5 Signs You Might Be Autistic

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Күн бұрын

Are you curious about the subtle ways that autism can look and vary across different people? In this enlightening video, we dive into 5 key signs that might suggest you're on the autism spectrum, shared from the unique perspective of an autistic adult who also happens to be an educator. While this isn't meant for diagnostic purposes, it's designed to shed light on various aspects of autism, offering insights and real-life examples.
From social interactions to sensory sensitivities, and much, much more, we'll explore some signs and symptoms of autism not only from the perspective of understanding what you might be able to see, but also gaining insight into what could be happening below the surface, inside an autistic brain. Plus, stay tuned for a bonus sign that's rarely discussed but incredibly important for understanding autism in a deeper context.
*NOTE: This video is NOT intended for diagnostic purposes. I'm sharing my experience as someone AuDHD, with the hopes of helping everyone better understand how the behaviors of someone autistic may connect to neurological differences.
Whether you're on the autism spectrum, suspect you might be, work with autistics, or are simply interested in learning more, this video has something for you. I'm here to provide an insider's look at the unique perspectives of someone autistic with the goal of helping people better understand me and other AuDHDers in order to help us all live and work better together in a neurodiverse world.
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📌 Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:24 - Sign No. 1: You hate unplanned interruptions or surprises
05:48 - Sign No. 2: You hate small talk
07:24 - Sign No. 3: You have unique special interests
10:39 - Sign No. 4: You are sensitive to sensory stimuli (both good and bad)
15:31 - Sign No. 5: You have difficulty with eye contact & facial expressions
18:41 - BONUS Sign: Rarely Discussed - but SUPER Important
🎥 WATCH NEXT:
1. Why My Autistic Brain Hates Malls: Crowds, Shopping, Small Talk, and More
• Why My Autistic Brain ...
2. Living With Autism: 5 Reasons Why Autistics Hate The Movie Theater • Living With Autism: 5 ...
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📚 FAVORITE BOOKS
1. Why We Sleep (Matthew Walker): amzn.to/46GJOd7
2. Un-Typical (Pete Wharmby): amzn.to/40TEfG6
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1. Soundcore Noise Canceling Headphones: amzn.to/3LMkWIn
2. Bose Noise Canceling Headphones: amzn.to/3tegj3t
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💤 FAVORITE SLEEP ITEMS
1. Manta Sleep Masks: bit.ly/4acwSy3
2. Rest Duvet (amazing cooling comforters, sheets, and other bedding - perfect for hot sleepers and autistics who struggle with regulating temperature while sleeping!) : bit.ly/chrisanddebbyrestduvet
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⭐️ ABOUT US:
I'm Chris and alongside Debby, my brilliant partner, we've traveled, founded companies, and navigated the world as a neurodiverse duo.
Whether it's better understanding the autistic mind, getting productivity tips for ADHDers, neurodiverse relationship hacks and travel tales, or just a peek into our everyday life, we've got a lot to share. So if you want to join a community that's all about improving lives, you're in the right place. Give a thumbs up if you enjoy the video, drop your thoughts in the comments, and hey, maybe consider subscribing? Cheers to a better life!
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#autistic #autism #neurodiversity #mentalhealth #autismawareness #ASD #actuallyautistic #autismsupport #adhdandautism #livingwithautism #neurodivergent #AuDHD #autismdiagnosis #audhder #autisticlife #latediagnosedautistic #mentalhealthjourney #mentalhealthawareness #understandingautism #autismadvocate #autismadvocacy #autismacceptance

Пікірлер: 849

@stacycreates24 5 ай бұрын

I want to thank you for not adding annoying background music. 🎉

@almondmilksoda 5 ай бұрын

I will bail so fast on a video that has annoying background music, even if the content is helpful ...

@LightintheDark2056 5 ай бұрын

👍❤️😂😂😂

@matthewharr6372 4 ай бұрын

@@almondmilksodasame

@pos6666666 4 ай бұрын

This ^

@VOLightPortal 4 ай бұрын

Yes!!!!

@ashleymurphy9734 5 ай бұрын

“Small talk is a devastating experience” is the most underrated statement I’ve ever heard.

@arab6745 5 күн бұрын

Can I add that "everything that I don't find interesting is small talk"? Or "anything talked about generally without sufficient details is small talk"? Lol

@nannywhumpers5702 2 ай бұрын

I've always wondered why I didn't see people stop and explore things. Smells, patterns, the way the light hits the ground, the way the flower is blooming, the smell of that patch of honeysuckle that's so amazing. I always feel kind of weird, and get some looks. People just walk by as if the beauty didn't exist. Thank you for explaining that they don't get it the same way we do. I suspected that, I try to make my art express that feeling, but I can get nowhere close.

@spaghetto9836 2 ай бұрын

I resonate with you. It's worse when you feel like you're slowing down the group you're traveling with bc you stopped to appreciate something. Everyone's just in go, go, go mode from one place/task to the next, rarely taking in the journey bc they "don't have time". They never have time. When I'm in that mental space, I like the feeling as if time doesn't exist. People should experience that more, it's lovely.

@nannywhumpers5702 2 ай бұрын

@@spaghetto9836 💟 Exactly. I was watching the clouds today and it was AWESOME!

@angeladyson7367 Ай бұрын

The one idiom I do get is 'stop and smell the roses'. Although I understand now that it refers to slowing down and appreciating life. When I was younger I wouldn't have understood this.

@angeladyson7367 Ай бұрын

@@nannywhumpers5702Beautiful aren't they! My husband and I often look up at the sky and cloud formations this time of year and say "it's a Rupert day" referring to Rupert the bear and the comic drawings. They were often depicted as cloudy, sunny summer days. 😊

@fraemme9379 4 күн бұрын

Me too! :)

@lynnstone8123 5 ай бұрын

OMG! It's as if you are my mind describing me to someone! My shrink says I can't be autistic because I have too much empathy and my humor is too sharp! Yet Every single point was spot-on including the vague physical symptoms. I am so grateful for videos like this explaining autism in everyday terms. I'm 70 and finally finding a place where I fit in!

