Her style is hella cute. And thank God! I'm autistic and THIS is the kind of representation we need! She's hitting so many notes that I, as a fellow autistic person, agree with, such as non-harmful stimming acceptance, autism acceptance, identity-first language, recognizing that we don't come boxed in stereotypes, etc,.
Can i ask before the age of 5, how was you?? I have a 2 year old daughter. She has no understanding, no eye contact, can not follow instructions nor come to us to meet her wants and needs. Please tell me it does improve.. I'd appreciate your reply
@@negaaliarif1 I just wish I saw these kinds of questions less!! I don't want to black up by appropriating/echoing similar styles of rebuttal from "explain racism to me" "explain the black experience" type requests of people of colour. The experience of autism can make it hard and tense/traumatic to pull out the answers and there's also life to lead and being just one person but these are big questions close to heart. In that much it is similar.
And we are all different no matter how diagnosed or identified. I'd say trust yourself. But focus on connection. Good relationship. Accepting what your child is. And what you share: your child still has an equal oxygen debt and a lot of the same machinery and needs however noteworthy their differences are. Focus on connection and problem solving and scaffolding problem solving. (As an undiagnosed, struggling parent of a gifted thriving child diagnosed with autism, whose mum also struggled and suffered from our interactions with clinical services/development assessment. And our relationship was often painful though she was a good mum.)
It is not a good representation at all. She will become the wrong stereotype. She has had tons of help and support, not typical of ASD kids at all. I repeat at all.
For All the autistic ppl out there. You are loved . I also have a 3 year old daughter diagnosed with Autism. But that doesn't change my love for her. I accept her as she is and support her find a better way of doing things her way❤ God bless you All
I’ve have autism and whenever I meet new people it’s just so hard to try and start a conversation for me and I can only talk to the same people I know so this helped a little bit thank you
I am the same way. I have autism spectrum disorder, and I too find it hard to make conversations with people sometimes. The one thing I have been really trying to do for the past few years is to find a girlfriend. I had a girlfriend when I was in high school, but we broke up. Finding love can be difficult for people with autism. For some it’s easy, and for some it’s hard. You can’t give up. The thing I say is to keep looking forward, and you can accomplish great things
6/17/2024 Hi I'm Elizabeth 48 years old and I love being alone because no One understands my feelings, People and family are to judgemental and I can't deal with injustice acts... I'm so grateful because being A spiritual person helps me struggle less...🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 Houston Texas 🙌
For me the greatest challenge has been actually realizing I'm an adult. I mean, I *know* I'm an adult, being a 25 year old woman, but I still see myself as the dorky kid that likes to hang out with the adults when in reality I'm the weird lady who still thinks she's still a dorky kid. Plus I've always been really bad at reading social cues. It's most apparent when at places like grocery stores I walk up and talk to people and say "hi" and start talking about stuff. Apparently it's cute when a little kid does it but not so cute when a grown woman who's taller than a lot of guys does it.
Robin - I'm 55 years old and will find out tomorrow if my psychologist will confirm what I've known since the beginning of this month: I'm autistic. (That's the first time I've actually "said" that in public.) I know EXACTLY what you are saying. When I was a child and teen I always got along better with adults. Now, I enjoy working with teens and college students. I think it's because adults don't care if they offend children, so they're honest with them. Likewise, teens and college "kids" are so blown away when an "old person" treats them as an equal, that they're more open and honest. I feel like the world's oldest teenager ... and I'm okay with that!
I'm on the spectrum and I totally relate. I feel 14 in my head, and now that my children are hitting their teenage years, they have the same interests as me: video games, horses, etc., and it's a lot of fun. However, I'm kind of scared of when they grow up and get interested in grown-up things like work gossip and boring stuff and their old mom is still just 14 in her head, over here like, 'do you guys have a cat I can talk to?'
@@annettefehr3485 I definitely relate to that. I've heard from doctors that I'm developmentally 12-13 but I feel even younger, I think that number is averaged up by my IQ. I feel as young as 6-7 sometimes and like 10-11 other times. I love videogames too, I get really "in the zone" playing them sometimes. I also like to play outside and play pretend with my Barbies and other toys. I used to have lots of imaginary friends, I still have a few that I talk to sometimes. My nephew and niece (who are 6 and 4 now, will be 7 and 5 this year) consider me their "cool aunt" because I'm like them in a lot of ways but I know a lot of random information so they think of me as smart. Do you like cartoons, too? I love cartoons. A guilty pleasure of mine is preschooler shows. My nephew and niece thought it was so cool that a "grown up" wanted to watch their cartoons. I also feel like the youngest even though I'm the middle child. I only had about 10 years when my brother was 0-10 years old where I felt older, now my brother and sister both have a much older sibling to much younger sibling relationship with me.
"as you get older, it gets more tiring" I am 23 and I feel this immensely. that and the trouble being diagnosed because you're an adult. I've been "weird and anxious" my whole life and just want to know if I'm autistic. It would explain a ton.
I read somewhere that neurotypicals don't go around wondering if they're autistic. With that in mind, it's highly likely if we're questioning autism we probably are autistic/ on the spectrum.
My advice to you in that situation would just be to seek out autistic people/groups online and see if you find answers that way in lieu of a professional diagnosis. There's a saying, "it takes one to know one," so if those are the people you understand, let that speak for itself. Of course, if you still want a diagnosis for any reason, by all means, please look for one. All I'm saying is you don't have to wait for a piece of paper to make meaningful change in you life
My husband and a few others that have known me well agree that it would be odd if I was NOT autistic. I'm still undecided if I want a diagnosis. I studied psychology for over a decade; and though self-diagnosis is not a legitimate thing I would diagnose myself this way. I did not realize it until my late 20's years after my child was diagnosed. I seriously thought she didn't have it because "she just picked those habits up from me and I'm not autistic" then the clinician we saw about it said "maybe you are..." and it got me thinking and analyzing my past. It helps (if you haven't already) to have some lists ready to share with the clinician about yourself to explain your concern. History of obsessions, any SPD symptoms, communication difficulties, along with consistent anxiety as you've mentioned. These are all part of the criteria. I ditched most of the last two years of high school because I could not tolerate it anymore. I was unable to attend college in person for long because of miscommunications with people, SPD, and debilitating anxiety. I always tested well but I didn't participate in classes (both high school and in-person community college required this). I also have gastrointestinal and sleep issues (which are common in autistic people). Please respond if you have a diagnosis now! I'd love to find out how it went. Thanks for reading!
For me personally I don't feel we're represented right in the media. We're portrayed as nut jobs or mentally retarded in some way. It really makes me angry. All we want is to be treated with respect from our peers, not being made to feel worthless or inferior
I was deemed disabled for being mentally incompetent . Thru my life I was diagnosed with paranoia schizophrenia , bipolar , depresssion , borderline personally disorder , addhd , and a few years ago autistic?! Took me a while to accept the autism cause well there wasn’t enough easily accessible information on it . It seemed more of a negative than positive . But found the right advocate and great therapist and was able to make sense of it all. It’s a breathe of fresh air to know u aren’t crazy or mentally ill. Life has been so hard but focusing on the positives is what it’s about . I now see it as a gift not a curse .
Topg1 I often feel like my mind is Swiss cheese. While I get and see some things that others don’t and they seem to impressed oth other things are like whoosh over my head. Others and myself included probably wonder how the same person who gets those other things misses at the same time. Like I said, Swiss cheese brain full of holes. Lol 🤷♀️ Oh well I’m just glad I’ve become more aware and improve with time and maturity. All anyone can do really.
I’m 19 with autism. Growing up has always been hard, I feel like this is such a lack of information for people, so growing up around teaches I really struggled, and no one picked up on the fact I was autistic, I did a good job hiding it though. But these days I think one of things I struggle with is conversations. Which is strange because I’m also really good with intense situations socially. Like I can go up to a bus driver or a worker in a shop and be very confident in what I’m saying and how I’m saying it, and communicate myself very well, but then I could be in a tattoo shop say, and I literally just want to sit there in silence, I know I’m coming off so cold and rude and Inside I’m screaming at myself to talk and to answer what they’ve asked me properly but i can’t, it’s such a uncomfortable feeling. My best mate is autistic too, which really helps
Yeah. And they expect you to grow up so quickly. Like there's always more to work on yourself and grow as quickly as neurotypicals and you're never going to be it.
Damn you took a page right outta my book. I have been in that exact situation in a tattoo shop where I was dead silent whereas other clients are chirping away with the artist.
Thank you for sharing this. We are just discovering that my daughter is autistic. She’s 13 and she does that same thing where sometimes she shuts down and can’t communicate. She has something to say and wants to say it but just can’t. It’s been very confusing for me as her parents but now I understand what’s happening better
I want to show the last doctor I saw, this video. She articulates and engages with the host better than me, but since I can navigate a conversation "ok", he said I cannot have autism. Excellent interview.
