That feeling of loss gradually settles down, but one also begins to notice that the neurotypical world isn't nearly as supportive as it likes to imagine itself even as it researches us; so, the joy of self-discovery may get a bit tarnished by society's relative indifference, as people who ought to know better continue to perpetuate unnecessary challenges. Build the strongest local support network you can while you're able!
Interesting that you say that. I'm currently studying a certificate in Understanding Autism and there are points in my studying where I have wondered if this course was written by neurotypical people or edited by neurotypical people because with my lived experience of myself and my son, I contest some areas in the learning! At times it feels very Us vs Them 😢
@@TheGreatReveal Sadly, yes; even support and advocacy organizations can be guilty of this. Apparently Discord is a good platform for self-organized community groups (I've quit all social media myself so can't attest to this directly.) It's less us-vs-them than it is simply that the culture isn't motivated to be genuinely inclusive; our experience remains invisible to their privilege.
Oh my goodness!!! I so relate with everything that you are saying! The grieving that you talk about is something I felt too. In fact I started crying when you brought this up. But given more time, I began to understand myself so much more. And now I feel very accepting of my True Self. I embrace my feelings and inclinations as simply being the “true me”. I think I like myself much better this way. Thank You.
I can relate to everything you said. I am undiagnosed, but about 9 months ago I began realizing that autism fits all the experiences I’ve had my entire life. I’ve taken essentially every autism self-diagnosis I could find online and every one indicates a high likelihood that I’m on the autism spectrum. The more and more I researched the more I identified with the experiences, thoughts, behaviors, habits, and challenges of autistic people. Several months ago I went through a period in which I also essentially grieved for my younger self. Part of me felt a little guilty for having a bit of a “pity party”, but at the same time I felt justified. I wish I could time travel to hug my child self and tell him “there’s nothing wrong with you; you’re just different from so-called ‘normal’ people and that’s okay.” My 10 year old son is autistic and my own childhood experiences help me relate and bond with him. I’ve been thinking for months about whether or not I want to seek an official diagnosis and I’ve pretty much reached the conclusion that I want to start that process within the next few months. I really enjoyed your video and I’m glad you’re on your own path of self-discovery. I subscribed and look forward to seeing future videos.
This is really wonderful news that you are looking for assessment, I understand what you are saying because it relates strongly to my situation. My son's experiences are what led me to look at my childhood and life so far, and like you I would love to tell my little self that I am ok and I'm doing nothing wrong.
Wow, what a remarkable video! You could have been reading from my diary. I was 60 when I was diagnosed (62 now) and felt like you such sympathy for my earlier self.but my younger self would never have had the wonderful community resources such as this channel, people with whom we can exchange hacks and tips, or at least sympathy.
Thank you for sharing. This is exactly my reasoning behind this channel and being open, it is helping me a lot to hear other people's stories too, and hear different perspectives. I am learning a lot through this.
Thank you for this video. I have just hit the realization within the past few weeks that everything in my life makes sense through the lens of being autistic. My wife is the only person who knows about this realization, as far as people who know me. I don't know you personally, but as I watched the video, it was remarkable to see all of the emotions in your eyes that I have felt. There is a profound sense of relief and joy at figuring this out and finally fitting in somewhere, but there is also now the sense of grief for the loss of years, and uncertainty for the future. I suspect there will be ups and downs, but I am struck by the thought that the future is more in my hands than any of the past 42 years have ever been. Wishing you the best in the new journey
I can totally relate! Your video was shared in my "recommended videos" to watch on the home page. So, that's good that youtube is sharing your video. I have a channel too. It really helps me to talk about how I feel about my late adult diagnosis. It's nice to meet other Content Creators who are autistic as well. I've subscribed. I will mention that I know what you mean about feeling different in the social situation. I can be in that moment with a group of people and having a whole inner dialogue about wondering if I'm "presenting" my body language right, did I say the right thing....do I look "normal." It is exhausting.
i have a buzzy head and sometimes a buzzy body. ive read that autists process 40-60% more input than typicals. we have hyper-connected brain wiring. our brains physically have more neural connections. they are working harder, so we need more rest and restoration.
That feeling of loss gradually settles down, but one also begins to notice that the neurotypical world isn't nearly as supportive as it likes to imagine itself even as it researches us; so, the joy of self-discovery may get a bit tarnished by society's relative indifference, as people who ought to know better continue to perpetuate unnecessary challenges. Build the strongest local support network you can while you're able!
