regarding the autism diagnoses sprouting everywhere....I find it so fascinating how many creators i have been following for years (including you) before said creators had mentioned anything about autism/adhd and before I had my own suspicions about myself, that so many I followed turned out neurodivergent in one way or another XD and here I am, quite convinced that I'm Audhd (and waiting for my official evaluation) but not only have i seen creators...but also how many of my friends turned out neurodivergent, some diagnosed some only suspected ^^" and I know this is not like this for every person out there....but for me it feels like further confirmation that I was already drawn to neurodivergents. oh yeah btw. i tried the thing with setting alarms but I have so much difficulties with the alarm sounds always startling me ^^"
I feel much the same way! Almost every one of my friends and people I follow here are neurodivergent and the support for each other and the ability to share resources is so brilliant. Also, so many of the Costubers especially have been talking about various disabilities and neurodivergences and it's so helpful for them to talk about how they do stuff.
@@Catlily5 i got an app for that, but using my phone for alarms when im supposed to work also makes me very susceptible to use the phone as distraction ^^"
Here's my own auDHD tip : habit trackers ! I have a lot of troubles seing the big picture, which means whenever I'm having a hard day, I need to rest, I don't do much ... And I feel like I'm a terrible person who does nothing of her life. Which obviously doesn't help to feel better soon. So now I have multiple trackers, for my activities with my pets, what I do outside of my house, what I do inside, both fun stuff and chores (which I now call "quests", because let's be honnest, it's much better). That way I can see EVERYTHING I did on that week/month/year, and it helps a lot to stay motivated and feel good about myself 😊 I love that you want to talk more about autism. I discovered your channel last summer while I was preparing for my very first mermaiding experience, I loved your swimming and educational content, then I saw you made your own tales and I was "wow" ... And then I saw your autism assessment video, and I understood why I connected so much with your content 😅🌈 I hope you will keep talking about mermaiding, but I love that you incorporate autism stuff too, and just "you" stuff 😅 Much love from France 💙
Setting up a timer is an interesting advice. I used to do that before but the thought of having a constant deadline makes me feel overwhelmed about my tasks. But the thing you said about setting a goal that is enough for a day is a great idea, because looking back, i tend to set a really hard task to finish in a single day. off topic: omg i see you're finally going to sew the little mermaid tail! it's so pretty
For me I like it because I really struggle with my sense of time and can suddenly spend 6 hours on something I should have limited myself to an hour or two on without a break and by then be so far off the deep end that I need much more time to recover. Timers won't work for everyone which is why I always say to take what you find helpful from my videos and leave the rest. It's so important that we all honour what works for us and what doesn't. Sending the good vibes! ^^
Regarding the "that's a little bit extra" comment on your coleslaw -- I think that's a great reminder to always stand in my power! Like, realistically its not a big deal for the restaurant staff, so there's nothing to feel bad about. I rehearse all these conversations in advance, so maybe if someone says that to me, I would try to not take the comment personally and say something like "Oh yeah, they're happy to do it, and I'm happy to get nice crispy fries!" My working theory of why I get so freaked out about comments like those (and I'll speak for myself only here) is that because I was so different from everyone growing up, I never naturally fit in. And I saw how the misfits were treated. And I didn't want that. I wanted friends. I was lonely. So I fought so hard to fit in. So hard. And I honestly just didn't. So the next best strategy is to just not take up space and make sure everyone is happy with you. So instead of being the weird kid, you can be the nice, shy kid. So I became really sensitive to any signs that people were unhappy/upset. Which was adaptive for a long while, but is now a skill that is a bit too ingrained in me, and I'm having to actively unlearn.
I loved this, this was great. So many useful tips, so thank you! And no, you don't seem less-sincere! You seem the most real and the most you when everything is chaotic and all over the place and off on vaguely related rambles and we end up with edits from future Courtney xD
Courtney, I'm so with you on the beeping trucks! There has been demolition/construction around our house for more than six years (our house has been here since 1891 btw) and it can be maddening. I have learned to tune it out but still... Re: running a business: I am a paper doll artist and had a mail order website for my work (just retired it after 28 years). I sure get the pushing to get it all done and not giving yourself a break. Now that I realize I'm autistic, I'm amazed I managed as long as I did. I still draw but it's mainly for me now. You rock, girl!
