We learned so much making this episode of Spectrum! What was your favorite moment of the episode? You can also pre-order our newest goodhuman collection Surface Level from 3/11-3/18! Promo code at the end of this video :) humangoodla.com In our approach to developing ideas for the first drop of 2020, we wanted to dig just a bit deeper into topics of empathy in relation to our everyday lives. This collection explores judgement and how often we try to make sense of others at a surface level. As we endlessly scroll past the faces and lives of others, we forget the complexities behind the people. Keep searching beyond the surface, stay curious + embrace empathy.
The problem itself is not autism, it’s a society’s lack of understanding toward it. most people have a very discriminatory attitude towards it, unfortunately, if you wanna succeed in your career or dating, your best option is to learn to suppress it
the problem isn’t just society. autism IS a disorder, and while there are sometimes gifts that accompany the autism, it doesn’t change that fact. society should be more accepting and try to understand us better but our issues are not purely external. Sensory issues, alexithymia, meltdowns, poor proprioception are all aspects of autism that disable us. Add in the fact that autistic people are more prone to epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autoimmune disorders etc. shortening our life span.
@@leilameow9582autism is not a disorder, it’s a difference and people generally other anyone who is different. I’m not disordered love, I just live in a disordered society.
Masking and suppression is like hiding yourself your entire life. It's better to learn to find places where you can work where your abilities are valued and you can perform your special interests. Careers that allow you to maintain solid self care (eating healthy, nourishing sleep, exercise) are the ones that you will thrive in. Freelance and remote work, self employment, working to your own time schedule (which doesn't have to be 9-5) are great options.
@@nancydiva8798 How is what she said ablest? People should look at Joseph for who he really is, a kind and intelligent person, and he shouldn't be judged because he's non verbal. I'm autistic too, and was non verbal in most social situations for a large portion of my childhood. I wished people had chosen to see ME, instead of judging
@@3l4m1 your little brother seems so strong. And I hate that more people don’t see that. But hopefully as he gets older people will be able to see him for who he truly is and want to be friends with him.
So glad they had Joe on this. Nonverbal voices are often silenced when their ideas and their advocacy are critical to the Autistic community as a whole.
I really like how they included someone without an 'official' diagnosis, so many people are unable to be diagnosed with what they have, myself included.
@@riom.6091 Where did I say 'I'm autistic' in this statement? The 'myself included' was referring to any form of diagnostic, not just autism. Also, self diagnosing is completely fine within reason!
@@pulse3290 I have a similar situation, but with OCD instead. I've struggled just about my entire life with different behaviours that if not done would throw me into panicky fits. However, I am not diagnosed with anything but rather I prefer to say 'I have symptoms of OCD' if asked. Still super glad they included a person who cannot get diagnosed because it doesn't mean they're anything lesser than those who are diagnosed!
I find it an amazing irony that he's the one guy who is literally an actor. He's arguably the most direct and natural in his responses (other than the non-verbal gentleman), and the least theatrical. I'm not accusing anybody of faking here, but it sure shows the disparity in how autism is diagnosed in young high-functioning cases now, like that girl in the plaid dress, versus older guys like the actor (or me!) who came just before autism became a household word and started being treated with a tad more nuance. And in my experience psychiatrists and psychologists tends to have many prejudices and bigoted notions of who deserves more consideration and help.
You have to keep pushing. Keep asking. Keep advocating for yourself. Print things out and take them to your doctor. Explain the difficulties and how having a diagnosis would help. People say that it's hard to get a diagnosis, but it really isn't. It's getting a referral that's difficult. Once you're in a room with a doctor who's there only to ask you questions and record your answers, the rest is easy. It has to be having a significant impact on your life for them to consider referral because the resources are so thin. There just aren't enough doctors trained to diagnose autism for all the people who read some stuff online and decided that explained everything. It's also possible a lot of the people who claim it's difficult to get diagnosed have already been screened without realising (the AQ10 is very brief) and don't actually hit enough of the criteria to move onto the next step. They don't just say "yep, you're autistic!" They write a huge report detailing all the challenges and limitations you face because of the answers you gave and detail ways they think you could use some help or might want to change things in your life. Those reports take weeks to write up. The whole process is very time consuming for the doctor, and so if someone just read something online and felt they could relate, but they're functioning in life without much issue, they won't get a referral. Should it be that way? I don't know, but it is.
@@TheSkiMaskReviewer actually a psychologist or psychiatrist is a doctor and can diagnose, whilst a therapist does not usually have a medical degree (if they do it isn't professionally relevant) and is usually trained in counselling or psychoanalysis and cannot diagnose even if they have suspicions or prescribe medications as that requires a medical licence. I know that in America they use the titles interchangeably like illiterate heathens, but that doesn't make it right. Doctor does not mean only the family practice you visit when you have a tickle in your throat or too much ear wax so it'skind of hard to hear now. There are lots of doctors in lots of different professions, and what makes them a doctor is a doctorate. There are scientists who don't practice medicine in any way at all who are still doctors, but they obviously wouldn't be able to diagnose a mental condition. Many mental health professionals have a relevant degree, either a medical degree in the case of a psychiatrist, or a PhD or PsyD in the case of (clinical) psychologists. Both are trained to diagnose mental conditions, but psychiatrists have a medical degree so they can also prescribe medication. Psychiatry and psychology are different, and "therapy" is much lower on the professional ladder. The distinctions are important when seeking a diagnosis as, like I already said, a therapist cannot diagnose a patient. They don't have the authority. I do agree though that if you've already been assessed and didn't get a diagnosis, you're probably looking at something else causing your problems. The assessment is very thorough and very little is up for interpretation.
@@TheSkiMaskReviewer I think that varies widely. Where I'm from, *only* doctors (psychiatrists) can give the diagnosis, and therapist is not a protected title, which means that any quack with a diploma from a summer course can call themselves a therapist.
It's really hard to keep advocating for yourself when going to the doctor makes you really uncomfortable and you dont like answering phone calls and that's how all the agencies try contact you back and you cant drive to the agencies etc etc
I’ve been reading some of these comments and just makes me smile that some people can be so nice and not be rude like some of the other comments so I Appreciate you
Cow Richards i know i'm annoying but to me these kind of comments are rude because it's like they're puppies getting treats and congratulations but in a weird way...
@@ImLiterallySoupTbh I 100% get your point and most of the time I'm the first one to find those comments very cringy and babying haha At the time I commented I didn't see anything about Christopher and he seemed pretty uncomfortable and unsure during some parts of the video so I wanted to say how courageous I thought he was for doing this, idk why but I find it more impressive and actually worth mentioning than for other things? (if you know what I mean haha)
That's me but with being transgender. I was convinced that everyone was at least a little bit unhappy with their biological sex and that daydreaming about being a woman was the norm among guys. My shock when it wasn't.
@@Turai12 I’m sure more guys daydream about being women than they let on, but I’m guessing being trans is a whole mother experience for itself. You rock!
I was diagnosed at 8 but I was told last year that all of a sudden my autism was "cured" because I had too many friends to be autistic. Funny thing is all of my friends are either on the spectrum or was "adopted" by a friend of a friend. The fact that it's extremely common for doctors to dismiss an autism diagnosis due to the social factor as well as being a person of color is extremely messed up.
It's so difficult too because masking IS a symptom of autism. I had a lot of friends, but I would always come home socially exhausted--at my limit. Ig at a really young age I just learned how to mimic behavior really well. A lot of people had a hard time believing I suffer from gen. anxiety because of it.
Yuuuuuuup... I was also told that I didn't appear autistic based on my extensive knowledge on certain subjects and my responses... however, one meeting a week with therapists, one won't be able to tell what happens in between the tics, OCD, light and sound sensitivity, meltdowns and my dislike for most food textures.
He probably has much more to say but unfortunately using an AAC device, even a high tech one, is very cumbersome and slow. Verbal conversation happens within seconds and creating a message with icons can take minutes to form
Controversial opinion: As someone with autism I would 100% rather NOT have autism. I would give anything to be normal and understand people. Autism made me permanently an outsider, delicate, an over thinker, a never ending stream of cringe. I'd sell my creativity in a heartbeat if it meant I could be at a party and not wear my heart on my sleeve.
I get ya. I feel like I wouldn't be who I am without it but If I never had it then I would be someone else who also might not had wanted to change who they are. Like many others I had lots of problems with my social life as a child. Not just lonliness but very bad bullying and abuse. It really didn't do me any favors growing up like that so I often wonder if my life could have gone better had I grown up more "normal".
I'm autistic and very proud of it (I used to feel bad but I stopped because it's permanent and as I grew older I realized it's not that bad) but I understand your pain. I wish people talked about the flaws AND positives because Autism is a spectrum
Similar to ADHD, the "it's a super power" mantra only goes so far and only if people are willing to suspend disbelief and carry that thing around 24/7, constantly telling themselves that they're special in the best kind of ways. In reality, though - I'd trade my ADHD (and probable autism ) in a heartbeat for being dull, boring and "normal." Most people think there's nothing wrong with embracing and loving their autism or ADHD and they are 100% correct in that - but you know what? There's also nothing wrong with admitting that you hate it, and hate what it's done to you and wish you didn't have it. How you feel about your mental health is up to you and no one else.
@@Booklover-coffeelover you need autistic (and/or otherwise neurodivergent) friends who accept and like themselves. Finding five decent people whose brains strongly resemble mine, after I was past 50 (!) turned my life around completely. Strongly recommended!
As an autistic person, I really appreciate this because so many people misunderstand what autism is like. I also like that a nonverbal person was included because they don't get listened to as often as autistic people who can speak.
I wonder if someone talks this boy listens and understands. If he is non verbal it meams he can not understand what he listens to? Or he has a problem only expressing what he wants to say?
Christopher broke my heart, just seeing how lost he looks ... when they asked about the diagnosis. i hope a doctor sees this a decides to give him the clarity he needs. 🤍
Marley Mederos i was adopted as a baby and we know NONE of my parents medical history so i’ve been tested for everything. it took 17 years and many tests for them to finally diagnose me with autism.during the years leading up to it i felt so lost
One of the worst things for an autistic person to go through is being undiagnosed throughout all of their childhood. For years and years as a toddler and a little bit older I showed SO many signs.. my mum knew something was wrong and so did my teachers but no one ever looked into it. It’s caused me so much harm for that reason. Had to leave school a few years ago because of it. Finally got a diagnosis a few weeks ago.
This was so similar to my situation! I don't want to sound weird but this comment was kind of comforting knowing that their are other people out there with a similar situation, it makes me feel less alienated. I hope you're doing okay now.
Definitely finding out as soon as you can is best. I only now became aware of mine at the age of 37. I just thought my whole life i had bad anxiety and just generally thought different from people. No one including myself wanted to consider autism was the real root of the issue because I have high IQ and later became obsessed with learning psychology so I understand psychology really well which masked me even more even though just reflecting back it feels like i didnt hide it that well but people just didnt really understand high function autism til relatively recently. Knowing would have saved so many of my relationships with women and friends if they understood why I was the way I was.
My heart broke when Christopher said that people in the audience whisper “is he special or not” :( I’m glad he found something he’s passionate about though, I I hope acting continues is to bring him lots of joy 💛
@@joschistep3442 its more of pitying because of his autism rather than other things. like if I got a d on a essay I worked hard on and my friend says "I feel so bad for you" it wouldn't be offensive. i think duller is feeling bad for the fact that he doesn't have friends rather than his autism which I think is fine
I hope Christopher is able to find a doctor that gives him the right guidance. It sounds like his doctors have made him feel invalid for the way he is and that only causes more confusion. If “professionals” can’t understand you, how are you expected to understand yourself?
When he talked about his situation, it made me so sad because I am going through this right now. I have been in therapy on and off for a decade, so I've seen maybe doctors and therapists and a handful think I'm autistic, most think I'm not. However in order to get a full diagnosis, my parents or anyone who's seen me as a child needs to talk to a psychiatrist. I don't talk with my parents and I don't have anyone at all. It is incredibly frustrating how getting a diagnosis for a mental difference that cause you to be neurodivergent, still needs you to be typical in some way. I know I'm autistic somewhere but it feels like I have to put on a show in order for professionals to believe it. It's frustrating.
Kedia Ajax hi, maybe if you can get in contact with any of your teachers if you have old yearbooks or remember their names, they'd be willing to help. also, maybe aunts or uncles, an old family (or otherwise) friend, etc could help you out on that front.
