I have an amazing 8 year old autistic daughter and autistic husband, and feel privileged to see the world outside the box with them. Your videos help me so much. Thank you for putting yourself out there on this channel 😊
Diagnosed just over a year ago at age 33. Growing up with all the struggles, knowing you’re different but not realising there was a reason why leaves a trauma I’m still coming to terms with. Gradually becoming to understand myself better, speak up a bit more when I need help, and be kinder to myself. It’s a long process…
I am 56 and when I was growing up autisim was thought to only be in males. I struggled with my differentness but never imagined autisim was the answer. But last year I accidentally watched a video about women with autsim and the light went on! Nothing has really changed but I feel less guilt and less stress and now I have no problem claiming my space! Peace!
@@wisecoconut5 yes there are generations of us who grew up in a time when Asperger’s type autism wasn’t recognised at all and certainly not in females for a long time after that. I’m glad you too have found some peace and understanding.
I was going to ask if it made a difference, I'm 31 and undiagnosed but this isn't new to me. I've suspected I'm autistic since I was 15 years old after meeting my step-brothers friend who was autistic. I almost got assessed when I was 17 but I never turned up to my appointment with the psychologist because It stressed me out so much especially after my appointment with a counsellor which was a horrible experience. I like to compare it to going to see a psychic medium. They're paid to say what you want to hear. I don't think it helped I didn't know how I felt, I was emotionless when telling her about the bullying and abuse and she kept telling me I wasn't "letting her in" after telling her about the darkest moments of my life. I didn't realise it at the time but I don't process emotions the same as most other people. I was confused that I'd told her all this stuff and got accused of "putting up a wall" and essentially hiding things. I told her about sexual abuse too. My psychology is so complicated though. I can imagine when I do finally get to see a psychologist they'll just obsess about the sexual abuse. I wasn't really any different with my struggles with social situations before the abuse took place, if anything that happened because I was easily manipulated and overly trusting of other people. (The abuse was committed by people of the same age group who was below the age they would see legal consequences for their actions, I was interviewed by the police, I told them everything and they started an investigation by social services into the families involved which made the bullying worse).
I self diagnosed myself two years ago and got a professional diagnosis exactly two weeks ago today. This discovery helped me understand and like myself for the first time in my life. My self esteem was terrible before this because I felt like Mt struggles were my fault because no one else seemed to be struggling.
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. 🏆❤
You're really speaking from my soul here. I've been diagnosed a year ago just before my 27th birthday and it really has been the best day of my life. Since then I've started to understand so much about my life, both prior to my diagnosis and since then. And not having to beat myself up over all the situations that happened because of my autism is a huge life changer. It doesn't mean that similar situations won't happen again, for example where I'm too burnt out and out of energy for social situations or going to work, but I don't have to beat myself up over it and telling myself I'm not good enough making it worse additionally. I'm still very ambitious and won't hold back or avoid situations that I know will be very challenging for me. But even just knowing that something will be challenging for me, allows me to prepare mentally and find solutions that will work for me and still get the job done. All in all this diagnosis allowed me to find different solutions for reaching my goals instead of trying and failing to reach the goal the same way that everyone else does.
100% agree. I actually emailed the specialist who diagnosed me to thank them (a bit over profusely) for what they had done for me and how much I appreciated it. A year later I am still buzzing to be autistic. I do realise how weirdo that sounds but if people don't like it they can just about suck it up 🤟 You look good Olivia as always. 💙 from Glasgow Scotland 🏴
About a year ago I stumbled onto your channel. I started watching your videos and realized this is what my 14 yr old daughter was wrestling with her whole life. She recently got diagnosed and it’s such a relief and so healing for her to hear there’s never been anything wrong. She just has autism. Your videos also allow me a peak into how she might be feeling. I’ve been able to use your content as a jumping off point to ask my daughter questions and have meaningful conversations and really get to know who she is and how I can help her navigate life. So thank you thank you thank you!! I can never thank you enough but you have saved one family from many more years of heartache ❤
My recent diagnosis felt right, like all the puzzle pieces fitting perfectly together. Everything felt right. I'm still processing my memories and past experiences with my autism lenses on.