@missoats8731 5 ай бұрын

Oh my god, I wish people didn't always talk about stuff they don't know enough about, especially medical professionals! A shrink told my partner she couldn't possibly be autistic because she has a degree in German studies...I'm so glad there are other, more reliable sources of information.

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

Your partner needs a new therapist!!

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

I’m so happy you like my videos! I have another video where I debunk 7 myths about autism and one of them is that autistics can’t show empathy. That’s absolutely ridiculous and there’s an abundance of evidence that shows we absolutely can and do! There are many of us who share similar experiences, symptoms, and feelings. You are definitely not alone!! But you do need to find a new therapist!!

@missoats8731 5 ай бұрын

@@ChrisandDebby I guess this was in response to my comment :) Luckily she didn't come in contact with this therapist as part of an ongoing therapy. She has someone much better for that who is very supportive of her seeking assessment for autism. But this guy made her feel like an imposter for no good reason.

@jennaeisel9072 5 ай бұрын

Autistics are actually know for having TOO MUCH empathy at times, it's just different how it's processed or shown. Think of Mr. Darcy in Jane Austin's novel Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Darcy feels the needs to right the situation with Mr. Wickham thru actions and correcting what he could as he felt incredibly responsible for not acting and empathy for the trouble this caused others. Mr. Darcy is thought to be autistic. It's a good google. Also, I wanted to add, you might not need a new therapist, but if they aren't open to understanding what autism actually is, then maybe you do. I just wanted to add that option because some people are well meaning but ignorant and we can offer the opportunity for growth if we want to and want to keep the relationship. But I have a sharp whit and deep empathy, and all the traits of Level 1 autism, so incorrect on their part.

@lisawanderess 4 ай бұрын

Diagnosed at 52 after years of anxiety, meltdowns in embarrassing situations like in busy shopping malls (that I used to call my "wobblies"), recurrent depression, therapy, being told I'm "weird" all my life, preferring solitude and my safe space. By the time my psychiatrist diagnosed me she said it was so obvious to her that I am autistic that she was shocked that none of my previous therapists had picked up on it. That day felt like my birthday! Now I understand my "quirks" and how to minimise the things that disrupt my peace. I am finally free to be myself! 😍

@NeurodivergentJourney 3 ай бұрын

I'm 54 and was just assessed last week. I'll find out the results in a couple days but I'll be more than a little surprised if I'm not autistic. Your background sounds similar to mine and I'm glad to be finally learning _why_ I've had these struggles my whole life. I actually had a therapist tell me I *definitely* was not autistic. That made me ignore my suspicion for a while but I've since left that therapist (which was challenging in itself, for me). I feel like there's a lot for me to learn but I'm finally hopeful that, now that I know what's behind it all, I can work on strategies to cope with my challenges.

@aaronwalderslade 4 ай бұрын

I drove a taxi for ten years. When people would get in and say "been busy?" I would eventually go completely silent because I just couldn't handle being asked that stupid question, and I knew they didn't care for my answer because how could they? They didn't know me! Sometimes, I would reply "if you'd like to have a conversation, I'll talk about anything except this. The more outrageous the better." Or I'd say "tell me what's really on your mind, then we can have an interesting conversation." Or I would go full honest and say "I'm sorry, I have been asked that question so many times I don't know how to reply to it any more. What would you really like to talk about?" About a third of people would be completely offended and go silent, which I loved. And it really doesn't matter to me whether some stranger likes me or not. Another third would battle me over my attitude, and we'd end up usually with a good conversation, after I had apologized for my bluntness. A further third would go with that and change the topic showing slight annoyance, but we'd usually end up with a good conversation. I think because I'm real, it unlocks the potential in others to be real with me, and actually most people find that supremely liberating.

@justsomerandominternetuser6379 5 ай бұрын

A lot of us like or insist on routine no matter how inconsequential it is, for example, how you sit/get up from a chair, sitting in the same place on the couch or only eating one specific meal from your favorite restaurant. I also have a habit of getting really attached to a certain song and will listen to that one song for hours and hours each day if I could. Recently I’ve been attached to AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ because that guitar riff is epic!

@turtleanton6539 5 ай бұрын

Yes😊😊😊

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

You are spot on with this!! I have to adhere to a lot of routines or things don’t work out well. And Thunderstruck is a good one to listen to on repeat for… a year. Thanks for sharing!!

@justsomerandominternetuser6379 5 ай бұрын

@@ChrisandDebby agreed, because if I’m not on routine I legitimately have meltdowns or I get upset if there is an unexpected change in my routine. It’s not just the change of routine but also the risk of sensory overload occurring. I enjoy your videos as you and your wife, Debby have given me some great insight on autism and great advice too. I already know I have it but I’ve begun to recognize it in my friend. Anyway thanks for sharing your experiences and story, it was very intriguing and inspiring! Oh and I saw the Nee Doh toy and was so mesmerized that I bought one and you’re right about it. I can’t put the thing down haha!