Thank you for making this, this is so helpful! edit. have you read the book unmasking autism by devon price? its amazing and so helpful - and also has so many great insights on potentially why people are being diagnosed more now. It's very good at focusing on queer people on the spectrum! which I specially love!
"why are there all of a sudden so many people who are autistic?" Because something like this percentage of the population has ALWAYS been autistic; they just went undiagnosed and couldn't thrive/keep up after the demands of society exceeded their personal ability to cope in life. This way is MUCH better. People get support earlier/faster, burn out less, and can hopefully make adjustments to their lives so they can be happier and healthier. Instead of picking up all sorts of health issues related to the extreme distress that is the backdrop of most undiagnosed autistic people's lives, that they learn from a very early age to suppress/are in denial about because it's too world-endingly confusing to make sense of without the diagnosis.
happy swimming :) I only recently found your stuff (def got kicked into my YT algorithm for autism content (tm) lol) and I'm enjoying watching your work! I'm just starting out trying to do work that supports me instead of hurts me; I'm always really encouraged to see so many other autistic entrepreneurs doing their thing one day at a time.
I wish my job was related to my stims and my art. Since diagnosis and unmasking my skills have regressed so much and people expect this version of me that I don't recognize anymore. It's really painful.
I was in that loop for a long while after my diagnosis. I even did it to myself where I would expect myself to be able to do things that I just couldn't do anymore. It took me completely falling apart before I could rebuild. I'm sending strength and good vibes! 💖
@@CourtneyMermaid thank you yes it's definitely a falling apart. I hope wherever I land I can live more authentically. I grieve for everything else I have lost though.
Note about "why now all the diagnoses?"... i think there's also some of the population that didn't want to talk about their diagnoses because of so much negative stigma. Over the last 5-8 years there has been a bigger shift to understanding and acceptance. I suspected for a while but finally got an offical label and meds for my ADHD 3 months ago at the age of 40. Life changing and i can't seem to stop talking with people about it 😊 Here from the algorithm that's steadily feeding me ADHD and autism content. Happy swimming is still a lovely send off. Plus enjoyed the mix of work projects as a graphic designer myself but not a seamstress.
To clarify, I understand there is still lots of negative that goes along with talking about autism & ADHD. There's been some improvement, not perfection 😊
You hit the nail on the head. Many parents didn't want their children labeled and I suspect that many still believe one could only be diagnosed as a child and/or still stuck on the "stigma" of being labeled. I celebrate the newfound self-awareness of so many people. I think it will make the world a better place.
Loving this content! I'd love if you made a video about anticipatory anxiety, when I'm anticipating something it feels like it freezes me completely and I can't function right until it's resolved it's been debilitating lately even if it's for days, I'm just stuck fully immersed worrying, it feels my mind is being held hostage.
Well, yesterday I fell into a thing, and only emerged about six hours later, desperately thirsty and tired from sitting weird all that time. So yeah. Let me set a timer. Thanks!
I Love that you’re not afraid to talk about it! They are linking more people with ADHD to having Autism. I have ADHD and having family who are autistic and me doing some of the same things as them, for a long time I have thought about this and makes so much sense of the things I do. It’s nice to relate to someone who has the same passions and how you get through your day to avoid getting burnt out. Thankyou for being an inspiration to others 🧜🏻♀️❤
I just want to say that I used to subscribe to you many years ago (I lost all my subscriptions somehow) and recently found your channel again. I found out I was autistic last year and my TH-cam is full of suggested autism channels. I saw your autism diagnosis video and then your channel name and thought “omg no way!” Mermaids have been my lifelong special interest and I’ve always wanted to have a mermaid tail (but I can’t even swim lol thanks dyspraxia). So when I saw one of my favorite mermaid TH-camrs show back up on my feed years later with the word “autism” I clicked so fast. Your video made me cry so much because I remembered how much I loved your videos and how happy seeing your mermaid content made me, and now I have even more of a connection because you are autistic just like me. So just thank you for all the content you create- both mermaid and autism related. They’re both the biggest parts of me and it means a lot to have someone like you making videos I can really connect to and find happiness in. Thank you, Courtney, so much!
