Asperger's Syndrome?

[Rosie]

Hello everyone

I've always had a lot of problems making and keeping friends. In fact, from grade one to grade 12 I only had one friend. I prefer to be alone most of the time, choosing to retreat in to my room, instead of interacting and getting to know those around me. I really hate socializing, I find hard, and boring. I don't like physical contact very much, it makes me very uncomfortable. I have a lot of trouble articulating myself, especially when trying to tell a story. I usually mix up words, use the wrong word or just sound really awkward. Now, I have always been very socially anxious, and always assumed that that was the reason I was experiencing all these problems. Except now, I'm experiencing less and less social anxiety, but still have the same social problems as before. I spend an excessive amount of time on the internet(6-8 hours a night), just switching between my two favorite sites. Does it sound like I have asperger's syndrome, or am I just deluding myself? I have a psychiatrist appointment to get my medication renewed in a few days. Should I mention something? I'm afraid I'm completely wrong, and I'll just make a fool of myself. Well, thank you for your help.

[The David]

I studied Asperger's Syndrome for a brief while, and was pretty much convinced that I had it. I now know that I wouldn't (or at least shouldn't) get the diagnosis because I'm not an introvert.

What you described does sound a little Aspie, but social anxiety isn't a symptom.
Autistic people are generally indifferent to social interactions, and while it is probably tiring for them to socialize the way most people do, it is more because they are internally focused. While autistic people (especially thsoe with Asperger's) may want friends and even enjoy social chit-chat in small quantities,
they don't get refueled by it.

People with social anxiety are generally what they call 'neurotypical' and have the same social needs as anyone else, but if you're shy, you may have lost opportunities to build social skills, and if you don't have good social skills, then socialization will probably be more tiring than for the average person.

Go ahead and do some research on the subject, and it wouldn't hurt to bring it up with your medication person. Asperger's Syndrome is still a little arcane, but s/he may at least be able to point you to a specialist.