@voicecoachel1482 5 ай бұрын

Wow. This is the first time I’ve heard someone say the song thing. I’m the same way. I will listen to a song on repeat for HOURS! This whole video really hit home

@brandonlee7382 5 ай бұрын

My whole life feels like a routine. I do the exact same thing everyday to feel safe. If something disrupts my routines then I become angry and try get that one thing done that surprised me as quickly as I can. I never look strangers and some family members in the eyes, I only stare at the people I can trust. Eye contact can be so overwhelming so I never do it and just force my self occasionally to look at people so they know I'm trying. I don't like conversations and try end them early on if I get into one. I get obsessed with hobbies and they change and come back every so often. I stay up late because its it nice and quiet. I like having my home clean and have everything in the right place. Have same breakfast every morning. When I want to tell someone something I get so excited because I find it interesting or funny. I keep the same group of friends and would never want to get new friends on my online Xbox. I love cleaning and tidying because I know exactly what the end result will be. If I'm into my hobbies then I don't want to do anything else not even cleaning. I get stuck in my routines and sometimes i wanna change something that I'm scared about but people think I'm being silly and don't help and instead say to me that I'm fine even though I hate that pacific thing so much and it makes me panic

@kensears5099 5 ай бұрын

Some of the most viscerally gutting experiences I've had were surprise parties, I mean for me. And I felt horribly guilty about feeling so horrible about the love and kindness my friends were demonstrating by throwing me a surprise party. I mean, what an ingrate I am, right--what's wrong with me? Which only makes it worse, because you're feeling existentially gutted by this psycho-sensorily shattering assault PLUS you're plagued by the sense of being pathological for hating this kindness so much. My ASD discovery last year clicked this plaguing perplexity, along with countless others, right into place. I don't feel so bad about feeling bad about it anymore. It's okay now, and I have more prerogative in life. Like, "Know what, dear friends and family? NEVER a surprise party for me, okay? It tortures me, so the most loving thing to do for me is...NOT, and I will love you forever for it."

@scruffypupper 5 ай бұрын

It's an awful feeling to know you're being misread by others, and that you don't even understand your reactions. We hate the labels slapped on our backs, but ironically, it's the ASD/ADHD labels that create genuine talking points between 'us and them'. We have a legit explanation for our ways, quirks, behaviors--they're not just bad attitudes. I resisted labels but finally told my therapist, "I need a label." Not because I, Debbie, need it, but so it can become a bridge for those who have no clue what the world is like inside my head. I refuse to lean into the label, but it's there if I need a get-out-of-jail-free card. Ken, your knowledge of your ASD not only gives you much-needed relief, but you now have the information that explains the 'why' of the 'what'. Who knows if others will understand or reject it? The one person who needed it most is you, and it sounds like it's been a life-changer for you.

@kensears5099 5 ай бұрын

@@scruffypupper Very intelligent, empathetic analysis, Debbie, thank you so much!

@dealwolfstriked272 5 ай бұрын

I was thrown a surprise party and got so angry everyone left so I feel you

@teribartusek1125 5 ай бұрын

Wow,thanks for sharing this about the surprise party, I was so hurt when my husband looked at me after a surprise birthday party for him and he reacted afterward with Don't ever do that again!!! Now I know why, at least I have an idea now!

@dealwolfstriked272 5 ай бұрын

@@teribartusek1125 as an introverted slightly autistic, we just don't do well with surprise parties. It feels like an attack on our right to choice to be there or not. If you wanna throw a party just ask and a month or 6 in advance

@tallyfriend9701 5 ай бұрын

Small talk usually shuts down when they ask how I am and I reply “alive”. No more small talk just the response of “me too”. People just don’t know how to respond and are pretty much talk less after that.

@trenchery 5 ай бұрын

The thing is I'd have an easier time making small talk if I got that as a response than a regular expected response

@Heatherwashere 5 ай бұрын

One of my responses is "I'll probably live." I accidentally said it at a funeral once.

@callingcaskets 5 ай бұрын

i wish that worked, it doesn’t for me

@YourPalKindred 4 ай бұрын

my favourite is when someone asks me "What's wrong?", I say "What isn't?" Maybe its rude, but I really don't care and don't want to talk about my problems. I'm just sick of pretending I'm ok, you know?

@9Calavera6 4 ай бұрын

"How are you" "Still alive." 😟 Me 😀

@NeurodiverJENNt 5 ай бұрын

Adding the explanation that an autist might think about their special interest from the time they wake up, while they are eating, while they are showering, last thing they think about before they go to bed, etc... 👩🏼‍🍳👄chefs kiss. I don't know that I've heard anybody else include that facet of it in such a poignant way, and it is absolutely the truth. Well done.

@trwn87 5 күн бұрын

It's so true, word by word! I like it.

@johnfitzgerald4456 5 ай бұрын

"Reflexive sneezing induced by light, and sunlight in particular, is estimated to occur in 18 to 35 percent of the population and is known as the photic sneeze reflex (PSR) or the ACHOO (autosomal dominant compulsive helio-ophthalmic outbursts of sneezing) syndrome." From Scientific America I have the sneezing too in especially morning sunlight. It took 60 odd years to realize I'm Autistic. I super focused on CAD/CAM, self taught. All the owners where I worked loved me. The coworkers not so much. I have trouble with people. Dogs, cats and children are my best friends. I am married, my wife called me Doc Martin at times. I didn't get it, he is a character on a series we watch who has either Aspergers or ASD. I wish I knew why smells, sounds and light can be overwhelming and sometimes beautiful. I have a super nose and taste buds. Thank you for your video. I'm am having much anxiety after watching due to your talking about the front door, phone and unexpected things.

@Shnikey 5 ай бұрын

Oh you beat me to it!!! lol gosh darn it isn’t this fascinating. :)

@kittysassafras 5 ай бұрын

I also sneeze when I walk out into bright sunlight! I knew it was something other people experienced too, but this video is the first time I’ve heard it about it possibly being related to autism.

@King-balloon 6 күн бұрын

Looking at light for a free sneeze is the best

@katherinemurphy2762 5 ай бұрын

I may be an undiagnosed adult with autism: the more anecdotal pieces I hear from you and other channels, the more I think I may be on the spectrum. I'm a teacher, and earlier this school year, there was a musical presentation being given in our gymnasium. The music got waaaay turned up, to the point where I could feel the beat in my chest, and it absolutely had a very adverse reaction in me and made me overly anxious and angry. I had to leave the building to get away from it and calm down (and I could still hear it outside!).