@@silpae I went through the exact same thing. I'm a woman who was diagnosed in my mid/late 20s, and I practically had to BEG my psychiatrist for a Dx. I saw multiple specialists who refused to Dx me, sometimes for the most outlandish reasons... One of them literally said I was "too creative" to be autistic. (After I had gained as much of a Dx as I would ever get, I had a later psychiatrist who, after asking me for my medical history, told me to my face that I was not on the spectrum because I could "get to my appointment just fine" and it was "a made-up condition.") On the whole, I believe professionals never wanted to give me the Dx because, like Shaina, I grew up ignorant of my condition and thus have always heavily masked my symptoms for fear of negative repercussions. I'm great at passing for typical and it's my deepest instinct when in public at this point. Sad but true. I'm honestly not sure I got a true, solid Dx from my psychiatrist at the time; I'm not really sure what that consists of aside from an MD/PsyD/PhD simply telling you that's what you have, which was all that happened (he just eventually agreed I met the requirements and asked if I was looking for any official/governmental? status as "disabled," which I was not). If it's something beyond that, I don't have one. But I did eventually receive specialized therapy for autism from another individual, and I felt that had to suffice for me. At this point in my life, at age 33, I have full confidence that this is who I am, and that's enough. That, in my opinion, is half the battle. Having said that, I don't immediately find all self-diagnoses valid the way some people in the community do. I think valid self-diagnoses require at LEAST a year of self-questioning, research, continued re-testing of yourself using proven public testing tools available online to look for consistent results, talking to people you know (if possible) about your past and present behavior, etc. I did all of this for multiple years before even trying to approach professionals for their opinions-which was a HUGE reason I felt so angry that they didn't take anything I said (or even that my parents said) seriously. But if someone has been through all that? I think self-diagnosis can be completely reliable, and is sometimes the only method a person can have of finally understanding themselves and changing their own life for the better. If this is what you need to rely on in the end, do not be afraid to simply accept the proof you have. It sounds like you have already been through everything you need to in order to know what you need to know. If it's the categorization as disabled that you truly need in order to get financial and educational support, then that is a serious issue and I very much wish you luck!!! I also do understand feeling a deep need for universal validation by professionals, because I used to feel the same thing. But I don't want you to get hung up on that aspect. If that's all it is, I would encourage you to try and eventually let it go. You can find proper behavioral therapy without every MD/PsyD/PhD out there Dxing you, and if you feel functional without behavioral therapy, even better. It will take time, but search for that validation within yourself. Sorry for writing you a book, but I feel strongly about this, obviously! Much love and good luck! Stay strong!
@@silpae When they diagnosed me with Autism they just watched my behaviour as a child. I know that it could be too late now since puberty can change it a lot but maybe try and go to a doctor. I went to this thing called a Revaledation centrum (also known as Reva) where they found out I had autism by my behaviour (I went to the reva because I was already diagnosed with DCD and Dyspraxie, which are very common for people with autism to have) (More info about the reva: they were psychiatrists and doctors that worked togetter.) I also understand the fact about putting up a show to proof that you have autism. I am actually feeling the same since I know that I have autism but because of puberty it doesn't look any more that I have it (I also learned how to hide it) My advice is to just be yourself.
This is my life. I got diagnosed and undiagnosed a million times with autism. I know I have it. My current therapist won't commit to a diagnosis because I have bipolar disorder (which a doctor also tried to convince me I did not have while hospitalized for bipolar psychosis as diagnosed by a more senior physician). Open the DSM-5; all those criteria for autism and bipolar I have. I hate doctors sometimes. Also, can we just decide on a name already? Asperger’s, high-functioning autism, low-spectrum ASD: come on people! One super annoying thing is that no one believed that I was autistic until I got a service dog for the bipolar disorder. A year into having him, most of his functionality is for my autism and nerve disorder. Whenever I mention autism, people say, ”Oh, that's what the dog’s for.” They don't doubt me anymore because of my dog, but for all the autistic people who can't afford to get a dog (thank you divorce settlement from my deadbeat dad), the disbelief is constant and painful. Thanks for this video, Jubilee!!
Yeah. It's the same thing for me at school. We have our mainstream and satellite classes; 'normal' and 'special' classes. Funnily, the kids with autism have a better grasp of respect and kindness than the 'normal' kids...weird. EDIT: It’s almost as if though the “normal” kids thinks they’re better than others, while the “weird” ones have humility.
@@bellamckinnon8655 Not really weird, no. What's considered normal in a broken system probably shouldn't be the norm after all... We know how hard it is for anyone, and we are allergic to hypocrisy and pity, so we gonna straight-talk your ass out in reaction to it. We can be extremely direct which can make people think we lack empathy because it's also harder for us to express our emotions in ways that most people comprehend. But basically : we are the one who freaks out to most people, but we're able to rationalize what happens in our brains, while most people actually freak out about it. We are the ones who "act weird", while I can guarantee there is always a logical train of thoughts behind our actions (contrary to most people). We are the one who are "invasive" but we are always extra-careful not to invade the private space of anyone without their consent and always worried to bother people. I say, our society made people not be themselves, not taking time to listen to others, being hypocrites, and following the norm without ever questioning it. That's why we are the weirdos, however, if you look at the most powerful people right now - aka the ones who control the internet - Mark Zuckerberg for instance have a full on 10/10 on autistic traits if you ask me - still is a complete asshole, but you get the point. Most famous artists, actors and comedians, scientists etc seems to fall somewhere on the spectrum. That doesn't mean we're better, we just have a different type of intelligence.
@Nazmus Saquib I know what you mean, I just don't don't think that's why people weren't talking about her, there were just other things to talk about as well. But this got over 1,500 likes so I guess people not talking about her isn't a thing anymore lol.
@@xibalbamtg I very recently decided to finally pursue a diagnosis. I mostly put it off because I've spent my entire life explaining myself, people predetermined to not understand has made me not want to speak that much anymore. The thought of convincing specialists at 34 makes me want to cry. Alas, this past Monday I messaged my Dr for a referral. He replied, "it'd be odd to be diagnosed with autism so late in life. But I'll send you a psych referral to manage your ADHD." 💔 He's a nice guy. But here in the US it seems painfully outdated in autism research. Hopefully I won't give up... 😓
The issue isn't making friend it's keeping them. They asked a bunch of young people, I wish we had older voices in that crowd because I'm willing to bet the social butterflies don't keep in touch with all of their friends very often, or do it in waves, and forget about time.
@@lynnhettrick7588 it's like, you have to be willing to see me 7 times in 10 days and then 3 times in 8 months or we can't be besties. Not because I don't want to be consistent but because my energy levels are ... Not consistent.
That’s why it’s important to find people you could send two texts a year and it would still feel like you just met them There are people who understand and I hope you find many of them 🌻
@@cmool I tried specifically saying social butterflies so I wouldn't leave peeps out, but yea, anxiety will do that. It can also make them hard to keep when they are easy to make
And it's a good thing because a lot of people think you don't understand how conversations work when you can't verbalize, but with the help of technology we can prove that our brains can often function just the same in terms of understanding conversations and having healthy discussions.
@@jisification9148 He said it sincerely with a deeper meaning. People who usually say that don't necessarily use their brain. Here's the difference. I understood it, you could too.
really late but, i cried part-way for no reason when i saw joseph. it means a lot to me to see someone who is on the more serious end of the spectrum present here because my brother stuggles the same way. he isn’t able to use a device to communicate and is still unable to voice and form his own complete sentences. my parents struggle and fear that he might not be able to make much progress in his own mental health even with all the occupational therapy he’s gone through. every time joseph speaks is a blessing, and it’s such an inspiration for me and my family to continue journeying with my bro, loved it :”)
@@nugget-bn8rp They're not infallible human beings. Professionals still make plenty of mistakes; lots of mistakes were made during my treatments and diagnosis, my files were lost, I was shamed, different psych doctors said different things, I'm speaking from my own personal experience. Where I live the mental health support is dire even before covid our area has been struggling and certain 'proffesionals' have really damaged my trust and caused self harm among other things. I don't want to argue with you, everyone's experience is different. But let's not pretend medical staff don't make errors.
@@non_conformist4229 yes, that's what a diagnosis is. They are heavily regulated long test to weed out not non austistic. If you take a 3 hour long test and multiple Dr visits , if they state you are Austistic they are most likely right, its not something new and it is easy to tell. Now you can be high functioning like many. But if you have no diagnosis for being austic than you aren't. its a disservice to those that are. How does one assume autism ? Lol
I'm not on the Autism spectrum but I am a member of the disability community and am neurodivergent and I can relate so much to this. The disability community is so diverse and beautiful and awesome.
@@raven4442 It is. you are socially disabled and many parts of how we function makes us disabled. I think my sensory overload issues ARE a disability. It doesn,t mean that autism being a disability is a bad thing
shaina was so sweet towards christopher when he said he wasn't given a confirmed diagnosis and instead of being rude she said that it was okay to not be given a confirmed diagnosis but he still believed he was
In where I live, no one would diagnose an adult. Besides, it’s really not worth it to get diagnosed for most of us since that would even prevent us from getting health insurance!
i love that they included two people that are/were nonverbal! it would have been super easy to just disregard that group to make it easier to film this but i’m really glad they didn’t!
yes i got so happy when i realized they featured nonverbal ppl! they get so little representation. and this video also showed how to interact with a nonverbal person for those who might be nervous about it (a lot of ppl are so worried about not offending them that they dont know how to interact, but ppl in this vid were super casual about it)
Absolutely wonderful! As someone who has a sibling with non-verbal autism, I believe it is so important that they are visible in our communities and represented in media 💙
Honestly I feel really bad for Christopher. I know what it’s like to be “uncertain” whether or not you have autism or not. It makes you feel worse because you can’t tell whether you’re autistic or you’re just weird or different or lazy. And it’s hard to get clear confirmation. He even seemed to be like the outcast in this video, again, I know how that feels. I hope he’s doing well.
I also used to work with people with autism and I thought they were awesome and some would just surprise me in a good way, except for one dude and his mom that would piss me off lol
Thats crazy Joesph actually went to my middle school. He didn’t really have the behavioral therapist back then but im glad he does now since my middle school was kinda broke
That’s wild I kind of want to talk to him and hear his way of thinking as in philosophically due to how he can’t speak he actually as to be smart so people don’t ignore him
Legally the school has the pay for whatever he needs to be successful in school no matter the cost. It all depends on what was in his IEP and what the school decided he needed to be successful each year.
Can you guys PLEASE do a Autistic VS self diagnosed debate. The autism community has recently been divided due to a lot of diagnosed people having an issue with those who self diagnose. It would be a very interesting debate
asd comunity is inner rotten, they are the worse thing i ever see. they insult you if you say something like "listen i can have mire than one interest". i cut whole the comunities from myblife, they suck.
I am self-diagnosed with autism, and heres what I've found: Most professionally diagnosed Autistics are fine with people self-diagnosing, as long as they have done proper research! To me, self-diagnosing has saved me! I am no longer failing to be neurotypical, there is a whole knew identity for me! I will keep trying to get a diagnosis! ♾️
Yeah same. I grew up with kids gleefully gossiping about other kids being "special ed" as if that was an adjective meaning someone who needed accessible education, basically "special" meant "everyone with a physical or mental illness, or who spoken english as a second language, or who was injured recently or just transferred in", basically anyone who couldn't "keep up". So what they were really doing is just tossing them aside like they weren't even worth talking to or understanding, like factory rejects. In the real world, with chill, mature adults, "special" does NOT mean different, it means wonderful, kind, talented, and other traits that put your above the bar in terms of what kind of person you are... WHO you are, not WHAT you are. When people die, we say "My husband was a really special person. He could always light up a room and and make people's day better." We don't say "He was special because he limped everywhere and had abandonment issues." Special can also mean unique, one-of-a-kind, in which case, everyone is special. If you put 100 people together, and start naming skills, talents, or other traits, everyone will be the best in the group in one category or another. Maybe Dave is the best veternarian, but Roger's the best barber, and Susan's the best woodworker, and Jeff's the best chef. Everyone is special in some regards, especially when you consider that all the traits exist in unique combinations as well. Maybe Peter's the best teacher, but he can never keep his classes organized, so he works with Wendy, who is also a good teacher but more importantly, also has great organizational skills, but she can't drive due to narcolepsy so she carpools with Lisa who's the best driver, and Lisa can't cook so her wife Frida does the cooking at home, but Frida's not great at childcare so she gets help from her dad Duncan, but Duncan can't do home repair so he hires Peter as a technician when he's not at the school teaching. Point is, nobody's supposed to be good at everything, but everyone's good at something, and that's something that many other people re bed at! We're meant to be different, we're meant to work together, we're meant to be cast into the world like dice trying to get a straight in yahtzee. If we were all the same, everybody would just die, because nobody's good at even half the things required for a healthy community just by themselves. Also, we'd all get wiped out by illness like the original bananas. Nobody is "special". There is no factory reject group. There is no outgroup. We are ALL outgroup. Every single one of us.
