When did self-diagnosing oneself with Asperger's become a trend?

As a person with Asperger's Syndrome, I have noticed this a lot. I wonder if people do this because they think they'll gain sympathy or if they think it's cool. They're in for a rude awakening if that's their motive. Most folks lack any compunction to a disposition like this. There are members of my own family who still disregard any of it. In our society, we are marginalized and considered a burden or inconvenience to be around. The general public lacks the compion to see the person for who they truly are as they are shallow and superficial. When I attended several meetings at an adult Aspie group in Austin, Texas, I lost interest after awhile. I found it rather odd that I was only one of a few there diagnosed by an actual licensed professional. After awhile, I found that insulting. Anybody can self-diagnose. The answers on the Internet don't discriminate. Just because someone has marginal social skills, eccentric behavior, a monotone voice, and crystallized intelligence, that doesn't mean the individual is on the autistic spectrum. My only plausible synopsis is that people do this to justify that kind of behavior. So when did all this self-diagnosing phony baloney become a trend?