Best way to raise Asperger's with a friend

[nickioki]

Hi guys,

I'm new here. I hope you don't mind a newbie like me opening with a question like this.

I suspect my housemate maybe an Aspie. I'm wondering what might be the best way for me to bring up the subject with him, and to suggest that it might be good for him to go about doing a test to see if he does have Asperger's.

I'm a little worried that he might take my suggestion the wrong way and that it would upset him. I'm a bit worried that he might think I would be inferring he's is a 'bit strange' and he needs to speak to someone about that. Rather, I see that he struggles in some areas, and I'd really like to see him overcome some of these frustrations, or at least gain insight by looking into it (assuming it is that he turns out to have Asperger's).

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts / suggestions.

Nick

 

[kasmanaft08]

Hmm, depends. Might be a bit strange to bring up, yes.
But what symptoms would make you think he needs professional help with it?

 

[juffur]

Does he need to know about asperger's to overcome what he's struggling with?

I've heard some psychologists avoid telling patients they may have asperger's syndrome to avoid any negative social stigma that may be attached. This is very conditional though based on how high functioning the patient is. They just treat them through therapy without a diagnosis. (I believe I heard this from Tony Attwood)