Luna Lovegood I recently started seeing a psychologist who didn't question hfa at all. He won't put it on paper (haven't understood why) but I have an appointment with a doc who is specially trained to do a proper adult evaluation. After that I hope to gain access to OT and other supports for my odd sensory needs. If I wasn't burnt out, I would be less concerned but starting from scratch after each burnout is getting tougher to do the older I get. It felt good to be taken seriously for once (by someone other than my wife) so good I didn't sleep for two days because someone else said it without question. Too much good news sets me into the same tailspin as negative stress. Hoping to find the balance soon. I want to live life , even of it seems eccentric to the world around me.
Some doctors just need some education... Okay most doctors. I actually had to see another doctor to get referred for my diagnosis. I can't wait to see my regular doctor and throw my diagnosis in her face 🙃
I agree, travis. My therapist recently realized how poor my communication is with others, but therapy is different than talking to some one out in public. Its a set concept that I have been familiarized with and prepared for.
My psychologist said I must not be autistic because I can stare at someone in the eyes (although I explained that even though I can do it that it consumes a lot of my focus and I'm always unsure how much time to look and when to look away and such, when for most people it seems natural). He ended up giving me a diagnosis for Schizotypal Personality Disorder just because of the eye contact thing even though that diagnosis doesn't even match with who I am.
I love how the interviewer so casually and low-key said "Great conversation this morning Sarah, thank you so much." Like it was low-key letting her know she did a good job, without being patronising etc.
I am 54, just this year diagnosed Autistic, ADHD and PSTD (done lots of work on this). I finally understand so much in my life!! However, also aware at how hard I am trying constantly to understand what's happening, especially socially. I am baffled most of the time by others! I have been constantly struggling to manage my melt-downs caused by my over-stimulating work environment but at least now I understand why. I know that I am a very very strong woman to have survived the experiences I have in my life.
Bravo!!! I'm in my early 30s. I've got ADHD, PTSD and self-dx ASD but I'm awaiting an assessment to clarify. So much of my life would've made more sense if I knew what was going on and the name to call it by. Just this year I found I have dyscalculia (math disorder) which would've made school so much easier. Anyhoo, congrats on your journey and understanding yourself better along the way
Snap, my experience also, there must be quite a few of us. Great to be able to drop out and walk the dogs, finally have a nice life. It's totally pointless to explain it to NT s, I have given up. I live alone by the River where I can be as autistic as I please.
Jesus Christ. At 54 years old, I can only imagine how challenging so much of life was. I'm 29 and got mines by my therapist at 27, still, that wasn't easy. I'm definitely wishing you the best of luck.
Sarah, you rock! I'm Autistic, diagnosed in my mid fifties. To the people judging her for personal style, all I can say is "Who in the hell asked you?" She's being her true self and doesn't give a damn what you think. I'm the same and couldn't care less about other people's opinions at this point. I've been bullied my entire life by ignoramuses who felt they could judge, criticise and control me. I won't be stepped on anymore.
Autistic women are good at hiding it, because in caveman times a woman couldn't survive if she wasn't accepted in society, this survival instinct has stuck around
true, but there isn't a lot of research on how it affects adult men either. Almost all research is on male children. The diagnostic criteria and common profiles of an autistic person are almost all based on how it presents in 2-4 year old boys. To the point that adults seeking an autism diagnosis in some countries are given toys to play with as part of their assessment.
Why would you be surprised by that? There are many people with autism that are articulate and can express them self effectively, often better than ‘neurotypical’ people. It’s the peddling of these negative stereotypes that causes people with autism so much trauma and harm.
As an autistic adult I relate and I think that this is a great presentation. What society could do for us that I think is most critical is: jobs, jobs, jobs! Help to find jobs, help us maintain jobs, a lot of personal one-on-one work with the job process, because we don't have the skills or confidence to reach out and communicate our needs. Without a job there's always a risk of ending up on the street, especially if you don't have a family or friend network, and that possibility is absolutely terrifying. Funny, I'm a Canadian expat in Europe and I just learned from this presentation that Canadian society is "subtle". I guess I totally never noticed that. Oops, my bad.
@@sunsand7062 That's the problem: The interview. With an ASD, the chances of getting through an interview goes down significantly. Problems with eye contact, voice pitch, vocabulary, theory of mind, and comprehension skills are just the beginning. There are some job centers apparently helping autistic people finding placements, but for now they're too few, too far between.
@@annettefehr3485 Absolutely. Then go back a step to the "go online, find a job." which takes sooooo many executive function skills when you break it down. Making a resume at all is extremely confusing because I obsess how to represent myself, over what to include... plus my employment history is strange and disjointed because of struggles with getting into weird jobs or not being able to maintain them.
In our community, most of us are childlike, high functioning autism is unnoticeable. We are like 15-year olds. When I transferred to a city, that was where I got bullied. They regard my kindness as a weakness and something to be taken advanteged of. So I came back and enjoyed the people I used to be with. It is so peaceful to live with like-minded people.
My son has mild symptoms and he has sensitivity issues. Voice, touch etc. Rest everything he is ok. But my relatives judges him whenever we go to India.I am keeping a boundary for them as he feels less confident after listening to their comments. He has issues tying shoe lase, loud noise is a problem.. He is slowly facing his issues. he is a very sweet 13 year old boy. He is good at studies too. I want him to be a good human, not a genius .. Prayers & love to everyone from us..❤️🙏
I am 14 and I am the same, except my mother doesn't believe I have autism because I do well in school academically, but people constantly harass me and I hate it there because it's so loud and irritating!!! Thanks for advocating for your son.
Thank you, this video helped me as a adult who was diagnosed with autism. Trying to discover more about myself. I'm 29 years old, I do live independently but do not have a job. The more I hear from other people with autism helps me learn about me
I am 44 and I buss tables. I live with my still married parents. I keep things superficial with people. I do not speak unless Someone speaks to me. Usually I dont have to say anything, just go do the job that is asked of me. There is no way I could afford to live on my own. I have never made enough money on the hour to support myself. Thanks for posting video.
I'm 51, not working but have had nothing but the most menial jobs despite 138 iq. I have only ever been hated for being intelligent. Despite the menial jobs I have found ways to increase sales, cut costs, improve productivity to the tune of hundreds of thousands and once - within weeks of starting a new job - exposed an employee who had stolen about 250k over four years. Didn't get any thanks for any of this and bosses took credit for it and forced me to quit or sacked me. Have lived alone for years and haven't had any contact with family for 30 years. Today I had a rare conversation that seemed normal with someone then when I was walking away heard them say "weirdo". Not planning to talk to anyone again for a while.
Speaking on behalf of myself that never got formally diagnosed because my mother had too much pride, it also helps to find a job with stable hours, time off and has a regular work routine such as working in a warehouse. I just started at a warehouse and I LOVE IT.
My ex wife had too much pride. She was told by my sons doctor he might be autistic and never took him.. im glad i took the initiative 3 years ago to get him the help.
I've suspected for a few years now that I might be autistic, and that whole non-harmful stimming acceptance definitely resonates with me. I take public transport a lot, and I often find myself rocking or rubbing my fingers in time with the music I'm listening to while I space out. Unfortunately meth addicts are quite common in my city, and I'm acutely aware of the fact that I probably look high because I'm moving weirdly and will fiercely avoid eye contact.
I’m here as I had a baby with a woman with autism. I feel like she ain’t a bad person even tho she often says and does hurtful stuff. I’m just trying to understand her abit better, reading all the comments has really helped my understanding. Thanks guys, nothing but love 👊🏾 😎
Feedback is good, and hints are so bad, I so relate to what is being said here. When feedback comes, it tends to damn with faint praise, at best. I am so tired of hearing "intense" "weird" "too much" "quirky" etc as descriptions of what I (or other autistic people) are like. Through neurotypical eyes... What is it they are seeing? It isn't the person. I'm so tired of it. I can feel the "tolerance" and "kindness" in their voices when they say those things, too. They actually think they're being kind. I guess they see themselves as charitable people for putting up with us (if they can). This interview is spot on, and it's always good to find an advocate.
I'm 41 years old and autistic. I understand what she's going through. I hate large groups of people. Was diagnosed at age 10. Couldn't speak at age 3. Doctors told my parents to institutionalize me. They said kiss our asses. I am a college graduate, I live on my own, and hold a part time job. But, man, it was a difficult road. But, to everyone with similar struggles, hang in there. You're stronger than you think! 💙💙💙
Is anyone else angry/irritated constantly with day to day things like traffic, car headlights, loud noises, people in my way, work, any small inconvenience, etc? I'm exhausted and can't live like this anymore
I cuss under my breath a lot. My pet peeve at the moment is, there's a grocery store near my house. The parking area kind of has an S shaped curve, where there's an upper parking area that overflows into a lower parking area, and the entrance and exit are one way, if that makes sense. And the lower parking will be empty, and yet these IMBECILES will sit at the top parking and wait for a spot when they could just drive on, park at the lower area, and walk like 10 extra meters to get to the entrance, causing no delays. So they bottleneck the parking and essentially render the capacity half as effective. But yes Taj, you are not alone.
