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Aspergers Syndrome..?
Hi, I am a fifteen year old girl, and I have trouble connecting with people socially. I have lost many of my friends due to this matter, and I have lost my confidence, because of this. I dont know how to act in social situations, and I tend to act rather awkward. I have even been told, I react differently than others normally do, I also find others staring at me, or giving me funny looks, and laughing at me. I guess you could say I dont have a very good graph like others normally grow to have. I have tried talking to my mother about this, but she just thinks I am being shy. I, on the other hand, think differently. What do you think?
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Most teens don't have much self confidence during those years they should be spreading their wings and trying to fly a little. At your age and younger, I was socially shy, had little confidence, didn't know how to act, found kids staring at me or laughing at me lots. But I do not have Aspergers, or ADD, or ADHD or a high level of functioning Autism. Whats more likely is that you need help with learning how to become less shy and boost your confidence. I finally found a way to do it about the time I graduated H.S. If you are interested, let me know and I will share that information with you.
It isnt a bad idea either to go see a doctor and get tested for something like Aspergers which is one of a few conditions on the Autism spectrum and if it really is the case, the doctors have plenty of information these days on how to live with and get around, overcome these kinds of things. Plus the parents would be taught how to support and encourage you. I know of several asperger adults who function just fine and have many friends. Its just that you need to have to be taught and learn that whereas it comes naturally to other kids. Good luck.
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We can't diagnose you, and you shouldn't be trying to diagnose yourself based on things you read online or hear about from others. That is the sort of thing that really should be left to a professional.
Frankly, most people have at least some trouble during their teens being social. You are still learning, and it's okay to feel awkward or insecure some, even most, of the time. Turning that normal discomfort into a medical diagnosis in your own mind can be dangerous and counter productive.
As Adviceman said, this is something you can bring up with your doctor during a routine physical, and take their advice and recommendations from there.
I understand where you are coming from. When I first tried to express my anxiety and stress to my parents in my early teens, they told me it was normal to be stressed sometimes - and they were right. But as I kept explaining to them the level of my stress (I was feeling sick, had panic attacks, felt unable to do basic things) they could see that my discomfort was beyond the 'normal' stress level. So don't tell your parents what you think is wrong with you, instead talk to them about your feelings and experiences honestly, without jumping to conclusions about what is going on. You'll get better help from your parents, and your doctors, if you are just honest about what you are experiencing and don't try to apply medical labels to it.
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First: We are not doctors and we cannot make medical diagnoses. All we can do is offer advice.
Second: From what you have written I cannot begin to even think about suggesting if you might have Asperger's syndrome or not; as you have not supplied sufficient information.
Asperger's is a Genetic disorder which general appears much earlier in childhood development. If this is something you were afflicted with I would believe your parents and doctors would have noticed this well over a decade ago. If you have suffered a traumatic head injury then a brain injury could mimic certain aspects of some syndromes associate with a genetic disorder.
Since we can also file this under the heading of anything being possible. Meaning that you may have a very mild form of this syndrome and it has not been properly diagnosed by a doctor what you need to do for your own peace of mind if for no other reason is the following:
1: Since you will probably need a complete physical before returning to school in the fall. Ask mom to schedule one now. While you're with your doctor tell the doctor what you feel, how you feel and what you suspect. After completing your physical your family doctor if in agreement with you will most likely suggest to you and your mother that you be evaluated by a specialist and refer you to one that your doctor trusts. IF you are not diagnosed with Asperger's then go on to #2.
2: Not being diagnosed with Asperger's will most likely justify moms feeling of being shy. I would suggest some visits with a psychologist to get at the root cause of your shyness. There are many reasons for being shy that I won't go into. Talking to a psychologist who you can say anything and everything that may be bothering you or on your mind. Safe in the knowledge that it never leaves the room you are in, not even to your parents, will help you get to the root cause of your shyness and how to overcome it.
I hope you will take my suggestions as to what to do. I know what it is like to go through high school being shy and always being the odd person out. It not much fun. Be honest with your parents and ask for help. Your parents love you and want you to thrive. If they understand d the problem I'm sure if they are like me they will want to help you.
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