I was diagnosed with autism level 2 at age 64. I am 66 now. I am so clumsy I have broken both ankles, my sacrum, and several toes and sustained two head injuries for running into garage door, and I also bumped my head at the swimming pool and ended up in hospital with concussion. This is related to dyspraxia and part of the autistic profile which is why I don’t believe I need a separate diagnosis for it, but many do go and get one. I can’t see the point in collecting diagnoses for the things that are part of an autistic profile. I am often banging into things and are never without bruises. I have put padded corners on the corners of desks and benches in the house so to soften the blow, which has alerted me to walk around at a wider angle, so I don’t bang into them now. Sometimes these other things we were diagnosed with were not wrong, it’s just they are our co existing conditions to being autistic and the clinician did not pick up the main driver was autism. I was diagnosed with social anxiety and general anxiety and panic attacks when I was young. These are correct but autism was not on their radar. When I was diagnosed with autism in November 2022 at 64, the psychiatrist also diagnosed me with social anxiety and general anxiety. I also believe I have complex trauma and are being assessed for that later in the year. If I wasn’t autistic, I would not have complex trauma because it came about for receiving physical and mental abuse for my autistic traits from family, schoolteachers, and society for decades. I was successful in my career’s, but I was poor at masking. There is no such thing as high functioning autism, only the illusion it exists. High functioning is all about autism suppression, thus hiding autistic traits for the benefit of others. From what I have observed level 1s seem to be better at masking than level 2s, especially women. The more we mask the harder it gets to be diagnosed later in life. Because of the way I am, it escapes me how no one ever twigged. I realised I was autistic myself then sought a diagnosis.
I just got my late autism diagnosis on the 22nd of may 2024. Just 8 days ago. I'm 43 years old. I'm forever grateful for autistic youtubers like you. It means the world to me. Thank you. 🏆❤
Another wonderful episode (and I’m not even halfway through yet). Hi Gemma! Thank you for sharing your autistic journey with us. I subbed to your channel!
Think this is another episode regarding autistic folk and their tendency to drop things, bump into things and bruise themselves So relate to the dropsies, bruises and problems w spatial relps. Thank you 💞💞👊👊
I totally relate to the clumsiness and bruises all over the place big and small , and not remembering where they came from. I feel seen and understood ❤
Great interview Claire! So much I still didn't know about Gemma - and both of your advocacy is amazing! I never thought about it before, but I seriously dislike transitioning from cold weather clothes also! This was a very impactful episode for the interwebs and your fans 🤗
I think when we have a meltdown, we need to own it. After all it is a part of who we are, and it is different than to what the majority of people may experience. Just because others may not understand it, we can't go and say that we are entitled to have a public meltdown. Rather, we have the opportunity to educate others in the process, or thereafter.
I wasn't aware of this body temperature regulation thing being associated with Autism. I'm not sure that I've seen any vids on it. My body is messed up. I'll be out walking, it's cold and I'm wearing a t-shirt, then it starts raining, i put on a rain jacket, it's 5 degrees outside, and then i start sweating profusely that I'm still getting wet inside from sweat. Can't win lol.
I love hearing your motivation Gemma🩷 I think it's so easy for those of us on the spectrum to look at the world in a pessimistic way, but you are always so uplifting 🩷
About the clumsiness, when I was very small (2-5 yo) my mom had to shadow me when I walked in our home because I would just bump my head EVERYWHERE and she was afraid I would hurt myself and also that social services would think she was being abusive with me (which she wasn't). In those times things to protect furniture corners from kids didn't exist readily or were pricey. Fortunately all my neurons are okay lol. Still today it's very common that I bump into doorframes and things so in my own home I try to push furniture against the walls and remove things around doors so I have a wide space to walk around, I also try to buy my furniture without sharp corners lol.
Just started listening to this and enjoying and relating. As far as bad spatial awareness... yep that's me too! Right now I'm sporting a bad skinned knee from one of my "moments". Always have bruises from my clumsiness. 😊
I got diagnosed in March when it was snowing. But I generally dress for the weather because I have POTS. I can't regulate my body temperature well. Summer is hard because the blood pools in my legs and I get dizzy. And I have to ride the bus. I like staying home a lot too.
Very interesting podcast. I did notice in the write-up under the video it says "Today's guest is Niese from the TH-cam Channel @GemmasJourneyGrace".... 😅 I think you forgot to change the name. Hopefully it can be edited.
@@WoodshedTheory I figured you copied the previous one and missed a change. I'm glad it's fixed now. 😅 I was listening at work and it was the end of the day so didn't say much, but I wanted to you let you know.
I was diagnosed with autism level 2 at age 64. I am 66 now. I am so clumsy I have broken both ankles, my sacrum, and several toes and sustained two head injuries for running into garage door, and I also bumped my head at the swimming pool and ended up in hospital with concussion. This is related to dyspraxia and part of the autistic profile which is why I don’t believe I need a separate diagnosis for it, but many do go and get one.
I can’t see the point in collecting diagnoses for the things that are part of an autistic profile. I am often banging into things and are never without bruises. I have put padded corners on the corners of desks and benches in the house so to soften the blow, which has alerted me to walk around at a wider angle, so I don’t bang into them now.
Sometimes these other things we were diagnosed with were not wrong, it’s just they are our co existing conditions to being autistic and the clinician did not pick up the main driver was autism. I was diagnosed with social anxiety and general anxiety and panic attacks when I was young. These are correct but autism was not on their radar.