I have autism I find it difficult to be in social situation im really quite I don’t bearly speak at work or in college Beacuse I get really uncomfortable
Same, and it's killing me. I've started getting really anxious about going to places where I might need to interact with people I don't know very well. One thing that has worked is just keeping my head down, my mouth shut, and getting my own work done, but most college courses and workplaces require you to interact with others. Funny thing is, I don't have too much of a problem speaking in front of audiences (if I already have a rough idea of what I'm going to say). My issue is being put in unfamiliar situations with unfamiliar people and having to improvise conversation.
@@GhostSamaritan I feel you. But sad to say, I haven't been to a doctor, not diagnosed but that's what I feel. I don't mind dancing in front of many people but I get so anxious going to a place where I need to communicate with people I don't know.
I'm glad this video made society aware that majority of people with autism feel just as much if not more than those who are considered NT in stressful/social situations but express it differently.
i have a love hate relationship with my autism, i get it’s just who I am and I can’t really change that but also it makes doing things in life that much more difficult and you have to mask to fit in everywhere, it burns me out and I hate it. i want to do things in life and accomplish stuff but i always feel so held back
I was diagnosed with autism when I was 11 but I feel normal maybe I dont have it as bad as others But I do struggle with making friends and stuff like that I always talk to my self in the mirror to improve my communication skills it really helped
I wonder. I guess I'll never know. It's currently trying to take away my life, for the most. For those seeing this video and *getting it* because of something in your life...cheers to you. You are loved, and we've likely shared battles together even if we don't know it now. I heart you
I’m 24 and think I may be autistic. I have no idea how to approach a diagnosis. I’m starting see the signs, the more knowledgeable I get about autism. I would be relieved to be able to pinpoint why I am the way I am. It’s been extremely difficult navigating certain situations in my life and having people call out or get mad at my “abnormal behavior”.
I have severe ASD and everyday is so hard for me... sigh. I also have a really hard time with stress and sleeping and DEFINITELY super introverted and reclusive.
oh my God...I can relate to this woman so much. I was diagnosed in 2021 at the age of 48. I am pretty high functioning and no one around me ever told me that I was on the spectrum and I didn't think that was my deal. I am still processing it. Overall, I feel better knowing this about myself and am learning to make the right adaptations for my life. Employment has been my biggest challenge. Of course dating is always difficult but...I feel that this is the case for most people. Thank you.
I have been wondering for awhile now if i am on the spectrum. Every time I hear about Autism it feels like I am looking in a mirror of myself. I am 26 and I am doing well. Make a lot of money doing something i enjoy but I just don't have a lot of friends and enjoy being alone a lot but I always feel like I need a really good friend and hope that I can get married and have kids someday so I don't feel this alone my whole life.
I love my husband, but it can be hard for myself and my son to get him understand our thought process. When growing up Autism was squarely thought of as the children who would spin objects all day and were largely non-verbal. Those that were verbal were an oddity as portrayed in Rain Man. I’m very good with masking, and so is my son. However when we are alone together we tend not to mask as much. He tends to open up to me more than his dad, just because I can let him know that I can understand what he is going through and the real things he will face in life. The only real problem is I don’t have the right filter not to explain some very real problems we face, or trying to hide the things that society teaches us we should not tell our kids. We talk in circles but I shave treated him more adult than I probably should be doing with topics. Marriage, kids and a long term job is possible, but exhausting and not without major problems that will happen that can be pretty bad to fix.
I’m 29, and I’m on the spectrum as well. I too have a pretty good job, but just like you I don’t have many friends. I have friends, but not a whole lot. I’m looking for a girlfriend to date, and hopefully marry. Socialization and communication are the hardest things for those on the spectrum. I still live with my parents, but I do want to move out in the future
I am a 30 year old with autism. I work full-time. I am a teaching assistant for children with additional needs. I adore my job, I believe I excel in helping children with additional needs. If I was neuro-typical, I would perhaps struggle to do so. I do however, struggle with social interaction, small talk and talking about trivial things. I would rather learn something new than talk about the weather or some trivial antics of a celebrity. I am so pleased that autism is much more understood now compared to when I was a child, but some of us with autism are older as I always tell my students. There where no ear protectors or immersion rooms when I was growing up, but I am so happy they are around now.
I was only diagnosed with autism at age 15 in the 10th grade back in 1998. My mom doesn’t understand my disability and thinks I completely normal which is definitely not true which is why she wants me to get married and have kids. I went through a failed arranged marriage in 2015.
For people with Autism out there, life would be boring without you embrace bring different if you haven't met good friends yet try to meet people with family members who have Autism they will understand you much better and remember don't fault yourself for being on the spectrum if others around you don't bother to learn about you then its their loss. Having a friend with Autism can be a great part of life and make it more enjoyable for all. Life is to be enjoyed in many ways. Do what you love follow your dreams.
I'm 45 now, and I finally received an autism diagnosis late last year at the age of 44. I'm just now trying to work with it. I have mixed feelings about it, because on the one hand, the diagnosis provides relief, since it explains a lot about my differences. On the other hand, I hate it, because it's a flaw.
It's not a flaw. It is a divergent neurotype. I am also on the spectrum. I actually do my best talking and engaging with others on the spectrum because there is no judgment typically. That alone reduces my anxiety which reduces my most obvious (unwanted) tendencies such as rambling and infodumping due to nervousness. Anxiety really is what worsens so much for me and which leads to the more unpleasant issues I my life...such as shutdowns and meltdowns. When I am calm I can sometimes blend in and I do have certain strengths that are very cool. ♡
My parents ignored all the teachers coming to them and saying that I needed to get tested, and I really wish they listened to them because now I know I am autistic and my bf doesn’t want to understand what that means for me. Too many people just want you to mask and “coop” or “deal,” but you get so tired of the added responsibility that your age saddles you with when you just need some help.
I really liked this video and this was very informative. An amazing video. id love to see more autistic people/ person with autism in the media and on the news being interviewed.
I found out at 50 I had autism. How I found out when I went to sign up for disabled Widow benefits with social security they said you got SSI because you are autistic it was not because you have Epilepsy. That was a shock to me, my cousin said when you were little they did not know much about this. So parents did not tell their children this, but my cousin knew I was different. I have always like thinks to be the same and it's hard to talk to new people. And it hard for me to tell lots of time if it's a joke or not.
I am an adult with autism...and I can tell you about MY boring, repetitive lifestyle. I eat all foods separately, because if two foods touch each other, the food is ruined. I eat the same foods every day...I do not like variation, I do it like eating out, I do not eat anything foreign, such as Mexican or Chinese food. I wear the same basic outfit that is super comfortable for me...same exact clothing styles, just different colors. I hate socks and shoes, and will walk everywhere barefoot...except stores with rules about wearing shoes. I don't do makeup, and my hair has been it it's daily ponytail for 20+ years. I hate traveling, because it reminds me of when I was homeless as a child. Also...too much change. I will run away from bright lights and loud noises, as well as crowds of people. My aversions to these things/situations completely control my life.
This was an amazing interview. I finally had to come to terms that I'm probably autistic. And the stimming in public is an important conversation to be had. I generally roll my index finger on my thumb in a circular pattern when I'm trying to focus or stressed out. And people make jokes that I'm rolling boogies. It's a annoying. I also grind my teeth on circular motions if I can't do it with my fingers.
The “if you know one autistic person, you know one autistic person” comment is so so true! I’ve talked to people who have a nonverbal autistic person in their family and they talk about autism as if people are always nonverbal or always unable to have a conversation. Obviously not true at all!
I have High functioning autism im 17 turning 18 in 2022 i heard that most people like me are unemployed or Get fired from their Jobs because of their disability im that i will end up like them.... i even cried because of it..
hi. No such thing as High or Low functioning. I can be both in the same hour! While I have had a checkered employment history, most of the time I have been able to make a living. Only society labels us as disabled. Identify your strengths and get the right support. There are suitable jobs out there! Best wishes.
After 20 years of living, ive found out about "Autism" and since i live in iran ppl dont give a shit about mental disorders. i started to research about it on internet. From interviews and doctors explaining videos to wikipedia and all of those stuff. It really feels weird that i lived my whole life diffrent than others. I didnt have any friends until i was 15 (first year of high school) and when i got friends i started noticing that they are way diffrent than me. Pls if u have infant children, check if they have autism. Its really not settling living with autism without knowing it. At this moment im 20 yo and im suffering from depression and autism an believe me, its really not easy not to suicide at this point
@@GhostSamaritan indeed. In fact, i dont get that much suicidal thoughts anymore. I had a strange interaction with god even though i was an atheist, and strangely enough god told me not to suicide. Ive actually changed into a new me since then. This mortal life doesnt scare me anymore. Thanks for asking dude :) hope your having a fantastic time
I have an older brother in his 20s recently diagnosed with autism. Trying my best to understand his condition and looking at how different other's experience is with autism does helps. I wish I can get my brother to educate himself about autism himself through the internet but he doesn't even know how to type his own sentences. I wish I know how to explain autism to him because he doesn't even fully understand my words.