Thank you. I choked up a bit because... I literally am this lol. I was diagnosed October '22. And good things have been happening since then. Life feels, magical now. I'm just, happy being alone and not needing relationships. They are too much for me. And that is okay :)
My daughter is 23 and got diagnosed 2 years ago. We’d been trying to get her diagnosed since she was 15. So it was a relief for the both of us when she got diagnosed. Like we got the answers why she acted the way she did. We had looked up autism. My daughter also gets ticks in certain situations. Olivia thank you so much for your post they have helped so much.
I had to self diagnose so I didn't get much information or support. For me one of the biggest issues was overcoming the false stigma society puts on autistic people, especially around vaccine misinformation. I spent two months repeating the mantra "I'm AWE-tistic!" and reading articles from websites like "Embrace Autism" to overcome the internalized stigma. I now have the language I need to keep myself and others safe. I also know to check in with my body because I have the ability to overwork it and cause harm without realizing. I can finally learn how to eat food and drink water properly.
Same - same. I usually drink enough water, living in Florida forced me to learn this. But eating? If I'm not mindful, I can avoid eating until I have bad low blood sugar symptoms: dizzy, light headed, tired... God bless you.
I want to get assessed but every psychology clinic in my area charges $2300-$2500 AUD for ASD assessment. It's a lot of money, I don't know if I can justify it just to know something.. I also think I would be quite nervous. I love this video so much though and you are so lovely, I love your videos and the joy you spread. Let's keep being kind to ourselves!
Diagnosed at 61, best thing ever. Everything fell into place. There was some sadness, as to it would have been nice to be have diagnosed as a child, but different times.
Congrats on your diagnosis! That’s actually a super good point that I totally forgot to mention. I’ll have to make it it’s own video because I feel like that’s important to discuss, too.
@@user-wd8wx5md5z The biggest plus for me, is that now I can get out of my own way, and stop with the guilt. Sometimes I just accept that I have limitations, and I’m good with it now.
If it's any consolation: in those times getting a diagnosis would really have been a stigma. There were no accommodations, as there are today (except for schools for kids with learning disabilities). Over on the Autistamatic channel there's a good video about him getting diagnosed in the beginning of the 80's and how it affected him. I'm 59 myself and I also thought that an early diagnosis would have changed things... it would have, but not for the better.
God I relate to so much of this, being diagnosed meant I finally felt that I was good enough, I was trying hard enough and that was truly wonderful. A lot of sadness came with it though if what could have been if I had the dx as a kid
@@OliviaHops I'm 68 and just figured it out. The hardest part for me is that I was oblivious most of my life as to what/why I was weird and it left me with a lingering sense of shame and 'not good enough' most of my life. And regret for the people I tormented with my argumentative nature and weird sense of humor.
I'm waiting for the assessment after self diagnosing this March and talking to my GP about this mid april. Self diagnosing made me be less stern to myself already, but I have the worst case of imposter syndrome so I need the official assessment.
I’m undiagnosed, but just knowing that I’m not alone in my experiences and thoughts about myself has really helped me a lot. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories! 🥹💙
I was diagnosed with ADHD in my 30s and after several appointments, it basically came down to the doc saying "yeah, you have it" and me looking at him, saying "I can respect that opinion and lean towards sharing it" (roughly translated from German) :'D I was disappointed that he "already" came to that conclusion and wanted more tests and talks lmao
Really enjoyed this one. I'm not diagnosed autistic, am bipolar,, but maybe I should be, as so much of this rang true for me. I did have trouble watching you though as the window behind you was so bright today.
I'm here for all the pearl love you've got going. I really think a huge part of my life, if not all of it, would have been entirely different had I, and others around me, known I was autistic with ADHD. I was misdiagnosed several times alongside of taking different medications & doing different treatments that would have never worked or helped because they had absolutely nothing to do with my autism. It really devastated my self-esteem, caused me a lot of issues in school socially and academically (poor executive function and focus for things I don't like), and I was obsessive about things and carried so much shame. I self-medicated quite a bit also. I actually still have grief over being robbed of understanding myself and what was going on. I also have anger because my ADHD was textbook outside of my being a girl, and I also have so many autistic traits, many textbook.