@elvwood 5 ай бұрын

Same! One problem with figuring it out is that if I am on the spectrum, I've been masking for 50 years so some things are deeply hidden. Still, I confidently tick five of these, and give at least a half mark to the sensory one because I totally react to sound that way.

@brandonlee7382 5 ай бұрын

I was diagnosed at the age of 3 and now I'm 22. I still try to be like everyone else and I feel bad when I don't accomplish things. I was a slow leaner and that be because I might have some adhd to where I can't pay attention or when I was in school I didn't understand why it was important to learn. Every autistic person is so different. I don't have problems with loud music and if it's my favourite song I would blast it, I do hate when I'm talking to someone in my household then I hear my 5 year old brother talking in the background as I feel the person that I'm talking to can't hear me. I just hate noises I don't wanna hear. I'm probably not good at filtering out other loud noises. I also rant on youtube comments and feel I have to explain myself and say everything that comes up in my head. I do the same thing everyday and if something disrupts that then I feel I'm not in my safe space anymore and I feel angry about it. Having a clean home is something I enjoy as it feels right. Thank you for being a teacher!

@iolightning 2 ай бұрын

Much like the way ADA regulations have made life easier for everyone, I believe that someday we will have codified guidelines for light, sound, and smells that are intended to address the sensitivities of neurodivergent people, and additionally happen to make everyone healthier. As a minor example on the ADA side: doors with automated switches for people in wheelchairs are also really great for an able-bodied person who is carrying a bunch of groceries, or who has a shoulder problem that isn't to the level of a formal disability. Analogously: regulating blue-spectrum and too-bright lights could reduce cancer rates (there's some decent research linking cancer to nighttime light exposure). Limiting decibel levels more strictly is going to be better for everyone's hearing and stress levels. And regulating smells will likely lead to fewer indoor air pollutants, e.g. running filters that remove mold particles vs. using scented air fresheners. In the meantime, you can get a free decibel meter app on your phone. It's easy to look up safe exposure levels, and if you can prove to the person in charge that the decibel reading is higher than what's considered safe exposure in a workplace, they pretty much have to turn it down (or risk a lawsuit, at least in the U.S.) ...It's okay to be "that person" and there's no way that music level was good for the kids, either!

@johncarync 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for not having music playing in the background of your video! I believe that I am probably on the spectrum and music playing in the background of a KZfaq video is the aural equivalent of having someone jumping around behind a person speaking. I matched on all 5+1 signs. 🙂

@ATIARImusic 5 ай бұрын

#3 is fun when you meet another unwitting neurodivergent person. I used to work in a lab and my 60 y/o white male coworker whom everyone finds insufferable became one of my best buds because I realized he just wanted to talk about his special interests and hear mine. He wasn't about the small talk, he was too grumpy to mask or pretend he cared about things he didn't, but he always wanted to pick our brains and talk about the deeper meanings of life. His special interests were film, media, comedy, and conveniently, the science of the work we did. I'm pretty sure my supervisor is neurodivergent as well so the 3 of us chatting was always an unhinged hoot

@Polidavey48 5 ай бұрын

I'm 49, and I remember when I was about 6 years old, my parents threw me a birthday party at our home. there were a total of about 20 to 30 people there, all crammed into our tiny row home house. after about an hour of party time, I realized that I had reached my limit - I could not handle all of those people any longer. without saying anything to anyone, I just sat at the top of our steps on the second floor and cried. this eventually manifested into what I eventually perceived as a severe social anxiety amongst large groups of people.

@rebeccachapman1231 5 ай бұрын

I identified with ALL of these but the doorbell one...I'm like those cartoon cats that cling terrified to ceilings whenever the doorbell or a knock happens. I'm also the person with do not disturb and please don't knock or ring, etc. signs all over the door and porch. Phone is also only on silent.

@Satsusss 5 ай бұрын

Same and I'm not autistic. I know lots of people who are the same, we are introverts.

@Hvshi-tomi 2 ай бұрын

Same - Doorbell rings - I have a full on panic attack . My phone is always on silent.

@kensears5099 5 ай бұрын

Listening to small talk makes me nauseous and dizzy. And the worst instances have been when I was dealing with actual illness, like a low fever, congestion, etc., and then some extroverted overwhelming type of personality who doesn't know how to think except for verbalizing it to others and at the same time subtly demanding validation starts orating to me on all the ways he knows how to keep from ever getting ill, and I'm standing there trying to listen politely while my gut feels like it's sinking down through my legs through the floor down, down, down into a bottomless abyss, dragging my soul along with it, and my whole body is screaming to just collapse in a heap, and all because this voice is relentlessly pounding its demands (listen to this, assimilate this, validate I'm right, be excited about what I'm telling you, perform for me!) into my psyche. Horrible. He meant well, but he was TORTURING me. And I couldn't comprehend then why this was sooooo horrible for me. It seems nuts, irrational to react that way. But it's so clear now. Soooo much is clear now.

@scruffypupper 5 ай бұрын

Did you notice how long your second sentence is? LOL I love it!

@kensears5099 5 ай бұрын

@@scruffypupper Yes, it was one of my daring choices. 😄 Long sentence to convey the long, slow descent into madness!

