This is getting annoying, really annoying.

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patternist, I feel the same. The reason I precluded some of my posts with that statement was the fact that I didn't want to play myself as Aspie, and have a decidedly NON-Aspie trait mentioned, and then have people think that trait IS Aspie. Get what I'm trying to say? Anyway, I'd feel better having people know that I'm not dxed, just in case it turns out I'm not Aspie, don't want anyone mislead.

Aside from that, the danger of the self diagnosis is mostly in the proclamation. Self diagnosed guys and gals run the risk of misrepresenting Asperger's. I'm not making any judgements on the self diagnosed (I am one), but there is that danger in my opinion. Undoubtedly there are some who do NOT have Asperger's that claim they do through a self diagnosis, who are a reflection on the "whole" of Asperger's. To take the focus off of AS, imagine a kid who "says" he has asthma, with no official doctor diagnosis. This kid runs around, has no problems, and is generally a healthy kid. Now, there are a few kids that do this, and people see these kids, and think asthma's no big deal-that's a problem. Perception. It's affected by the self-diagnosed, in my opinion. It's why I don't say anything to anybody.

There is undoubtedly the flip to this, those who DO have Asperger's, but cannot be diagnosed because of age, and "coping" abilities. It's one of the reasons AS is most likely over diagnosed, and under diagnosed-simultaneously...

What I don't understand is people that go around bragging about having Aspergers, or else telling everyone they come across. (I see this more on the internet than in the real world really)

I'm not saying you should feel ashamed or anything but to me it is like going up to strangers and telling them "I have boobs."

I see this more from people that are young and self diagnosed. Or else just wanting attention.

Without showing actual paperwork here online with their diagnosis, there's no way anyone here can prove they have AS. It shouldn't be required, anyway, being as medical information is confidential by law (in the U.S.) and it's AGAINST THE LAW to demand medical records for proof of eligibility unless you have a court subpoena. Even the, person has to have the option to submit this info willingly - not be coerced. Otherwise major lawsuits can and will happen. I won't post my medical records ONLINE anyway. That would be stupid, for both privacy and nline ID theft reasons. Meowpurr, I'm afraid you're just going to have take people's word for it when it comes to whether or not they have AS and other forms of Autism.

^Meowpurr's point has nothing to do with self diagnosed passing off as professionally diagnosed. Nothing to do with any of your post really. Just pointing that out.

Anyway, Meowpurr's concern is the fact that there are some who "suspect" they have Asperger's, and go around blabbing it to the world. Which then causes a change in perception, on what Asperger's really is.

Asperger Syndrome is diagnosed via behavior. We all know what the common traits and sub traits of AS are. A psychologist will just ask your family and YOU what your behavior is and diagnose it that way. Who better knows yourself than YOU. If your arm is amputated, do you need a doctor to tell you that you don't have an arm?

I agree. What really annoys me is people who are so dead-set on wanting to have Asperger's that they do not listen to actual professionals who tell them they do not have it. They think that the professionals are being unfair to them by not giving them the diagnosis they want. I think those people just want an excuse for their abnormal/anti-social behaviors because they don't want to make an effort to change, and it reflects badly on the community of people who really do have Asperger's and can't help how they are. That's why people with Asperger's are often mocked by NT internet communities; thanks to the wannabes, they think that we're all anti-social NTs looking for an excuse.

Just thought I'd put in my two cents.

^Could possibly lead to lying though...

Anyway, I've set my signature with my diagnosis-uncertain. I think if this was done on a more voluntary basis, it'd be better, less pressure. It also lets me off the hook when I feel I should include the fact that I'm not diagnosed.

IdahoRose, good post there. Kinda reminds me of all those SAT prep courses, books, and "tips and tricks" for passing tests books... Passing a test should really be of no concern, a test is a barometer. KNOWING the subject automatically guarantees the passage of the test. Shouldn't be sneaky about it, and finding every question or possibility beforehand, it's unnatural. Makes that test worthless when people try to game the system that way, because the test is no longer a measurement of knowledge, but an indication that this person has passed a test...

I'm over 40 (well over), was first diagnosed by friends and associates who said "Hey, this sounds like you", then by myself, after reading articles and thinking "Someone's been reading my diary", then by a Therapist Counselor who when asked, observed for several months, said "I think you may be right", then sent me to a licensed Psychologist who tested me ruthlessly and said "Yep - that's classic AS, alright".

So I have to concur; in most cases, if you carefully read the diagnostic criteria, study enough to fully understand what they mean (some are vague, obtuse and slightly misleading), and after observing the chatter here in the support groups, if after all that, you are firmly convinced that Asperger describes you to a T, chances are you may be right.

On the other hand, I see a lot of young people on WP, whining about issues that are more related to being young and an introvert than to AS as a disability. A Wallflower does not automatically an Aspie make.

though diamond A kind of psychological hypochondriac? I haven't discerened one yet, but I expect they exist. Maybe having the diagnosis info next to the name on the post would make it harder to be misleading, if enough people wanted it. But I wonder if we could avoid drifting into elitism, people wearing it like stripes in the army? Could ask admin if it's technically feasible to put the dx up front.)

-and how would that be in reality? show mods your diagnose ticked? i would like feature but it has whew problems 1 language wall(im sure no one cant read enough languandes to prove one real since we have users all around world) its cool to chance em in front bage but mods should make a poll about it

Some of the attitudes on WP really piss me off. I cant believe how elitist some of you are over what is after all a disorder. Instead of the current system of names denoting number of posts we should have a system denoting your superior aspieness. Those with an official DX having power over the un DX , with the UnDX having superiority over those filthy NT's. The DX'd could be ranked in order, according, firstly by diagnosing doctor, all you Attwoods and Baron-Cohens to the top, then filtering it down by the various scores and professional standing of your Dr.

There are a lot of 40+ self diagnosed out there, these people have had a s**t of a life because there was no DX available, those of you that have had the benefit of an early DX and all the help that goes with it should appreciate this. Originally I was self DX , reason, once I found out about AS all the pieces fell into place, it was f*****g obvious. Most of us over 40's knew that something was not quite right all our lives, when the answer comes along it is blindingly obvious. Trust me those of you that have been DX at an early age do not realise how fortunate you are.

So back off those that are self DX because they KNOW it fits. The only reason I got DX was because I got sick and tired of people saying are you sure, all those people did was cost me a lot of unnecessary money

ok let me clarify.
i am attempting to point out the pit falls of self diagnosis and the difficulty of confusing/latching onto an AS diagnosis by some.
particularly comparisons with schizophrenia, schizotypal behaviour.

i am trying not be be or appear eltist.

It is vital, in my opinion to get a confirmed diagnosis of AS by someone qualified to do so to avoid self diagnosing somethign that looks like AS but may not be.

if there are some that are offended who have self diagnosed i am sorry and do apologise.