Just a question. I don't wanna intrude.

[carstuar]

I read about AS at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome recently, and I was surprised to find that all of it fits me, but perhaps some of it only to a lesser degree.
I am 21 years old. I have never been diagnosed with AS, and I know that self-diagnosis is generally frowned upon. I might be grasping at straws here, but I've endured so much hardship due to being socially awkward.
I feel awkward with almost everyone, and it takes a really long time for me to make friends. Currently I have no close friends. I feel sort of like Dexter from the TV show (except I don't have an urge to kill anyone). Always faking my social interactions with others. It's exhausting.
Err...
Is it possible to have AS without the parents ever noticing throughout childhood? :O


EDIT: I realized that I only asked ONE question, so I edited the title to reflect that

[Elselia]

Absolutely, and please don't feel like you're intruding!  You are in the same boat as me, by the way - I'm 23, undiagnosed, and recently read stuff that makes me think I'm an aspie.  Both my parents have psychology degrees, so it seems less justifiable

If you're into reading a bit more besides Wikipedia, I've been collecting sites.  (I had an exam with an autism question in it today, so I'm particularly obsessive about it tonight.)  You might find some of these useful to get a broader perspective:

http://www.mugsy.org/wing2.htm - a nice long article that I LOVE at the moment.
http://www.withyoueverystepoftheway.com/page1/page1.html
http://www.aspergers.com/ - incredibly useful site, I got lost in it for a few hours
http://www.autismnz.org.nz/autism.php

There are lots more, but there are also a lot of non-scientifically based sites out there too, formed on uninformed, emotional and often damaging opinion.

By the way, welcome to Aspie Paradise, carstuar - feel free to make a thread in the "welcome" forum if you haven't already!

[renaeden]

I feel sort of like Dexter from the TV show (except I don't have an urge to kill anyone)

That made me laugh!

Welcome, carstuar.

I think Elselia has said it all, really.

[carstuar]

Okay, thanks for the positive replies, renaeden and Elselia.

[Aspergers Girl]

No idea, I guess the condition differs from person to person.. what was your childhood like?

[carstuar]

No idea, I guess the condition differs from person to person.. what was your childhood like?

I honestly can't remember.

[Aspie-Ogre]

I self diagnosed and later went on the get a confirmation. Recently the doctor and I met again, and he doubly confirmed it. Monday, my work place councillor also assented that its true.

Dont listen to the nay sayers. You know yourself better than anyone.