Reply #6: If they were only "somewhat on the nerdy side," then it wouldn't be an actual DSM disorder.

[nomorenomore08]

But that is (and I mean you no offense at all) an extremely shallow way of looking at a complex, often baffling condition. The difference between "nerdiness" and Asperger's is that kids who are labeled "nerds" at an early age often become quite successful (and even socially adept) later on, whereas Asperger's kids are frequently seen by peers and even teachers as being mentally "slow" (despite having normal and sometimes even exceptional IQ's), and many have a very hard time living independently and forming relationships even as adults.