The biggest issue for him is age. I went to get diagnosed for Asperger's in my late 30s... and I was told they can not diagnose adults. It was not able to be diagnosed when I was a kid.
this happened to me, its expensive to see someone, but you need to if you want a diagnosis. Thankfully as a child I had the opportunity to talk to a therapist, and they kinda did the same thing with me as with him, though I did get one out of 5 who was bold enough to say that he was certain I had Asperger's. The others were dodgy on the question and said it was possible I was on the spectrum, but also possible that I wasn't. It took that 1 doctor to confirm it for me, which helped me in the long run.
It really is extremely hard to get a diagnosis. I'm 19 and have been trying to get tested for autism for around three years but couldn't find anyone to hear me out. It wasn't until I met my psych and she immediately said "hey, have you ever been tested for autism?" that I finally felt seen. However, it's still a two year waiting list for me to even be tested, after which I'll have missed out on a lot of resources that could've really helped me.
My older brother has autism and we have our own special handshake as well. It helps to keep him in a relaxed or happy mood, so I smiled when I saw them do it because it reminded me of what I do with my brother.
tututuims ieijebdo From my understanding of it, he is able to take in information and process it, but unable to verbally respond without some assistance. He would still be able to read, write, etc. Could be wrong, though.
tututuims ieijebdo Hey! Receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (communicating) are separate skills. I won’t claim to know exactly why Joseph doesn’t communicate through language but a few reasons could be, he is unable to due to speech impediments or apraxia (unable to physically produce sounds even if they KNOW what they want to say) Another could simply be anxiety! Some people with autism specifically may only chose to speak around family or close friends. Hope this was helpful!
@tututuims ieijebdo our brains just won't begin the function of talking I guess and when I go semi verbal it's really had to forge myself to have conversations
I@tututuims ieijebdo I don't really know anything about it but im guessing its like learning a language. You first learn how to read, write, and listen to people but speaking is way more difficult.
Agreed. He was really good at summarizing things in an easily understandable way. Goes to prove that just because you're non-verbal doesn't mean you can't have a way with words.
Yeah I was impressed. He always seemed to cut straight to the heart of the message most people were trying to say. I imagine typing on that thing is a pain in the ass though, so maybe he's become so concise as a necessity.
I absolutely LOVE Shaina's and Yoni's vibe. I love how everyone listens to each other and interacts. they all seem so sweet, I wish them nothing but the best
I completely agree people think it makes us feel better but it’s assuming we don’t like that we have autism which always makes me think what’s wrong with having autism
I hope the unofficially diagnosed fella on here gets someone put into his path that can help him feel less isolated and give him an accurate diagnosis...I felt his extreme anxiety and that's a terribly lonely place to be, especially at 38.
Honestly, a lot of people give self diagnosis flak because of internet culture of romanticizing mental illness. Of course I think that sort of thing is awful but self diagnosis can help put you somewhere on the path to get help, like that guy. I think when he said that a few doctors told him he had it, that should be enough. Doctors can be wrong too, and there isn't a way of scanning the brain for mental illness to 100% prove that you do or do not have these things.
Traveling Artist Crow Yesh, a lot of people listen to the multiple doctors but don’t have enough money to get diagnosed. Tbh I think if MULTIPLE doctors say so then it’s probably true.
Having or not an official diagnosis messes up so much with our lives. It's very clear by Christopher's answers how hard it is to be invalidated by doctors and people in general. I hope the situation has changed for you, Christopher, as it has changed for me from the first time I've watched this video to now. That time I really felt that, but now that I know the two perspectives it hits me even harder.
In elementary school we had a boy who was non verbal autistic and our school had a "see life through his eyes" day where we had to do things like. Trying to do fine motor skills with thick gloves on, or try to listen to the teachers talk with the music blasting. Or read with goggles that had Vaseline over them. It helped us all see why he would get over stimulated and scream and all of us helped him and loved him until we graduated. I'm lucky to have gone through a school system that helped us understand these things better
Being in this episode was an excellent opportunity to share my experiences with autism, and to meet other people on the autism spectrum. They were people I could relate to no matter where on the spectrum they were. Of course there is still the problem that I have not been formally diagnosed, and I don't know where on the spectrum I land. Hopefully there will be another episode on coping mechanisms for autistic symptoms.
Christopher Carroll i know what you mean about not getting diagnosed as my father and brother had to see multiple doctors to get diagnosed and we have given up on me even getting a doctors diagnosis
It was really great to see you in this episode. I'm 28 and I haven't been formally diagnosed, either, but I really feel that I have it. I related to a lot of what was said in this video.
I love Bella. The fact that she’s 22 and in high school she was completely non verbal. Now, a few years later- not only has she grown the confidence to communicate but she’s communicating her feelings and opinions in a room full of strangers and cameras and to the world on TH-cam. That’s a glow up. I also wish they had have acknowledged Joe more. When anyone said anything they all kind of nodded and said “yeah” or “exactly” ect. When his message played they’d stay silent and then the next person would speak. Maybe it’s the editing though. Also I’d be friends with Jai and Yoni and Bella too 🙆🏼♀️
I totally agree, I wish I could have asked Joe how he felt about his communication. Does he feel more comfortable around people who are verbal or non verbal? How does it make him feel when people speak for him perhaps? He was so articulate and said some amazing things
Maybe it's also because people with autism find it harder to communicate, so they just agreed? I would just agree too, because he says things better than I ever could, myself i've never been good at talking or communicating my feelings very well.
@@bea2323 but all of us are special cause we are different of which other, this means that no one has the same characteristics, making everyone unique.
@@ruanpierre2108 if e veryone is inherently special, then special loses its meaning special implies uniqueness, but if we are all unique, then what's normal?
Ngl, I feel kinda sorry for Christopher, he looked so depressed throughout the whole video. I really hope he has gotten the help he needed since this video and that he is doing ok.
It is really hard trying to seek help or support for invisible stuff 💞 Hopefully we will become more aware of invisible differences and adjust so that everyone feels more comfortable and empowered
i love how they showed a range of people with autism! because usually you think of autism as just one type of thing and not the whole picture. nice job!
Either the majority of these people are not autistic, or we all are. Autism is like bipolar, is like ADHD: they've become "trophy conditions" and nobody gets extra attention by hearing (or makes any money by saying), "There's nothing wrong with you."
i was diagnosed with autism at 13. when that girl said that making friends was easy at first but gets more complicated as the friendship gets deeper, she described my whole situation. also, how she said that usually people are shocked when i say i have autism because i grew up my whole life masking
I think what Joseph meant by "my mind and body work against each other" is like how he obviously is highly intelligent, but he isn't able to speak and he has tics. So his mind functions highly but it's not translating physically. At least that's what I think.
I'm guessing he has apraxia. Most highly intelligent nonverbal autistic people have apraxia. It's a motor planning problem where the brain has trouble translating intention into action.
Joseph is cool. Maybe he is non verbal, but that does not mean he's not understanding. On the contrary, I feel his non-verbality makes him a better observer and that's why he's got the right words for the right moment. He seizes what other people miss when communicating, just because being verbal takes up so much of our conscious effort.
please don't dehumanize joseph. he seems very sweet but many of the comments i'm seeing are really condescending. you're talking to a human, not to a pet.
Like I just say, hey guys, as an autistic person myself, don’t call us adorable like Joseph is a grown intelligent man so don’t treat him like a baby or a puppy. And people are like “there’s nothing wrong with calling an autistic person adorable! I mean I’m not autistic but it doesn’t seem harmful, it’s just a compliment!”
Reapect for Christopher and Jai for doing something like this despite their social anxiety. I have real bad social anxiety and can’t imagine doing something like this.
Straight up would have a meltdown. Especially being undiagnosed, I'd be so scared to do something like this. Years back I went to a conference of people with autism which was nerve-racking without a diagnosis but was so pleasantly surprised to find that most of the people in the room hadn't been able to be diagnosed. It was a huge comfort but I would still be so anxious on this level of publicity.
I'm not autistic but I had horrible social anxiety in high school. Like stomach pains, nearly crying, red face, nausea, skipping 40 days out of like 90 in a semester type social anxiety. I've naturally gotten out of it for the most part thankfully, but I would never ever do that even if they paid me like a million dollars. So yeah, I really respect them.
I really appreciate how passive Joseph's therapist is in this video. I kinda expected them to lead Joseph back and forth and I was pleasantly surprised that they really seemed to respect Joseph's authority in the situation and actually just were a helpful background person
I feel bad and understand what he is going through. My son has recently been diagnosed with autism and I’ve noticed we have a lot of the same struggles and traits. I struggled a lot as a child and know one seemed to understand me. I was the weird one. My mother took me to all of these specialists and I was diagnosed with several learning disabilities but I can’t help but wonder if I was misdiagnosed. I’ve been trying to find specialists that also test adults but it’s difficult to find and the process is expensive.
It is because diagnosing autism in adults is hard or even impossible, they diagnose children before they have a chance to adapt and hide it. This is very well known.
Yayah Evans But at 38 he’s the eldest in that group - people forget that awareness and knowledge of such conditions back in the 1980’s and earlier were less than they are now. It’s the same with mental health disorders, it’s the same with transplants, the same with HIV Treatments - as the years and decades progressed, physicians and psychologists learned more about these conditions. We take it for granted that autism is easy to spot or diagnose, we take it for granted that there are sufficient numbers of medical staff trained enough in that area to be able to diagnose those affected. We take it for granted that there is help that the state can provide (at least here in the UK) to help the affected fulfil their academic potential, help them develop coping methods and help them and their families live a decent life. It wasn’t like this pre-1995...
I was 46 when I was being treated for severe depression when my ergo therapist asked if I had been diagnosed. I had been seeing psychologists and psychiatrists for the best part of 15 years up to that point, it was only that she had spent many years as a live in therapist for an autistic child, that she noticed me. When I was with her doing arty stuff for the first time in my life; I had unconsciously let my guard down as I was so absorbed with the creativity, and she saw me. She also taught me that asymmetry is beautiful :) I still have not been diagnosed, not even my psychiatrist can push for one. A diagnosis will not change who I am, but will allow me to get specific therapy to help me cope with the real world, a world I still do not understand after 49 years.
I felt bad for Christopher. I just.... understand his brain. He feels like he's being cut off all the time... he never had someone actually listen to him.
Exactly, it seemed like he had so much to say and this video didn’t have the space or patience for it...not that it was a bad video, or the framework of the film was faulty...It’s the look in his face, and the way his words trail off. Christopher has to much to offer but hasn’t had the platform to share. It leaves you wanting to hear more. I want to hear what he really thinks about all of these things.
I feel a one-on-one interview would be best with Christopher, so he can share his thoughts patiently and actually have time to think about the topic. I feel like he is very intelligent, and he has many thoughts, but in these kind of videos there isn't enough time to explore them. I would want to hear a 1 hour interview with him to be honest
Joseph has to be my favorite out of this group because he really reminds me of my older sister. She is nonverbal and her autism is quite severe, I would give anything for her to be able to use a tablet like Joseph so she could communicate with us better.
as an autistic person, it's actually lovely to see people stimming and talking about stimming. it's so natural for me to do but few people around me understand it!
@Roos Jonker ooh unintentional repetition of words/sounds/phrases or movements is actually a seperate thing but its still associated heavily with autism, those are usually referred to as echolalia and echopraxia
Maybe not "With eating disorders", but "Recovering from/recovered from eating disorders". I agree that it could be a very useful topic, but I think they'd have to be very careful with the people they chose for that topic. People who are suffering could be negatively suggestive in the video, but people with that experience behind them could provide a very valuable insight
Tora Stenkula I agree, but at the same time it would be good to shed some light on the eating disorder world. Although not many people are diagnosed and having an eating disorder is considered “taboo”, it is so much more common than people think. There is also so much false information spread and it would be really nice to have people that have actually gone through an eating disorder explain the facts.
I’m very glad that they included someone who isn’t diagnosed. People don’t seem to realize how HARD it is to get a diagnosis. It’s not accessible to a lot of people, even if it is very evident that they fit the criteria
Not autism but bipolar disorder and adhd, I was never diagnosed because my school was like: all is fine. I was the silent kid. I have been told by psychologist that I would probably be diagnosed with them if I did a test but they refuse.