I am a 63 year old woman, who was just diagnosed as having autism last week. I'm sure my parents would have appreciated knowing that I was autistic when I was little. For me, at my age, the diagnosis just provides me with the answers as to why I've always been "different" with my peculiarities and quirks. I am thankful for what I have learned through your videos, and Orion Kelly's videos as well. I know that there are more out there who are sharing, but you two have helped me out a lot.
When I'm having a rough day I come to your Chanel sometimes for guidance, sometimes for comfort and sometimes just to investigate/further research and hear what it's like for you because I often feel similar to you and sometimes other autistic people are the only people I feel truly know me. Even though you don't literally know me. Strange isn't it. I feel like u know part of me no one else does and I know part of you. ❤
This is a great video. There's alot you covered that resonates. It took along time for me to show myself grace when I couldn't leave the house even when I knew I'd miss a great show or movie. I really liked that you brought up the Spoon Theory.
Even just the burnout I can still feel so tired some days that I don't wanna do anything and for years this was me without a medical reason why and now I know
Maybe if you send her a link to a video like Olivia's and say something like "I'll leave this with you, hopefully you will want to watch it so we can understand each other better and we can take it from there." I wouldn't force it down her throat but at least you're allowing her to take her time to access the information in a way that feels comfortable to her also and with that hopefully she will watch it. Perhaps she's scared or feeling guilty herself and it's coming out the wrong way to you. Either way, I hope in time your Mam will come around and want to understand you better. Wishing you the best of luck 🤞🙏🙏😊
I have found out about being autistic only recently so this is maybe more about dealing with people not being understanding of me in general. My mom isn't very nice either. I moved out of my parent's house ASAP (at 18). Several years later, I moved further away and saw everybody less often. At a very stressful point of my life and also being angry about some childhood stuff, I decided to reject my aunts invitation to a big family festivity. (So many people and so much masking...) My mom got angry and I went no-contact. Some years later, I contacted her and we talked about some stuff and since then, I visit every now and then. I try to draw strict boundaries about her trying to give me unsolicited advice, making me feel bad, or anything. Work in progress... I still reject invitations where I need to. What's your story?
These are the exact reasons I'm planning to get a formal diagnosis. My appointment is next month. I'm really hoping for the correct diagnosis. I am always questioned by my family and relatives why I behave a certain way during family gatherings. I never say a word, I keep going to the restroom to take breaks, I always sneak out whenever I get a change, I fall physically sick because I get too overwhelmed. I get scolded by them that I should interact more. My uncles even ring my parents up just to say that I need to be more sociable. It's too frustrating. I need this diagnosis as soon as possible so that I can tell them why I am the way I am!
Wow! I really admire your content… I am seeking an official diagnosis. Appointment in 2 weeks. I hope this doesn’t sound creepy (or maybe it wasn’t going to but saying that makes it weird…) but I feel like we’d get along! You have a bubbly personality like me and I relate to your struggles very much! Thanks for your videos!
Hey, I'm curious about your opinion. I'm also late diagnosed (got my papers in March). It was me who requested the evaluation so on the one hand it was kinda expected but still a little bit shocking when they delivered "the news". Since then, I started educating myself more deeply on the topic, joined some FB groups, read couple of books, like Neurotribes, and Tony Attwood's classic about Aspergers (yeah, I know it's an outdated term). Recently I found this guy called Peter Vermeulen who has this idea that neurodiversity includes autistic people and the so-called neurotypicals too. He has a book with a bunch of interesting research too (Autism and the Predictive Brain). Now my question: when I started talking about his ideas and the book in the groups I was immediately ostracized, and the reasoning was "this is not appropriate content" and also gained a lot of hateful comments. I understand the joy of finding something you can finally identify with but I just don't get this "us vs them" thinking. What good comes out of it? I'm curious about how you look at this topic.
first of all i would like to say a big thumbs up for the one you are doing. you are a rare and special girl. If you allow me, I would like to recommend a very nice book that has changed the lives of many people. THREE MINUTES FOR A DOG my life in an iron lung BY PAUL R. ALEXANDER
Can self harm be considered part of a shutdown? I have had issues with it on and off and I’ve noticed the thoughts get triggered when I get emotionally overwhelmed or angry. Also, having ADHD is also frustrating. It’s such a contradiction sometimes!!
Olivia you're not the only one that has Autism!! I have a little brother that has Autism and he drives me crazy!! I have a mild intellectual Disability and very healthy and independent I help out my Autistic little brother!!!
