A lot of it is about environment. The fit between the person and the environment or, sometimes, the lack of fit. Some higher functioning people with Autism / Asperger's thrive in traditional academic environments or more rule governed societies like victorian england. Less touchy-feely / emotionally expressive. More rational and orderly. Quieter. You might not need a dx of Asperger's if you find yourself with parents much like you, friends much like you, in an environment that is well suited to you more generally.

But put a person like that in the noisy communal environments that are all the rage these days... Open offices. Noisy classrooms. Full of noisy boisterous kids who mostly can't sit still and who bully / make fun of quieter pursuits... And it is panic-inducing. Uncomfortable. Downright painful. Apparently we are moving towards more 'inclusive classrooms' etc now by changing things up (having group work libraries etc)... But it is ruining things for the Asperger's kids, rather. Heh.

Society swings in round-abouts...

I think it really is about finding your niche. People like you. People who you feel you can relax around because they 'get you'. I went on a wander out into the world... Went to technical college for a while... Tried to learn a trade or two... Found myself back at University because... There are my people. If my people are anywhere, at all. Especially summer school where the 'there because I have to be' people have all gone to the beach.

Hardest thing for me was getting the hang of this idea that most people talk not to communicate literal (or even implied) meanings conveyed by their words... Most people talk... Just to talk. Because they like the sound of their voice or because they are trying to emotionally connect. So, for example, people are fond of being all like 'oooooooh yeeeeees, me too!!!' when they have no idea what you are talking about. People will say they understand TOTALLY (especially when you are young) but it is all about looking and smiling, looking and smiling. Many people will tell you they totally understand every single thing you are saying but they can't paraphrase what you just said in their own words and they really have no clue. Crazy-making. I found it.

It does get easier as you get older. I think most especially because you have more power over your own life... And over time you get to manuver yourself into a place where you are more surrounded by people who are more like you.

You are perfectly normal - for some subpopulation of society. Same as... Everyone else.

Hang in there.