@@user-dc4yr2ev5h “All was fine. I was the silent kid.” You described me, my school barely knows anything about me, they don’t care. I think I have ADHD/Autism
I'm glad that he mentioned how he was self-diagnosed (but he also said he did try to get checked by many doctors? Not sure) because it's incredibly hard and expensive to get a diagnosis, not to mention there are cases where a doctor misdiagnoses their patients. I greatly appreciate how he was completely honest and I have a lot of respect for Chris. That being said, I think it's important to state that self diagnosis is only suitable as a last resort if one can seriously not afford it, and that self diagnosis should not be the ONLY method used for serious psychological conditions such as DID as they really do require professional help.
I'm happy to see that the stigma around autism is beginning to end. Videos like these make people understand that we are not weird and asocial, we are normal people and we can be friends with you like anyone else. I have told my friends about my autism when I found out a couple weeks ago and no one was weird about it. They have treated me the exact same since then. That made me happy
It can't be free unless the therapist/doctor works without pay. The alternative is funding with taxes, which isn't free but collectively paid. Not to mention having collectively paid programs will lead to a mismanagement of resources. Mental health should be more accessible although there're many issues people overlook with collective health care.
@@morphsuitmeele1171 you talking about the overall healthcare statement? If you were.. Europe exists, a lot of countries here have free healthcare and are doing EXTREMELY well If you weren‘t then don’t mind this comment
OMG i am autistic and i HATE being treated like a child. I am 25 with a masters degree in Behavioral Health so its insulting to be treated like a child
@Shea Gaier, yes! Same here! Though I am a bit older than you. I have studied psych since 1998. It has truly helped establish things in my personal life, as well as satisfied the natural proclivity/hope to better understand the world.
@@sheagaier7582 agreed. One thing that I also do is connect pathology/phenomenon to theory/theorist and history/sociology/philosophy (etc) easily; it is very easy/natural for me to connect the dots to various phenomenon. Body language is easy to minimize or detect; it's easy to rationalize any number of reasons one may moving a certain way. I only became interested in body language when I began studying eye movements and handshakes, lol. Weird, yes; maybe you understand though, lol.
As someone who is seeking diagnosis at the moment, this was one of the best things I've seen. Mainly because it was ordinary people just being and communicating, rather than people performing a script. It was interesting even down to how everyone moved their eyes as they spoke, their tone being a little flatter sometimes than NT people. Also seeing how masking affects how much help you receive. I could see so much of myself in some of this.
We learned so much making this episode of Spectrum! What was your favorite moment of the episode?
You can also pre-order our newest goodhuman collection Surface Level from 3/11-3/18! Promo code at the end of this video :) humangoodla.com
In our approach to developing ideas for the first drop of 2020, we wanted to dig just a bit deeper into topics of empathy in relation to our everyday lives. This collection explores judgement and how often we try to make sense of others at a surface level. As we endlessly scroll past the faces and lives of others, we forget the complexities behind the people. Keep searching beyond the surface, stay curious + embrace empathy.
Nice video
i love that you guys included the nonverbal guy!
SPECTRUM
The wording on the title is incorrect.
Anyway you can CC the video to Spanish ?
My man aint verbal, but his quotes are speechless
(Was that pun intended ?-) but bro fr . Joseph definitely has words that are meant to be heard. I think he’s quite poetic.
Less interaction with ppl gives you alot of time to think also he just seems ridiculously intelligent.
Cockatiel Bird yes it is a pun, but not meant to be mean to him. He is really smart
MissTotos I know, he’s pretty awesome
Bars
"I can't change the way I am, so I don't want people to pity me. I want them to understand."
- Joseph
Well said Joseph!
K boomer
Erin Kaymak that’s.. what Joseph said?
Erin Kaymak that joke was dead months ago
why is that so damn hard to understand someone different from you?
thereGoMapo I’m agreeing with Joseph’s statement?
"my body and brain sometimes work against each other"
This statement means more than people might think.
Waiiittt
I actually would like him to expand on this like his own youtube channel
Yeah I was very curious to learn more about his personal experiences
I can relate to that
One thousandth like!
The problem itself is not autism, it’s a society’s lack of understanding toward it. most people have a very discriminatory attitude towards it, unfortunately, if you wanna succeed in your career or dating, your best option is to learn to suppress it
Amen brother
the problem isn’t just society. autism IS a disorder, and while there are sometimes gifts that accompany the autism, it doesn’t change that fact. society should be more accepting and try to understand us better but our issues are not purely external. Sensory issues, alexithymia, meltdowns, poor proprioception are all aspects of autism that disable us. Add in the fact that autistic people are more prone to epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autoimmune disorders etc. shortening our life span.
@@leilameow9582autism is not a disorder, it’s a difference and people generally other anyone who is different. I’m not disordered love, I just live in a disordered society.
Thank you.
Masking and suppression is like hiding yourself your entire life. It's better to learn to find places where you can work where your abilities are valued and you can perform your special interests. Careers that allow you to maintain solid self care (eating healthy, nourishing sleep, exercise) are the ones that you will thrive in. Freelance and remote work, self employment, working to your own time schedule (which doesn't have to be 9-5) are great options.
"We are all special." My mans Joseph spittin straight facts
If we're all special that means no one is special
@@Hhhh22222-wThere is more than just one special. Everything has layers and differences.
no hes not
@@Hhhh22222-w different meaning
yelsgup your just hating
It makes me so sad that Joseph has a hard time making friends because he’s non verbal, he seems so kind and intelligent
Ableism detected
@@nancydiva8798 How is what she said ablest? People should look at Joseph for who he really is, a kind and intelligent person, and he shouldn't be judged because he's non verbal. I'm autistic too, and was non verbal in most social situations for a large portion of my childhood. I wished people had chosen to see ME, instead of judging
@@nancydiva8798 How? I don’t understand how that statement was ableist, please explain.
@@3l4m1 your little brother seems so strong. And I hate that more people don’t see that. But hopefully as he gets older people will be able to see him for who he truly is and want to be friends with him.
@@nancydiva8798 yall took the term abelist and just use it whenever convenient
So glad they had Joe on this. Nonverbal voices are often silenced when their ideas and their advocacy are critical to the Autistic community as a whole.
@@matsm.5303 GODDAMN SON, CHILL
>‘Nonverbal voices are often silenced’
HOLY FUCK😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
"nonverbals are silenced"
I see what you did there..
To the world
Who's Joe?
I really like how they included someone without an 'official' diagnosis, so many people are unable to be diagnosed with what they have, myself included.
Please don’t call yourself autistic without a diagnosis, it’s annoying
@@riom.6091 Where did I say 'I'm autistic' in this statement? The 'myself included' was referring to any form of diagnostic, not just autism. Also, self diagnosing is completely fine within reason!
My mom, some friends of mine and myself included think that I have first-degree autism, so seeing this comment is a relief for me
@@pulse3290 I have a similar situation, but with OCD instead. I've struggled just about my entire life with different behaviours that if not done would throw me into panicky fits. However, I am not diagnosed with anything but rather I prefer to say 'I have symptoms of OCD' if asked. Still super glad they included a person who cannot get diagnosed because it doesn't mean they're anything lesser than those who are diagnosed!
I find it an amazing irony that he's the one guy who is literally an actor. He's arguably the most direct and natural in his responses (other than the non-verbal gentleman), and the least theatrical.
I'm not accusing anybody of faking here, but it sure shows the disparity in how autism is diagnosed in young high-functioning cases now, like that girl in the plaid dress, versus older guys like the actor (or me!) who came just before autism became a household word and started being treated with a tad more nuance.
And in my experience psychiatrists and psychologists tends to have many prejudices and bigoted notions of who deserves more consideration and help.
Man, I felt for Christopher not having been diagnosed, especially when he said "who's going to diagnose me?" I feel the frustration, man.
You have to keep pushing. Keep asking. Keep advocating for yourself. Print things out and take them to your doctor. Explain the difficulties and how having a diagnosis would help. People say that it's hard to get a diagnosis, but it really isn't. It's getting a referral that's difficult. Once you're in a room with a doctor who's there only to ask you questions and record your answers, the rest is easy. It has to be having a significant impact on your life for them to consider referral because the resources are so thin. There just aren't enough doctors trained to diagnose autism for all the people who read some stuff online and decided that explained everything.
It's also possible a lot of the people who claim it's difficult to get diagnosed have already been screened without realising (the AQ10 is very brief) and don't actually hit enough of the criteria to move onto the next step. They don't just say "yep, you're autistic!" They write a huge report detailing all the challenges and limitations you face because of the answers you gave and detail ways they think you could use some help or might want to change things in your life. Those reports take weeks to write up. The whole process is very time consuming for the doctor, and so if someone just read something online and felt they could relate, but they're functioning in life without much issue, they won't get a referral. Should it be that way? I don't know, but it is.
mydogeatspuke Maybe your are right about it not being hard to get diagnosed. It’s just the COVID 19 thing right now. I feel so close to getting one.
@@TheSkiMaskReviewer actually a psychologist or psychiatrist is a doctor and can diagnose, whilst a therapist does not usually have a medical degree (if they do it isn't professionally relevant) and is usually trained in counselling or psychoanalysis and cannot diagnose even if they have suspicions or prescribe medications as that requires a medical licence. I know that in America they use the titles interchangeably like illiterate heathens, but that doesn't make it right. Doctor does not mean only the family practice you visit when you have a tickle in your throat or too much ear wax so it'skind of hard to hear now. There are lots of doctors in lots of different professions, and what makes them a doctor is a doctorate. There are scientists who don't practice medicine in any way at all who are still doctors, but they obviously wouldn't be able to diagnose a mental condition. Many mental health professionals have a relevant degree, either a medical degree in the case of a psychiatrist, or a PhD or PsyD in the case of (clinical) psychologists. Both are trained to diagnose mental conditions, but psychiatrists have a medical degree so they can also prescribe medication. Psychiatry and psychology are different, and "therapy" is much lower on the professional ladder. The distinctions are important when seeking a diagnosis as, like I already said, a therapist cannot diagnose a patient. They don't have the authority. I do agree though that if you've already been assessed and didn't get a diagnosis, you're probably looking at something else causing your problems. The assessment is very thorough and very little is up for interpretation.
@@TheSkiMaskReviewer I think that varies widely. Where I'm from, *only* doctors (psychiatrists) can give the diagnosis, and therapist is not a protected title, which means that any quack with a diploma from a summer course can call themselves a therapist.
It's really hard to keep advocating for yourself when going to the doctor makes you really uncomfortable and you dont like answering phone calls and that's how all the agencies try contact you back and you cant drive to the agencies etc etc
Can we also appreciate Christopher coming to speak despite his social phobia? Boss move, I'm proud of him!
I’ve been reading some of these comments and just makes me smile that some people can be so nice and not be rude like some of the other comments so I Appreciate you
Cow Richards i know i'm annoying but to me these kind of comments are rude because it's like they're puppies getting treats and congratulations but in a weird way...
but it's really nice to say :)
@@ImLiterallySoupTbh I 100% get your point and most of the time I'm the first one to find those comments very cringy and babying haha
At the time I commented I didn't see anything about Christopher and he seemed pretty uncomfortable and unsure during some parts of the video so I wanted to say how courageous I thought he was for doing this, idk why but I find it more impressive and actually worth mentioning than for other things? (if you know what I mean haha)
I just don’t understand why there’s some comments debating peoples autism there’s no reason to debate a diagnosis talk about something else
"I thought everybody was just dealing with it and hiding it better." Oh my god, if that doesn't hit close to home.
Agreed!!
SAME
Tha hardest form of truth is when the fact is here in witness
That's me but with being transgender. I was convinced that everyone was at least a little bit unhappy with their biological sex and that daydreaming about being a woman was the norm among guys.
My shock when it wasn't.
@@Turai12 I’m sure more guys daydream about being women than they let on, but I’m guessing being trans is a whole mother experience for itself. You rock!
I was diagnosed at 8 but I was told last year that all of a sudden my autism was "cured" because I had too many friends to be autistic. Funny thing is all of my friends are either on the spectrum or was "adopted" by a friend of a friend. The fact that it's extremely common for doctors to dismiss an autism diagnosis due to the social factor as well as being a person of color is extremely messed up.
too many friends? what the heck
how on earth does being a poc affect an autism diagnosis
Doesn't sound like the person who told you that is qualified.
It's so difficult too because masking IS a symptom of autism. I had a lot of friends, but I would always come home socially exhausted--at my limit. Ig at a really young age I just learned how to mimic behavior really well. A lot of people had a hard time believing I suffer from gen. anxiety because of it.
Yuuuuuuup...
