Symptoms of Asperger?

I believe that someone close to me may be exhibiting symptoms of Asperger syndrome. They are a tad on the paranoid side, socially clumsy but logically remorseful afterwards - not really understand why they did what they did, short-tempered, and very bad at realizing when a conversation is over or when they are taking something a bit too far. They are brilliant, and very interested in educating themselves - almost to the point of obsession. They are funny but their sense of humor is very dry, to the point where it is unclear whether or not they are joking sometimes.

Does this sound like Asperger's disorder, or something else? They have questioned me about it (they are a family member) and I have come up empty-handed. I would love to help them, but I'm not sure how. Any advice?

From my experience working in a private school, I would tend to lean towards, "Yes." However, I am by far no expert. Testing would be required. But you are on the money with the learning thirst and often people with this disorder won't look at someone in the eye unless they really, really trust them. I took me a whole school year to finally get one kid to look at me. It was only after much effort to gain his trust that it happened. Good luck to you.

Sounds like a very real possibility, but, like the other poster said, testing would need to confirm it. Unfortunately, people with Aspergers can't really be "helped", just understood. If the U.S. was less focused an likability and more focused on results, the people with this disorder would really shine.

My brother has this. He gets obsessed over one thing one week and then the next he moves on to another. He says very inappropriate things to people just out of the blue. I never heard him laugh. Not many friends if not 1. He is #1 in his 10th grade class of 580 students though. He is VERY smart. He is also very demanding, throws hissy fits in front of people, makes scenes, my step mother appeases him to no end. It is sad really.Swears too at the wrong times and it is kind of like you wince when he starts to talk because you never know what will come out of his mouth.

I have it and what you describe sounds sort of like it. They should seek a psychologist for a concrete diagnosis.

To help people with aspergers, its best NOT to simply tolerate their odd behavior in social situations. Politely tell them that they made a social error and be clear about what it was. Simply poking them is not good enough and you'll likely be considered an attacker. Explain exactly what they did that was wrong and how to rectify it. If you don't, they will repeat the social error from now until dooms day.