Am I autistic/have Asperger's?

This may sound odd, but I'm opposed to actually talking about anything in real life, so I thought I'd just post on here. I'm really struggling to express any of what I want to say, but I'm basically concerned that I might be autistic. I've always been 'shy' and 'quiet' and admittedly quite socially awkward. This on its own would be fine. However, it is not on its own. I've always detested loud noises (I'd refuse to play this ridiculous 'sit on a balloon until it pops' game when I was younger at kids' birthday parties, I'd always sit out alone) and bright lights (it hurts to look at the ground when it's sunny, but this is normal, right?) - I also can't deal with the noisy, too busy and too warm science experiments at school. I don't know if this is relevant, I'm just writing it because apparently people with such a condition have sensory difficulties - but maybe mine are just over-dramatics. Additionally, I've realised that any issues with friends when I was younger was due to me being offensive to them (unintentionally, I didn't know I was being impolite, I was trying to joke). I like to do things my way and get stressed when something occurs that I was not prepared for (e.g. friend asking me to 'hang out' with only one day warning. Completely freaked about the woeful lack of structure and preparation for the day, unfortunately, and my dad thought I was 'winding them up' - I wasn't). I've also noticed I tap my hands and fingers often, and sort of sway on my feet. I say 'noticed' as one of my friends did a humorous impression of me, exaggerating the 'hand thing' and my mum said I flap my hands a lot. I don't really consciously do this (only when I'm alone, and then I will occasionally rock too - I'm not mad! It's just pleasant). Apparently this is 'stimming' but it's not a strictly autistic thing, is it? I'm a female, if it makes a difference (the internet says it does). I cannot really consult a medical professional about this, as my dad is a mental health professional, yet he doesn't really like the autistic 'label'. A friend's child (also female) has been diagnosed with ASD, but he disagrees with the diagnosis and doesn't think it's helpful to label people with autism if they're 'high functioning'. He's joked about me being 'on the spectrum' but doesn't think I'm autistic. I don't know if I do either, but I'm concerned that something might be wrong with me. I don't like to leave the house, I can't make friends easily, and I get stressed in many environments I haven't prepared for. Is it some kind of autism, or am I being a 'typical over-dramatic teenage girl'?

[Hidden]

Hello Hidden and welcome to our supportive Community.

Could you confirm your age please.

Thank you, Lottie x

[chloe40 Administrator]

You appear to have changed your mind and withdrawn from the forum, so no need for a reply.

Chloe

[sue_b in reply to chloe40]

Sounds like they really need the support this forum might offer. What a shame they withdrew.

[chloe40 Administrator]

You're absolutely right sue_b

Chloe