When I was diagnosed with autism in November 2022 at 64, the psychiatrist also diagnosed me with social anxiety and general anxiety. I also believe I have complex trauma and are being assessed for that later in the year. If I wasn’t autistic, I would not have complex trauma because it came about for receiving physical and mental abuse for my autistic traits from family, schoolteachers, and society for decades.
I was successful in my career’s, but I was poor at masking. There is no such thing as high functioning autism, only the illusion it exists. High functioning is all about autism suppression, thus hiding autistic traits for the benefit of others. From what I have observed level 1s seem to be better at masking than level 2s, especially women. The more we mask the harder it gets to be diagnosed later in life. Because of the way I am, it escapes me how no one ever twigged. I realised I was autistic myself then sought a diagnosis.
Loved listening to this chat!! Interesting, relaxing, real, and inspirational. Thanks Claire and Gemma!! 💖💖
thank you for watching xx
I just got my late autism diagnosis on the 22nd of may 2024. Just 8 days ago. I'm 43 years old. I'm forever grateful for autistic youtubers like you. It means the world to me. Thank you. 🏆❤
Welcome
Thank you @@heedmydemands
I could listen for hours. IMHO, we autists create channels on youtube to inspire each other. You both did that for me today.
thank you so much
so glad
I was wondering if you were going to have Gemma on! Lovely chat.
It's always good to hear about other people's experiences and to recognize the similarities and differences that we might have😊
i agree
Another wonderful episode (and I’m not even halfway through yet). Hi Gemma! Thank you for sharing your autistic journey with us. I subbed to your channel!
thank you very much welcome to my family !!! xx
she is amazing!
Think this is another episode regarding autistic folk and their tendency to drop things, bump into things and bruise themselves So relate to the dropsies, bruises and problems w spatial relps. Thank you 💞💞👊👊
that is a good idea for a video for sure
I’ve never been like this. I always get tangled up in the hoover though.
Thank you for your fantastic conversation Claire and Gemma. Loved it! 😊😊
I totally relate to the clumsiness and bruises all over the place big and small , and not remembering where they came from. I feel seen and understood ❤
I think having your time out is actually being very respectful to others. I guess they just don't know/understand it in order to appreciate it.
Great interview Claire! So much I still didn't know about Gemma - and both of your advocacy is amazing! I never thought about it before, but I seriously dislike transitioning from cold weather clothes also! This was a very impactful episode for the interwebs and your fans 🤗
thank you for watching !!! i hope you loved it as much as me !!
So glad you enjoyed, Gemma is amazing
I think when we have a meltdown, we need to own it. After all it is a part of who we are, and it is different than to what the majority of people may experience. Just because others may not understand it, we can't go and say that we are entitled to have a public meltdown. Rather, we have the opportunity to educate others in the process, or thereafter.
No one is entitled to a meltdown but sometimes they happen.
Another wonderful podcast/guest! I always subscribe to the guest's channel and Gemma is no exception! 😊💚
welcome to my family thanks for subscribing xxx
I found Gemma and you around the same time. Love you both! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! 💞
I wasn't aware of this body temperature regulation thing being associated with Autism. I'm not sure that I've seen any vids on it. My body is messed up. I'll be out walking, it's cold and I'm wearing a t-shirt, then it starts raining, i put on a rain jacket, it's 5 degrees outside, and then i start sweating profusely that I'm still getting wet inside from sweat. Can't win lol.
❤
hi!
I love hearing your motivation Gemma🩷 I think it's so easy for those of us on the spectrum to look at the world in a pessimistic way, but you are always so uplifting 🩷
I had a great time talking to Gemma
I really love the podcast @@WoodshedTheory, the longer format and conversation really does feel more friendshipy for me🥹🩷
@@courtney9212 i'm so glad you like it!
thank you very much so glad it was helpful !!!
About the clumsiness, when I was very small (2-5 yo) my mom had to shadow me when I walked in our home because I would just bump my head EVERYWHERE and she was afraid I would hurt myself and also that social services would think she was being abusive with me (which she wasn't). In those times things to protect furniture corners from kids didn't exist readily or were pricey. Fortunately all my neurons are okay lol. Still today it's very common that I bump into doorframes and things so in my own home I try to push furniture against the walls and remove things around doors so I have a wide space to walk around, I also try to buy my furniture without sharp corners lol.
Just started listening to this and enjoying and relating. As far as bad spatial awareness... yep that's me too! Right now I'm sporting a bad skinned knee from one of my "moments". Always have bruises from my clumsiness. 😊
This was very inspiring!
so glad you enjoyed
I'm so glad to find someone who was later diagnosed who does not have a degree.
Gemma is an amazing person, I highly recommend checking out her channel
I got diagnosed in March when it was snowing. But I generally dress for the weather because I have POTS. I can't regulate my body temperature well. Summer is hard because the blood pools in my legs and I get dizzy. And I have to ride the bus. I like staying home a lot too.
I have heard that many ladies on the spectrum have pots - I would be interested in learning more about that. Thanks for sharing with us :)
@@WoodshedTheory I would be willing to share more about POTS. It is more common in autistic people. Especially women.
Very interesting podcast.
I did notice in the write-up under the video it says "Today's guest is Niese from the TH-cam Channel @GemmasJourneyGrace".... 😅 I think you forgot to change the name. Hopefully it can be edited.
Good catch thank you I fixed it!
@@WoodshedTheory I figured you copied the previous one and missed a change. I'm glad it's fixed now.
😅 I was listening at work and it was the end of the day so didn't say much, but I wanted to you let you know.