most of my co-workers are satisfied with simply pushing buttons for a 'good enough' result, but I prefer to tweak all my gadgets for the best possible performance.

Technology is my friend; people aren't.

Fortunately, my wife is from another country, and any past misunderstandings between us have been put off with "it's just the differences in our cultures". But after 15 years, I'm getting concerned that I may actually have Asperger's Syndrome.

How do I find out one way or the other? I've already asked my physician, and he just blew me off without examination or tests. How can I know for certain? At least, if I knew, I would know what to do about it, and it would explain why I'm such an outcast.

Please don't go all religious or spiritual on me. That stuff just doesn't work.

Tahnk you,

Fnord

Hi Fnord

This should help AS Symtoms (Full Official Criteria) and AQ Asperger Test:
http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=c ... &Itemid=63

But really read as much as you can, because at the end of the day your be yoyr own best judge.

When I read the wikipedia page on it, it creeped me out because i felt like i was reading a story about myself. That was what led me here and to realize I do have a mild form (though every test i took said i wasn't that mild at all).

Try reading that and see if you have many similar signs.

Self-testing is rife with error - the subject usually finds what he's looking for, and the examiner is only too willing to provide it.

I need an objective, scientific opinion, and not something that not even the National Enquirer would print.

Fnord, it all depends on the country and region in which you are domiciled and the extent of provision available there. i was able to consult autism experts and eventually after numerous meetings and suchlike, get a diagnosis without even mentioning the issue to my general practitioner, whom i barely know and have visited at most thrice in the last ten years.

look up autism services in your local area and call them. regardless of what level of assistance they can offer officially, i am sure they would be willing to at least talk to you informally regarding your concerns.

I live in Orange County, California. Thank you for the tips.

imo, in the US getting a diagnosis would be a waste of time

you may be correct BAP22, but have you any premise on which your assertion is based?

I'm sure he just means that there are very few objective benefits. It's very hard to get government assistance with an AS diagnosis. In most cases, the only advantages are increased self-knowledge and the potential for some extra help at work or school (but of course this is coupled with the possibility of being discriminated against).

Welcome to WrongPlanet.