I was also told that I didn't appear autistic based on my extensive knowledge on certain subjects and my responses...
however, one meeting a week with therapists, one won't be able to tell what happens in between the tics, OCD, light and sound sensitivity, meltdowns and my dislike for most food textures.
I can’t help but notice Christopher looking so sad... I hope the best for him.
It can be really expensive and a lot of places focus only on children. That's my experience anyway
Nah that’s just his face
@@ixPeaCexi resting sad face?
SuperN0va I think so 😂😂
Hi is like the embodiement of doomerism lol
7:21 Joseph and his therapist doing their handshake is so cool to see
😭😭 I didnt notice that the first time omg aww
O that's his therapist xD I wondered why he never spoke xD
He do be throwing up his set tho...
I don't think that's a therapist. It could just be a Jubilee staff member. Not all therapists are comfortable being on camera
@@ameena6485 in 3:30 it said hes his behavioral therapist
Joseph truly mastered the art of making strong brief statements.
I love it
I can’t imagine having 10,000 thoughts on something to say but only being able to say one sentence
He probably has much more to say but unfortunately using an AAC device, even a high tech one, is very cumbersome and slow. Verbal conversation happens within seconds and creating a message with icons can take minutes to form
Ikr. He was so cute with his therapist in the background
but I feel like he wanted to say so much more and was frustrated he couldn't say more through the device
Controversial opinion: As someone with autism I would 100% rather NOT have autism. I would give anything to be normal and understand people. Autism made me permanently an outsider, delicate, an over thinker, a never ending stream of cringe. I'd sell my creativity in a heartbeat if it meant I could be at a party and not wear my heart on my sleeve.
I feel you. I know I should be proud of myself but I'd give everything to not be so socially inept and finally have fun with other people 😕
I get ya. I feel like I wouldn't be who I am without it but If I never had it then I would be someone else who also might not had wanted to change who they are. Like many others I had lots of problems with my social life as a child. Not just lonliness but very bad bullying and abuse. It really didn't do me any favors growing up like that so I often wonder if my life could have gone better had I grown up more "normal".
I'm autistic and very proud of it (I used to feel bad but I stopped because it's permanent and as I grew older I realized it's not that bad) but I understand your pain. I wish people talked about the flaws AND positives because Autism is a spectrum
Similar to ADHD, the "it's a super power" mantra only goes so far and only if people are willing to suspend disbelief and carry that thing around 24/7, constantly telling themselves that they're special in the best kind of ways. In reality, though - I'd trade my ADHD (and probable autism ) in a heartbeat for being dull, boring and "normal." Most people think there's nothing wrong with embracing and loving their autism or ADHD and they are 100% correct in that - but you know what? There's also nothing wrong with admitting that you hate it, and hate what it's done to you and wish you didn't have it. How you feel about your mental health is up to you and no one else.
@@Booklover-coffeelover you need autistic (and/or otherwise neurodivergent) friends who accept and like themselves. Finding five decent people whose brains strongly resemble mine, after I was past 50 (!) turned my life around completely. Strongly recommended!
7:23 Joseph having a secret handshake with his behavioral therapist is the most wholesome thing ever
Omg its awesome ✨
It's so cute like awww
He was probably indoctrinated into anti-cure by his therapist.
HONESTLY IM GONNA CRY ITS SO WHOLSOME
Wholesome
As an autistic person, I really appreciate this because so many people misunderstand what autism is like. I also like that a nonverbal person was included because they don't get listened to as often as autistic people who can speak.
Yess and Joseph was a total sweetheart!
I wonder if someone talks this boy listens and understands. If he is non verbal it meams he can not understand what he listens to? Or he has a problem only expressing what he wants to say?
Anastasia Tsvetaeva nonverbal means you can’t talk
Nonverbal autists are actually some of the most well-spoken and intelligent individuals i have ever witnessed. :o
Anastasia Tsvetaeva he understands what the say
Christopher broke my heart, just seeing how lost he looks ... when they asked about the diagnosis. i hope a doctor sees this a decides to give him the clarity he needs. 🤍
Marley Mederos i was adopted as a baby and we know NONE of my parents medical history so i’ve been tested for everything. it took 17 years and many tests for them to finally diagnose me with autism.during the years leading up to it i felt so lost
@@emmienicole9942 I'm glad you don't feel lost anymore!
@@emmienicole9942 I felt the same way, I was diagnosed at 32 and it helped explain SO much.
@@emmienicole9942 I felt the same way, I was diagnosed at 32 and it helped explain SO much.
Did you not see how he doesn't want your pity..
One of the worst things for an autistic person to go through is being undiagnosed throughout all of their childhood. For years and years as a toddler and a little bit older I showed SO many signs.. my mum knew something was wrong and so did my teachers but no one ever looked into it. It’s caused me so much harm for that reason. Had to leave school a few years ago because of it. Finally got a diagnosis a few weeks ago.
This was so similar to my situation! I don't want to sound weird but this comment was kind of comforting knowing that their are other people out there with a similar situation, it makes me feel less alienated. I hope you're doing okay now.
I’m in quite a similar situation atm! Teachers and my parents have noticed I have some symptoms of autism, Im getting tested soon 👍
Definitely finding out as soon as you can is best. I only now became aware of mine at the age of 37. I just thought my whole life i had bad anxiety and just generally thought different from people. No one including myself wanted to consider autism was the real root of the issue because I have high IQ and later became obsessed with learning psychology so I understand psychology really well which masked me even more even though just reflecting back it feels like i didnt hide it that well but people just didnt really understand high function autism til relatively recently. Knowing would have saved so many of my relationships with women and friends if they understood why I was the way I was.
Has your diagnosis helped you in any way a year later?
Same
My heart broke when Christopher said that people in the audience whisper “is he special or not” :( I’m glad he found something he’s passionate about though, I I hope acting continues is to bring him lots of joy 💛
As someone who’s autistic and had similar experiences in school, it hit me harder than it probably should’ve.
Witchsick no one asked
iAteABattery i did. i asked
Madison Tylyn
As a actor that should be taken asba compliment. He spreads mystery and gets all the attention.
Boys:
Girls: omg my heart broke when those mean people said that to you, don’t let anyone stop you from what you love ❤️ 💜 and that’s on periodt!
*”we are all special.”*
Joseph warms my heart.
But we are not are we......
zhain0 yes
@@zhain0 why do you think that?
right🥺
Joseph is so... wise
I feel so bad for Christopher he seems so nice and kind and he really deserves friends
He also said he doesn't want people to pity him.
@@joschistep3442 its more of pitying because of his autism rather than other things. like if I got a d on a essay I worked hard on and my friend says "I feel so bad for you" it wouldn't be offensive. i think duller is feeling bad for the fact that he doesn't have friends rather than his autism which I think is fine
Friends are overrated
@@joschistep3442 true- but that still doesn't negate the fact that everyone needs people who love them and "see" them in their lives
he wasnt happy being there it seems
I hope Christopher is able to find a doctor that gives him the right guidance. It sounds like his doctors have made him feel invalid for the way he is and that only causes more confusion. If “professionals” can’t understand you, how are you expected to understand yourself?
When he talked about his situation, it made me so sad because I am going through this right now. I have been in therapy on and off for a decade, so I've seen maybe doctors and therapists and a handful think I'm autistic, most think I'm not. However in order to get a full diagnosis, my parents or anyone who's seen me as a child needs to talk to a psychiatrist. I don't talk with my parents and I don't have anyone at all. It is incredibly frustrating how getting a diagnosis for a mental difference that cause you to be neurodivergent, still needs you to be typical in some way. I know I'm autistic somewhere but it feels like I have to put on a show in order for professionals to believe it. It's frustrating.
Kedia Ajax hi, maybe if you can get in contact with any of your teachers if you have old yearbooks or remember their names, they'd be willing to help. also, maybe aunts or uncles, an old family (or otherwise) friend, etc could help you out on that front.
@@silpae I went through the exact same thing. I'm a woman who was diagnosed in my mid/late 20s, and I practically had to BEG my psychiatrist for a Dx. I saw multiple specialists who refused to Dx me, sometimes for the most outlandish reasons... One of them literally said I was "too creative" to be autistic. (After I had gained as much of a Dx as I would ever get, I had a later psychiatrist who, after asking me for my medical history, told me to my face that I was not on the spectrum because I could "get to my appointment just fine" and it was "a made-up condition.") On the whole, I believe professionals never wanted to give me the Dx because, like Shaina, I grew up ignorant of my condition and thus have always heavily masked my symptoms for fear of negative repercussions. I'm great at passing for typical and it's my deepest instinct when in public at this point. Sad but true.
I'm honestly not sure I got a true, solid Dx from my psychiatrist at the time; I'm not really sure what that consists of aside from an MD/PsyD/PhD simply telling you that's what you have, which was all that happened (he just eventually agreed I met the requirements and asked if I was looking for any official/governmental? status as "disabled," which I was not). If it's something beyond that, I don't have one. But I did eventually receive specialized therapy for autism from another individual, and I felt that had to suffice for me. At this point in my life, at age 33, I have full confidence that this is who I am, and that's enough. That, in my opinion, is half the battle.
Having said that, I don't immediately find all self-diagnoses valid the way some people in the community do. I think valid self-diagnoses require at LEAST a year of self-questioning, research, continued re-testing of yourself using proven public testing tools available online to look for consistent results, talking to people you know (if possible) about your past and present behavior, etc. I did all of this for multiple years before even trying to approach professionals for their opinions-which was a HUGE reason I felt so angry that they didn't take anything I said (or even that my parents said) seriously.
But if someone has been through all that? I think self-diagnosis can be completely reliable, and is sometimes the only method a person can have of finally understanding themselves and changing their own life for the better. If this is what you need to rely on in the end, do not be afraid to simply accept the proof you have. It sounds like you have already been through everything you need to in order to know what you need to know.
If it's the categorization as disabled that you truly need in order to get financial and educational support, then that is a serious issue and I very much wish you luck!!! I also do understand feeling a deep need for universal validation by professionals, because I used to feel the same thing. But I don't want you to get hung up on that aspect. If that's all it is, I would encourage you to try and eventually let it go. You can find proper behavioral therapy without every MD/PsyD/PhD out there Dxing you, and if you feel functional without behavioral therapy, even better. It will take time, but search for that validation within yourself.
Sorry for writing you a book, but I feel strongly about this, obviously! Much love and good luck! Stay strong!
@@silpae When they diagnosed me with Autism they just watched my behaviour as a child. I know that it could be too late now since puberty can change it a lot but maybe try and go to a doctor. I went to this thing called a Revaledation centrum (also known as Reva) where they found out I had autism by my behaviour (I went to the reva because I was already diagnosed with DCD and Dyspraxie, which are very common for people with autism to have) (More info about the reva: they were psychiatrists and doctors that worked togetter.) I also understand the fact about putting up a show to proof that you have autism. I am actually feeling the same since I know that I have autism but because of puberty it doesn't look any more that I have it (I also learned how to hide it) My advice is to just be yourself.
This is my life. I got diagnosed and undiagnosed a million times with autism. I know I have it. My current therapist won't commit to a diagnosis because I have bipolar disorder (which a doctor also tried to convince me I did not have while hospitalized for bipolar psychosis as diagnosed by a more senior physician). Open the DSM-5; all those criteria for autism and bipolar I have. I hate doctors sometimes.
Also, can we just decide on a name already? Asperger’s, high-functioning autism, low-spectrum ASD: come on people!
One super annoying thing is that no one believed that I was autistic until I got a service dog for the bipolar disorder. A year into having him, most of his functionality is for my autism and nerve disorder. Whenever I mention autism, people say, ”Oh, that's what the dog’s for.” They don't doubt me anymore because of my dog, but for all the autistic people who can't afford to get a dog (thank you divorce settlement from my deadbeat dad), the disbelief is constant and painful.
Thanks for this video, Jubilee!!
this is the most mature group of people i have ever seen on jubilee
Yeah. It's the same thing for me at school. We have our mainstream and satellite classes; 'normal' and 'special' classes. Funnily, the kids with autism have a better grasp of respect and kindness than the 'normal' kids...weird. EDIT: It’s almost as if though the “normal” kids thinks they’re better than others, while the “weird” ones have humility.
@@bellamckinnon8655 Not really weird, no. What's considered normal in a broken system probably shouldn't be the norm after all...
We know how hard it is for anyone, and we are allergic to hypocrisy and pity, so we gonna straight-talk your ass out in reaction to it. We can be extremely direct which can make people think we lack empathy because it's also harder for us to express our emotions in ways that most people comprehend.
But basically : we are the one who freaks out to most people, but we're able to rationalize what happens in our brains, while most people actually freak out about it.