@magurgle 4 ай бұрын

I just want to say this is the best video I have found describing my experience. I'm only a couple of months into my discovery, working toward an official diagnosis, and the signal to noise ratio in the autism content is very high. It's either treating each video like it's the first one and 50% is just the same opening, or they are worried about being misunderstood that they drill down pin all the details and tangents that the point is never addressed, or they are selling a book or course. This video is clearly laid out, each point is clear and concise, no extra information on the off chance it will clear up a potential confusion. Bravo

@catherinefuller3633 5 ай бұрын

I love how there is no background music and you’re fidgeting the whole time like I do. All of these are true and I want to seek a diagnosis. Work is so exhausting because I mask and work with women who like small talk. My fiancé does say I talk about the same topic constantly and overly obsessed with Snoopy

@Jugokazooie 4 ай бұрын

What a well put video. Thanks for the upload! 😊

@pamelalangridge1320 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for using such everyday, realistic examples. It's been hard for me to know what the asd characteristics look like in real life

@amyalbers4195 4 ай бұрын

This was one of the best descriptions of autism I've ever heard. My grandson and life partner are both autistic. Excellent! Thank you ❤

@nichollebraspennickx943 5 ай бұрын

Awesome information… thank you!!!

@evealpizar 5 ай бұрын

So awesome to have all this information. And you are hilarious!

@chriswalker3187 4 ай бұрын

Once again you're video is hitting very close to home. It's nice to understand the why behind the what, up until now has been incomprehensible.

@Torgomasta 5 күн бұрын

Has anyone here felt comforted by a particular style of light (not in the sense of warm versus cool)? At work sometimes I work on a scratched up, but reflective metal tray, and the murky light reflecting up at me is actually very soothing to me for whatever reason.

@tcj226 5 ай бұрын

This was fantastic! Thank you for creating this video. I am not diagnosed professionally but I've suspected it for many years, and the online tests I have taken (and I've taken them many times) tell me I'm on the spectrum. And yet I constantly doubt whether it's true. Every one of these points that you went through was something I experience in some way. This was a great help for me.

@play-fool 5 ай бұрын

as soon as you brought up the first sign and what you started to feel like when you walked into the restaurant to see your friend, I absolutely knew that at the end you were going to say that he had brought someone unannounced. I know exactly that feeling, and I think meeting someone new is an example of an extreme disruption to me, but that feeling also happens with more minor things on a daily basis.

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

Before watching this video, my wife had no idea how much this kind of thing bothered me. Now she’s replaying past meetups in her mind and feeling guilty. Of course it’s not her fault at all, but it is challenging when you have issues that disrupt your life and most people don’t understand why.

@auralplex 4 ай бұрын

What else would it have been? Him eating with his feet?

@Hvshi-tomi 2 ай бұрын

@@auralplexwell I didn’t know where he was going with that story. But then I don’t usually get things like that until they have been explained. JS

@wdc_nathan 5 ай бұрын

Imagine my horror, when my former partner threw me a surprise birthday party. Came home to a house full of people. All wanting to socialize. And me with no opportunity to prepare.

@kenw2225 4 ай бұрын

Imagine all those people happy to be there and see you and socialize... it sounds like a challenge for you and them really.

@goombah226 4 ай бұрын

Are you sure that it wasn't an intervention?

@wdc_nathan 4 ай бұрын

@@goombah226 yes I’m sure

@LionessExplores 4 ай бұрын

Me warning all my ex’s early in the dating stage to NEVER throw me one 🥲!

@AKayfabe 3 ай бұрын

I just don’t do that kind of thing, my friends know not to. They know me well and know I would hate it. But I would just escape to a room alone and ignore the party and people regardless of what they might think of me. I’m tired of trying to appear “ normal” to others.

@sconnection 5 ай бұрын

Very very good video. I`m not diagnosed but have been suspecting I`m on the spectrum for about a year now. It started with my son showing signs that I started looking into it. When I talked to my dad about it he actually told me he was diagnosed about 2 years before after many years of burnout. He just hadn`t shared it with us yet. My son also is not diagnosed yet, he is 6 and eventhou it is very clear he is different from children his age for many different reasons. There still doesn`t seem to be a need to diagnose him, because he himself is not bothered by any of the things that are different about him. As you gave your first example as soon as you said the situation happened when you walked in to the place, I knew there was someone else there with your friend. Everything you said afterwards about that situation I could have said word for word as a personal experience. The doorbell is much the same for me. A rush of stress goes through my body when I hear the bell when I did not expect it. I do pick up the phone thou, but do feel very anxious during a phonecall. Smalltalk? yeah no thank you. I either avoid it, or when I can`t it takes up a lot of energy because I have to fake it. Special Interests: I don`t currently have a long term special interest. But I do have a lot of short term fixations. Especially when I need/want to buy a new laptop, car, phone for example. I will research constantly, and I forget about my work and just do some more research. I also want to talk about it all the time. It will fade as soon as I have bought the thing. In the past I did have long term special interests thou, just not currently. Sensory: Not so much in term of sunlight etc. But I am very sensitive to someone, anyone, touching my face with their hands. Even my wife. For people I don`t know this extends to any touch at all, unless it is a handshake. Sound also has equal attention in a lot of situations. And I have recently figured out that certain shades of blue really relax me. I never noticed that in the past. Eye contact is hell, but I can force myself to do it. It does take away from my attention to the conversation because I constantly have to think about doing it. The hyperfocus on one specific thing in someone's face also sounds familiar. I don`t think I will get an official diagnosis because to me, if my son does happen to get it down the road there is little reason to suspect I`m not autistic when I recognise all these things in myself. There is very little my diagnosis will give me that I can`t give myself. My wife also is pretty convinced we both are and generally understands us very well. Thank you for this video, it was a good watch.