@@unknowntosociety01 Thanks but can't really say I'm an angel I sometimes snap at him when he messes things up but I'm been trying to be more patient with him
Agree, the older I get the more I let my natural autistic self shine through... I guess I just don't care anymore. I've been habituated to anxiety (from people colluding against me and attacking me usually just via social dynamics but on rare occasions it has gotten physical) so yeah I'm very used to people not liking me and misunderstanding me... anyway, I pretty much have a solid axiomatic understanding of human nature and emotion, and I can accurately predict 95%+ of the time what 95%+ of people will do but this takes a lot of processing power. I can't get any other work done when I have to work so hard to keep everyone not hating me. It's easier just to be by myself most of the time although I do get lonely
My wife have a daughter who have severe autism from her previous marriage and it is really fustrating for me because her meltdowns are really bad and the father of the child abandoned them , i dont know what to do
God bless her. A wise woman said my children's and adults quality of life depends on the community they live in. Most autistics are very misunderstood and I feel that it would help these different people to have more people educated in autism. They are great assets to their communties with great talents etc and very nice kind caring people . Have some compassion.
2:15 - She answers that "Autists know how they seem to others." She is wrong. We do not. We lack empathy in a way, because we are so different. She said it well in the beginning: 1:06 "I do not know how life is like for a non-autistic" I like her, though! She seems to be so intelligent that she has adapted a likeable persona.
Hi. I think she is saying that we know that we are different. We dont lack empathy, we just (like everything else) experience it in our own unique way. I think she is probably heavily masking when in front of the camera. I know I would be. Problem is that it can become exhausting. best wishes.
She did so great and was so well spoken. I would have been so anxious. This is very helpful and inspiring. Very engaging interview but my ADHD made it hard for me to not see them as a Ladybug and a Bumblebee.
I would never go on television let alone wear an outfit like hers that draws attention to myself. I get anxiety so bad I get dizzy and feel stuff crawling on my face.
Thanks for sharing. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular (diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, early 40, since reclassified as autism spectrum disorder level 1)
Omg her fashion sense is so much better than me. Well, one of my cousin might have autism, he doesn't really talk to people, he just doing everything as he wants, he doesn't listen well to everyone at home. But he's really great at farming and raising animals. I wish i could help him, but he just doesn't wanna have a proper convo with me after graduating highschool.
I've always had issues with people telling me things but not directly telling me like they'll beat around the bush and I still have no clue what the f*** they're saying so as an adult I've learned to be like what is it you want me to do like very direct what do you want. I will also get physically sick where I am too sensory overloaded
I'm autistic and been living with high functioning autism for 27 years. I was diagnosed with autism when I was only 2 years old and I'm now 29 years old.
I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when I was 3yrs old and until up now well, it's very very very hard to control it and to don't show other people what I really am and what is wrong to be like me because there are so little people can only understand what is autism in adults. And I'm 31yrs old this year and well I just want to say that it's very hard to control it while you are growing up. People say that it's easy to remove it and control it but in reality for the people like me well it's more challenging to handle it because of what we are thinking about something. Yeah, it's easy to say that we can control it and we can handle it when we grow up but it's just that it's not easy cause it will never fade away from us and we have to learn to accept that and learn to control it with ourselves. Well, that's the way that I grow up. Just to learn when you growing up. Little people can only understand us autistics but in some way of life, we will find some people who will accept us for who we are and what we are and learn about what is the meaning of autism spectrum disorder in what we growing up too. If it makes some sense to what I'm saying here.
I'm autistic, and I'm in college making really good grades with a grade average of 3.35. Some need accomodations but I don't. Can't speak for everyone but I honestly struggle more with my ADHD. There are different spectrums and I fell through the cracks until I was 15 and got diagnosed. When I opened up about it with classmates, I surprised them because I wasn't what they pictured as autistic. I was seen as a perfectly normal kid. These days I catch more hate from my Political views than I do from my mental disabilities which I guess gives me some hope for humanity.
Wow I have autism and I didn't know none of this. I really started having more problems keeping up with work 2 years ago then I did at age 18. I can't keep up with regular people. Now it all makes cents I'm praying my exam I just did goes through for SSDI I been ignoring the fact that I had autism and even borderline retardation. I just put it all behind me but I can't hold up work no more ☹️☹️
I am an adult with autism. I have delt with people not understanding how my brain works and bullying. I wanted to give up but my autism makes me unique
We need better trained child psychologists and child counselors. Autistic kids are more likely to be abused, and less likely to be able to communicate that abuse. I grew up as an undiagnosed autistic child, in a family ruled over by a malignant, narcissistic matriarch who thinks she can do no wrong. Showing feelings or emotions is showing weakness. Crying is weakness. She was (randomly) enraged and physically abusive as well.
@@thaLAangelAutism has also been shown to be highly genetic, so it seems plausible that abusive parents or relatives could also be undiagnosed autistic people with internalized ableism and trauma that went unchecked. But I DON'T think abuse causes autism, nor does autism make people abusive, but patterns of abuse can be passed down through generations and take on different flavors depending on the people. (I.e. autistic internalized ableism)
I still don't know what to do about employment. I am starting the art route but it's hard to know which way it will go. I wish that I was diagnosed so that I can at least financial assistance. I just lost my job and I feel like it was because I was getting more and more burnt out over time; and of course, you're not supposed to let anyone know (I have an inside joke where I think you myself, "Well forbid me for showing people that I am human and not a machine that can just keep going while appearing perfect". I just don't know what to do anymore. There is a doctor shortage and I won't be able to receive a free assessment without a doctor's referral.
I believe I have autism but everytime I try to talk to someone they automatically dismiss me and say something like "I know you" "You don't have that mess". But no one knows what its like in my head. I really struggle to do the simplest things and it sucks. Just because something isn't noticeable, it doesn't mean they're not going through something. I know I should go get diagnosed but I keep putting it off cause therapists/psychiatrists kinda scare me 🙁
Her style is hella cute. And thank God! I'm autistic and THIS is the kind of representation we need! She's hitting so many notes that I, as a fellow autistic person, agree with, such as non-harmful stimming acceptance, autism acceptance, identity-first language, recognizing that we don't come boxed in stereotypes, etc,.
Can i ask before the age of 5, how was you?? I have a 2 year old daughter. She has no understanding, no eye contact, can not follow instructions nor come to us to meet her wants and needs. Please tell me it does improve.. I'd appreciate your reply
@@negaaliarif1 I just wish I saw these kinds of questions less!! I don't want to black up by appropriating/echoing similar styles of rebuttal from "explain racism to me" "explain the black experience" type requests of people of colour. The experience of autism can make it hard and tense/traumatic to pull out the answers and there's also life to lead and being just one person but these are big questions close to heart. In that much it is similar.
And we are all different no matter how diagnosed or identified. I'd say trust yourself. But focus on connection. Good relationship. Accepting what your child is. And what you share: your child still has an equal oxygen debt and a lot of the same machinery and needs however noteworthy their differences are. Focus on connection and problem solving and scaffolding problem solving. (As an undiagnosed, struggling parent of a gifted thriving child diagnosed with autism, whose mum also struggled and suffered from our interactions with clinical services/development assessment. And our relationship was often painful though she was a good mum.)
It is not a good representation at all. She will become the wrong stereotype. She has had tons of help and support, not typical of ASD kids at all. I repeat at all.
Identity first language?
It’s a curse for me. Nothing but loneliness and burnout, rejection in every aspect of life.
I can relate it really sucks
Me too.
Makes me dislike neurotypicals. They don't even try to understand us and are always putting on a facade. They seem primitive to me
@@su2004 same!
I relate...
For All the autistic ppl out there. You are loved . I also have a 3 year old daughter diagnosed with Autism. But that doesn't change my love for her. I accept her as she is and support her find a better way of doing things her way❤ God bless you All
World needs more people like you bet you're an awesome mom! :) ❤
Glad you love her. No one "has" autism. We ARE autistic. Its not a condition or syndrome but a part of the human family.
I’ve have autism and whenever I meet new people it’s just so hard to try and start a conversation for me and I can only talk to the same people I know so this helped a little bit thank you
I can make good small talk upon meeting people but I have trouble Truley clicking and really getting that close connection with a lot of people
You sure you’re not introvert? lol
@@tedcleveland8488 They're not mutually exclusive. lol
Same here but I wouldn’t trade my autism for some neurotypical problems
I am the same way. I have autism spectrum disorder, and I too find it hard to make conversations with people sometimes. The one thing I have been really trying to do for the past few years is to find a girlfriend. I had a girlfriend when I was in high school, but we broke up. Finding love can be difficult for people with autism. For some it’s easy, and for some it’s hard. You can’t give up. The thing I say is to keep looking forward, and you can accomplish great things
6/17/2024
Hi I'm Elizabeth 48 years old and
I love being alone because no
One understands my feelings,
People and family are to judgemental and I can't deal with injustice acts...