What a relief it was for you. I can relate a lot to avoiding those big ass family meetings, same story with me and up to now I've felt guilty or bad in wanting to show up but knowing me and my child will end up having a horrible experience. So, this encourages me to realize it's ok, if someone wants to meet we have to do it in smaller contexts:) thanks Olivia!
I have an amazing 8 year old autistic daughter and autistic husband, and feel privileged to see the world outside the box with them. Your videos help me so much. Thank you for putting yourself out there on this channel 😊
You’re amazing! And so are your daughter and husband!! God Bless and thanks for watching my video 🙏🏻🩵
Diagnosed just over a year ago at age 33. Growing up with all the struggles, knowing you’re different but not realising there was a reason why leaves a trauma I’m still coming to terms with. Gradually becoming to understand myself better, speak up a bit more when I need help, and be kinder to myself. It’s a long process…
I am 56 and when I was growing up autisim was thought to only be in males. I struggled with my differentness but never imagined autisim was the answer. But last year I accidentally watched a video about women with autsim and the light went on!
Nothing has really changed but I feel less guilt and less stress and now I have no problem claiming my space! Peace!
@@wisecoconut5 yes there are generations of us who grew up in a time when Asperger’s type autism wasn’t recognised at all and certainly not in females for a long time after that. I’m glad you too have found some peace and understanding.
I was going to ask if it made a difference, I'm 31 and undiagnosed but this isn't new to me. I've suspected I'm autistic since I was 15 years old after meeting my step-brothers friend who was autistic. I almost got assessed when I was 17 but I never turned up to my appointment with the psychologist because It stressed me out so much especially after my appointment with a counsellor which was a horrible experience. I like to compare it to going to see a psychic medium. They're paid to say what you want to hear. I don't think it helped I didn't know how I felt, I was emotionless when telling her about the bullying and abuse and she kept telling me I wasn't "letting her in" after telling her about the darkest moments of my life. I didn't realise it at the time but I don't process emotions the same as most other people. I was confused that I'd told her all this stuff and got accused of "putting up a wall" and essentially hiding things. I told her about sexual abuse too. My psychology is so complicated though. I can imagine when I do finally get to see a psychologist they'll just obsess about the sexual abuse. I wasn't really any different with my struggles with social situations before the abuse took place, if anything that happened because I was easily manipulated and overly trusting of other people. (The abuse was committed by people of the same age group who was below the age they would see legal consequences for their actions, I was interviewed by the police, I told them everything and they started an investigation by social services into the families involved which made the bullying worse).
I self diagnosed myself two years ago and got a professional diagnosis exactly two weeks ago today. This discovery helped me understand and like myself for the first time in my life. My self esteem was terrible before this because I felt like Mt struggles were my fault because no one else seemed to be struggling.
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. 🏆❤
You're really speaking from my soul here. I've been diagnosed a year ago just before my 27th birthday and it really has been the best day of my life. Since then I've started to understand so much about my life, both prior to my diagnosis and since then. And not having to beat myself up over all the situations that happened because of my autism is a huge life changer. It doesn't mean that similar situations won't happen again, for example where I'm too burnt out and out of energy for social situations or going to work, but I don't have to beat myself up over it and telling myself I'm not good enough making it worse additionally. I'm still very ambitious and won't hold back or avoid situations that I know will be very challenging for me. But even just knowing that something will be challenging for me, allows me to prepare mentally and find solutions that will work for me and still get the job done.
All in all this diagnosis allowed me to find different solutions for reaching my goals instead of trying and failing to reach the goal the same way that everyone else does.
I feel all of that so much. We really do get each other. 🩵
100% agree. I actually emailed the specialist who diagnosed me to thank them (a bit over profusely) for what they had done for me and how much I appreciated it. A year later I am still buzzing to be autistic. I do realise how weirdo that sounds but if people don't like it they can just about suck it up 🤟 You look good Olivia as always. 💙 from Glasgow Scotland 🏴
About a year ago I stumbled onto your channel. I started watching your videos and realized this is what my 14 yr old daughter was wrestling with her whole life. She recently got diagnosed and it’s such a relief and so healing for her to hear there’s never been anything wrong. She just has autism. Your videos also allow me a peak into how she might be feeling.
