Well I definitely do not think you are a a Lost Cause. You are on HERE looking for help. Lost Causes do not even realize they need some help or do not care to get it. Have you shared your issues with your parents? The issues of your anxiety's with friends, handshaking, etc.? I am trying to get my son an IEP right now and you know why? Because I LOVE him and he needs the help. He is very smart but learns differently. He needs to be in an environment where he had more time to take tests without any distractions. My older son who is now 21 could have used an IEP probably but guess what? The schools said she did not need one and he STRUGGLED. It sounds to me like your self esteem needs a boost. My son never had many friends and my younger son right now does not have any. Friends can be great and friends can be bad. Your parents right now, and your guidance counselor, are your TRUE friends. They will not do anything that will hurt you. They only want to HELP you and it sounds like you want help so PLEASE try your hardest to take their advise and know that things WILL IMPROVE if you want to make the changes. It will get better. 16 is tough and especially with the things you are going through.