My behaviors now and in the past fit the symptoms of Asperger's, but I actually feel like a fool trying to label myself Asperger's before a professional does.

I feel like this is kind of indicative of Asperger's in itself.

The thing is, I feel like I've taught myself to overcome a lot of the difficulties people with Asperger's face (Aspies sounds derogatory to me). I especially remember being in middle school and not understanding why everyone was telling me I was mean, or why I could only make friends with the teachers, or why I kept wearing the same hoodie every day...

I think they way I thought was so concrete that I couldn't even fully comprehend they symptoms when they were described to me. Mostly because when I read "Do you do _________?" I automatically assume that the question is asking me if I do it on purpose... So I never think to examine the things I have done unconsciously.

Probably the most interesting thing I've noticed is the way I've learned to communicate. I feel like every word or phrase I use is associated with some specific instance - either the way I learned it, or a certain pronunciation, or the way a person said it in a movie...

I guess without an official diagnosis, I just want to touch base with some people who know. Does any of this sound familiar to you guys? I'm going crazy. I would love any thoughts that anyone has, please!!!!