You might look into Sjögren’s. It’s not the only cause of dry eyes, but it’s a surprisingly common autoimmune which primarily gets noticed because of dry eyes and dry mouth.
Hi Courtney! I know this video is already 6 months old, so not the most recent, but the thought of writing a comment came to me during watching this particular video. I discovered your channel some time ago randomly through one of your mermaiding videos and I was intrigued, but also perplexed. To be honest, I could even say I was somewhat judgemental, I just didn't really get it. But seeing how fully you commit to it and enjoy it and how much professional skill goes into all the mermaiding things, and just how much thorough interest you and many other mermaids put into it, I realised my judgment was so unjustified. So I returned to your channel to watch more and I was surprised, yet happy to find your autism videos. And I just want to say, as I've had your videos playing while I'm doing something in the kitchen in the evenings, I really like your vibe and I really enjoy listening to you explaining how you do things or what has been your experience of something etc. I think especially in these autism videos, I feel like I as a viewer can connect to you easily, it's super casual, but never pointlessly rambly, and I enjoy hearing your opinions on things. Also, I'm not autistic nor diagnosed with ADHD (I fell just under the diagnostic line in the ADHD assessment), but I'm a sensitive person in general, plus developmental trauma and anxiety/panic, also executive functions are a challenge, so I relate with some of things your describe from your experience as an autistic person. I use all the (essentially executive functioning) tips you mentioned in this video, also some sensory accommodations etc. And ticking clocks have been the pain of my existence since childhood. So even though I'm not autistic myself (I score a bit higher than most non-autistic people but lower than most autistics on the quizes), your videos somehow make me feel seen as well. Thank you for sharing your experiences and passions and cool personality :)
I think you’re very sincere, Courtney! I’m a new subscriber because of your earlier autism videos! As a fellow creative person (I’m a screenwriter/author), I love how creative you are! I was late diagnosed with ADHD at 34 in 2021. I’m 37 now and seeking an autism diagnosis (self diagnosed so far). Videos like yours help! Trust me! And OMG, the French fries and coleslaw thing is so relatable! 😂 As someone with cerebral palsy who is a wheelchair user, I’ve always had to ask for things how I want them, but it doesn’t make it any easier at certain times. Adore your content! 🥰
I love your content! it's so helpful and I really value it. I appreciate seeing as much of your authentic self as you feel comfortable sharing. Also I really relate to your struggle with external noises 😱🙉
16:56 Yup, I learned that ages ago. My dad always said to ask questions in class if I didn't get something much to the chagrin of my classmates. That spilled over to all areas of life, and I have no trouble asking what severe people-pleasers or those with extreme social anxiety or judgmental purists would never dream of. When visiting the Dominican Republic many years ago, I asked for ketchup, salt, and pepper once to eat a yaniqueque, and it was perfection. My highschool best friend's mom called it sacrilege, but I was unbothered. I most definitely enjoyed my snack, lol.😂
I can not imagine how it is expose yourself like this. You are to brave and know that you inspire us to be ourselves. Thank you. And changing the subject, what is that blue stuff that you seat into it. I loved! Where can I buy it?
