You may be wondering if you have autism (including Asperger syndrome). Perhaps you have read something about the condition, or seen a programme on TV, and think that it describes some of your own experiences.
It's quite common for people to have gone through life feeling that, somehow, they don't quite fit in. But they have never been diagnosed with autism and haven't been able to explain this feeling of 'difference'. (See 'Other people's experiences', below.)
Many people learn to cope with life in their own ways, although coping can be hard work. They might be married or living with a partner, have families or successful careers. Others may be more isolated and find things much more of a struggle. In either case, getting a formal diagnosis - or at least learning more about autism - can help.
You may like to read our short introductory guides to autism and Asperger syndrome. These describe some of the characteristics of autism and some related conditions that people may have.
The only way to know for sure whether you have autism or Asperger syndrome is to get a formal diagnosis. You can find out more about this in the section How do I get a diagnosis?
Below are some personal stories from people with autism or Asperger syndrome, which mention some of the more common traits of autism.
Other people's experiences
Simon's story
"I’d always found the world a bit confusing. I never understood why people behave the way they do and why I never really seemed to fit in. I’d done well at school, but had found it difficult to relate to people and to make friends. I always tried to avoid social occasions but when I couldn’t get out of them I’d end up sitting in a corner, lost in a world of my own.
"Then, about two years ago, my wife watched a documentary about Asperger syndrome and instantly recognised that it was describing me. Suddenly everything made sense. I realised why I find some things difficult, when they seem to come naturally to everyone else. I realised why I don’t always understand what people are saying or feeling. And I realised why I sometimes feel isolated and alone.
"I'm still not sure whether having Asperger syndrome is a good or a bad thing, but what I do know is that it’s part of what makes me who I am. And I’m OK with that."
Luigi's story
As I got older I began to realise that I was 'different' and wanted to fit in better. I had a difficult time keeping up a conversation with anyone, so I began writing out scripts so I could practice what to say. I still had a very difficult time looking someone in the eye. It was uncomfortable for me [and] while I looked away I was able to both pay attention and go over my list of things to say. Over time this has gotten easier for me but it's still a challenge at times.
Anne's story
"I only recently discovered that I have Asperger syndrome. While I had felt like an outsider all of my life, never understanding social rules instinctively, and being unable to cope with or enjoy social events, I hadn't thought it unusual that I collected weather statistics as a hobby for three years from age ten, nor that I found it bizarre that girls would play with dolls rather than work out how machinery operated.
"I was fortunate to have gone to a small school which allowed me to study rather than have to focus on social activities, and I was one of the well-behaved pupils. People just thought I was 'odd'.
"[Later] I started work at a computer firm and learned everything I could about how people were supposed to behave. Within a year I had been offered a job as a trainer on computer software, and soon afterwards I met my husband (who also has Asperger syndrome, but didn't realise it at the time) and we went on to have a son. Whilst social skills are never going to be my strength, and I need a lot of time to myself to recover from corporate events, I have found that Asperger syndrome has allowed me to really focus on my goals. It's not a 'disability' to either of us, it's a different way of looking at the world, and one that is equally valid."
What next?
See our section How do I get a diagnosis?