I'm so grateful because being
A spiritual person helps me struggle less...🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
Houston Texas 🙌
For me the greatest challenge has been actually realizing I'm an adult. I mean, I *know* I'm an adult, being a 25 year old woman, but I still see myself as the dorky kid that likes to hang out with the adults when in reality I'm the weird lady who still thinks she's still a dorky kid. Plus I've always been really bad at reading social cues. It's most apparent when at places like grocery stores I walk up and talk to people and say "hi" and start talking about stuff. Apparently it's cute when a little kid does it but not so cute when a grown woman who's taller than a lot of guys does it.
Even without autism I can relate to the still feeling like a child part. I'm 29 and still feel like I'm a child in a world full of grown-ups
Grow up
Robin - I'm 55 years old and will find out tomorrow if my psychologist will confirm what I've known since the beginning of this month: I'm autistic. (That's the first time I've actually "said" that in public.) I know EXACTLY what you are saying.
When I was a child and teen I always got along better with adults. Now, I enjoy working with teens and college students. I think it's because adults don't care if they offend children, so they're honest with them. Likewise, teens and college "kids" are so blown away when an "old person" treats them as an equal, that they're more open and honest.
I feel like the world's oldest teenager ... and I'm okay with that!
I'm on the spectrum and I totally relate. I feel 14 in my head, and now that my children are hitting their teenage years, they have the same interests as me: video games, horses, etc., and it's a lot of fun. However, I'm kind of scared of when they grow up and get interested in grown-up things like work gossip and boring stuff and their old mom is still just 14 in her head, over here like, 'do you guys have a cat I can talk to?'
@@annettefehr3485 I definitely relate to that. I've heard from doctors that I'm developmentally 12-13 but I feel even younger, I think that number is averaged up by my IQ. I feel as young as 6-7 sometimes and like 10-11 other times. I love videogames too, I get really "in the zone" playing them sometimes. I also like to play outside and play pretend with my Barbies and other toys. I used to have lots of imaginary friends, I still have a few that I talk to sometimes. My nephew and niece (who are 6 and 4 now, will be 7 and 5 this year) consider me their "cool aunt" because I'm like them in a lot of ways but I know a lot of random information so they think of me as smart. Do you like cartoons, too? I love cartoons. A guilty pleasure of mine is preschooler shows. My nephew and niece thought it was so cool that a "grown up" wanted to watch their cartoons. I also feel like the youngest even though I'm the middle child. I only had about 10 years when my brother was 0-10 years old where I felt older, now my brother and sister both have a much older sibling to much younger sibling relationship with me.
This is one of the bravest women I’ve ever seen.
"as you get older, it gets more tiring" I am 23 and I feel this immensely. that and the trouble being diagnosed because you're an adult. I've been "weird and anxious" my whole life and just want to know if I'm autistic. It would explain a ton.
Same with me. The more I learn about autism the more I think I must be autistic. My life is finally starting to make sense.
I've always had sleep problems, even as a kid. I never got enough sleep, even as an adult.
I read somewhere that neurotypicals don't go around wondering if they're autistic. With that in mind, it's highly likely if we're questioning autism we probably are autistic/ on the spectrum.
My advice to you in that situation would just be to seek out autistic people/groups online and see if you find answers that way in lieu of a professional diagnosis. There's a saying, "it takes one to know one," so if those are the people you understand, let that speak for itself.
Of course, if you still want a diagnosis for any reason, by all means, please look for one. All I'm saying is you don't have to wait for a piece of paper to make meaningful change in you life
My husband and a few others that have known me well agree that it would be odd if I was NOT autistic. I'm still undecided if I want a diagnosis. I studied psychology for over a decade; and though self-diagnosis is not a legitimate thing I would diagnose myself this way. I did not realize it until my late 20's years after my child was diagnosed. I seriously thought she didn't have it because "she just picked those habits up from me and I'm not autistic" then the clinician we saw about it said "maybe you are..." and it got me thinking and analyzing my past.
It helps (if you haven't already) to have some lists ready to share with the clinician about yourself to explain your concern. History of obsessions, any SPD symptoms, communication difficulties, along with consistent anxiety as you've mentioned. These are all part of the criteria.
I ditched most of the last two years of high school because I could not tolerate it anymore. I was unable to attend college in person for long because of miscommunications with people, SPD, and debilitating anxiety. I always tested well but I didn't participate in classes (both high school and in-person community college required this). I also have gastrointestinal and sleep issues (which are common in autistic people).
Please respond if you have a diagnosis now! I'd love to find out how it went. Thanks for reading!
For me personally I don't feel we're represented right in the media. We're portrayed as nut jobs or mentally retarded in some way. It really makes me angry. All we want is to be treated with respect from our peers, not being made to feel worthless or inferior
I changed a job because of this issues . Totally
I was deemed disabled for being mentally incompetent . Thru my life I was diagnosed with paranoia schizophrenia , bipolar , depresssion , borderline personally disorder , addhd , and a few years ago autistic?! Took me a while to accept the autism cause well there wasn’t enough easily accessible information on it . It seemed more of a negative than positive . But found the right advocate and great therapist and was able to make sense of it all. It’s a breathe of fresh air to know u aren’t crazy or mentally ill. Life has been so hard but focusing on the positives is what it’s about . I now see it as a gift not a curse .
Or we are portrayed as savants. Super geniuses but all of us are not savants
Topg1 I often feel like my mind is Swiss cheese. While I get and see some things that others don’t and they seem to impressed oth other things are like whoosh over my head. Others and myself included probably wonder how the same person who gets those other things misses at the same time. Like I said, Swiss cheese brain full of holes. Lol 🤷♀️ Oh well I’m just glad I’ve become more aware and improve with time and maturity. All anyone can do really.
Autism in the house!!! I get tired of explaining myself.
Yeah, so often it's about kids. I wanna find more about adults.
I’m 19 with autism. Growing up has always been hard, I feel like this is such a lack of information for people, so growing up around teaches I really struggled, and no one picked up on the fact I was autistic, I did a good job hiding it though. But these days I think one of things I struggle with is conversations. Which is strange because I’m also really good with intense situations socially. Like I can go up to a bus driver or a worker in a shop and be very confident in what I’m saying and how I’m saying it, and communicate myself very well, but then I could be in a tattoo shop say, and I literally just want to sit there in silence, I know I’m coming off so cold and rude and Inside I’m screaming at myself to talk and to answer what they’ve asked me properly but i can’t, it’s such a uncomfortable feeling. My best mate is autistic too, which really helps
Yeah. And they expect you to grow up so quickly. Like there's always more to work on yourself and grow as quickly as neurotypicals and you're never going to be it.
Damn you took a page right outta my book. I have been in that exact situation in a tattoo shop where I was dead silent whereas other clients are chirping away with the artist.
Thank you for sharing this. We are just discovering that my daughter is autistic. She’s 13 and she does that same thing where sometimes she shuts down and can’t communicate. She has something to say and wants to say it but just can’t. It’s been very confusing for me as her parents but now I understand what’s happening better
@@annie.hi. Have you reached out to any autistic non profit organization?
@@taoist32 no, we are struggling just to figure out how to get a diagnosis right now
I want to show the last doctor I saw, this video. She articulates and engages with the host better than me, but since I can navigate a conversation "ok", he said I cannot have autism. Excellent interview.
Travis Hanson Don't listen to him. I can handle some conversations okay with my friends and I'm autistic.
Luna Lovegood I recently started seeing a psychologist who didn't question hfa at all. He won't put it on paper (haven't understood why) but I have an appointment with a doc who is specially trained to do a proper adult evaluation. After that I hope to gain access to OT and other supports for my odd sensory needs. If I wasn't burnt out, I would be less concerned but starting from scratch after each burnout is getting tougher to do the older I get. It felt good to be taken seriously for once (by someone other than my wife) so good I didn't sleep for two days because someone else said it without question. Too much good news sets me into the same tailspin as negative stress. Hoping to find the balance soon. I want to live life , even of it seems eccentric to the world around me.
Some doctors just need some education... Okay most doctors. I actually had to see another doctor to get referred for my diagnosis. I can't wait to see my regular doctor and throw my diagnosis in her face 🙃
I agree, travis. My therapist recently realized how poor my communication is with others, but therapy is different than talking to some one out in public. Its a set concept that I have been familiarized with and prepared for.
My psychologist said I must not be autistic because I can stare at someone in the eyes (although I explained that even though I can do it that it consumes a lot of my focus and I'm always unsure how much time to look and when to look away and such, when for most people it seems natural).
He ended up giving me a diagnosis for Schizotypal Personality Disorder just because of the eye contact thing even though that diagnosis doesn't even match with who I am.
I love how the interviewer so casually and low-key said "Great conversation this morning Sarah, thank you so much." Like it was low-key letting her know she did a good job, without being patronising etc.
I am 54, just this year diagnosed Autistic, ADHD and PSTD (done lots of work on this). I finally understand so much in my life!! However, also aware at how hard I am trying constantly to understand what's happening, especially socially. I am baffled most of the time by others!
I have been constantly struggling to manage my melt-downs caused by my over-stimulating work environment but at least now I understand why. I know that I am a very very strong woman to have survived the experiences I have in my life.