"Or when I say something, it is dumb." I hear you. I am always accused of saying dumb things just because I have a special request or I express a discomfort
I found your beginning response to that question funny. Yeah, I can honestly say I am so glad I didn't get diagnosed as a child in the 80s because of the poor horror stories of women who were diagnosed in the 80s-90s. OMF'ing god, the trauma of getting multiple dx's to FINALLY getting the true dx of autism. As much as I wished before that my mom should've accepted whatever help schools wanted to give me because they knew something wasn't right with me as a child, I don't know if I would've grown up to finish school and get a career. You know? who knows what "Professionals" back then would've suggested. I love your door bell/light thing, I'll have to get one for my adhd husband who is very easily startled by sounds. Oh and I like your timer idea.
Am I correct that the lighting that comes on as a way for hubbie to get your attention, is to avoid the startlingness of a knock or a name-calling-outloud? Coz if so... that is Brilliant. I am forever asking people not to knowck on my door because of how much it makes me jump. Just adore your conent, the way you talk, the candidness, the Utter sincerity (yes, pretty sure also that being more authentically You is a form of increased sincerity!!) Big respect :) Oh I have a timer-related question. Do you have instances where the timer goes off and you ignore it, or struggle to change what you are doing even though the timer has gone off? And if so, how do you deal with that
Yes! The lights help me avoid being startled which is very helpful. Also yes to the time question! I do often struggle to move from one task to another and though the timer helps, sometimes I do find myself ignoring it. 😅 I do try my best to limit myself to the time boundaries I set for myself but I am human after all!
I feel like I should print something saying "TAKE YOUR BREAKS" and hang it on the wall in front of my workspace because just today I was thinking about this. I am burned out and I am not recovering because I keep forcing myself to push through and work because "I don't need a break now, I feel just fine". Except I can't really tell if I am "just fine" or not. So I might take your advice and actually start taking small breaks no matter what. As for the whole "seeming less sincere" comment, not sure if it's the case for you but what I gathered from other TH-camrs is that, when we start unmasking, we sometimes tend to be a bit less animated in our facial expressions or a bit more monotone (especially on days when we feel more tired or overwhelmed) and to the neurotypicals that feels a bit odd and it may come off as us being shady to some people.
Maybe they don’t understand what the definition of sincere is because I believe you’re being extremely sincere and open and trusting to those that are listening I think you’re brave.
The sarcasm of wearing autism out at the shop was hilarious but also so very very true. People don't understand and I wish more wanted to learn rather than block knowledge and experience out.
I just wanna say ive watch 2 of you videos and you are my new favorite. I may have just discovered I love adhd content creators. I love crafts. This is so exciting. I love your vibe. Not superficial if you dont ask, you wont get what you want… lol me typing this as you start to say that!
I have a TimeTimer, same principle as your clock, left time shown red. Does. Not. Tick. (Does not have great rainbow, clouds etc, unfortunately. But I repeat: It. Does. Not. Tick.)
Hiya, I am now at the age of 61, why I was bullied, pulled down, no friends. Everything was ment to feel that it was all my fault. I feel I want help and I don't know how.
What do you think about the idea of posting a video without editing it first? Unedited , I would love to see your unedited video if your willing and comfortable🧜♀️
At least give me the option to turn it off! I understand some people may want or even need the flashing led light but it would be awesome if it was a feature that could be turned off. I personally find the little led stressful to look at.
“Don’t use the phone timer that’s a distraction “ 😂 totally relate to this as a ADHD small business owner
regarding the autism diagnoses sprouting everywhere....I find it so fascinating how many creators i have been following for years (including you) before said creators had mentioned anything about autism/adhd and before I had my own suspicions about myself, that so many I followed turned out neurodivergent in one way or another XD and here I am, quite convinced that I'm Audhd (and waiting for my official evaluation) but not only have i seen creators...but also how many of my friends turned out neurodivergent, some diagnosed some only suspected ^^"
and I know this is not like this for every person out there....but for me it feels like further confirmation that I was already drawn to neurodivergents.
oh yeah btw. i tried the thing with setting alarms but I have so much difficulties with the alarm sounds always startling me ^^"
I feel much the same way! Almost every one of my friends and people I follow here are neurodivergent and the support for each other and the ability to share resources is so brilliant.
