Misdiagnosed bipolar at 17 after an attempted unaliving, 30 years later (and 3 years after my grandsons diagnosis) I broke down after the death of my mother and sought help from a psychiatrist who recognized Autism and ADHD immediately and sent me for a formal assessment... I was incredibly lucky to have found competent care that saw what others may not have.
I was misdiagnosed bipolar Ii at 19… spent most of my adult life on mood stabilising meds that never helped and hospitalised several times until my 50s when a psychiatrist assessed me again and said autism was so obvious that she couldn’t believe none of the many mental health professionals I’d previously seen hadn’t suggested it! So many wasted years 😢 I was also diagnosed with aphantasia and Prosopagnosia (face blindness) and a lifetime of confusion finally made sense! The meltdowns in shopping malls had a reason, not just random madness and can now be avoided with sunglasses and sound reducing earplugs (or better still by avoiding malls altogether! 😂) Getting the right diagnosis, even if it was 30 years too late, has been the best thing that ever happened to me because I can finally accept my quirky self and care less about how others see me.
My late husband was diagnosed with schizophrenia, then schizo-affective disorder then bipolar. He was also diagnosed with OCD, which he definitely actually had, in addition to his actually having chronic depression, this last of which he checked every box for on the disability forms, so that was what he ultimately (after over 5 years, his third time in front of a judge) received disability for. I’m now convinced he was AuDHD, like me, though. I knew I had ADHD, and wondered if he did, but he was already on so many meds, I never suggested he try medication for that, too… the meds gave him chronic heartburn, and also a disregard for real risks he was taking in life. He ended up dying of esophageal cancer at 44 after not going for the endoscopies he was supposed to, never properly diagnosed with ADHD or autism. I am now correctly diagnosed, but was never on the merry-go-round of wrong diagnoses and wrong medications that he was. Difference is, he sought help more than I did, and was more trusting of others… he wouldn’t be in your statistics. He was definitely a casualty of misdiagnosis, though. 😞
Thank you for sharing your story, and i’m so sorry for your loss.. Misdiagnosis can be fatal, hopefully more and more people will be able to get the help they need… ❤
what a timely video, thank you so much for uploading this. The grief of realising you've been autistic all along in adulthood is real, but knowing how to manage those feelings is invaluable information
lol... Common anecdote from late diagnosed adults: "Oh... you don't look autistic..." All of my friends and family when I self-diagnose: "Yeah, you just figured that out?" I appreciate videos like these, it is clear that there are more of us than was realized. When it all clicked it took me weeks of mental chaos. All of my personality traits that affected me over the years were categorized and linked and things made sense. I still want to get "officially" diagnosed, but cost is a major factor at this time, though I think it would help me get more assistance at work. Fortunately I have a good boss that has been very supportive and willing to work with me, but who knows what the future holds? Thanks for making these, I am certain these calm, logical videos have helped many people.
Thank you so much Thomas, being a late dx at 50 y.o ( this year ) you have really validated a lot of things for me, as i have been through these stages. In the last 9 months i have gone from utter shut down to now set up in a life that suits me better. took myself out of the regular work place routine to my own artwork space. It has become a hugely healing experience, i now finally get to be myself.
I'm unemployed and late diagnosed at the age of 24. I feel really bad about myself. Thomas is one of the best autism oriented TH-cam channel and it helps me more than all psychologist I met.
I only got my first job at 26 and diagnosed at 34. Please try not to feel bad about yourself. Especially doing comparisons with other people who are neurotypical. You will find a job and do everything step by step.
Being diagnosed in your 50s is a trip. The question now is what next, and the adhd part of me is fighting to make impulsive decisions. Fortunately, the autistic part (and my wife) are keeping it in check so far.
I'm in the same boat. I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD about two and a half years ago, a few weeks shy of my 51st birthday. It's been quite a journey. Not an easy one, but well worth it.
I am late diagnosed. My brother told me that he thought he might have autism. I found validayed scales online and took a few. I scored particularly highly on the CAT-Q masking scale. I started uncontrollably binging autism youtube and kept finding that the discissions resonated with me. I pursued an offocial diagnosis after a couple months of obsessing over whether I was gaslighting myself or not.