Bravo!!! I'm in my early 30s. I've got ADHD, PTSD and self-dx ASD but I'm awaiting an assessment to clarify. So much of my life would've made more sense if I knew what was going on and the name to call it by. Just this year I found I have dyscalculia (math disorder) which would've made school so much easier. Anyhoo, congrats on your journey and understanding yourself better along the way
Snap, my experience also, there must be quite a few of us. Great to be able to drop out and walk the dogs, finally have a nice life. It's totally pointless to explain it to NT s, I have given up. I live alone by the River where I can be as autistic as I please.
@@sallyniemann6610 so glad for you, life is tough, life can be cruel, but as you find happiness, you will be more confidence about
Yourself 🤝
Jesus Christ. At 54 years old, I can only imagine how challenging so much of life was. I'm 29 and got mines by my therapist at 27, still, that wasn't easy. I'm definitely wishing you the best of luck.
same! 56
Sarah, you rock! I'm Autistic, diagnosed in my mid fifties. To the people judging her for personal style, all I can say is "Who in the hell asked you?" She's being her true self and doesn't give a damn what you think. I'm the same and couldn't care less about other people's opinions at this point. I've been bullied my entire life by ignoramuses who felt they could judge, criticise and control me. I won't be stepped on anymore.
I'm in my twenties and only am on this journey now
My autistic signs were always seen as quirks or uniqueness
It’s great to hear a woman speak about her experience because there is not a lot of research that is done about how autism affects women and girls.
Autistic women are good at hiding it, because in caveman times a woman couldn't survive if she wasn't accepted in society, this survival instinct has stuck around
true, but there isn't a lot of research on how it affects adult men either. Almost all research is on male children. The diagnostic criteria and common profiles of an autistic person are almost all based on how it presents in 2-4 year old boys. To the point that adults seeking an autism diagnosis in some countries are given toys to play with as part of their assessment.
It's basically easy mode.
Wow she’s really articulate. What a wonderful way of putting the range of support needed at the end there.
A lot of autistic ppl are
Why would you be surprised by that?
There are many people with autism that are articulate and can express them self effectively, often better than ‘neurotypical’ people. It’s the peddling of these negative stereotypes that causes people with autism so much trauma and harm.
As an autistic adult I relate and I think that this is a great presentation. What society could do for us that I think is most critical is: jobs, jobs, jobs! Help to find jobs, help us maintain jobs, a lot of personal one-on-one work with the job process, because we don't have the skills or confidence to reach out and communicate our needs. Without a job there's always a risk of ending up on the street, especially if you don't have a family or friend network, and that possibility is absolutely terrifying. Funny, I'm a Canadian expat in Europe and I just learned from this presentation that Canadian society is "subtle". I guess I totally never noticed that. Oops, my bad.
you go to the internet and apply for a job, then you go to the interview and be honest and then once in the job, you don't fight with peers
@@sunsand7062 🤦♀️
@Sandra Jolin Without a diagnosis there's no certainty that they were autist.
@@sunsand7062 That's the problem: The interview. With an ASD, the chances of getting through an interview goes down significantly. Problems with eye contact, voice pitch, vocabulary, theory of mind, and comprehension skills are just the beginning. There are some job centers apparently helping autistic people finding placements, but for now they're too few, too far between.
@@annettefehr3485 Absolutely. Then go back a step to the "go online, find a job." which takes sooooo many executive function skills when you break it down. Making a resume at all is extremely confusing because I obsess how to represent myself, over what to include... plus my employment history is strange and disjointed because of struggles with getting into weird jobs or not being able to maintain them.
In our community, most of us are childlike, high functioning autism is unnoticeable. We are like 15-year olds. When I transferred to a city, that was where I got bullied. They regard my kindness as a weakness and something to be taken advanteged of. So I came back and enjoyed the people I used to be with. It is so peaceful to live with like-minded people.
Hi. No such thing as High or Low functioning. I can be both in the same hour!
Good to hear that you have found a good place to live.
best wishes.
They don't like it hfa, no such thing ?
I am an adult with Autism and it's hard a lot of the time.
She held a conversation better than I do **
As an advocate at of it is preparing yourself.
My son has mild symptoms and he has sensitivity issues. Voice, touch etc. Rest everything he is ok. But my relatives judges him whenever we go to India.I am keeping a boundary for them as he feels less confident after listening to their comments. He has issues tying shoe lase, loud noise is a problem.. He is slowly facing his issues. he is a very sweet 13 year old boy. He is good at studies too. I want him to be a good human, not a genius .. Prayers & love to everyone from us..❤️🙏
I am 14 and I am the same, except my mother doesn't believe I have autism because I do well in school academically, but people constantly harass me and I hate it there because it's so loud and irritating!!! Thanks for advocating for your son.
Love for all struggling with autism!!
Thank you, this video helped me as a adult who was diagnosed with autism. Trying to discover more about myself. I'm 29 years old, I do live independently but do not have a job. The more I hear from other people with autism helps me learn about me
Same here broo
Same
I am 44 and I buss tables. I live with my still married parents. I keep things superficial with people. I do not speak unless Someone speaks to me. Usually I dont have to say anything, just go do the job that is asked of me. There is no way I could afford to live on my own. I have never made enough money on the hour to support myself. Thanks for posting video.
I'm 51, not working but have had nothing but the most menial jobs despite 138 iq. I have only ever been hated for being intelligent. Despite the menial jobs I have found ways to increase sales, cut costs, improve productivity to the tune of hundreds of thousands and once - within weeks of starting a new job - exposed an employee who had stolen about 250k over four years. Didn't get any thanks for any of this and bosses took credit for it and forced me to quit or sacked me. Have lived alone for years and haven't had any contact with family for 30 years. Today I had a rare conversation that seemed normal with someone then when I was walking away heard them say "weirdo". Not planning to talk to anyone again for a while.
Speaking on behalf of myself that never got formally diagnosed because my mother had too much pride, it also helps to find a job with stable hours, time off and has a regular work routine such as working in a warehouse. I just started at a warehouse and I LOVE IT.
My ex wife had too much pride. She was told by my sons doctor he might be autistic and never took him.. im glad i took the initiative 3 years ago to get him the help.
Sarah, you crushed this interview! Thank you for representing!
I've suspected for a few years now that I might be autistic, and that whole non-harmful stimming acceptance definitely resonates with me. I take public transport a lot, and I often find myself rocking or rubbing my fingers in time with the music I'm listening to while I space out. Unfortunately meth addicts are quite common in my city, and I'm acutely aware of the fact that I probably look high because I'm moving weirdly and will fiercely avoid eye contact.
Why do you avoid eye contact?
@@meglupo18 Avoiding eye contact is a trait of autism, a fairly universal one.
I’m here as I had a baby with a woman with autism. I feel like she ain’t a bad person even tho she often says and does hurtful stuff. I’m just trying to understand her abit better, reading all the comments has really helped my understanding. Thanks guys, nothing but love 👊🏾 😎
Feedback is good, and hints are so bad, I so relate to what is being said here. When feedback comes, it tends to damn with faint praise, at best. I am so tired of hearing "intense" "weird" "too much" "quirky" etc as descriptions of what I (or other autistic people) are like. Through neurotypical eyes... What is it they are seeing? It isn't the person. I'm so tired of it. I can feel the "tolerance" and "kindness" in their voices when they say those things, too. They actually think they're being kind. I guess they see themselves as charitable people for putting up with us (if they can). This interview is spot on, and it's always good to find an advocate.
I'm 41 years old and autistic. I understand what she's going through. I hate large groups of people. Was diagnosed at age 10. Couldn't speak at age 3. Doctors told my parents to institutionalize me. They said kiss our asses. I am a college graduate, I live on my own, and hold a part time job. But, man, it was a difficult road. But, to everyone with similar struggles, hang in there. You're stronger than you think! 💙💙💙
Is anyone else angry/irritated constantly with day to day things like traffic, car headlights, loud noises, people in my way, work, any small inconvenience, etc? I'm exhausted and can't live like this anymore
💯💯🤧
I am a male in my 50s
I gave up driving 🚗, because of all the noise and traffic
I enjoy walking & cycling, just more relaxed way of life 🚶
Jesus loves you Taj He can help he has helped me. God bless you
I cuss under my breath a lot. My pet peeve at the moment is, there's a grocery store near my house. The parking area kind of has an S shaped curve, where there's an upper parking area that overflows into a lower parking area, and the entrance and exit are one way, if that makes sense.
And the lower parking will be empty, and yet these IMBECILES will sit at the top parking and wait for a spot when they could just drive on, park at the lower area, and walk like 10 extra meters to get to the entrance, causing no delays.
So they bottleneck the parking and essentially render the capacity half as effective.
But yes Taj, you are not alone.
Great interview! You're an inspiration to this adult discovering their place on the spectrum
I have autism I find it difficult to be in social situation im really quite I don’t bearly speak at work or in college Beacuse I get really uncomfortable
Yeah,I can relate.