Also, so many of the Costubers especially have been talking about various disabilities and neurodivergences and it's so helpful for them to talk about how they do stuff.
@@Catlily5 i got an app for that, but using my phone for alarms when im supposed to work also makes me very susceptible to use the phone as distraction ^^"
Here's my own auDHD tip : habit trackers !
I have a lot of troubles seing the big picture, which means whenever I'm having a hard day, I need to rest, I don't do much ... And I feel like I'm a terrible person who does nothing of her life. Which obviously doesn't help to feel better soon. So now I have multiple trackers, for my activities with my pets, what I do outside of my house, what I do inside, both fun stuff and chores (which I now call "quests", because let's be honnest, it's much better). That way I can see EVERYTHING I did on that week/month/year, and it helps a lot to stay motivated and feel good about myself 😊
I love that you want to talk more about autism. I discovered your channel last summer while I was preparing for my very first mermaiding experience, I loved your swimming and educational content, then I saw you made your own tales and I was "wow" ... And then I saw your autism assessment video, and I understood why I connected so much with your content 😅🌈 I hope you will keep talking about mermaiding, but I love that you incorporate autism stuff too, and just "you" stuff 😅
Much love from France 💙
You seem very sincere and authentic. I love listening to you!
Setting up a timer is an interesting advice. I used to do that before but the thought of having a constant deadline
makes me feel overwhelmed about my tasks. But the thing you said about setting a goal that is enough for a day is a great idea, because looking back, i tend to set a really hard task to finish in a single day.
off topic: omg i see you're finally going to sew the little mermaid tail! it's so pretty
For me I like it because I really struggle with my sense of time and can suddenly spend 6 hours on something I should have limited myself to an hour or two on without a break and by then be so far off the deep end that I need much more time to recover.
Timers won't work for everyone which is why I always say to take what you find helpful from my videos and leave the rest. It's so important that we all honour what works for us and what doesn't. Sending the good vibes! ^^
Regarding the "that's a little bit extra" comment on your coleslaw -- I think that's a great reminder to always stand in my power! Like, realistically its not a big deal for the restaurant staff, so there's nothing to feel bad about. I rehearse all these conversations in advance, so maybe if someone says that to me, I would try to not take the comment personally and say something like "Oh yeah, they're happy to do it, and I'm happy to get nice crispy fries!"
My working theory of why I get so freaked out about comments like those (and I'll speak for myself only here) is that because I was so different from everyone growing up, I never naturally fit in. And I saw how the misfits were treated. And I didn't want that. I wanted friends. I was lonely. So I fought so hard to fit in. So hard. And I honestly just didn't. So the next best strategy is to just not take up space and make sure everyone is happy with you. So instead of being the weird kid, you can be the nice, shy kid. So I became really sensitive to any signs that people were unhappy/upset. Which was adaptive for a long while, but is now a skill that is a bit too ingrained in me, and I'm having to actively unlearn.
I enjoy this "hybrid" format. I think everything meshed together quite nicely. Thank you for another great video!
I loved this, this was great. So many useful tips, so thank you!
And no, you don't seem less-sincere! You seem the most real and the most you when everything is chaotic and all over the place and off on vaguely related rambles and we end up with edits from future Courtney xD
Thank you for seeing that! ❤
Courtney, I'm so with you on the beeping trucks! There has been demolition/construction around our house for more than six years (our house has been here since 1891 btw) and it can be maddening. I have learned to tune it out but still... Re: running a business: I am a paper doll artist and had a mail order website for my work (just retired it after 28 years). I sure get the pushing to get it all done and not giving yourself a break. Now that I realize I'm autistic, I'm amazed I managed as long as I did. I still draw but it's mainly for me now. You rock, girl!
Thank you for making this, this is so helpful!
edit. have you read the book unmasking autism by devon price? its amazing and so helpful - and also has so many great insights on potentially why people are being diagnosed more now. It's very good at focusing on queer people on the spectrum! which I specially love!
"why are there all of a sudden so many people who are autistic?"