We are the ones who "act weird", while I can guarantee there is always a logical train of thoughts behind our actions (contrary to most people).
We are the one who are "invasive" but we are always extra-careful not to invade the private space of anyone without their consent and always worried to bother people.
I say, our society made people not be themselves, not taking time to listen to others, being hypocrites, and following the norm without ever questioning it.
That's why we are the weirdos, however, if you look at the most powerful people right now - aka the ones who control the internet - Mark Zuckerberg for instance have a full on 10/10 on autistic traits if you ask me - still is a complete asshole, but you get the point. Most famous artists, actors and comedians, scientists etc seems to fall somewhere on the spectrum. That doesn't mean we're better, we just have a different type of intelligence.
@@jas_bataille they were complimenting autistic ppl lol
@@ephalant Thanks man, I really was but they misunderstood.
@@bellamckinnon8655 My brothers is autistic and he’s nicer than some of the kids at my school
Why is no one talking about how amazing Bella is ?!?! She went from being nonverbal to participating on a popular TH-cam channel ! So proud !
Amy Ivany exactly 😍
@Nazmus Saquib Yeah, but that's still an amazing improvement, isn't it? 😉 That's so great for her! 😄
Nazmus Saquib lol
@Nazmus Saquib If you were ever nonverbal you'd know the even 1 line is an accomplishment. Progress is progress.
@Nazmus Saquib I know what you mean, I just don't don't think that's why people weren't talking about her, there were just other things to talk about as well. But this got over 1,500 likes so I guess people not talking about her isn't a thing anymore lol.
What she said about autism not being the obstacle ,but the neurotypical world around us being the obstacle. Now THAT was truth.
Did anyone else catch that secret handshake Joseph did with his behavioral therapist at 7:23 ?? My heart melted :') ❤️
Lily Kairis yeah I saw it I loved it
Omg that's so awesome ahah
How cute! 😍
(thanks for that!)
oh my GODDDD how adorable
Thank you.... Thank you for that!
Christopher really said a lot, it’s so hard for adults to get a diagnosis and to get support for autism.
very unrelated, but hello fellow sims 4 player!!
@Rebecca Hocker WTF? How people are like that???
Rebecca Hocker people still think that?
Rebecca Hocker that's terrible
@@xibalbamtg I very recently decided to finally pursue a diagnosis. I mostly put it off because I've spent my entire life explaining myself, people predetermined to not understand has made me not want to speak that much anymore. The thought of convincing specialists at 34 makes me want to cry. Alas, this past Monday I messaged my Dr for a referral. He replied, "it'd be odd to be diagnosed with autism so late in life. But I'll send you a psych referral to manage your ADHD." 💔 He's a nice guy. But here in the US it seems painfully outdated in autism research. Hopefully I won't give up... 😓
"We are all special" Joseph is too precious for this world
Yes he is
I'm the one thousandth like
Isn't that mean special becomes the new normal?
Josue Cordova right when Joseph came on I instantly was like, I like this guy
my man ended the discussion in 4 words the power
The issue isn't making friend it's keeping them. They asked a bunch of young people, I wish we had older voices in that crowd because I'm willing to bet the social butterflies don't keep in touch with all of their friends very often, or do it in waves, and forget about time.
Agreed! I am drained so much by social interaction, so I need friends who understand that. Which is why most/all (?) of my friends are neurodiverse.
@@lynnhettrick7588 it's like, you have to be willing to see me 7 times in 10 days and then 3 times in 8 months or we can't be besties. Not because I don't want to be consistent but because my energy levels are ... Not consistent.
That’s why it’s important to find people you could send two texts a year and it would still feel like you just met them
There are people who understand and I hope you find many of them 🌻
I have trouble making friends more, but I have social anxiety and social phobia, so that may be an exception.
@@cmool I tried specifically saying social butterflies so I wouldn't leave peeps out, but yea, anxiety will do that. It can also make them hard to keep when they are easy to make
For a guy who is nonverbal he has such a way with words
I salute to you man
Exactly. Goes to show that all means of communication are valid, and that just because you're non-verbal doesn't mean you're not a great speaker.
And it's a good thing because a lot of people think you don't understand how conversations work when you can't verbalize, but with the help of technology we can prove that our brains can often function just the same in terms of understanding conversations and having healthy discussions.
IKR I feel like he would be a really good writer
He could put 1 word and it would teach us something
Not really
Joseph and his behavioral therapist's handshake at 7:23 was so wholesome :) Thank you so much for 620 likes!
Yusuf Allam I’m literally crying watching that JAJA that’s so pure
I didn't even noticed it until I read your comment but yeah
Yusuf Allam they are gang
621 now
That is SO wholesome. I didn’t notice that until you pointed it out. 🙂
Joseph seems to be so wise but has a hard time expressing it, when he said "we are all special" that right there touched my heart.
I cried
its not like that particular sentence was unique or wise ive heard it like 100000 times
@@jisification9148 He said it sincerely with a deeper meaning. People who usually say that don't necessarily use their brain. Here's the difference. I understood it, you could too.
@@jisification9148 I think he sees it differently well everyone sees thing different
@@kiporaan um... he said it with a robot.. how tf can you get meaning out of a ROBOT
really late but, i cried part-way for no reason when i saw joseph. it means a lot to me to see someone who is on the more serious end of the spectrum present here because my brother stuggles the same way.
he isn’t able to use a device to communicate and is still unable to voice and form his own complete sentences. my parents struggle and fear that he might not be able to make much progress in his own mental health even with all the occupational therapy he’s gone through.
every time joseph speaks is a blessing, and it’s such an inspiration for me and my family to continue journeying with my bro, loved it :”)
The one guy who wasn't diagnosed and got different opinions from medical 'professionals' I feel you bro. IT HURTS.
they’re professionals for a reason. years of training.
@@nugget-bn8rp They're not infallible human beings. Professionals still make plenty of mistakes; lots of mistakes were made during my treatments and diagnosis, my files were lost, I was shamed, different psych doctors said different things, I'm speaking from my own personal experience. Where I live the mental health support is dire even before covid our area has been struggling and certain 'proffesionals' have really damaged my trust and caused self harm among other things. I don't want to argue with you, everyone's experience is different. But let's not pretend medical staff don't make errors.
@@nugget-bn8rp if you are undiagnosed you aren't autistic
@@yourtrappedinmygenjutsu not exactly, so you're saying if you get a diagnosis that automatically makes you autistic?
@@non_conformist4229 yes, that's what a diagnosis is. They are heavily regulated long test to weed out not non austistic. If you take a 3 hour long test and multiple Dr visits , if they state you are Austistic they are most likely right, its not something new and it is easy to tell. Now you can be high functioning like many. But if you have no diagnosis for being austic than you aren't. its a disservice to those that are. How does one assume autism ? Lol
7:23 *Joseph and his behavioral therapist just vibing in the back*
Probably the most wholesome thing ive seen today
Lol yeah that was cool to see em do that
Aww that's so cute and wholesome!!!
My whole heart!!! 😭❤ That was the cutest!
Needs Seasoning
Joseph says so little words, but everything he says is so wise and touching, even with less words
Yoda
"brevity is the soul of wit"
Fully agree
I agree
I agree
I'm not on the Autism spectrum but I am a member of the disability community and am neurodivergent and I can relate so much to this. The disability community is so diverse and beautiful and awesome.
IKR? So many different people with similar experiences. It makes me feel less alone.
❤❤❤
Autism isn't a disability.
@@raven4442 it is a disability tho..
@@raven4442 It is. you are socially disabled and many parts of how we function makes us disabled. I think my sensory overload issues ARE a disability. It doesn,t mean that autism being a disability is a bad thing
shaina was so sweet towards christopher when he said he wasn't given a confirmed diagnosis and instead of being rude she said that it was okay to not be given a confirmed diagnosis but he still believed he was
I don't know why, but that part made me a little emotional. Maybe it was Shaina's compassion and empathy.
It was the perfect way she asked the questions. The wording but also voice tone. ❤
@@evanrachelhood ikr and her sincere reactions and the way she was really compassionate about the topic at the time
In where I live, no one would diagnose an adult. Besides, it’s really not worth it to get diagnosed for most of us since that would even prevent us from getting health insurance!
why would anyone be rude about that, like tf???
I was pleasantly surprised they included someone who's non-verbal
GOD righteouss. read the bible and youll get what u need
@@thanos3839 what? What are you talking about?
@@thanos3839 what are you talking about-?
@@thanos3839 Why are you commenting this in every comment- literally stfu, hail satan tho
@@Bella04849 I love this comment lol
i love that they included two people that are/were nonverbal! it would have been super easy to just disregard that group to make it easier to film this but i’m really glad they didn’t!
amanda b two???
Yodel He hoo one of ladies said she used to be non verbal
yes i got so happy when i realized they featured nonverbal ppl! they get so little representation. and this video also showed how to interact with a nonverbal person for those who might be nervous about it (a lot of ppl are so worried about not offending them that they dont know how to interact, but ppl in this vid were super casual about it)
I was really glad they included someone who used to be non verbal and was able to move past it
Absolutely wonderful! As someone who has a sibling with non-verbal autism, I believe it is so important that they are visible in our communities and represented in media 💙
Honestly I feel really bad for Christopher. I know what it’s like to be “uncertain” whether or not you have autism or not. It makes you feel worse because you can’t tell whether you’re autistic or you’re just weird or different or lazy. And it’s hard to get clear confirmation. He even seemed to be like the outcast in this video, again, I know how that feels. I hope he’s doing well.
I had a client like Joseph. He didn’t talk, but he would always make me laugh. Miss that guy haven’t seen him in a long time.
I also used to work with people with autism and I thought they were awesome and some would just surprise me in a good way, except for one dude and his mom that would piss me off lol
I work with autistic kids now and it’s pretty difficult but I am also working with behavioral autistic kids
hi i’m here
Another BT here sending love to all of us out there. ❤ I've worked with kids all over the spectrum, and they all hit home in different ways.
bondai hello there
Joseph communicating “we are all special”. That’s exactly what I needed today. That you for that, Joseph. 🙌🏼
You needed a tired, transparent platitude today?
"that you for that"
@@erinsolomon8960 surprise surprise: people like hearing nice things and it can motivate them. Get over yourself.
Erin Solomon boy bye
I've always liked:
'you are special, just like everybody else'.
That always seemed about as close to the truth as a saying can get.
Thats crazy Joesph actually went to my middle school. He didn’t really have the behavioral therapist back then but im glad he does now since my middle school was kinda broke
really?
That’s wild I kind of want to talk to him and hear his way of thinking as in philosophically due to how he can’t speak he actually as to be smart so people don’t ignore him
Wow. Small world, small world.
Well I'm glad he came such a long way from then. It must've been so hard for him without the proper resources that he needed.
Legally the school has the pay for whatever he needs to be successful in school no matter the cost. It all depends on what was in his IEP and what the school decided he needed to be successful each year.
Can you guys PLEASE do a Autistic VS self diagnosed debate. The autism community has recently been divided due to a lot of diagnosed people having an issue with those who self diagnose. It would be a very interesting debate
asd comunity is inner rotten, they are the worse thing i ever see.
they insult you if you say something like "listen i can have mire than one interest".
i cut whole the comunities from myblife, they suck.
nothing with who is, is the asd comunity echo chamber that is rotten
From what I’ve seen most autistic people don’t have a problem with it.
As someone diagnosed, idc if folks are self diagnosed. Autism diagnoses are really hard to get
I am self-diagnosed with autism, and heres what I've found: Most professionally diagnosed Autistics are fine with people self-diagnosing, as long as they have done proper research! To me, self-diagnosing has saved me! I am no longer failing to be neurotypical, there is a whole knew identity for me! I will keep trying to get a diagnosis! ♾️
calling someone “special” just sounds so condescending to me
I think it really depends on how you say it to be honest. 🤷🏻♀️
Same I grew up being called “special” by my family and all it really did was hurt my feelings :/
@@bluejune2470 i’m sorry
is the term sped condescending?
Yeah same. I grew up with kids gleefully gossiping about other kids being "special ed" as if that was an adjective meaning someone who needed accessible education, basically "special" meant "everyone with a physical or mental illness, or who spoken english as a second language, or who was injured recently or just transferred in", basically anyone who couldn't "keep up". So what they were really doing is just tossing them aside like they weren't even worth talking to or understanding, like factory rejects.
In the real world, with chill, mature adults, "special" does NOT mean different, it means wonderful, kind, talented, and other traits that put your above the bar in terms of what kind of person you are... WHO you are, not WHAT you are. When people die, we say "My husband was a really special person. He could always light up a room and and make people's day better." We don't say "He was special because he limped everywhere and had abandonment issues."
