New here, was asked if I had aspergers by an acquaintance.

[I am Matt]

I already knew what the term was years ago, but never tried to learn anymore about it because "there's no way I have anything like that" because I assumed there was some kind of physical deformity to go along with it. There's a guy I know at my community college who stresses autism awareness and at the end of this semester he asked me if I had it because of the way I deal with and talk to people.

I really was not sure what someone on the autism spectrum acted like and he said I should be tested. I haven't been officially tested, but when I read about it and took internet self tests, I realized that I do act like someone on the spectrum. I have been able to make eye contact feel normal to me now after my friend in high school told me "people will think you're weird if you never make eye contact with them", but I'm not sure I'll ever get the hang of carrying a conversation with anyone other than my small group of friends (who are luckily fairly antisocial). Even with them though I can't stand being around them ALL of the time.

I've heard that it's better to just be self diagnosed than officially though. Is that true?

 

[King_Oni]

I've heard that it's better to just be self diagnosed than officially though. Is that true?

That would totally depend on what your intentions with a diagnosis are. If you are seeking out assistance and accommodation because you can't function well enough at school or a job, self-diagnosing doesn't do anything for you. You need a document. That's pretty much how it works in all countries that have some kind of healthcare system set up.

However, if you don't care for a diagnosis, just go on with your life, and might even be, what some might see as "a mild aspie", self-diagnosis is fine.

 

[I am Matt]

Oh ok. I feel like I function well enough, especially when needed to.

 

[Stacey]

I'm currently going through the 'tests'. I think a formal diagnosis would put my mind at ease. Plus it's interesting learning more about the way people are wired.
I think the document is an individual choice.

 

[Nitro]

Welcome to AC
There is no stigma to being self diagnosed here.
Enjoy you time here and learn about yourself and others.

 

[I am Matt]

I'm currently going through the 'tests'. I think a formal diagnosis would put my mind at ease. Plus it's interesting learning more about the way people are wired.
I think the document is an individual choice.

Yes it has been interesting to learn that there is an actual reason why I act what comes off as strange or rude

 

[Cerulean]

Yes it has been interesting to learn that there is an actual reason why I act what comes off as strange or rude

This was quite a relief to me, that I wasn't a defective person I just had a different way of relating to others, that there's a name for it and there are others like me.

Welcome to AC

 

[Daniel]

Yes it has been interesting to learn that there is an actual reason why I act what comes off as strange or rude

This was quite a relief to me, that I wasn't a defective person I just had a different way of relating to others, that there's a name for it and there are others like me.

I experienced both of these feelings when I self-diagnosed and discovered I had a lot in common with the people here--in a way I'd never known before.

Most people wouldn't be able to tell that I was on the spectrum until I told them, so I'd be considered "mild". I'm fortunate enough to have steady employment now (after a long struggle to get it). I don't have or desire friendships the way neurotypicals do, so it's a relief not to hold myself to other people's standards anymore.

 

[Salmongirl17]

It may be good to be only self-diagnosed because
1. Diagnosis treatment and tests take forever and are rather expensive (depending on where you live).
2. You'll get turned down for things like jobs and other opportunities because the leader/boss may think you are mental before actually knowing you.

On the bright side...
1. You may be proud of yourself to know that you aren't crazy and that your social issues have a name (but does it really take a medical pro to know you).
2. Special treatment and discounts. You can actually sometimes be considered "disabled" at some places, such as amusement parks, and get in for a good cheap price, automatically get to the front of the lines.

Well that's all I guess.

Hello and Welcome!!

 

[Vanilla]

Welcome

 

[I am Matt]

Thank you all for the welcome.