Expert: Paul Johnson - 1/23/2008

Question
Hello. I'm a 19 year old college freshman. My whole life, I've been rather introverted and uncomfortable opening up to people about things. Whenever I'm in a situation with multiple people, I feel like I am under extreme pressure to meet their expectations and therefore usually fail. I have very low self-esteem. I tend to let myself get caught up in my favorite book or tv show as an escape from the world. I have a friends with Asperger's who does the same thing, we get along great because his focus is on sci-fi, specifically Star Wars, and I tend to focus on Star Gate, so we have some interesting debates on details and such... since I was very little, I've had a great capacity for visual learning and retention. But, I'm horrible at math. I grew up not knowing my biological father, but we recently connected and I learned that he is Bi-polar, and my youngest brother through him has severe Autism. I understand that Autism can be genetic. I function fine (minus the social awkwardness) I guess my question to you is is it possible to have traits associated with autism without actually being autistic? Like, could I have inhereted some traits that give me the social awkwardness, inability to make eye contact, desire to please everyone, fear of confrontation, and very detaild immersion into the "escapes" I use? If so, is there anything I can do about it, or do I just have to cope?
Thank you for your time.
Sheila O.

Answer
Thank You Sheila for your interesting and important question.
It is common to think of the traits associated with Autism as the spectrum. This means the expression of different associated traits of Autism may be considered along the Autism Spectrum of Disorders,ASD. Asperger's is the highest functioning of the ASD's.The other disorders are not important here but the details that you descibes are Asperger's traits however many along the spectrum have these traits as well. The main question is to what degree does these traits manifest itself. A severe amount of repetitive behavior and need to isolate will more likely be associated with Autism. Regardless of where you are on the spectrum, if you are on the spectrum it is important to accept and learn how to cope with interpersonal relationships.