Because something like this percentage of the population has ALWAYS been autistic; they just went undiagnosed and couldn't thrive/keep up after the demands of society exceeded their personal ability to cope in life.
This way is MUCH better. People get support earlier/faster, burn out less, and can hopefully make adjustments to their lives so they can be happier and healthier.
Instead of picking up all sorts of health issues related to the extreme distress that is the backdrop of most undiagnosed autistic people's lives, that they learn from a very early age to suppress/are in denial about because it's too world-endingly confusing to make sense of without the diagnosis.
happy swimming :) I only recently found your stuff (def got kicked into my YT algorithm for autism content (tm) lol) and I'm enjoying watching your work! I'm just starting out trying to do work that supports me instead of hurts me; I'm always really encouraged to see so many other autistic entrepreneurs doing their thing one day at a time.
I wish my job was related to my stims and my art. Since diagnosis and unmasking my skills have regressed so much and people expect this version of me that I don't recognize anymore. It's really painful.
I was in that loop for a long while after my diagnosis. I even did it to myself where I would expect myself to be able to do things that I just couldn't do anymore. It took me completely falling apart before I could rebuild. I'm sending strength and good vibes! 💖
@@CourtneyMermaid thank you yes it's definitely a falling apart. I hope wherever I land I can live more authentically. I grieve for everything else I have lost though.
Note about "why now all the diagnoses?"... i think there's also some of the population that didn't want to talk about their diagnoses because of so much negative stigma. Over the last 5-8 years there has been a bigger shift to understanding and acceptance.
I suspected for a while but finally got an offical label and meds for my ADHD 3 months ago at the age of 40. Life changing and i can't seem to stop talking with people about it 😊
Here from the algorithm that's steadily feeding me ADHD and autism content. Happy swimming is still a lovely send off.
Plus enjoyed the mix of work projects as a graphic designer myself but not a seamstress.
To clarify, I understand there is still lots of negative that goes along with talking about autism & ADHD. There's been some improvement, not perfection 😊
You hit the nail on the head. Many parents didn't want their children labeled and I suspect that many still believe one could only be diagnosed as a child and/or still stuck on the "stigma" of being labeled. I celebrate the newfound self-awareness of so many people. I think it will make the world a better place.
Much love! Thanks for putting the need for an explanation into words.
Keep being you in all your videos! No longer have to be or try and exist as someone else, be yourself, unapologetically xx
Loving this content! I'd love if you made a video about anticipatory anxiety, when I'm anticipating something it feels like it freezes me completely and I can't function right until it's resolved it's been debilitating lately even if it's for days, I'm just stuck fully immersed worrying, it feels my mind is being held hostage.
Oh man I relate to that feeling... It's brutal! I will add it to my list! Thank you for commenting!
Thank you so much!😊
Well, yesterday I fell into a thing, and only emerged about six hours later, desperately thirsty and tired from sitting weird all that time. So yeah. Let me set a timer. Thanks!
I Love that you’re not afraid to talk about it! They are linking more people with ADHD to having Autism. I have ADHD and having family who are autistic and me doing some of the same things as them, for a long time I have thought about this and makes so much sense of the things I do. It’s nice to relate to someone who has the same passions and how you get through your day to avoid getting burnt out. Thankyou for being an inspiration to others 🧜🏻♀️❤
Thank you so much for commenting and I'm glad you are finding my content helpful! 💖
I just want to say that I used to subscribe to you many years ago (I lost all my subscriptions somehow) and recently found your channel again. I found out I was autistic last year and my TH-cam is full of suggested autism channels. I saw your autism diagnosis video and then your channel name and thought “omg no way!” Mermaids have been my lifelong special interest and I’ve always wanted to have a mermaid tail (but I can’t even swim lol thanks dyspraxia). So when I saw one of my favorite mermaid TH-camrs show back up on my feed years later with the word “autism” I clicked so fast. Your video made me cry so much because I remembered how much I loved your videos and how happy seeing your mermaid content made me, and now I have even more of a connection because you are autistic just like me. So just thank you for all the content you create- both mermaid and autism related. They’re both the biggest parts of me and it means a lot to have someone like you making videos I can really connect to and find happiness in. Thank you, Courtney, so much!