I’ve been able to use your content as a jumping off point to ask my daughter questions and have meaningful conversations and really get to know who she is and how I can help her navigate life. So thank you thank you thank you!! I can never thank you enough but you have saved one family from many more years of heartache ❤
My recent diagnosis felt right, like all the puzzle pieces fitting perfectly together. Everything felt right. I'm still processing my memories and past experiences with my autism lenses on.
❤ I'm in the same boat right now!
me three.
Thank you. I choked up a bit because... I literally am this lol. I was diagnosed October '22. And good things have been happening since then. Life feels, magical now. I'm just, happy being alone and not needing relationships. They are too much for me. And that is okay :)
My daughter is 23 and got diagnosed 2 years ago. We’d been trying to get her diagnosed since she was 15. So it was a relief for the both of us when she got diagnosed. Like we got the answers why she acted the way she did. We had looked up autism. My daughter also gets ticks in certain situations. Olivia thank you so much for your post they have helped so much.
I had to self diagnose so I didn't get much information or support. For me one of the biggest issues was overcoming the false stigma society puts on autistic people, especially around vaccine misinformation. I spent two months repeating the mantra "I'm AWE-tistic!" and reading articles from websites like "Embrace Autism" to overcome the internalized stigma. I now have the language I need to keep myself and others safe. I also know to check in with my body because I have the ability to overwork it and cause harm without realizing. I can finally learn how to eat food and drink water properly.
Same - same.
I usually drink enough water, living in Florida forced me to learn this.
But eating? If I'm not mindful, I can avoid eating until I have bad low blood sugar symptoms: dizzy, light headed, tired...
God bless you.
I want to get assessed but every psychology clinic in my area charges $2300-$2500 AUD for ASD assessment. It's a lot of money, I don't know if I can justify it just to know something.. I also think I would be quite nervous. I love this video so much though and you are so lovely, I love your videos and the joy you spread. Let's keep being kind to ourselves!
Diagnosed at 61, best thing ever. Everything fell into place. There was some sadness, as to it would have been nice to be have diagnosed as a child, but different times.
Congrats on your diagnosis! That’s actually a super good point that I totally forgot to mention. I’ll have to make it it’s own video because I feel like that’s important to discuss, too.
I have beedn diagnosed last year, at 43, and still cannot figure it out how to deal with it.
Not sure it helps so much to accept.
@@user-wd8wx5md5z The biggest plus for me, is that now I can get out of my own way, and stop with the guilt. Sometimes I just accept that I have limitations, and I’m good with it now.
@@OliviaHops When I was first diagnosed, there was some anger, like didn’t anyone see me? I’ve gotten past that now, but it took about a year.
If it's any consolation: in those times getting a diagnosis would really have been a stigma. There were no accommodations, as there are today (except for schools for kids with learning disabilities). Over on the Autistamatic channel there's a good video about him getting diagnosed in the beginning of the 80's and how it affected him.
I'm 59 myself and I also thought that an early diagnosis would have changed things... it would have, but not for the better.
God I relate to so much of this, being diagnosed meant I finally felt that I was good enough, I was trying hard enough and that was truly wonderful. A lot of sadness came with it though if what could have been if I had the dx as a kid
Someone else mentioned the sadness and I completely agree and somehow forgot to mention it! I’m going to do a separate video on that topic.
@@OliviaHops I'm 68 and just figured it out. The hardest part for me is that I was oblivious most of my life as to what/why I was weird and it left me with a lingering sense of shame and 'not good enough' most of my life. And regret for the people I tormented with my argumentative nature and weird sense of humor.
I'm waiting for the assessment after self diagnosing this March and talking to my GP about this mid april. Self diagnosing made me be less stern to myself already, but I have the worst case of imposter syndrome so I need the official assessment.
That is exactly why I needed the official diagnosis, too. Best of luck with your assessment!
I’m undiagnosed, but just knowing that I’m not alone in my experiences and thoughts about myself has really helped me a lot.
Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories! 🥹💙
I was diagnosed with ADHD in my 30s and after several appointments, it basically came down to the doc saying "yeah, you have it" and me looking at him, saying "I can respect that opinion and lean towards sharing it" (roughly translated from German) :'D
I was disappointed that he "already" came to that conclusion and wanted more tests and talks lmao
Really enjoyed this one. I'm not diagnosed autistic, am bipolar,, but maybe I should be, as so much of this rang true for me. I did have trouble watching you though as the window behind you was so bright today.
I was diagnosed at 33
what it like not being diagnosed 😥😕
Diagnosed at age 8 (34 now), was pretty hard growing up and didn't even fully come to terms with my autism until about 20 years later. 💙
Interesting screen name
I was recently self diagnosed through NUMEROUS quizzes and tests online. I appreciate your video and your input!
Congratulations, Elisa!!
That's where I'm at approximately too
I'm here for all the pearl love you've got going. I really think a huge part of my life, if not all of it, would have been entirely different had I, and others around me, known I was autistic with ADHD. I was misdiagnosed several times alongside of taking different medications & doing different treatments that would have never worked or helped because they had absolutely nothing to do with my autism. It really devastated my self-esteem, caused me a lot of issues in school socially and academically (poor executive function and focus for things I don't like), and I was obsessive about things and carried so much shame. I self-medicated quite a bit also. I actually still have grief over being robbed of understanding myself and what was going on. I also have anger because my ADHD was textbook outside of my being a girl, and I also have so many autistic traits, many textbook.
I didnt know until 38 years old. The realization gave meaning and a framwork of understanding to the decades to suffering and confusion
I am a 63 year old woman, who was just diagnosed as having autism last week. I'm sure my parents would have appreciated knowing that I was autistic when I was little. For me, at my age, the diagnosis just provides me with the answers as to why I've always been "different" with my peculiarities and quirks. I am thankful for what I have learned through your videos, and Orion Kelly's videos as well. I know that there are more out there who are sharing, but you two have helped me out a lot.
Congratulations!! I’m honored my videos could be part of helping you get your answers.
@@OliviaHops Keep up the work that you are doing, because I am sure that you are helping many, many others as well. ❤
This really validates why I'd like to get a diagnosis although I'm still not quite sure how to get things started.
When I'm having a rough day I come to your Chanel sometimes for guidance, sometimes for comfort and sometimes just to investigate/further research and hear what it's like for you because I often feel similar to you and sometimes other autistic people are the only people I feel truly know me. Even though you don't literally know me. Strange isn't it. I feel like u know part of me no one else does and I know part of you. ❤
This is a great video. There's alot you covered that resonates. It took along time for me to show myself grace when I couldn't leave the house even when I knew I'd miss a great show or movie. I really liked that you brought up the Spoon Theory.
Exactly. I completely feel you on that. 🙏🏻🩵
🥄
Looking absolutely gorgeous as always Olivia!!🥰🥰
The whole look/outfit is really proper, agreed!
Aw thanks so much girl!! And no I didn’t get any emails from you :( I was going to check in since I hadn’t heard from you.
Thanks so much! Appreciate it! 🥰🩵
@@OliviaHops aw man, I’ll resend it! We had a huge thunderstorm so maybe it got delayed or something I’ll check 🥲
Great idea Olivia ❤. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability with us.
Even just the burnout I can still feel so tired some days that I don't wanna do anything and for years this was me without a medical reason why and now I know
Thank you Olivia ❤
Thank you for watching, Erika! 🩵
I REALLY love this 🤗💕
So glad you are back!
Thanks for tuning back in!!
How do you deal with people who refuse to be understanding of your autism? My mom plagues me with guilt.
I’m so so sorry
Maybe if you send her a link to a video like Olivia's and say something like "I'll leave this with you, hopefully you will want to watch it so we can understand each other better and we can take it from there." I wouldn't force it down her throat but at least you're allowing her to take her time to access the information in a way that feels comfortable to her also and with that hopefully she will watch it. Perhaps she's scared or feeling guilty herself and it's coming out the wrong way to you. Either way, I hope in time your Mam will come around and want to understand you better. Wishing you the best of luck 🤞🙏🙏😊
I have found out about being autistic only recently so this is maybe more about dealing with people not being understanding of me in general.