I remember going through a similar stage myself at uni, although I was diagnosed earlier on I didn’t realise how much more there was to being Autistic! I think it’s normal to be questioning in those early stages but I know even post-diagnosis there can be a lot of Autistic imposter syndrome. Thank you for sharing my friend 💙
I really value the content you make and the nuance you add to complex topics. You have a talent for weighing both sides of a debate that I think is really important, and seeing where there is value. A lot of content creators talk with a lot of confidence about topics that are not actually so black and white, and it makes it confusing to sift through ideas. You make things feel more like something complex worth understanding, and less like a side you have to choose. All that is to say you’ve made my late diagnosis journey a kinder process.
Thank you for this informative and thoughtful video. I was diagnosed a few months ago at 53 and have definitely felt the extremes of complete relief from finally knowing what was 'wrong' and on the other side, anger and pain over past experiences at the hands of those who should have been taking care of me. But, like you, i realized that anger can be like a poison if left unchecked. I want to live true to myself, and my true self wants to be kind, thoughtful, loving and non-judgemental in my relationships with others. Runaway anger would be a barrier for me to be able to accomplish that. Thank you again for this video. I'm going to implement some of your sensory suggestions. 😊
You really have hit on all the issues and challenges to help a person stay sane when confronted and coming to terms with a late diagnosis. How to be authentic about who you really are and feel good about yourself is so valuable to happiness.
After a thousand stamps of disapproval, labeling me everything from A - Z, and medications en masse. It only gave me scars, ptsd and obesity. I still have a need to make peace.
Your videos have been so helpful to me. Newly diagnoses at 52. When i first start looking for resources I often came across intense angry videos and was left feeling even more like I did not belong anywhere. So much seemed seemed angry and hopeless. Your videos come a crossed as open informative and calm. thank you for this one. After i was diagnosed my husband of 24 year left me telling me I had changed. It was easy to be angry at first. I was just asking for understanding and finding my boundaries. I was finally saying out load what I needed. I had lived my who life trying to to make other people feel uncomfortable. So I started putting my needs first. Some people in my life didn't like that and said I changed. You videos are helping me except that without bitterness. I don't need anyone to fuel my pain and disappointment. 😁 I just want peace and happiness.
I can identify with your story so much. I am 56 and just diagnosed this year. I am completely relieved to have my diagnosis and even am speaking out about autism at work. Not just for me, but other autistic coworkers. I never managed a relationship successfully and I’m ok with that now. I am still learning about what my boundaries even are.
Thank you so much for sharing this, it’s definitely an emotional rollercoaster for many and I remember the anger I felt when I first started learning more about Autism too… made it very hard to move forward and connect with people outside the community. I’m sorry to hear about your experience with your previous partner though, i imagine it must be devastating especially when you are trying to make positive changes. Much love 💙
Nice video. I really love the VOICE, very nice audio character in it. And your positive stand to autism, looking on the bright side of it. I agree that it is not that bad thing after all, we have some advantages over neurotypical as well. They are not perfect at all. Some more things to look around and pay attention. It is autism hunting season. They are everywhere . In supermarket, at work in administration, living next door to you, ..... 1. Forgetting to say hello or goodbye. 2. Walking funny. 3. Colourful hair and clothes. 4. Gender non-confirming. 5. Laughing at your own jokes. 6. Overexplaining. 7. Autistic people are flexible. 8. Inconsistent communication. 9. Speaking with an accent.
Thank you for watching my friend! I know exactly what you mean… it’s completely understandable for people to feel anger but those environments really hindered my own emotional state.
I think most providers have a propensity towards misdiagnosis. Most simply misunderstand what autism is thanks to 1) lack of proper education, and 2) lack of critical thinking, and they rule out the obvious (ie. autism) as something else that it’s not. For instance, most mental health professionals would immediately jump to thinking one has bipolar or schizophrenia because of (1) and (2). Further, schools often teach outdated views of autism, or rush through autism education, and students never learn enough about it.
Just some feedback...the switching between two cameras is extremely distracting for this style of video, especially since you visibly look at what ever camera it switches to - it's just very unnatural and I don't like watching the video part because I am constantly thinking about when the camera is going to switch...otherwise you make good content.
Idk, i dont agree with a cis man who was early diagnosed telling others not to be angry at the system when its still extremely sexist and causes a lot of harm. Like laying down and taking it wont change anything. Afab and queer people are mistreated in the medical industry all the time, and this is no exception. I think equality is worth fighting for
I appreciate your perspective but the things I presented in this video weren’t handed to me as part of my diagnosis. It’s a common misconception that being diagnosed early always gives you the supports and information you need, it was only when I started doing my own self-discovery and research that I started seeing positive changes in my life. The system is doing harm, but anger only serves to drive people apart and hinder progress. Real change is found in sharing experiences, understanding the unintentional ignorance that exists and advocating for that change. Living in anger is the not the answer.
