steffie 101
I too am from supportive married parents. I was diagnosed BP when I was 22. I did get a lot of judgmental “what is wrong with you with this awesome life” type of crap. The symptoms were such a huge mess that no one knew what we were dealing with. I read about my med on the internet after my therapist contemplated BP. then tadaaaaaaaaaa. I did some pretty weird things, but most of the time it was just an emotional trainwreck. I did the excessive talking agitation thing..binge eating too >_<.. I think I have only done that manic cleaning thing one time. I HATE cleaning no matter how I feel.
I never really appear normal. My baseline is excessive talking non-sequitor statements interrupting. Sometimes it is hard for me to tell the difference. maybe it is the ADHD part? ack who knows.. I am done with thinking today….done!!!!!!
I know billd.. i talked my way into it with jargon-talking super powers 
My actual psych will be a bit more thorough I’m sure.
KrazyKat- I think your family sounds lovely 
the best treatment for borderline autism spectrum disorders like Asperger’s is social skills training.. However, i wouldn’t self-diagnosis that one on your own.