Let me echo what AnnieQuill said - it's not a bad thing, and it's not a new thing. It's an aspect of her personality, but she is the same kid you know and love.
That said, have you looked generally at information about Asperger's Syndrome, or have you looked specifically for information about how AS presents in girls?
Does your DD have any sensory issues? DD12's school counselor referred to the "unholy triad" of ADHD, anxiety, and sensory processing disorder as being characteristic of undiagnosed autism. If she has all three, I'd consider asking an autism specialist to rule it in or out for you. It's better to know, even if you dread the answer.
At this point we really have no idea if DD would be diagnosed on the spectrum, but it just feels so unfair. She has a health issue that has caused problems/she's a pipsqueak that hates being short/she's diagnosed with ADHD. We will love her no matter what, but I just wish she could not deal with
one more thing. Yes, I'm whining. But I also so want her to be "ok" and grow up to be successful and content with herself.
Oh, I did look up autism in girls. It sounds like a "soft" version of boys.
Also, a lot of sites on Aspergers listed symptoms that sound a lot like highly gifted kids - sensory stuff, big vocabulary as a little kid, crazy about learning certain topics.
