Is it best to keep having AS a secret

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I would keep it a secret. Never know how ignorant some people are and sometimes people might treat you different.

*nods* That is exactly what I have been doing since I started opening up to the possibility that I might be at the diagnosable end of the spectrum. Not only do I find it easier to tell others "I'll be fine, I just need a minute" now, and they usually accept it; I also find it much easier to be lenient on myself -- no more "what are you doing, self, you wanted to come, now don't spend an hour in a corner all by yourself, what is WRONG with you?!", which ... doesn't quite work wonders, but it does help a great deal.

I almost always disclose, and reactions have been majorly positive (except for work-related settings, which were mixed). At the same time, my symptoms present in a way that if I don't disclose, I can't keep any relationship beyond a few encounters. If I do group work, partner work, etc. at school, I always disclose.

I hide it. I want people to judge me for what I'm good and bad at in reality and not for what I'm supposed to be good and bat at based on Wikipedia. People may see me as mentally disabled or not see me for full which I definetely want to avoid.

There're so many misconceptions about autism, AS and so forth. For the rest I wouldn't like to be known as ''the autistic girl'' by my fellow students.

And as for friendships... I only seem to really get along with autistic people so then it isn't a problem, or even better: Something positive.

Yes, me too -- even just the realization that I'm indicated as being on the spectrum has helped me already by letting me accept that situations I've had difficulty or discomfort with all my life are "okay" to admit to, and to ask for a minute, or even just explain to someone "I tend to get a tad bit uncomfortable with ___"

I realize now I could have always been doing that, but I spent my whole life fighting against even making allowances for things that bothered me, because they don't bother other people and heaven forbid I'm not like "other people"!

I feel now like I don't have to fight anymore, and even if my self diagnosis is something only I know about, what's it's helped with already is me giving myself permission to acknowledge things that are outside my comfort zone, instead of force myself to ignore what stresses me.