Thanks for your comment on matters of the heart :D And on the DNA part - yes, there's a huge genetic component to it. After moving back in with my parents after nearly 20 years, I saw traits in both of them and my brothers too. It typically runs in families. Not all the time, but it's common.
. . Brett. I find most of the people on the spectrum are also very gifted. Good luck and God Bless. You are a kind person and you will find your way. Mental illness is difficult.. You are differently not alone.
My advice is find an expert. There are many signs to look for but one that I noticed I did when Skyping with the Dr. was I would say "I don't know" to questions I should've been able to answer. IMO this is evidence of something called 'Mind Blindness' and is a common trait with autistics. The other thing for me is obvious flaws in my 'Executive Functioning'. There's also stimming, tight eating patterns, social awkwardness, bowel irritations, eye contact, use of articulate language, etc. Don't give up. It's not all or nothing. If it's not autism, it could be something else like NVLD for instance.