Interesting that you say that. I'm currently studying a certificate in Understanding Autism and there are points in my studying where I have wondered if this course was written by neurotypical people or edited by neurotypical people because with my lived experience of myself and my son, I contest some areas in the learning! At times it feels very Us vs Them 😢
@@TheGreatReveal Sadly, yes; even support and advocacy organizations can be guilty of this. Apparently Discord is a good platform for self-organized community groups (I've quit all social media myself so can't attest to this directly.) It's less us-vs-them than it is simply that the culture isn't motivated to be genuinely inclusive; our experience remains invisible to their privilege.
I really found this helpful and look forward to watching more.
Oh my goodness!!! I so relate with everything that you are saying! The grieving that you talk about is something I felt too. In fact I started crying when you brought this up. But given more time, I began to understand myself so much more. And now I feel very accepting of my True Self. I embrace my feelings and inclinations as simply being the “true me”. I think I like myself much better this way. Thank You.
I can relate to everything you said. I am undiagnosed, but about 9 months ago I began realizing that autism fits all the experiences I’ve had my entire life. I’ve taken essentially every autism self-diagnosis I could find online and every one indicates a high likelihood that I’m on the autism spectrum. The more and more I researched the more I identified with the experiences, thoughts, behaviors, habits, and challenges of autistic people. Several months ago I went through a period in which I also essentially grieved for my younger self. Part of me felt a little guilty for having a bit of a “pity party”, but at the same time I felt justified. I wish I could time travel to hug my child self and tell him “there’s nothing wrong with you; you’re just different from so-called ‘normal’ people and that’s okay.” My 10 year old son is autistic and my own childhood experiences help me relate and
bond with him. I’ve been thinking for months about whether or not I want to seek an official diagnosis and I’ve pretty much reached the conclusion that I want to start that process within the next few months.
I really enjoyed your video and I’m glad you’re on your own path of self-discovery. I subscribed and look forward to seeing future videos.
This is really wonderful news that you are looking for assessment, I understand what you are saying because it relates strongly to my situation. My son's experiences are what led me to look at my childhood and life so far, and like you I would love to tell my little self that I am ok and I'm doing nothing wrong.
Wow, what a remarkable video! You could have been reading from my diary. I was 60 when I was diagnosed (62 now) and felt like you such sympathy for my earlier self.but my younger self would never have had the wonderful community resources such as this channel, people with whom we can exchange hacks and tips, or at least sympathy.
Thank you for sharing. This is exactly my reasoning behind this channel and being open, it is helping me a lot to hear other people's stories too, and hear different perspectives. I am learning a lot through this.
wow your videos are so powerful! I'm currently going through the same process and finding your videos so validating and inspiring
Thank you for this video. I have just hit the realization within the past few weeks that everything in my life makes sense through the lens of being autistic. My wife is the only person who knows about this realization, as far as people who know me. I don't know you personally, but as I watched the video, it was remarkable to see all of the emotions in your eyes that I have felt. There is a profound sense of relief and joy at figuring this out and finally fitting in somewhere, but there is also now the sense of grief for the loss of years, and uncertainty for the future. I suspect there will be ups and downs, but I am struck by the thought that the future is more in my hands than any of the past 42 years have ever been. Wishing you the best in the new journey
I know exactly what you mean! Thank you for sharing and good luck in your unmasking journey too.
I can totally relate! Your video was shared in my "recommended videos" to watch on the home page. So, that's good that youtube is sharing your video. I have a channel too. It really helps me to talk about how I feel about my late adult diagnosis. It's nice to meet other Content Creators who are autistic as well. I've subscribed. I will mention that I know what you mean about feeling different in the social situation. I can be in that moment with a group of people and having a whole inner dialogue about wondering if I'm "presenting" my body language right, did I say the right thing....do I look "normal." It is exhausting.
Thank you for subscribing! Yes, constantly monitoring myself to check if I am presenting in an "acceptable" way is wearing me out.
Thank you for sharing what you go through! I feel the same.
i have a buzzy head and sometimes a buzzy body. ive read that autists process 40-60% more input than typicals. we have hyper-connected brain wiring. our brains physically have more neural connections. they are working harder, so we need more rest and restoration.
🫶🫶🫶