Thank you so much Aunty for making this conversation intersectional, and for bringing up potential issues that stimming while black can bring. I love so much what y'all are doing with this #TakeTheMaskOff series and I would also be so happy if more autistics of colour were welcomed into these conversations. Again, thank y'all so much for this 🙏🏾.
I think when we are diagnosed in adulthood we may have spent a whole lifetime of over analysing ourselves in an attempt to pin down what is different about us - who are we etc. Even with the diagnosis this can lead to over analysing can't it. Sometimes we just have to give ourselves a break, because hyper focus can be a *beep*
As a recently assessed Asperger's, at the age of 66, this conversation is fascinating. Before assessment, I never suspected that I was on the spectrum, and I was never aware that I was masking throughout my life in order to live what I thought was a 'normal' life. As I learn more about masking (as about many other Asperger's characteristics) more and more of my previous life falls into place. And I find out more and more about the real me, not the masked version. But knowing that I'm on the spectrum means that I am now able to see things from a different perspective. Previously, not knowing anything about the spectrum or being on it meant that I thought that everything I did was 'normal', so there was never any need to question it, even though life was tough at times.
This is extremely helpful. As a teenager I used to worry I had disassociative personality disorder, confused about why I had so many masks and feeling fake or at worse that I was using people, that asking for help when I genuinely needed it was somehow manipulative because no one else seemed to need the same amount of help. Knowing all this now I have more confidence in asserting my needs. I hope more and more people hear this and learn.
I had given up looking around the web for written information on "Autistic Burnout" but after watching this video and hearing it mentioned, I looked again and I found and read Kieren's article on it. Sorry if I spelled your name wrong, I'm horrible and can't see it as I type. The work is solid gold, not to diminish Judy Endow , Ryan B and others, but man you totally nailed every piece of the puzzle (at least for me). It answered so many questions I had. It explained my childhood not being diagnosed. Tickling for me was like getting whipped with chains. But I wasn't allowed to defend myself. I was told I was normal, but defiant. (Didn't help I was born blue and attacked by 2 dogs at 3, 2200 stitches). I have an appointment with a doctor here in october, and I will be giving him the article. I think the other TH-cam advocates here should spread the word and everyone do an expose' on it. Bravo everyone. People like you have kept my marriage together (giving us hope). If ever I get my abilities back, I may join the crowd, but for now I'm just learning what I can when I can and wouldnt have anything available if it weren't for the advocates in the community.
Travis, thank you. That's high praise indeed. If you ever feel ready to dive in, we'll be here waiting. But in the meantime it's enough to keep being a cheerleader and spreading the word, more than enough. I'm glad some I've written has helped make s positive difference to your life; I'm glad watching this has helped too. Thank you for reaching out. Just writing what you have was brave.
twitter.com/awnnetwork_/status/882614415547355136 I really found this chart from the Autistic Women and Non-binary Network super super helpful as well!!
I've just realised Agony Autie is going to be at Cardiff Autistic Pride on Sunday, I'll be there too so I'll have a word with her and see if I can help in any way :-)
This is such a great video and it's so important. But one thing bothered me a lot, that Sara talked about NPD as a "bad person" thing? I think personality disorders, especially cluster B diagnoses, are so stigmatized. Please try to be more thoughtful about this in the future
I have autism to I talk to my selfe and cannot deal with atipecals I don't understand the nasty fashion and masking is some thing I have been doing for a long time become I get targeted you all look like me I have a lot of problems
Thank you so much Aunty for making this conversation intersectional, and for bringing up potential issues that stimming while black can bring. I love so much what y'all are doing with this #TakeTheMaskOff series and I would also be so happy if more autistics of colour were welcomed into these conversations. Again, thank y'all so much for this 🙏🏾.
I think when we are diagnosed in adulthood we may have spent a whole lifetime of over analysing ourselves in an attempt to pin down what is different about us - who are we etc. Even with the diagnosis this can lead to over analysing can't it. Sometimes we just have to give ourselves a break, because hyper focus can be a *beep*
Layne Arlina Amazing Insight!!!!
As a recently assessed Asperger's, at the age of 66, this conversation is fascinating. Before assessment, I never suspected that I was on the spectrum, and I was never aware that I was masking throughout my life in order to live what I thought was a 'normal' life. As I learn more about masking (as about many other Asperger's characteristics) more and more of my previous life falls into place. And I find out more and more about the real me, not the masked version. But knowing that I'm on the spectrum means that I am now able to see things from a different perspective. Previously, not knowing anything about the spectrum or being on it meant that I thought that everything I did was 'normal', so there was never any need to question it, even though life was tough at times.
This is extremely helpful. As a teenager I used to worry I had disassociative personality disorder, confused about why I had so many masks and feeling fake or at worse that I was using people, that asking for help when I genuinely needed it was somehow manipulative because no one else seemed to need the same amount of help. Knowing all this now I have more confidence in asserting my needs. I hope more and more people hear this and learn.
💖💖
7:48 yes. masking vs persona/Hats
I had given up looking around the web for written information on "Autistic Burnout" but after watching this video and hearing it mentioned, I looked again and I found and read Kieren's article on it. Sorry if I spelled your name wrong, I'm horrible and can't see it as I type.
The work is solid gold, not to diminish Judy Endow , Ryan B and others, but man you totally nailed every piece of the puzzle (at least for me). It answered so many questions I had. It explained my childhood not being diagnosed. Tickling for me was like getting whipped with chains. But I wasn't allowed to defend myself. I was told I was normal, but defiant. (Didn't help I was born blue and attacked by 2 dogs at 3, 2200 stitches). I have an appointment with a doctor here in october, and I will be giving him the article. I think the other TH-cam advocates here should spread the word and everyone do an expose' on it.
Bravo everyone. People like you have kept my marriage together (giving us hope). If ever I get my abilities back, I may join the crowd, but for now I'm just learning what I can when I can and wouldnt have anything available if it weren't for the advocates in the community.
Travis, thank you. That's high praise indeed. If you ever feel ready to dive in, we'll be here waiting. But in the meantime it's enough to keep being a cheerleader and spreading the word, more than enough.
I'm glad some I've written has helped make s positive difference to your life; I'm glad watching this has helped too.
Thank you for reaching out. Just writing what you have was brave.
Oh and don't worry about my name - nobody ever spells it correctly 😂
twitter.com/awnnetwork_/status/882614415547355136
I really found this chart from the Autistic Women and Non-binary Network super super helpful as well!!
Seeking Sara that chart looks pretty good. Something that is made well enough to hang up in public places, clinics and the like.
Travis Hanson c
I really enjoyed this x
Can I guin in with the next filliming please
I rock
I mask all the time. People do NOT get me when I don't mask...
A bit late this time, but if I can help out with promoting any future campaigns please let me know :-)
Autism Gazette, this is week one of six, we'd like this to grow and grow as it goes, if you want to help promote still, we'd love the help
I've just realised Agony Autie is going to be at Cardiff Autistic Pride on Sunday, I'll be there too so I'll have a word with her and see if I can help in any way :-)
I'm Autism Gazette btw, forgot I'd changed account on here earlier
Wayne Putterill say Hi for me!
This is such a great video and it's so important. But one thing bothered me a lot, that Sara talked about NPD as a "bad person" thing? I think personality disorders, especially cluster B diagnoses, are so stigmatized. Please try to be more thoughtful about this in the future
Who didn't like this?
I have autism to I talk to my selfe and cannot deal with atipecals I don't understand the nasty fashion and masking is some thing I have been doing for a long time become I get targeted you all look like me I have a lot of problems