I live in California. And It was lived experience. Covid 2020 I have another meltdown/breakdown and I have had break downs from 2012,2016,2014. I could’ve figure out why I seeked a psychiatrist and they diagnose me with Bipilar disorder and I as taking meds and nothing worked. Then my girlfriend who works with autistic kids. Told me she thought I was autistic for the longest time, and then I researched it and found out everything fit but like a few things I was like huh? And then realized my dad have adhd. And it clicked. But now I’m looking for a diagnostic center but everything cost $5000😭
Yeah, we have an autistic program here in AZ that is in the neighborhood of 2k, which all of a sudden sounds less bad compared to 5. Everything is more expensive in Cali lol. Good luck in finding something, my doctors tried the bipolar route with me as well and I flat said "No, I am not bipolar."
Thank you for sharing, yeah the costs can be enormous… makes sense why so many choose to self-ID instead. We have general healthcare routes in the UK but the assessment times can be years!
Misdiagnosed bipolar at 17 after an attempted unaliving, 30 years later (and 3 years after my grandsons diagnosis) I broke down after the death of my mother and sought help from a psychiatrist who recognized Autism and ADHD immediately and sent me for a formal assessment... I was incredibly lucky to have found competent care that saw what others may not have.
@@OutOfTheMudWellBEING same, bipolar at 20, same reason. Autism and ADHD is now the thing that makes perfect sense to everyone...
Thank you for sharing this, I’m so sorry you’ve had this experience 😞
I was misdiagnosed bipolar Ii at 19… spent most of my adult life on mood stabilising meds that never helped and hospitalised several times until my 50s when a psychiatrist assessed me again and said autism was so obvious that she couldn’t believe none of the many mental health professionals I’d previously seen hadn’t suggested it! So many wasted years 😢
I was also diagnosed with aphantasia and Prosopagnosia (face blindness) and a lifetime of confusion finally made sense! The meltdowns in shopping malls had a reason, not just random madness and can now be avoided with sunglasses and sound reducing earplugs (or better still by avoiding malls altogether! 😂)
Getting the right diagnosis, even if it was 30 years too late, has been the best thing that ever happened to me because I can finally accept my quirky self and care less about how others see me.
My late husband was diagnosed with schizophrenia, then schizo-affective disorder then bipolar. He was also diagnosed with OCD, which he definitely actually had, in addition to his actually having chronic depression, this last of which he checked every box for on the disability forms, so that was what he ultimately (after over 5 years, his third time in front of a judge) received disability for. I’m now convinced he was AuDHD, like me, though. I knew I had ADHD, and wondered if he did, but he was already on so many meds, I never suggested he try medication for that, too… the meds gave him chronic heartburn, and also a disregard for real risks he was taking in life. He ended up dying of esophageal cancer at 44 after not going for the endoscopies he was supposed to, never properly diagnosed with ADHD or autism. I am now correctly diagnosed, but was never on the merry-go-round of wrong diagnoses and wrong medications that he was. Difference is, he sought help more than I did, and was more trusting of others… he wouldn’t be in your statistics. He was definitely a casualty of misdiagnosis, though. 😞
Thank you for sharing your story, and i’m so sorry for your loss.. Misdiagnosis can be fatal, hopefully more and more people will be able to get the help they need… ❤
what a timely video, thank you so much for uploading this. The grief of realising you've been autistic all along in adulthood is real, but knowing how to manage those feelings is invaluable information
Thank you Matthew! Those negative feelings take a long time to process indeed
lol...
Common anecdote from late diagnosed adults: "Oh... you don't look autistic..."
All of my friends and family when I self-diagnose: "Yeah, you just figured that out?"
I appreciate videos like these, it is clear that there are more of us than was realized. When it all clicked it took me weeks of mental chaos. All of my personality traits that affected me over the years were categorized and linked and things made sense. I still want to get "officially" diagnosed, but cost is a major factor at this time, though I think it would help me get more assistance at work. Fortunately I have a good boss that has been very supportive and willing to work with me, but who knows what the future holds?
Thanks for making these, I am certain these calm, logical videos have helped many people.
Right, like do I want a diagnosis or a car? Cost is my main barrier as well.