Special can also mean unique, one-of-a-kind, in which case, everyone is special. If you put 100 people together, and start naming skills, talents, or other traits, everyone will be the best in the group in one category or another. Maybe Dave is the best veternarian, but Roger's the best barber, and Susan's the best woodworker, and Jeff's the best chef. Everyone is special in some regards, especially when you consider that all the traits exist in unique combinations as well. Maybe Peter's the best teacher, but he can never keep his classes organized, so he works with Wendy, who is also a good teacher but more importantly, also has great organizational skills, but she can't drive due to narcolepsy so she carpools with Lisa who's the best driver, and Lisa can't cook so her wife Frida does the cooking at home, but Frida's not great at childcare so she gets help from her dad Duncan, but Duncan can't do home repair so he hires Peter as a technician when he's not at the school teaching.
Point is, nobody's supposed to be good at everything, but everyone's good at something, and that's something that many other people re bed at! We're meant to be different, we're meant to work together, we're meant to be cast into the world like dice trying to get a straight in yahtzee. If we were all the same, everybody would just die, because nobody's good at even half the things required for a healthy community just by themselves. Also, we'd all get wiped out by illness like the original bananas.
Nobody is "special". There is no factory reject group. There is no outgroup. We are ALL outgroup. Every single one of us.
I feel so bad for Christopher, the doctors just makes him more confused🙁
Yeah, its heart breaking. He deserves the world.
The biggest issue for him is age. I went to get diagnosed for Asperger's in my late 30s... and I was told they can not diagnose adults. It was not able to be diagnosed when I was a kid.
this happened to me, its expensive to see someone, but you need to if you want a diagnosis. Thankfully as a child I had the opportunity to talk to a therapist, and they kinda did the same thing with me as with him, though I did get one out of 5 who was bold enough to say that he was certain I had Asperger's. The others were dodgy on the question and said it was possible I was on the spectrum, but also possible that I wasn't. It took that 1 doctor to confirm it for me, which helped me in the long run.
It makes me appreciate my early diagnosis of Autism a lot more
Emil dont pity him
"hEy LeTs bE fRiEnDS!"
"oKaY!"
God I miss when you could do that as a kid in school
extremeexecute 24 that’s actually how I mad my first elementary friends. And we’re still friends to this day
yall are having friends?
You can still do it, just expect drastically different results; and don't interupt the movie.
Now days you only make them in social media but never ever contact you smh
Yo I'm almost 30 and I still say this it works . Never stop!!!
It really is extremely hard to get a diagnosis. I'm 19 and have been trying to get tested for autism for around three years but couldn't find anyone to hear me out. It wasn't until I met my psych and she immediately said "hey, have you ever been tested for autism?" that I finally felt seen. However, it's still a two year waiting list for me to even be tested, after which I'll have missed out on a lot of resources that could've really helped me.
Joseph's behavior therapist and him doing their special handshake was the cutest 💜
My older brother has autism and we have our own special handshake as well. It helps to keep him in a relaxed or happy mood, so I smiled when I saw them do it because it reminded me of what I do with my brother.
@@giulianoavella4978 That's so wholesome, omg 😍
I was just looking to see if anyone else mentioned that! It made me so happy! ❤️
What's the time stamp?
Milo Moody 7:23 :)
i love that joe was nonverbal but had his messages come across so clear. my mans can’t b silenced
tututuims ieijebdo From my understanding of it, he is able to take in information and process it, but unable to verbally respond without some assistance. He would still be able to read, write, etc. Could be wrong, though.
tututuims ieijebdo Hey! Receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (communicating) are separate skills. I won’t claim to know exactly why Joseph doesn’t communicate through language but a few reasons could be, he is unable to due to speech impediments or apraxia (unable to physically produce sounds even if they KNOW what they want to say) Another could simply be anxiety! Some people with autism specifically may only chose to speak around family or close friends. Hope this was helpful!
Can't be silenced he's non verbal for fuck sake dammit low iq individuals
@tututuims ieijebdo our brains just won't begin the function of talking I guess and when I go semi verbal it's really had to forge myself to have conversations
I@tututuims ieijebdo I don't really know anything about it but im guessing its like learning a language. You first learn how to read, write, and listen to people but speaking is way more difficult.
Joseph is so wise with words lol he said everything everyone thought in the best way possible, adore him
Agreed. He was really good at summarizing things in an easily understandable way. Goes to prove that just because you're non-verbal doesn't mean you can't have a way with words.
He seems like a real sweetheart. That smile. ☺☺☺
Yeah I was impressed. He always seemed to cut straight to the heart of the message most people were trying to say.
I imagine typing on that thing is a pain in the ass though, so maybe he's become so concise as a necessity.
Proliferating Profligate That seems very likely.
You can tell he's a zoomer, always playing on his bloody phone...
I absolutely LOVE Shaina's and Yoni's vibe. I love how everyone listens to each other and interacts. they all seem so sweet, I wish them nothing but the best
I hate when people tell me we're all a little autistic it's disrespectful to me and everyone else who has it
Fr I hate it when ppl say that
true
Yeah, I've had this twice, both times by support teachers....
I completely agree people think it makes us feel better but it’s assuming we don’t like that we have autism which always makes me think what’s wrong with having autism
@@jessicaweatherhead7927 yassss PERIODT
The girl with the long skirt was so pretty, and those makeup skills damn
Eh Jai is hotter
Mazer Wolf nah
Peter Griffin hey that's me
Yes! I want to be her friend, even anybody on this video they all seem so different and interesting people to be around
@@SHRIIMPSUCKS do you skate? i saw those kinda beat up vans and the graphic tee and the whole aesthetic is skater-ish
I hope the unofficially diagnosed fella on here gets someone put into his path that can help him feel less isolated and give him an accurate diagnosis...I felt his extreme anxiety and that's a terribly lonely place to be, especially at 38.
he lyin
Bruh, when Shaina hit him with the "What do you believe?" at 8:08, I felt that.
Honestly, a lot of people give self diagnosis flak because of internet culture of romanticizing mental illness. Of course I think that sort of thing is awful but self diagnosis can help put you somewhere on the path to get help, like that guy.
I think when he said that a few doctors told him he had it, that should be enough. Doctors can be wrong too, and there isn't a way of scanning the brain for mental illness to 100% prove that you do or do not have these things.
Traveling Artist Crow Yesh, a lot of people listen to the multiple doctors but don’t have enough money to get diagnosed. Tbh I think if MULTIPLE doctors say so then it’s probably true.
i think he also had trouble since he was a different age group than everyone else which could be isolating
Having or not an official diagnosis messes up so much with our lives. It's very clear by Christopher's answers how hard it is to be invalidated by doctors and people in general. I hope the situation has changed for you, Christopher, as it has changed for me from the first time I've watched this video to now. That time I really felt that, but now that I know the two perspectives it hits me even harder.
In elementary school we had a boy who was non verbal autistic and our school had a "see life through his eyes" day where we had to do things like. Trying to do fine motor skills with thick gloves on, or try to listen to the teachers talk with the music blasting. Or read with goggles that had Vaseline over them.
It helped us all see why he would get over stimulated and scream and all of us helped him and loved him until we graduated. I'm lucky to have gone through a school system that helped us understand these things better
where was that
Wow! That's awesome! Very empathetic of the school to do that
@@uncleratlice4814 Deez.
That's beautiful
Sarah Grund omg your school sounds amazing!
Being in this episode was an excellent opportunity to share my experiences with autism, and to meet other people on the autism spectrum. They were people I could relate to no matter where on the spectrum they were. Of course there is still the problem that I have not been formally diagnosed, and I don't know where on the spectrum I land. Hopefully there will be another episode on coping mechanisms for autistic symptoms.
I appreciate you sharing your perspective!
Thank you for being there and giving insight on your experience. 😁
Christopher Carroll i know what you mean about not getting diagnosed as my father and brother had to see multiple doctors to get diagnosed and we have given up on me even getting a doctors diagnosis
It was really great to see you in this episode. I'm 28 and I haven't been formally diagnosed, either, but I really feel that I have it. I related to a lot of what was said in this video.
Thank you for representing people without formal diagnosis it's such a horrible situation that's so misunderstood.
I love Bella. The fact that she’s 22 and in high school she was completely non verbal. Now, a few years later- not only has she grown the confidence to communicate but she’s communicating her feelings and opinions in a room full of strangers and cameras and to the world on TH-cam. That’s a glow up.
I also wish they had have acknowledged Joe more. When anyone said anything they all kind of nodded and said “yeah” or “exactly” ect. When his message played they’d stay silent and then the next person would speak. Maybe it’s the editing though.
Also I’d be friends with Jai and Yoni and Bella too 🙆🏼♀️
I totally agree, I wish I could have asked Joe how he felt about his communication. Does he feel more comfortable around people who are verbal or non verbal? How does it make him feel when people speak for him perhaps? He was so articulate and said some amazing things
I agree. Just because somebody is nonverbal doesn't mean that they don't have value.
couldn't agree more!
The best Glow up 💞
Maybe it's also because people with autism find it harder to communicate, so they just agreed?
I would just agree too, because he says things better than I ever could, myself i've never been good at talking or communicating my feelings very well.
Just watched this video and I literally started crying when Joseph said "we are all special". This melted my heart, all those people are so wonderful
It is sweet but its not true when you think about it
Like if everyone is special then no one is
@@bea2323 but all of us are special cause we are different of which other, this means that no one has the same characteristics, making everyone unique.
@@bea2323 That logic is flawed
@@ruanpierre2108 if e veryone is inherently special, then special loses its meaning
special implies uniqueness, but if we are all unique, then what's normal?
The person with the long skirt and killer eyeshadow: wow! I love the style. 😲
IKR? Immaculate style.
I don’t, but to each their own.
@@dreamwish286 cool
ikr she looks cool XD they all look pretty cool
Her hair style is very 90s
Ngl, I feel kinda sorry for Christopher, he looked so depressed throughout the whole video. I really hope he has gotten the help he needed since this video and that he is doing ok.
I think he was nervous in front of the camera
That's the worst point of view you can ever comment.
@@umanasilos2311 wth?
It is really hard trying to seek help or support for invisible stuff 💞 Hopefully we will become more aware of invisible differences and adjust so that everyone feels more comfortable and empowered
Autism and depression go hand in hand, unfortunately
i love how they showed a range of people with autism! because usually you think of autism as just one type of thing and not the whole picture. nice job!
HI FRIENDSHIPS 🐷🇯🇵
hey i love ur starkid pfp :D
@@BossGokaiGreen it a massive spectrum
@@lucyllewellyn2850 HI FRIENDSHIP 🍼🐷🇯🇵
Either the majority of these people are not autistic, or we all are. Autism is like bipolar, is like ADHD: they've become "trophy conditions" and nobody gets extra attention by hearing (or makes any money by saying), "There's nothing wrong with you."
i was diagnosed with autism at 13. when that girl said that making friends was easy at first but gets more complicated as the friendship gets deeper, she described my whole situation. also, how she said that usually people are shocked when i say i have autism because i grew up my whole life masking
I think what Joseph meant by "my mind and body work against each other" is like how he obviously is highly intelligent, but he isn't able to speak and he has tics. So his mind functions highly but it's not translating physically. At least that's what I think.
He stims a lot is that what you mean by tics?
@@amaeliss7827 some of his movements resembled tics more than stims, but it could be either.
I'm guessing he has apraxia. Most highly intelligent nonverbal autistic people have apraxia. It's a motor planning problem where the brain has trouble translating intention into action.
I knew a building engineer with a similar issue
@@ettinakitten5047 I actually didn’t know that was a thing. Thanks for telling me!
Joseph is cool.
Maybe he is non verbal, but that does not mean he's not understanding.
On the contrary, I feel his non-verbality makes him a better observer and that's why he's got the right words for the right moment.
He seizes what other people miss when communicating, just because being verbal takes up so much of our conscious effort.
Agreed
i agree, i also loved that his responses were different from others! his observation awareness is amazing
Mate you don't have to pity him.
I find people listen to respond rather than to actually understand. They don't really consider what they say. Myself included, but I'm working on it.
i would be friends with him, i think the text-to-speech voice is funny and calming, i dont know why.
“Don’t pity me...be with me.”
That's a great quote. That's my philosophy when I hang with my bros. I dont pity them I hang with them. Their my bros for life
I do understand that feeling... it frustrates when it’s repeatedly said by several people.
@Pagani Zonda because you don't understand what he really says and you make absolutely no effort. Try harder or don't try at all.