You might look into Sjögren’s. It’s not the only cause of dry eyes, but it’s a surprisingly common autoimmune which primarily gets noticed because of dry eyes and dry mouth.
It's funny. The theme of "my doctors don't care so why should I" has been the theme of my life.
Hi Courtney! I know this video is already 6 months old, so not the most recent, but the thought of writing a comment came to me during watching this particular video. I discovered your channel some time ago randomly through one of your mermaiding videos and I was intrigued, but also perplexed. To be honest, I could even say I was somewhat judgemental, I just didn't really get it. But seeing how fully you commit to it and enjoy it and how much professional skill goes into all the mermaiding things, and just how much thorough interest you and many other mermaids put into it, I realised my judgment was so unjustified. So I returned to your channel to watch more and I was surprised, yet happy to find your autism videos. And I just want to say, as I've had your videos playing while I'm doing something in the kitchen in the evenings, I really like your vibe and I really enjoy listening to you explaining how you do things or what has been your experience of something etc. I think especially in these autism videos, I feel like I as a viewer can connect to you easily, it's super casual, but never pointlessly rambly, and I enjoy hearing your opinions on things.
Also, I'm not autistic nor diagnosed with ADHD (I fell just under the diagnostic line in the ADHD assessment), but I'm a sensitive person in general, plus developmental trauma and anxiety/panic, also executive functions are a challenge, so I relate with some of things your describe from your experience as an autistic person. I use all the (essentially executive functioning) tips you mentioned in this video, also some sensory accommodations etc. And ticking clocks have been the pain of my existence since childhood. So even though I'm not autistic myself (I score a bit higher than most non-autistic people but lower than most autistics on the quizes), your videos somehow make me feel seen as well.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and passions and cool personality :)
I think you’re very sincere, Courtney! I’m a new subscriber because of your earlier autism videos! As a fellow creative person (I’m a screenwriter/author), I love how creative you are! I was late diagnosed with ADHD at 34 in 2021. I’m 37 now and seeking an autism diagnosis (self diagnosed so far). Videos like yours help! Trust me! And OMG, the French fries and coleslaw thing is so relatable! 😂 As someone with cerebral palsy who is a wheelchair user, I’ve always had to ask for things how I want them, but it doesn’t make it any easier at certain times. Adore your content! 🥰
Thank you so much for commenting! I'm so glad you like my content! 💖
I love your content! it's so helpful and I really value it. I appreciate seeing as much of your authentic self as you feel comfortable sharing. Also I really relate to your struggle with external noises 😱🙉
I DID have medication I needed to take, and almost forgot. I'm only 9 seconds in and this video has already improved my day.
16:56 Yup, I learned that ages ago. My dad always said to ask questions in class if I didn't get something much to the chagrin of my classmates. That spilled over to all areas of life, and I have no trouble asking what severe people-pleasers or those with extreme social anxiety or judgmental purists would never dream of.
When visiting the Dominican Republic many years ago, I asked for ketchup, salt, and pepper once to eat a yaniqueque, and it was perfection. My highschool best friend's mom called it sacrilege, but I was unbothered. I most definitely enjoyed my snack, lol.😂
I can not imagine how it is expose yourself like this. You are to brave and know that you inspire us to be ourselves. Thank you. And changing the subject, what is that blue stuff that you seat into it. I loved! Where can I buy it?
"Or when I say something, it is dumb." I hear you. I am always accused of saying dumb things just because I have a special request or I express a discomfort
You come off VERY sincere to me.