Uh I needed this the timing was just right. Thank you
Thank you so much Thomas, being a late dx at 50 y.o ( this year ) you have really validated a lot of things for me, as i have been through these stages. In the last 9 months i have gone from utter shut down to now set up in a life that suits me better. took myself out of the regular work place routine to my own artwork space. It has become a hugely healing experience, i now finally get to be myself.
I’m really glad you’ve made some positive changes, thank you for sharing this 💙
I'm unemployed and late diagnosed at the age of 24. I feel really bad about myself. Thomas is one of the best autism oriented TH-cam channel and it helps me more than all psychologist I met.
I only got my first job at 26 and diagnosed at 34. Please try not to feel bad about yourself. Especially doing comparisons with other people who are neurotypical. You will find a job and do everything step by step.
I’m really glad Magnus! I never found therapy to be very helpful for me either, so I’m glad I could help in some way 😊
Wow, I didn't expect this to make me emotional.. But I'm for sure glad it did
Being diagnosed in your 50s is a trip. The question now is what next, and the adhd part of me is fighting to make impulsive decisions. Fortunately, the autistic part (and my wife) are keeping it in check so far.
I'm in the same boat. I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD about two and a half years ago, a few weeks shy of my 51st birthday. It's been quite a journey. Not an easy one, but well worth it.
@@PaulaRoederer Its been a life changer for sure. Really help me learn who my real friends and family are.
I always so appreciate your measured, open minded, and balanced approach to your topics. Very much needed. Thank you!
I feel like this is both dark and uplifting at the same time, but incredibly well put. Thank you so much for sharing! 💛✨
I am late diagnosed. My brother told me that he thought he might have autism. I found validayed scales online and took a few. I scored particularly highly on the CAT-Q masking scale. I started uncontrollably binging autism youtube and kept finding that the discissions resonated with me. I pursued an offocial diagnosis after a couple months of obsessing over whether I was gaslighting myself or not.
I remember going through a similar stage myself at uni, although I was diagnosed earlier on I didn’t realise how much more there was to being Autistic!
I think it’s normal to be questioning in those early stages but I know even post-diagnosis there can be a lot of Autistic imposter syndrome.
Thank you for sharing my friend 💙
This is my experience now. Thank you. Recently diagnosed Level 2 Autistic....... while inpatient :(
I really value the content you make and the nuance you add to complex topics. You have a talent for weighing both sides of a debate that I think is really important, and seeing where there is value. A lot of content creators talk with a lot of confidence about topics that are not actually so black and white, and it makes it confusing to sift through ideas. You make things feel more like something complex worth understanding, and less like a side you have to choose.
All that is to say you’ve made my late diagnosis journey a kinder process.
This is the first video I watched on your channel and I like your calm and pensive style. I think I'll start consuming more of your videos :-)
Thank you for this informative and thoughtful video. I was diagnosed a few months ago at 53 and have definitely felt the extremes of complete relief from finally knowing what was 'wrong' and on the other side, anger and pain over past experiences at the hands of those who should have been taking care of me. But, like you, i realized that anger can be like a poison if left unchecked. I want to live true to myself, and my true self wants to be kind, thoughtful, loving and non-judgemental in my relationships with others. Runaway anger would be a barrier for me to be able to accomplish that.
Thank you again for this video. I'm going to implement some of your sensory suggestions. 😊
You really have hit on all the issues and challenges to help a person stay sane when confronted and coming to terms with a late diagnosis. How to be authentic about who you really are and feel good about yourself is so valuable to happiness.
Timing of this video couldn't be better Im 40 and was diagnosed 2 day's ago, thank you
After a thousand stamps of disapproval, labeling me everything from A - Z, and medications en masse. It only gave me scars, ptsd and obesity.
I still have a need to make peace.
Your videos have been so helpful to me. Newly diagnoses at 52. When i first start looking for resources I often came across intense angry videos and was left feeling even more like I did not belong anywhere. So much seemed seemed angry and hopeless. Your videos come a crossed as open informative and calm. thank you for this one. After i was diagnosed my husband of 24 year left me telling me I had changed. It was easy to be angry at first. I was just asking for understanding and finding my boundaries. I was finally saying out load what I needed. I had lived my who life trying to to make other people feel uncomfortable. So I started putting my needs first. Some people in my life didn't like that and said I changed. You videos are helping me except that without bitterness. I don't need anyone to fuel my pain and disappointment. 😁 I just want peace and happiness.