My mom isn't very nice either. I moved out of my parent's house ASAP (at 18). Several years later, I moved further away and saw everybody less often. At a very stressful point of my life and also being angry about some childhood stuff, I decided to reject my aunts invitation to a big family festivity. (So many people and so much masking...) My mom got angry and I went no-contact. Some years later, I contacted her and we talked about some stuff and since then, I visit every now and then. I try to draw strict boundaries about her trying to give me unsolicited advice, making me feel bad, or anything. Work in progress...
I still reject invitations where I need to.
What's your story?
Love this! Love you!❤❤❤❤❤
So perfectly spoken. Thank you Olivia, I love your channel. ❤🙌
Yes, yes, yes! I’m 58 and just found out last year. Saying it makes everything make sense in like. Amazing realization!
These are the exact reasons I'm planning to get a formal diagnosis. My appointment is next month. I'm really hoping for the correct diagnosis. I am always questioned by my family and relatives why I behave a certain way during family gatherings. I never say a word, I keep going to the restroom to take breaks, I always sneak out whenever I get a change, I fall physically sick because I get too overwhelmed. I get scolded by them that I should interact more. My uncles even ring my parents up just to say that I need to be more sociable. It's too frustrating. I need this diagnosis as soon as possible so that I can tell them why I am the way I am!
Thank you for this, you just described exactly how I felt most of my life. 🙏💯❤️
Great video and you look so lovely, Olivia. ❤
Wow! I really admire your content… I am seeking an official diagnosis. Appointment in 2 weeks. I hope this doesn’t sound creepy (or maybe it wasn’t going to but saying that makes it weird…) but I feel like we’d get along! You have a bubbly personality like me and I relate to your struggles very much! Thanks for your videos!
I sent you an email by the way, not sure if you received it because my power went out lol. It was regarding what’s app
I was diagnosed with autism at age 50. I'm also been diagnosed with adhd, depression and anxiety. I'm a 65 year old woman.
I had my first assessment today. My psychiatrist said I definitely meet the criteria for further evaluation.
Hey, I'm curious about your opinion. I'm also late diagnosed (got my papers in March). It was me who requested the evaluation so on the one hand it was kinda expected but still a little bit shocking when they delivered "the news". Since then, I started educating myself more deeply on the topic, joined some FB groups, read couple of books, like Neurotribes, and Tony Attwood's classic about Aspergers (yeah, I know it's an outdated term). Recently I found this guy called Peter Vermeulen who has this idea that neurodiversity includes autistic people and the so-called neurotypicals too. He has a book with a bunch of interesting research too (Autism and the Predictive Brain). Now my question: when I started talking about his ideas and the book in the groups I was immediately ostracized, and the reasoning was "this is not appropriate content" and also gained a lot of hateful comments. I understand the joy of finding something you can finally identify with but I just don't get this "us vs them" thinking. What good comes out of it? I'm curious about how you look at this topic.
first of all i would like to say a big thumbs up for the one you are doing. you are a rare and special girl. If you allow me, I would like to recommend a very nice book that has changed the lives of many people.
THREE MINUTES FOR A DOG my life in an iron lung BY PAUL R. ALEXANDER
Hi Olivia , how can I get in touch with to get help for my son , who doesn’t want to work !!!
Do you have any information on the psychologist you went to for diagnosis? I’m struggling to find a good diagnostician 🙏
Can you speak on the medication you take? Note I know there isn't a medication for autism.
🏅
Can self harm be considered part of a shutdown? I have had issues with it on and off and I’ve noticed the thoughts get triggered when I get emotionally overwhelmed or angry. Also, having ADHD is also frustrating. It’s such a contradiction sometimes!!
Im an autistic person and advicate can we connect please! ❤
If you say there’s nothing wrong, the brain is just different then wouldn’t that mean that it shouldn’t be called a disorder?
Olivia you're not the only one that has Autism!! I have a little brother that has Autism and he drives me crazy!! I have a mild intellectual Disability and very healthy and independent I help out my Autistic little brother!!!
What a relief it was for you. I can relate a lot to avoiding those big ass family meetings, same story with me and up to now I've felt guilty or bad in wanting to show up but knowing me and my child will end up having a horrible experience. So, this encourages me to realize it's ok, if someone wants to meet we have to do it in smaller contexts:) thanks Olivia!
I am neurotypical (as far as I know) but I am so happy to see so many people in the comments who feel understood and seen. 🩷