@DaroTheDragon 5 ай бұрын

I just want to say this video IS AMAZING! Great structure and explanations! Okay now I will share some of my experiences. For 1. I hate unexpected visits or interactions. So one time one of my friends came over unexpectedly to give me a gift for my birthday. I felt bad that I went into fight or flight and shutdown until he left. Now for some other ones are when someone enters my room without nocking or doing that and coming in makes me upset and a little angry but I usually hide it and rush them out. Now sensory is weird for me as i feel like it changes everyday. Like today the toast had less taste and more texture which was upsetting and made me nauseous. Toast is usually a safe food for me. Then people clapping or yelling in a high pitched voice hurts and is really annoying when I’m trying to focus. Then other loud noises are overwhelming and trigger fight or flight sometimes. Fire alarms are both overwhelming painful and trigger my fight or flight. Now for eye contact. People that know me well would say I have good eye contact and it’s true about the people I know and trust but when it comes to strangers people I don’t trust it can be very uncomfortable and sometimes triggering fight or flight if I have to maintain it. Then facial expressions. I’m pretty good at them and don’t really worry about them with people I know but if I get anxiety it all goes away. Then this brings up my next thing. My anxiety changes my sensory processing. When ever I’m stressed or under anxiety my sensory issues become amplified. I can handle places like malls or grocery stores if I know what we or I are doing and what we will be doing the entire time. The more that is off the worse it becomes. So not finding an item will start to make it worse. But even if all goes well I will feel tiered even if I enjoyed it. I just need a little time alone in a safe space to just reset.

@racheln8563 5 ай бұрын

The closest things to an authentic autistic special interest are my interests in ragtime, cartoons (be they comic strips, comic books, or animated) and early sound recording. If I'm not careful, I'll end up talking about any of those for twenty minutes before I realize what I've done, or the poor person I'm talking to flees. I actually ended up in tears when you talked about jumping through the roof when faced with an unplanned interruption. For me it's actually worse, since people with cerebral palsy have an ingrained startle reflex anyway. It's almost like being hit with a sudden electric shock, and I'm usually angry and disoriented for some time afterward. I cried because I remembered how my parents used to yell at me for jumping every single time they spoke to me and I wasn't anticipating it. It's like they considered it insulting, since I seemingly acted as if I were about to be beaten (their words).

@gusmonster59 5 ай бұрын

Ragtime is very much cool and cartoons are fun. They are not weird at all. How is loving Ragtime any different than loving Classical music? Those folks go about about classical all the time. Lots of people love cartoons, comics, anime, etc. None of your interests are weird. And everyone loves to talk about what interests them. I love older cartoons and have a knack for knowing their theme songs (Super Chicken, anyone?). I know a lot more about Victorian underwear than most people from being part of a Victorian group and finding all the unders interesting. So what?

@JackieBaisa 5 ай бұрын

This really helped me understand some things. Especially the BONUS sign. I have all but one of those issues. Yikes! Okay, better go advocate for myself! Thanks for this post. Really.

@rogue350 5 ай бұрын

Great explanation of the first diagnostic criteria

@kateelizabeth5130 5 ай бұрын

I feel like the most relatable thing for all of us with asd is the surprises when I comes to FOOD 😭 when I walk into a restaurant that has foods I know I like, just to find out their MENU CHANGED 😭 omg. It’s so bad and it’s so embarrassing. I used to think I would grow out of it, but I’m 22 and I still can’t help but bawl my eyes out when it happens. Or if I just don’t see any safe foods in general. Or if I order what I THINK is a safe food but then it turns out to taste different than I expected. Ugh. I have to go to the bathroom to cry and have a panic attack and then regain my composure to go back out into the restaurant but it 100% ruins my entire day.

@mooseymoose 3 ай бұрын

Costco stopped carrying my dried mangoes recently and I can’t cope.

@staceysmith4868 5 ай бұрын

OK, I'm new to the idea that I may be autistic, and so far I've consistently "scored" over 50% on almost every trait list I've checked out. This list, though, had me saying things like "YES!", "Absolutely me!", and "WOW!" at every turn. I'm having a hard time writing this because I feel excited and petrified at the same time. Recently (2 and 3 days ago respectively)my bff and my only living sibling told me that they don't think I'm autistic. I know that they both are basing their ideas of autism on old info so I understand why they think like they do about it. Regardless, I also feel completely alone in this now. I'm just grateful to have found this page, and others like it, where I can continue my research. I'm not looking for an official diagnosis, just a deeper understanding of myself and tools to help me thrive as much as is possible. Thank you for listening and for being here in the first place! ❤

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

Hi Stacey! Thanks for watching the video and sharing your thoughts and feelings. It’s so common for us adults, especially late diagnosed, to feel isolated and misunderstood. When my wife first introduced the idea that I might be autistic, I resisted. In my mind, there was no way I could be autistic. It took two psychiatrists to diagnose me before I would allow myself to open my mind up. Sometimes, people don’t fully understand asd or they have outdated ideas and perspectives. What we can do is continue to learn about ourselves and autism. Everyone will have their opinions about whether you may be autistic or why you aren’t. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to discover. As lonely as this journey might feel to you now, you should know that there are many others just like you, navigating this same road of discovery. Many of us are going through a roller coaster of emotions as we start to uncover who we are and always have been! The important thing to know is you are never alone. There’s so many wonderful people out there willing to share their stories, listen to yours, and be supportive. If you ever need someone to reach out to, you are always welcome to email me and my wife Debby. Thanks for being here.

@staceysmith4868 5 ай бұрын

@@ChrisandDebby I really want to thank you, not only for your kind and inspiring words, but also your invite. I really am (possibly) late diagnosed... I'm 65 and this all came up in the past 2 or 3 months when both my mental health counselor and the gal that does my prescriptions mentioned it to me within a matter of days of each other. That is when I decided to start researching the possibility. Though there are traits that don't fit me (in my current understanding), there are others that fit like a glove (executive functioning in particular... a mind-blowing revelation for me), which is a fairly common thing I guess. I discovered that I am a Highly Sensitive Person a few years back and that fits me well, but autism seems to be filling in some of the gaps in "why I am the way I am". So I will continue this journey and see where it leads. Again, I can't thank you enough for your response. I already feel less alone!