Pagani Zonda calm down edge lord
@Pagani Zonda Everything he said had meaning. I'd be embarrassed if I were you; to admit that your understanding is so shallow.
I am not ashamed i have autism.
I am upset that i struggle to fit in a neurotypical world.
Why would i be ashamed of being smart?
Its not my fault people are scared of those who are different.
Quien te creí po wn xd
@@MSRLRif I had autism I would be proud of it. Instead of autism, I have stutter
‘i dont think that being not autistic would make me love myself suddenly” i got chills
Why
wear a sweater or something
💯
@@seppuku6230 💀
Yeah, big sad on that one. :(
please don't dehumanize joseph. he seems very sweet but many of the comments i'm seeing are really condescending. you're talking to a human, not to a pet.
Hey, I reject the notion that humans aren't animals.
@@k-leb4671 we are animals, but i think you get what i mean
Completely agree, but some people in my reply section have a hard time with that somehow smh
Like I just say, hey guys, as an autistic person myself, don’t call us adorable like Joseph is a grown intelligent man so don’t treat him like a baby or a puppy. And people are like “there’s nothing wrong with calling an autistic person adorable! I mean I’m not autistic but it doesn’t seem harmful, it’s just a compliment!”
@@cass3655 Yesss!! Thiss! This entire comment section!
7:24 I loved that little secret handshake Joseph and his behavioral therapist did right there
I saw that too
You can’t know about it because it’s an Austistic thing.
@@nightslasher9384 ??
Froufrou Deluxe i didn’t even notice that! that’s so cute omg!
My son has a behavioral therapist and this guy reminds me of him. It’s so cute.
protect Christopher at all costs he seems like such a genuine souls as fellow actor with adhd he is so inspirational
Not to pick favorites....
*But Joseph is a real G.*
Im team Shaina.
Joseph’s the man
Well now we’re all picking favourites 😂
especially the lil handshake he done at 7:22, dope asf
no cap bro joseph was a G
Can we just talk about how cool Shaina's whole outfit is? The hair, the makeup, the jewelry, the clothes, the shoes, it's all such a vibe.
We all fell in love with her a little bit
exactly!
Love her and Nina in their channel Party trick astrology.
Yup that's like her aesthetic..love it
I think she kinda looks like Kaylee Bryant
the girl in the skirt is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. HER STYLE, MAKEUP AND EVERYTHING is so cool
I just love how wholesome she comes off haha.
Everything about her is gorgeous
They all are.
right like they’re super gorgeous
Masking at its finest.
The individual who is nonverbal had the most insightful and incredible things to say.
Should’ve been titled “People on the spectrum on the spectrum”
The Shinoobi ahahah 👌🏼
OH MY GOSH--
Nice one😂
Oh
Yassssss
Reapect for Christopher and Jai for doing something like this despite their social anxiety. I have real bad social anxiety and can’t imagine doing something like this.
Straight up would have a meltdown. Especially being undiagnosed, I'd be so scared to do something like this. Years back I went to a conference of people with autism which was nerve-racking without a diagnosis but was so pleasantly surprised to find that most of the people in the room hadn't been able to be diagnosed. It was a huge comfort but I would still be so anxious on this level of publicity.
me too
I'm not autistic but I had horrible social anxiety in high school. Like stomach pains, nearly crying, red face, nausea, skipping 40 days out of like 90 in a semester type social anxiety. I've naturally gotten out of it for the most part thankfully, but I would never ever do that even if they paid me like a million dollars. So yeah, I really respect them.
i can't either i would be a nervous wreck my symptoms are so horrible
Same
I really appreciate how passive Joseph's therapist is in this video. I kinda expected them to lead Joseph back and forth and I was pleasantly surprised that they really seemed to respect Joseph's authority in the situation and actually just were a helpful background person
Yea, I was thinking the same thing!
For real. He was kinda just chillin in case he needed him.
that's how all behavioral therapists should be!
@@ssmarissa21 Very true. Looks like Joseph is very lucky to have such understanding support.
Makes me happy that angels do exist.
I truly hope Christopher is able to get a diagnosis ( if he wants it ) so he can gain access to any extra support he might need
"I don't think being not autistic would make me love myself suddenly" can we all just applaud Jai? Also all Joseph's answers are spot on
Why applaud, that's obvious lol
"I don't know anyone who'll give me one."
My heart shattered at this.
I feel bad and understand what he is going through. My son has recently been diagnosed with autism and I’ve noticed we have a lot of the same struggles and traits. I struggled a lot as a child and know one seemed to understand me. I was the weird one. My mother took me to all of these specialists and I was diagnosed with several learning disabilities but I can’t help but wonder if I was misdiagnosed. I’ve been trying to find specialists that also test adults but it’s difficult to find and the process is expensive.
It is because diagnosing autism in adults is hard or even impossible, they diagnose children before they have a chance to adapt and hide it. This is very well known.
I feel like his parents didn’t look into his development as much.
Yayah Evans But at 38 he’s the eldest in that group - people forget that awareness and knowledge of such conditions back in the 1980’s and earlier were less than they are now. It’s the same with mental health disorders, it’s the same with transplants, the same with HIV Treatments - as the years and decades progressed, physicians and psychologists learned more about these conditions. We take it for granted that autism is easy to spot or diagnose, we take it for granted that there are sufficient numbers of medical staff trained enough in that area to be able to diagnose those affected. We take it for granted that there is help that the state can provide (at least here in the UK) to help the affected fulfil their academic potential, help them develop coping methods and help them and their families live a decent life. It wasn’t like this pre-1995...
I was 46 when I was being treated for severe depression when my ergo therapist asked if I had been diagnosed. I had been seeing psychologists and psychiatrists for the best part of 15 years up to that point, it was only that she had spent many years as a live in therapist for an autistic child, that she noticed me. When I was with her doing arty stuff for the first time in my life; I had unconsciously let my guard down as I was so absorbed with the creativity, and she saw me. She also taught me that asymmetry is beautiful :)
I still have not been diagnosed, not even my psychiatrist can push for one. A diagnosis will not change who I am, but will allow me to get specific therapy to help me cope with the real world, a world I still do not understand after 49 years.
I felt bad for Christopher. I just.... understand his brain. He feels like he's being cut off all the time... he never had someone actually listen to him.
I just cried for him
Exactly, it seemed like he had so much to say and this video didn’t have the space or patience for it...not that it was a bad video, or the framework of the film was faulty...It’s the look in his face, and the way his words trail off. Christopher has to much to offer but hasn’t had the platform to share. It leaves you wanting to hear more. I want to hear what he really thinks about all of these things.
I feel a one-on-one interview would be best with Christopher, so he can share his thoughts patiently and actually have time to think about the topic. I feel like he is very intelligent, and he has many thoughts, but in these kind of videos there isn't enough time to explore them. I would want to hear a 1 hour interview with him to be honest
His twitter is @chrisconcord7
@@scoobybooby_ I cant seen to find it. He may have deleted it
Joseph has to be my favorite out of this group because he really reminds me of my older sister. She is nonverbal and her autism is quite severe, I would give anything for her to be able to use a tablet like Joseph so she could communicate with us better.
as an autistic person, it's actually lovely to see people stimming and talking about stimming. it's so natural for me to do but few people around me understand it!
agreed!!
@Roos Jonker ooh unintentional repetition of words/sounds/phrases or movements is actually a seperate thing but its still associated heavily with autism, those are usually referred to as echolalia and echopraxia
@Roos Jonker nah, your English is very good, actually. :D
I agree I'm not diagnosed with autism but I do stum when I get really excited or happy I usually flap my arms
I wanna just have a stim party one day i love stimming
They should definitely do a “Do people with eating disorders think the same”
Leona McGann omg yes
"do celebs think the same" would also be very interesting but I think they're too "famous" to do this
Maybe not "With eating disorders", but "Recovering from/recovered from eating disorders". I agree that it could be a very useful topic, but I think they'd have to be very careful with the people they chose for that topic. People who are suffering could be negatively suggestive in the video, but people with that experience behind them could provide a very valuable insight
Definantly NOT. People with eating disorders are very toxic and compitetive to each other. Even if they're in recovery.
Tora Stenkula I agree, but at the same time it would be good to shed some light on the eating disorder world. Although not many people are diagnosed and having an eating disorder is considered “taboo”, it is so much more common than people think. There is also so much false information spread and it would be really nice to have people that have actually gone through an eating disorder explain the facts.
I’m very glad that they included someone who isn’t diagnosed. People don’t seem to realize how HARD it is to get a diagnosis. It’s not accessible to a lot of people, even if it is very evident that they fit the criteria
Not autism but bipolar disorder and adhd, I was never diagnosed because my school was like: all is fine. I was the silent kid. I have been told by psychologist that I would probably be diagnosed with them if I did a test but they refuse.
@@user-dc4yr2ev5h Can you not get another doctor?
@@user-dc4yr2ev5h
“All was fine. I was the silent kid.”
You described me, my school barely knows anything about me, they don’t care. I think I have ADHD/Autism
I'm glad that he mentioned how he was self-diagnosed (but he also said he did try to get checked by many doctors? Not sure) because it's incredibly hard and expensive to get a diagnosis, not to mention there are cases where a doctor misdiagnoses their patients. I greatly appreciate how he was completely honest and I have a lot of respect for Chris. That being said, I think it's important to state that self diagnosis is only suitable as a last resort if one can seriously not afford it, and that self diagnosis should not be the ONLY method used for serious psychological conditions such as DID as they really do require professional help.
@@user-dc4yr2ev5h why didn't your parents catch it and get you tested?
I'm happy to see that the stigma around autism is beginning to end. Videos like these make people understand that we are not weird and asocial, we are normal people and we can be friends with you like anyone else. I have told my friends about my autism when I found out a couple weeks ago and no one was weird about it. They have treated me the exact same since then. That made me happy
I feel like autism screenings should be free. Imagine how many people spend money they can't afford just to be misdiagnosed by a doctor.
absolutely !
It can't be free unless the therapist/doctor works without pay. The alternative is funding with taxes, which isn't free but collectively paid. Not to mention having collectively paid programs will lead to a mismanagement of resources. Mental health should be more accessible although there're many issues people overlook with collective health care.
@@morphsuitmeele1171 you talking about the overall healthcare statement? If you were..
Europe exists, a lot of countries here have free healthcare and are doing EXTREMELY well
If you weren‘t then don’t mind this comment
It’s in most developed countries
I 💯 agree 👍 💯
OMG i am autistic and i HATE being treated like a child. I am 25 with a masters degree in Behavioral Health so its insulting to be treated like a child
@Wade W thanks!
@Shea Gaier, yes! Same here! Though I am a bit older than you. I have studied psych since 1998. It has truly helped establish things in my personal life, as well as satisfied the natural proclivity/hope to better understand the world.
@@drawncept8391 Thats awesome! My bachelors was in psych too! I feel the same way as you. I'm able to read behavior better than body language.
I'm always treated like a child too, I don't have autism though
@@sheagaier7582 agreed. One thing that I also do is connect pathology/phenomenon to theory/theorist and history/sociology/philosophy (etc) easily; it is very easy/natural for me to connect the dots to various phenomenon. Body language is easy to minimize or detect; it's easy to rationalize any number of reasons one may moving a certain way. I only became interested in body language when I began studying eye movements and handshakes, lol. Weird, yes; maybe you understand though, lol.
Can we take a moment and appreciate Joseph's handshake with his partner in the background at 7:20
I didn't even notice that. Wow that's amazing 😮 I can barely get my hand shakes down hehe😅
Omg thats so 🥺 he reminds me of my brother also diagnosed with autism hehe, he loves handshakes
HI FRIENDSHIPS 🐷🇯🇵
Pretty sick
It was so cute😂💙
The friends question made me tear up, they’re all such interesting people and deserve strong friendships
Any body see the guy in the back at 7:23 has his own handshake with his helper, so nice!
Greyson Speckhart aw so wholesome
:D
Omg i didnt notice it
My heart. So sweet. 😍
awe
Joseph: we are all special
That touched my soul
bruh have you really never heard someone say that
When Joseph said I want people to accept me the way I am....
*that hit hard*
Yes
Everything he said was always so amazing. I love him so much and wish they would be able to include him in more videos of he feels comfortable with it
@@orangepotatoe8737 fr he got some big big wisdom
BTW, I subscribed.
As someone who is seeking diagnosis at the moment, this was one of the best things I've seen. Mainly because it was ordinary people just being and communicating, rather than people performing a script. It was interesting even down to how everyone moved their eyes as they spoke, their tone being a little flatter sometimes than NT people. Also seeing how masking affects how much help you receive. I could see so much of myself in some of this.