Same, and it's killing me. I've started getting really anxious about going to places where I might need to interact with people I don't know very well. One thing that has worked is just keeping my head down, my mouth shut, and getting my own work done, but most college courses and workplaces require you to interact with others. Funny thing is, I don't have too much of a problem speaking in front of audiences (if I already have a rough idea of what I'm going to say). My issue is being put in unfamiliar situations with unfamiliar people and having to improvise conversation.
My d
daughter also gets very nervous and tongue tied talking to people, especially strangers.
@@GhostSamaritan I feel you. But sad to say, I haven't been to a doctor, not diagnosed but that's what I feel. I don't mind dancing in front of many people but I get so anxious going to a place where I need to communicate with people I don't know.
I never speak at work unless I’m spoken to. 🤣💀 I don’t like talking to strangers tbh.
I'm glad this video made society aware that majority of people with autism feel just as much if not more than those who are considered NT in stressful/social situations but express it differently.
i have a love hate relationship with my autism, i get it’s just who I am and I can’t really change that but also it makes doing things in life that much more difficult and you have to mask to fit in everywhere, it burns me out and I hate it. i want to do things in life and accomplish stuff but i always feel so held back
I was diagnosed with autism when I was 11 but I feel normal maybe I dont have it as bad as others But I do struggle with making friends and stuff like that I always talk to my self in the mirror to improve my communication skills it really helped
I wonder. I guess I'll never know. It's currently trying to take away my life, for the most.
For those seeing this video and *getting it* because of something in your life...cheers to you. You are loved, and we've likely shared battles together even if we don't know it now. I heart you
I’m 24 and think I may be autistic. I have no idea how to approach a diagnosis. I’m starting see the signs, the more knowledgeable I get about autism. I would be relieved to be able to pinpoint why I am the way I am. It’s been extremely difficult navigating certain situations in my life and having people call out or get mad at my “abnormal behavior”.
Hi. Loads of good content for adults here on youtube. Try looking for "Yo Samdy Sam" or "Hunter Hansen - The Life Autistic"
I have severe ASD and everyday is so hard for me... sigh. I also have a really hard time with stress and sleeping and DEFINITELY super introverted and reclusive.
oh my God...I can relate to this woman so much. I was diagnosed in 2021 at the age of 48. I am pretty high functioning and no one around me ever told me that I was on the spectrum and I didn't think that was my deal. I am still processing it. Overall, I feel better knowing this about myself and am learning to make the right adaptations for my life. Employment has been my biggest challenge. Of course dating is always difficult but...I feel that this is the case for most people. Thank you.
hi. No such thing as High or Low functioning. I can be both in the same hour!
Enjoy your self discovery and I hope you have the right support.
Bests!
I was diagnosed at 3 and a half. She’s so pretty!💜💜💜
She's not
@@Maria00900 she is
@@samikshaganvir6927 no she's not
what about you right now?
@@Maria00900 you're a tool
I’m autistic she talks same way I do full of energy very direct to the point and hand gestures.
I'm 42 and have many of the symptoms she mentioned.
You rock Sarah! It must have been difficult for you to speak but you spoke for us autistics that couldn’t do it ourselves your a hero! (:
I have been wondering for awhile now if i am on the spectrum. Every time I hear about Autism it feels like I am looking in a mirror of myself. I am 26 and I am doing well. Make a lot of money doing something i enjoy but I just don't have a lot of friends and enjoy being alone a lot but I always feel like I need a really good friend and hope that I can get married and have kids someday so I don't feel this alone my whole life.
I love my husband, but it can be hard for myself and my son to get him understand our thought process. When growing up Autism was squarely thought of as the children who would spin objects all day and were largely non-verbal. Those that were verbal were an oddity as portrayed in Rain Man. I’m very good with masking, and so is my son. However when we are alone together we tend not to mask as much. He tends to open up to me more than his dad, just because I can let him know that I can understand what he is going through and the real things he will face in life. The only real problem is I don’t have the right filter not to explain some very real problems we face, or trying to hide the things that society teaches us we should not tell our kids. We talk in circles but I shave treated him more adult than I probably should be doing with topics. Marriage, kids and a long term job is possible, but exhausting and not without major problems that will happen that can be pretty bad to fix.
I’m 29, and I’m on the spectrum as well. I too have a pretty good job, but just like you I don’t have many friends. I have friends, but not a whole lot. I’m looking for a girlfriend to date, and hopefully marry. Socialization and communication are the hardest things for those on the spectrum. I still live with my parents, but I do want to move out in the future
Love that yellow and black dress!
I dont
All we need is;- visibility, acceptance, support and inclusion.
This video is good example.
Best wishes to all!
She's completely right - i was bullied for a lot of my life for being different! English culture just doesn't accept people who are 'different'!
Indian society also
Well guess my son gonna be picked on in school this sucks
All cultures I think, much love to all of us
I am a 30 year old with autism. I work full-time. I am a teaching assistant for children with additional needs. I adore my job, I believe I excel in helping children with additional needs. If I was neuro-typical, I would perhaps struggle to do so. I do however, struggle with social interaction, small talk and talking about trivial things. I would rather learn something new than talk about the weather or some trivial antics of a celebrity. I am so pleased that autism is much more understood now compared to when I was a child, but some of us with autism are older as I always tell my students. There where no ear protectors or immersion rooms when I was growing up, but I am so happy they are around now.
I was only diagnosed with autism at age 15 in the 10th grade back in 1998. My mom doesn’t understand my disability and thinks I completely normal which is definitely not true which is why she wants me to get married and have kids. I went through a failed arranged marriage in 2015.
She's an amazing young lady. Keep going girl xx
For people with Autism out there, life would be boring without you embrace bring different if you haven't met good friends yet try to meet people with family members who have Autism they will understand you much better and remember don't fault yourself for being on the spectrum if others around you don't bother to learn about you then its their loss. Having a friend with Autism can be a great part of life and make it more enjoyable for all. Life is to be enjoyed in many ways. Do what you love follow your dreams.
I'm 45 now, and I finally received an autism diagnosis late last year at the age of 44. I'm just now trying to work with it. I have mixed feelings about it, because on the one hand, the diagnosis provides relief, since it explains a lot about my differences. On the other hand, I hate it, because it's a flaw.
It’s no flaw! Be proud of you! 👍🏽
I feel the same way. You’re not alone with that
Not a flaw...a uniqueness if anything 👍
It's not a flaw. It is a divergent neurotype. I am also on the spectrum. I actually do my best talking and engaging with others on the spectrum because there is no judgment typically. That alone reduces my anxiety which reduces my most obvious (unwanted) tendencies such as rambling and infodumping due to nervousness. Anxiety really is what worsens so much for me and which leads to the more unpleasant issues I my life...such as shutdowns and meltdowns. When I am calm I can sometimes blend in and I do have certain strengths that are very cool. ♡
As a high functioning artistic person my self this woman's backgrounds is perfectly mirroring my life its good to hear that I'm not alone ❤
No you are not. I hope you have a good support system.
Bests!
My parents ignored all the teachers coming to them and saying that I needed to get tested, and I really wish they listened to them because now I know I am autistic and my bf doesn’t want to understand what that means for me. Too many people just want you to mask and “coop” or “deal,” but you get so tired of the added responsibility that your age saddles you with when you just need some help.
I really liked this video and this was very informative. An amazing video. id love to see more autistic people/ person with autism in the media and on the news being interviewed.
Sleep IS a huge issue! Disordered sleep is a big problem for me too!
I like hearing stories like this where I feel less alone.
I found out at 50 I had autism.
How I found out when I went to sign up for disabled Widow benefits with social security they said you got SSI because you are autistic it was not because you have Epilepsy.
That was a shock to me, my cousin said when you were little they did not know much about this.
So parents did not tell their children this, but my cousin knew I was different.
I have always like thinks to be the same and it's hard to talk to new people. And it hard for me to tell lots of time if it's a joke or not.
I’m sorry they kept that from you, it helps so much to know but I’m glad you know now and get to understand and accept yourself better. 💕
I am an adult with autism...and I can tell you about MY boring, repetitive lifestyle. I eat all foods separately, because if two foods touch each other, the food is ruined. I eat the same foods every day...I do not like variation, I do it like eating out, I do not eat anything foreign, such as Mexican or Chinese food. I wear the same basic outfit that is super comfortable for me...same exact clothing styles, just different colors. I hate socks and shoes, and will walk everywhere barefoot...except stores with rules about wearing shoes. I don't do makeup, and my hair has been it it's daily ponytail for 20+ years. I hate traveling, because it reminds me of when I was homeless as a child. Also...too much change. I will run away from bright lights and loud noises, as well as crowds of people. My aversions to these things/situations completely control my life.
Can I ask growing up when did you start talking?
This was an amazing interview. I finally had to come to terms that I'm probably autistic. And the stimming in public is an important conversation to be had. I generally roll my index finger on my thumb in a circular pattern when I'm trying to focus or stressed out. And people make jokes that I'm rolling boogies. It's a annoying. I also grind my teeth on circular motions if I can't do it with my fingers.
The “if you know one autistic person, you know one autistic person” comment is so so true! I’ve talked to people who have a nonverbal autistic person in their family and they talk about autism as if people are always nonverbal or always unable to have a conversation. Obviously not true at all!
