Could this be aspergers?

[gotthearse]

Posting about a teen relative. Things I have noticed are:

Very intelligent.
Excels at science.
Speaks with a very precise clipped accent that is not like his family at all.
Thinks nothing of asking an outrageous question in a social setting.
Says he sees colours when he hears music.

He's a lovely boy content being absorbed in his science. I cant help wondering that life might get more difficult for him as he grows older. Could he have Aspergers? His close family know he's not like other boys, but as far as I know not felt the need to investigate. I wouldn't want to interfere, though might offer my thoughts if it came up in conversation.

Possibly. He would need a CAMHs referral which can diagnose. School or docs will do this. Colours and music is synesthesia which can go hand in hand with aspergers and autism. hard one to tackle if not the parent. Much easier to get a referral and diagnosis if under 18 though.

DS2, who has Asperger's, does happen to have all those characteristics, but those characteristics aren't diagnostic of Asperger's, apart from maybe the outrageous question in a social setting one. There is a triad of impairments, which broadly come under the categories of social imagination, social communication and social interaction. If his social development is significantly (years) behind his cognitive development, then it might be a possibility.

I'm not sure you should mention it though, unless you are his teacher or something. Someone tried to tell me that DS2 had Asperger's, years before diagnosis, and I did not take it well. Even when the SENCO at school gently pointed out that he had some autistic traits, I had to go through a period of adjustment before I could take it on board.

One of the things we were asked about was level of functioning at school, home, out of school activities etc. If this boy is getting on fine in all those situations, then I would let it lie for now, unless the parents ask you for your opinion directly.

If he is highly intelligent, he may have a few traits but not enough to place him on the spectrum.

Thanks. That's what I thought...Its not my place to say anything unless asked for my opinion, but at least I can suggest possibilities if the subject comes up.

....thats possibilities for advice etc, wouldn't try and diagnose anything..

That sounds very sensible. If you educate yourself about it now, then if and when the parents share concerns with you, you'll be equipped to give them information on what support and help is available. You sound like the ideal relative!