I found your beginning response to that question funny. Yeah, I can honestly say I am so glad I didn't get diagnosed as a child in the 80s because of the poor horror stories of women who were diagnosed in the 80s-90s. OMF'ing god, the trauma of getting multiple dx's to FINALLY getting the true dx of autism. As much as I wished before that my mom should've accepted whatever help schools wanted to give me because they knew something wasn't right with me as a child, I don't know if I would've grown up to finish school and get a career. You know? who knows what "Professionals" back then would've suggested.
I love your door bell/light thing, I'll have to get one for my adhd husband who is very easily startled by sounds. Oh and I like your timer idea.
Am I correct that the lighting that comes on as a way for hubbie to get your attention, is to avoid the startlingness of a knock or a name-calling-outloud? Coz if so... that is Brilliant. I am forever asking people not to knowck on my door because of how much it makes me jump.
Just adore your conent, the way you talk, the candidness, the Utter sincerity (yes, pretty sure also that being more authentically You is a form of increased sincerity!!)
Big respect :)
Oh I have a timer-related question. Do you have instances where the timer goes off and you ignore it, or struggle to change what you are doing even though the timer has gone off? And if so, how do you deal with that
Yes! The lights help me avoid being startled which is very helpful.
Also yes to the time question! I do often struggle to move from one task to another and though the timer helps, sometimes I do find myself ignoring it. 😅 I do try my best to limit myself to the time boundaries I set for myself but I am human after all!
I feel like I should print something saying "TAKE YOUR BREAKS" and hang it on the wall in front of my workspace because just today I was thinking about this. I am burned out and I am not recovering because I keep forcing myself to push through and work because "I don't need a break now, I feel just fine". Except I can't really tell if I am "just fine" or not. So I might take your advice and actually start taking small breaks no matter what.
As for the whole "seeming less sincere" comment, not sure if it's the case for you but what I gathered from other TH-camrs is that, when we start unmasking, we sometimes tend to be a bit less animated in our facial expressions or a bit more monotone (especially on days when we feel more tired or overwhelmed) and to the neurotypicals that feels a bit odd and it may come off as us being shady to some people.
Maybe they don’t understand what the definition of sincere is because I believe you’re being extremely sincere and open and trusting to those that are listening I think you’re brave.
Thank you so much! 🥹
The sarcasm of wearing autism out at the shop was hilarious but also so very very true. People don't understand and I wish more wanted to learn rather than block knowledge and experience out.
Thank you! I love your videos!
18:04 I do not feel like you’re being less sincere! ❤ I’m glad to see the 100% real you.
Happy stimming
Lol!
I just wanna say ive watch 2 of you videos and you are my new favorite. I may have just discovered I love adhd content creators. I love crafts. This is so exciting. I love your vibe. Not superficial if you dont ask, you wont get what you want… lol me typing this as you start to say that!
Aww thank you so much! Happy to have you here!
I’m mad at the beautiful cicadas at the moment…the cacophony though!! Beeping trucks and ALL loud gardening implements are just all the time…
Courtney you gotta be kidding me with the medication reminder I had to see this in the morning before I took my mads, how did you know? 😩
I have a TimeTimer, same principle as your clock, left time shown red. Does. Not. Tick. (Does not have great rainbow, clouds etc, unfortunately. But I repeat: It. Does. Not. Tick.)
Hiya, I am now at the age of 61, why I was bullied, pulled down, no friends. Everything was ment to feel that it was all my fault.
I feel I want help and I don't know how.
Lol the irony of the tools designed for autism being infuriating, with ticking and lights
Pretty much haha!
Happy swimming everyone! (algorithm)
What do you think about the idea of posting a video without editing it first? Unedited , I would love to see your unedited video if your willing and comfortable🧜♀️
Very much enjoyed the hybrid video and I know nothing about mermaids. Hi, hello, greetings fellow earthling swimmer.
Why does everything need a bright LED searing your eyeballs!?
At least give me the option to turn it off! I understand some people may want or even need the flashing led light but it would be awesome if it was a feature that could be turned off. I personally find the little led stressful to look at.
I adore you. We would definitely be friends 😊.
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Omgggg the misophonia is real, I can't tune any of that out either 😵😵😵