I still feel like I won't be able to control my life the way I want it thanks to autism
“Am I too much…am I being too weird for someone?” It’s exhausting
I have a hard time sleeping too, I really struggled last night.
Thank you for making this video. You are courageous.
I have High functioning autism im 17 turning 18 in 2022 i heard that most people like me are unemployed or Get fired from their Jobs because of their disability im that i will end up like them.... i even cried because of it..
Very tender comment. You will find work, what with so many job openings cuz no one works much since COVID.
hi. No such thing as High or Low functioning. I can be both in the same hour!
While I have had a checkered employment history, most of the time I have been able to make a living. Only society labels us as disabled. Identify your strengths and get the right support. There are suitable jobs out there!
Best wishes.
After 20 years of living, ive found out about "Autism" and since i live in iran ppl dont give a shit about mental disorders. i started to research about it on internet. From interviews and doctors explaining videos to wikipedia and all of those stuff. It really feels weird that i lived my whole life diffrent than others. I didnt have any friends until i was 15 (first year of high school) and when i got friends i started noticing that they are way diffrent than me. Pls if u have infant children, check if they have autism. Its really not settling living with autism without knowing it. At this moment im 20 yo and im suffering from depression and autism an believe me, its really not easy not to suicide at this point
I'm sorry to hear that ...
Hugs! Sorry to hear that
Are you still alive? How are you doing?
@@GhostSamaritan indeed. In fact, i dont get that much suicidal thoughts anymore. I had a strange interaction with god even though i was an atheist, and strangely enough god told me not to suicide. Ive actually changed into a new me since then. This mortal life doesnt scare me anymore. Thanks for asking dude :) hope your having a fantastic time
@@kemann3815 we love you bud 🙏🏾
I am very like this woman. She explained it well.
I have an older brother in his 20s recently diagnosed with autism. Trying my best to understand his condition and looking at how different other's experience is with autism does helps. I wish I can get my brother to educate himself about autism himself through the internet but he doesn't even know how to type his own sentences. I wish I know how to explain autism to him because he doesn't even fully understand my words.
You’re so kind and compassionate for trying to understand your brother. Youre an angel!
@@unknowntosociety01 Thanks but can't really say I'm an angel I sometimes snap at him when he messes things up but I'm been trying to be more patient with him
@@audreyfantasyillust5463 that in itself is a lot more than anyone else will do for us so my statement remains
@@unknowntosociety01 well alright if you say so. Thanks
Thank you for doing this, Sarah.
Agree, the older I get the more I let my natural autistic self shine through... I guess I just don't care anymore. I've been habituated to anxiety (from people colluding against me and attacking me usually just via social dynamics but on rare occasions it has gotten physical) so yeah I'm very used to people not liking me and misunderstanding me... anyway, I pretty much have a solid axiomatic understanding of human nature and emotion, and I can accurately predict 95%+ of the time what 95%+ of people will do but this takes a lot of processing power. I can't get any other work done when I have to work so hard to keep everyone not hating me. It's easier just to be by myself most of the time although I do get lonely
aspie here and she is 100 percent on with her words
I think this video helped me diagnose myself.
She nailed my corner of the spectrum.
YES!!!! You can't separate my disabilities from me!!!
My wife have a daughter who have severe autism from her previous marriage and it is really fustrating for me because her meltdowns are really bad and the father of the child abandoned them , i dont know what to do
God bless her. A wise woman said my children's and adults quality of life depends on the community they live in. Most autistics are very misunderstood and I feel that it would help these different people to have more people educated in autism. They are great assets to their communties with great talents etc and very nice kind caring people . Have some compassion.
Omg she is so real. I feel it too all the times.
2:15 - She answers that "Autists know how they seem to others." She is wrong.
We do not. We lack empathy in a way, because we are so different.
She said it well in the beginning: 1:06 "I do not know how life is like for a non-autistic"
I like her, though! She seems to be so intelligent that she has adapted a likeable persona.
Hi. I think she is saying that we know that we are different. We dont lack empathy, we just (like everything else) experience it in our own unique way.
I think she is probably heavily masking when in front of the camera. I know I would be. Problem is that it can become exhausting.
best wishes.
She did so great and was so well spoken. I would have been so anxious. This is very helpful and inspiring. Very engaging interview but my ADHD made it hard for me to not see them as a Ladybug and a Bumblebee.
I would never go on television let alone wear an outfit like hers that draws attention to myself. I get anxiety so bad I get dizzy and feel stuff crawling on my face.
This woman is great x
Thanks for sharing. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular (diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, early 40, since reclassified as autism spectrum disorder level 1)
Hell yeah!!! We love you Sarah!!! Let’s goooo!!!!
It feels weird but good to relate so much to someone. 💚💚💚 I can't believe I haven't seen this yet 💚💚💚
Omg her fashion sense is so much better than me. Well, one of my cousin might have autism, he doesn't really talk to people, he just doing everything as he wants, he doesn't listen well to everyone at home. But he's really great at farming and raising animals. I wish i could help him, but he just doesn't wanna have a proper convo with me after graduating highschool.
I've always had issues with people telling me things but not directly telling me like they'll beat around the bush and I still have no clue what the f*** they're saying so as an adult I've learned to be like what is it you want me to do like very direct what do you want. I will also get physically sick where I am too sensory overloaded
I'm autistic and been living with high functioning autism for 27 years. I was diagnosed with autism when I was only 2 years old and I'm now 29 years old.
I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when I was 3yrs old and until up now well, it's very very very hard to control it and to don't show other people what I really am and what is wrong to be like me because there are so little people can only understand what is autism in adults. And I'm 31yrs old this year and well I just want to say that it's very hard to control it while you are growing up. People say that it's easy to remove it and control it but in reality for the people like me well it's more challenging to handle it because of what we are thinking about something. Yeah, it's easy to say that we can control it and we can handle it when we grow up but it's just that it's not easy cause it will never fade away from us and we have to learn to accept that and learn to control it with ourselves. Well, that's the way that I grow up. Just to learn when you growing up. Little people can only understand us autistics but in some way of life, we will find some people who will accept us for who we are and what we are and learn about what is the meaning of autism spectrum disorder in what we growing up too. If it makes some sense to what I'm saying here.
Thank you for covering adult autism 🎉
I'm autistic, and I'm in college making really good grades with a grade average of 3.35. Some need accomodations but I don't. Can't speak for everyone but I honestly struggle more with my ADHD. There are different spectrums and I fell through the cracks until I was 15 and got diagnosed. When I opened up about it with classmates, I surprised them because I wasn't what they pictured as autistic. I was seen as a perfectly normal kid. These days I catch more hate from my Political views than I do from my mental disabilities which I guess gives me some hope for humanity.
What are your political views?
Wow I have autism and I didn't know none of this. I really started having more problems keeping up with work 2 years ago then I did at age 18. I can't keep up with regular people. Now it all makes cents I'm praying my exam I just did goes through for SSDI I been ignoring the fact that I had autism and even borderline retardation. I just put it all behind me but I can't hold up work no more ☹️☹️
I am an adult with autism. I have delt with people not understanding how my brain works and bullying. I wanted to give up but my autism makes me unique
Two amazing ladies
We need better trained child psychologists and child counselors. Autistic kids are more likely to be abused, and less likely to be able to communicate that abuse. I grew up as an undiagnosed autistic child, in a family ruled over by a malignant, narcissistic matriarch who thinks she can do no wrong. Showing feelings or emotions is showing weakness. Crying is weakness. She was (randomly) enraged and physically abusive as well.
i think you're so right. i do think there is an element of environmental factors that can influence autism traits, such as an abusive family..
@@thaLAangelAutism has also been shown to be highly genetic, so it seems plausible that abusive parents or relatives could also be undiagnosed autistic people with internalized ableism and trauma that went unchecked. But I DON'T think abuse causes autism, nor does autism make people abusive, but patterns of abuse can be passed down through generations and take on different flavors depending on the people. (I.e. autistic internalized ableism)
I still don't know what to do about employment. I am starting the art route but it's hard to know which way it will go. I wish that I was diagnosed so that I can at least financial assistance. I just lost my job and I feel like it was because I was getting more and more burnt out over time; and of course, you're not supposed to let anyone know (I have an inside joke where I think you myself, "Well forbid me for showing people that I am human and not a machine that can just keep going while appearing perfect". I just don't know what to do anymore. There is a doctor shortage and I won't be able to receive a free assessment without a doctor's referral.
I like her
I believe I have autism but everytime I try to talk to someone they automatically dismiss me and say something like "I know you" "You don't have that mess". But no one knows what its like in my head. I really struggle to do the simplest things and it sucks. Just because something isn't noticeable, it doesn't mean they're not going through something. I know I should go get diagnosed but I keep putting it off cause therapists/psychiatrists kinda scare me 🙁
My 3 year old is autistic and she is the most incredible human being! I’ve never once seen her as odd or weird.
I am sure she is. I am glad she brings you so much joy.
I was bullied at school and work