Asperger Syndrome, Adolescence, and Identity: Looking Beyond the Label

I think it is CRUCIAL and paramount for people to know what their "undefined differences" are that are causing them problems, e.g. social difficulties. I can think of nothing more cruel and counterproductive than to withhold diagnoses and direct requests for information from a person. It always seemed so stupid to keep vital parts of a person's life from them and does not appear to have served anyone well. There is no one answer. Adolescence is a time of identity quest and for those on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) spectrum, it is an act of kindness and honesty for them to know if they have Asperger's. It is up to the individual to decide whether or not they want to disclose that information with others. As for professionals who are in direct contact with adolescents on the spectrum, I think they are the ones who most need to look beyond the label.