I can identify with your story so much. I am 56 and just diagnosed this year. I am completely relieved to have my diagnosis and even am speaking out about autism at work. Not just for me, but other autistic coworkers. I never managed a relationship successfully and I’m ok with that now. I am still learning about what my boundaries even are.
Thank you so much for sharing this, it’s definitely an emotional rollercoaster for many and I remember the anger I felt when I first started learning more about Autism too… made it very hard to move forward and connect with people outside the community.
I’m sorry to hear about your experience with your previous partner though, i imagine it must be devastating especially when you are trying to make positive changes.
Much love 💙
Nice video. I really love the VOICE, very nice audio character in it. And your positive stand to autism, looking on the bright side of it. I agree that it is not that bad thing after all, we have some advantages over neurotypical as well. They are not perfect at all.
Some more things to look around and pay attention. It is autism hunting season. They are everywhere . In supermarket, at work in administration, living next door to you, .....
1. Forgetting to say hello or goodbye.
2. Walking funny.
3. Colourful hair and clothes.
4. Gender non-confirming.
5. Laughing at your own jokes.
6. Overexplaining.
7. Autistic people are flexible.
8. Inconsistent communication.
9. Speaking with an accent.
Thank you so much for this video. I was in a FB group for a week and left. i wanted and needed positive info and it was not there.
Thank you for watching my friend! I know exactly what you mean… it’s completely understandable for people to feel anger but those environments really hindered my own emotional state.
Really appreciate what you do. It is great to hear a really balanced perspective. Testing lots of waters at the moment.
I think most providers have a propensity towards misdiagnosis. Most simply misunderstand what autism is thanks to 1) lack of proper education, and 2) lack of critical thinking, and they rule out the obvious (ie. autism) as something else that it’s not.
For instance, most mental health professionals would immediately jump to thinking one has bipolar or schizophrenia because of (1) and (2).
Further, schools often teach outdated views of autism, or rush through autism education, and students never learn enough about it.
You have great vids , but if you structured them more and they were in 15-20 minute range they will be much more watchable. Have great day!
I just need to know how to get a diagnosis.
step one: Quit drugs.
Step two: ?????
step three: Have someone diagnose you.
I just completed step one.
@whatanerd7628 I don't do drugs.
@@dreadpiratelenny1348 Good news!
you only have the easy steps left!
maybe.. idk what step 2 is..
@whatanerd7628 Well, crap. Might as well do drugs, then.
Just some feedback...the switching between two cameras is extremely distracting for this style of video, especially since you visibly look at what ever camera it switches to - it's just very unnatural and I don't like watching the video part because I am constantly thinking about when the camera is going to switch...otherwise you make good content.
Hey, that’s my story
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Idk, i dont agree with a cis man who was early diagnosed telling others not to be angry at the system when its still extremely sexist and causes a lot of harm. Like laying down and taking it wont change anything. Afab and queer people are mistreated in the medical industry all the time, and this is no exception. I think equality is worth fighting for
I appreciate your perspective but the things I presented in this video weren’t handed to me as part of my diagnosis. It’s a common misconception that being diagnosed early always gives you the supports and information you need, it was only when I started doing my own self-discovery and research that I started seeing positive changes in my life.
The system is doing harm, but anger only serves to drive people apart and hinder progress. Real change is found in sharing experiences, understanding the unintentional ignorance that exists and advocating for that change. Living in anger is the not the answer.
Video Suggestion: What if Religion was masking your autism diagnosis by That Autistic Black Man
I live in California.
And It was lived experience.
Covid 2020 I have another meltdown/breakdown and I have had break downs from 2012,2016,2014. I could’ve figure out why I seeked a psychiatrist and they diagnose me with Bipilar disorder and I as taking meds and nothing worked.
Then my girlfriend who works with autistic kids. Told me she thought I was autistic for the longest time, and then I researched it and found out everything fit but like a few things I was like huh? And then realized my dad have adhd.
And it clicked.
But now I’m looking for a diagnostic center but everything cost $5000😭
Yeah, we have an autistic program here in AZ that is in the neighborhood of 2k, which all of a sudden sounds less bad compared to 5. Everything is more expensive in Cali lol. Good luck in finding something, my doctors tried the bipolar route with me as well and I flat said "No, I am not bipolar."
Glad not be an american. Sheesh.
Thank you for sharing, yeah the costs can be enormous… makes sense why so many choose to self-ID instead. We have general healthcare routes in the UK but the assessment times can be years!