Do you have Asperger's Syndrome?

[Gustaf]

I came to the conclusion that I did when I was fairly young, but I've never been diagnosed. To the extent that I do, I think it's pretty mild though - and I also think I've overcome it to a large extent by now.

[Gustaf]

I don't see why anyone would want to have Asperger's. I don't feel like I'm a better person for having it, and while I'm not sad about it, some aspects of my social life really depress me (and no, it's not like being "the usual awkward guy").

I'm not going to challenge your doctor in the diagnosis... but the fact that you are depressed about the asocial aspect of Aspergers is a good indicator that you either have a relatively mild case or you have been misdiagnosed and instead have a different social disorder.

You might have a social anxiety disorder where you seek relationships with others but find it almost impossible to do so due to the anxiety such situations cause you... which can cause real physical problems (like panic attacks).

I think one of the underlying factors in Aspergers and autism in general is that they are asocial.. or in more specific terms, they avoid "society" or social situations but doing so doesn't necessarily cause them stress because they don't have the capability to appreciate social interaction and instead focus intensely on their niche interest (which almost invariably does not involve other people).

It was diagnosed by a very respected neurologist in 2008, and I've been followed by an orthophonist since then. I don't particularly hold on being labeled an Asperger, but I don't see a particular reason to challenge the entire medical system. Also, I think French doctors are far less prone to overdiagnose stuffs like autism, I've actually heard they tend to underdiagnose them, because they think it would be too big a shock for a boy to be called an autist.

And yes, I think I'd like to have as much social relationships as other people ; but my inability to do so isn't only due to social anxiety. It's hard to explain, but believe me : you know when you just don't "fit" in a group. When you are among people, do your best to act like them and just don't mange to. When you don't enjoy what other people enjoy. I've managed to deal with it, I'm in peace with myself, but of course it's frustrating sometimes. It's not something I can easily explain in an internet forum, neither something I particularly want to talk about. I'd just like you not to think that I'm some teen who thinks having Asperger is cool and makes him feel important.

You're still quite young though, right? Because it gets better. Really, it does.