@jimx45 4 ай бұрын

You don't need it diagnosed unless you think it really hurts you.

@MommaDuck7 3 ай бұрын

I am SO glad to have found your channel!

@Liss-wt2xy 5 ай бұрын

Very well explained I must say thank you again this was so helpful 😊

@ChrisandDebby 4 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@nicolaasgoedheiligman8249 Ай бұрын

Thank you for this and your other videos! There extremely helpful in getting a better understanding of why ‘I have all these strange issues which other people don’t seem to have’.🙏

@juliesmith8645 4 ай бұрын

Yes! On all. Wow, this is blowing me away. I don't like wasting my vocal chords on small talk. Dr. Has no clue on body issues. It all makes sense now. Thank you!

@Jaimelaffoon 4 ай бұрын

Omg. I love you for sharing your story! ❤ My husband also sneezes in the intense sunlight

@user-mo7pj3lz5r 5 ай бұрын

As if I were describing myself (like in many other comments). Congratulations on the way you speak and explain things. The issues you approached are also quite different from what most videos usually approach. Fantastic job. You've got a new fan.

@ChrisandDebby 4 ай бұрын

That’s great news! I really appreciate the feedback! It really does mean a lot. Sometimes it’s hard sharing so much personal information and organizing my information, but the amazing community of people I get to interact with (folks just like you!) make it all worth while.

@user-mo7pj3lz5r 4 ай бұрын

@@ChrisandDebby Thank you very much indeed for replying. Warmest regards from Brazil! (I'm a 50-year-old Aspie teacher. Asperger's has been "a dear friend of mine" career-wise.) Keep up with the brilliant videos!

@Liss-wt2xy 5 ай бұрын

My word this is definitely what I've experienced so much thank you so much.

@scruffypupper 5 ай бұрын

Chris, you and Debby are awesome. This has to be your best video ever. You hit all 6 nails with a sledgehammer. You described me in perfect detail. The “small talk” is killer. I’m happy to talk if there’s a point to it, but if we’re exchanging pleasantries, I just want to tear my hair out! I doubt whoever asks me how I’m doing actually wants to know that answer, so just get to the point! I was in a store to buy clothes. Took my items to checkout. Lady ahead of me is yammering with a slower-than-Methuselah checker. Minutes drag. I finally interrupted, politely pointed out if she would stop talking so much maybe the checker would move faster. Other people are waiting.” Of course, she was affronted: “it’s people like you who make life miserable for everyone else!” To which I reply: “I’m sure it’s less miserable than you’re making mine. I have an elderly, disabled relative waiting in the car and it’s hotter than Hades outside. There are more important things happening in life than you standing here exchanging nonsensical chit-chat with someone who won’t remember your face after she says “have a nice day!”. She continued to grumble so I walked off, leaving my cart with clothing for someone to put away and left the store. They thought I was just being impatient. But my blood pressure shot up, my face was burning, my head was buzzing, my body was shaking, I was close to tears. Why? Because these so-called ‘normal’ people make life more complicated than it has to be, often with no other point than making themselves feel good that they’ve brightened a checkers day and feel they’ve taken the moral high-road over an annoying customer that dared to point out OTHER PEOPLE MATTER! (sorry, I don’t just recall events, I seem to relive them) BTW, is it safe to say that “normal” also exists on a spectrum, so that fundamentally, we’re all interwoven on the same spectrum?

@caseyjc5 5 ай бұрын

I know what you mean! And if we don’t do small talk for any reason we’re often labeled rude, stuck-up, shy, or introverted when it could be neither of those. I’ve often been labeled shy or introverted when I usually don’t feel that way, just…autistic.

@scruffypupper 5 ай бұрын

@@caseyjc5 Gotta love those labels, huh? It generally doesn't bother me too much now because I think the same things about their inanne chatter, a 'nothing burger'-- literally nothing, no meat between the dry flapping buns. I'm sure they mistake my wide-eyed, glazed stare for rapt attention... ;-) It's ok if you're introverted--you got more interesting company inside your head than out there.

@AnnabethOwl 5 ай бұрын

I just shut conversations down like just today someone said “hi how are you doing today” and I just said “hi” and awkwardly stared at them😅

@sacrilegiousboi978 4 ай бұрын

The reason for all the medical issues is connective tissue disorders like hEDS, hypermobility, autonomic dysfunction, POTS, MCAS etc. which are extremely common comorbidities in those with neurodivergent or ASD/ADHD brains.

@martis97 4 ай бұрын

You explained these signs so well and I can 100% relate to all of them. I'm 26 and my parents have been suspecting me being autistic since I was a little child. I never got the diagnosis cause I've always been misunderstood. Now that I'm living in a different city, I will go and have it checked out again. Hopefully I will be taken seriously this time! Thank you for the great video! 😄

@marthaharkness1733 5 ай бұрын

This was great information. I haven't been formally diagnosed, but seem to have all of the traits. I am actually older, but could never figure out why I was different and thought differently until I started exploring autism spectrum traits with other adults. The interesting element is that I work well with autistic children and understand their unique perspectives on the world. I just thought that I was empathetic, but now realize I am like them. You are wonderful. Thank You!😊

@DiSWRwow77 5 ай бұрын

I wasn't diagnosed till 50+ years of age. Many of us r diagnosed late.

@nellahermes9032 5 ай бұрын

I love listening to you, you have a great humor!! And I can relate to all of those signs including the Bonus. I have heard so many times that I am a hypochondriac. So happy that I found your channel :)

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

Yay!! Glad you are enjoying the videos! Lots more coming😋😋

@Cheryl_Frazier 2 ай бұрын

Sometimes it's hard to see certain traits in yourself based on just a "category," or checklist. These examples are SO HELPFUL! Thank you!!! (I really believe I am on the spectrum, but I've also been through a lot of trauma, and believe I have ADHD as well - so it's hard to differentiate).

