I've never been diagnosed with Asperger's, but I have many of the symptoms of the Syndrome... Or at least I think I do.
I am extremely awkward... I had very few friends in elementary school, essentially none in middle school, and a small group in high school. In college (where I am now), I have more friends, but I attribute that to a combination of my maturity and of other people's maturity as well. I do not like spending time with people; I find them tiresome and it's as though I lack the ability to get along with them. I cannot get a sense of how others feel (body language, voice inflection) and thus, I cannot hold a conversation without feeling badly for missing something. I've compensated over the years (I was much worse when I was younger) by forcing my self to be outgoing in certain situations, but even then I have a problem backing up what I'm trying to do (be around people comfortably).
I have an expansive vocabulary that I use in everyday speech- not only does this mystify some people (either in the sense of they don't understand the word or that they don't understand why I am speaking so formally), but it also makes me seem as though I talk down to them. I've been called insensitive and snobbish with regards to how I treat people (usually people I am more comfortable with- I am exceedingly polite when dealing with strangers).
As far as interests go, when I was a kid I went through periods of specific interests (some of which I still have today). They included dinosaurs, wolves, sharks, US Government, law, eagles, and books. From the time I learned to read (until 4th or 5th grade) I exclusively read for information- not much fiction at all. Now I read everything I can get my hands on and I read quickly- so quickly I've been accused of skimming when I've actually read every word. When I read, I get extremely focused, I tune everything and everyone out.
In school, I've always been a good student, but I never worked (I still don't need to). I grasp concepts immediately (from either reading or from notes/class). And I remember where things are in books so I don't need to take extensive notes. College is the first place I really feel accepted for my intelligence.
I have other issues as well, which may or may not be related to a possible AS condition. I suffer from dermotillomania/dermophagia, as well as from two specific phobias. I've never been treated for any of these. I've only been to a psychologist's office once and that was in third grade at the recommendation of my teacher (her son has some form of AS). His conclusion was that I had ADHD or something according to my parents.
I am hoping to eventually get evaluated, but I am wondering if I should even bother since these symptoms could fit a variety of things... Another question is about how one gets evaluated and how expensive it might be.
Thanks for any help/advice.
Yes, I definitely think going through the evaluation is important to know for sure. I also think you have good reason to go through with an evaluation because even if these symptoms are caused by something else in your case, they do sound very Aspie-like (so it is logical to go for an assessment for that purpose.)