HELP--Do I have Autism?

Question: I've never been to the doctor for the official diagnosis, but my parents both agree that I might have it. They say that I never expressed emotions and affection to them or other people growing up. I do cringe when someone hugs me most of the time, but sometimes I do appreciate someone's care and affection for me, I'm just somehow hardly able to return it. I do know how to speak and easily got over my habits of awkward movements. My Mom says marriage is not in my future; but I actually want to get married. What is the future for someone like me? Do you think I have autism?

Answers:
I have Asperger's syndrome,a form of autism. I have been told,as a child,that I would cringe and cry when someone touched me,and I did not return forms of affection. But then,most of my family,back then,were practicing alcoholics,and they would want to hug me,dance with me,ect. and to smell the alcohol on them was gross. I was diagnosed when I was 5 and was told back then,to be institutionalized. My mom didn't listen,and I'm darn glad she did'nt! Asperger's,is the most treatable of autism,and the most functioning too! You can get a job,go to college,ect. Most of us are verrrry intelligent and have problems with people that are slower than we are (think dense,or mentally challenged). I know I do. And most of us are anti-social,ie,we do not like people,crowds,ect. Loud noises scare us silly ( then why do I like my music loud??) and we tend to block people out when they annoy us. You will pet the dog before you allow Mom to give u a hug. I am told I should turn my writing into a profitable business. that would entail dealing with people. Should I?? yes,I want to. how to start? I have no clue. I have registered 3 written screenplays,and want to be a sucessful screenwriter. I don't know where to begin. I live in bristol,va,and have no idea who to contact. This is me,and I have autism,it does not have me.

Other Answers:
No you do not have Autism. You may have emotional issues but not Autism. Autism is a form of Down Syndrome, and you write well and in my opinion are not Autistic.

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yes no, I don't think you do. so you don't like to run around hugging people, so what? if you want to get married you should only listen to your heart not to anybody else. DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY.

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There are many forms of autism, so I guess it's possible. It's also sometimes hard to diagnose, but you should talk to a doctor anyhow. I know people who absolutely hate being touched, even hugged and also have a hard time expressing emotions like affection. People have different ways of expressing those types of emotions, so maybe physical affection is not your thing. Even if you are diagnosed with a mild form of autism, I don't think that being autistic should prevent you from getting married. When you find the right person, they will understand.

Autism. there are so many different types and severities of Austism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) out there. Your best bet is to see a Pediatric Neuropsychologist and be tested to see if they can figure out "what" makes you the way you are. The testing usually takes 3-4 hours and you get the results back in about 2 weeks. Well worth your time and effort.

If you need help in finding a Pediatric Neuropsychologist, contact the Children's Hospital that is closest to you.

Best wishes

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