@yostaustin 3 ай бұрын

I have adhd. Came here to see what it's like on this end of the spectrum. There are correlations and this was fascinating. I find that my adhd and people with autism get along really well! I enjoy being around autistic people as the stimulation level is super soothing and also we have our fascinations. Humor seems to be similar in some ways too.

@toomworld Ай бұрын

I feel this so deeply. I was only just diagnosed this week at 49, and now so many things are making sense! It's overwhelming and it makes me have waves of relief or crying. I have always been so stressed when friends call or drop by, or invite someone else to a situation. I always stop and stare at flowers and the light hitting the wall a certain way. I get lost in ants on a leaf and wave at the moon in the sky. I always thought it was just because I was an artist. Also you mentioned that we can be OVER sensitive to facial expressions, and that is me all day. I'm sometimes hyper-aware of nuances and changes, whereas if I'm on one of my never ending rants about something I may sort of just blank out the faces of whoever the unfortunate listener may be. Sometimes I'll have a voice in the back of my head that is trying to tell me "You're doing it again. You're oversharing and talking to much" but the other part of my brain is just like "That's not going to stop us from telling them everything we know and think about everything we have ever thought to know" Anyway, this was a really great video for me, thank you. I apprecioate it so much.

@rolf7135 5 ай бұрын

I think it is a very interesting video. I can recognize myself in many of this stories, especially in the first story with something not planned happening. I feel a lot of stress when something is not planned happen. If I know something about the person, small talk is kind of easy; just ask questions; people love talking about themselves. Lately, I have been wondering if I have ASD. I like many of the things people with ASD like. I have many interests, like gathering information about topics. Among my three favorite things are a headset with active noise canceling and sunglasses with mirrors. When I was little I had migraines, especially if I had been in the sun. It felt as if my brain crashed because of sensory overload, after a hard restart I was fine for a while. I lost migraine, but got insomnia which I now kind of think of as the grown up response to sensory/feeling overload. I kind of miss the migraines.

@zonkydoodoo 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video. It is so good to know I'm not alone. I especially appreciate your listing of no.6. I recognise most of, if not all of them. I still get many now at age 51. I'm not diagnosed though due to not being able to get hold of a doctor that has time for me.

@Yuuteimiya 4 ай бұрын

Omg, I thought only my sister was "allergic" to sun and sneeze when exposed to sunlight:D I myself am not, but I get nauseous when seeing flashing lights, not every one, but a very specific pattern that instantly makes me almost passed out and nauseous👌 Thank you for sharing, I'm not diagnosed but the more and more I learn about it the more I think I am also on the spectrum.

@miavos3610 5 ай бұрын

The most enlightening and informative video! 🎯

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

Glad you think so!

@nayawhite3005 4 ай бұрын

Heyo, thank you so much for this because I've been struggling trying to figure this out. from the internet reels constantly bringing up autism/neurodivergent videos in my algorithm to me telling my therapists about all the boxes I check off and her dismissing me telling me I'm not autistic. I have bipolar II along with a general anxiety disorder, mild OCD, and Motor Tics (which is a form of Tourette's). You can be autistic and have all the other things I have already, it's been proven. (I'm also a psych major lol) Besides everything you talked about in this video I also check off the boxes for missing important social cues, being hypersensitive, or having "too much empathy" (which I know it's sometimes more common to have a lack of empathy), how I can follow certain routines that aren't made by me but for the life of me cannot stay on a routine I make myself lol, etc. There are sooo many boxes I check off and I finally feel validated by this video. I'm looking to get tested (which tbh I'm really unsure of how to go about that and it's stressful because my therapist says since she thinks I'm self-diagnosing and trying to put a label on myself that I don't have, she didn't see the point in giving me resources 🤦🏽‍♀) and I've been burnt out on looking but this video popping up in my recommended got my drive back so thank you, i really appreciate you!

@alicechen7937 2 ай бұрын

All three of my children were diagnosed with autism, and I was surprised because two of them had so much in common with me and the things I struggled with as a child and today too.

@christinewebster9010 4 ай бұрын

So far one of the best videos on the subject.❤

@ChrisandDebby 4 ай бұрын

Thanks! Really appreciate it! 🤩

@ehernandez2726 3 ай бұрын

I completely agree, and I am super thankful! Also, your recall of your time teaching really resonated! As an educator, connecting with my colleagues has proven to be a real challenge. For a while, I felt really guilty about it, but as of late, I’ve accepted the fact that the social battery just isn’t there. I also hit the lights and rest at my desk to recharge btw periods. As overstimulating as a classroom full of kids might seem, I like that I can control the environment and the conversation. We’re not talking just to talk, but to learn-to me, that makes a lot of sense. Lol. Also, since communication w students is typically interest- or idea-driven and far less nuanced (Hallelujah!), I typically prefer chatting with them over my coworkers. Did you find that this was the case with you? Are you still in the profession?

@joeofoysterbay7197 2 ай бұрын

I whined about background music previously. Thank you for doing it this way. You made many great points and I got all of them.

@flavio5046 5 ай бұрын

This video made me lean to the idea that actually just have ADHD. You explained really well what goes on in your head. I care about some stuff but it doesn't cause me to sweat THAT much about it. Adhd pretty much explains a lot of my differentness, if not all

@ScottRyan-fk2uc 7 күн бұрын

I recently turned 57 in June. I don't need a formal diagnosis...I KNOW I'M ON THE SPECTRUM 100%. Plus ADHD. The reason I'm not going for a "professional diagnosis" is that if I'm met with any skepticism or condescension whilst spending my cash and time(I would have to go for private medical care as I live in Montreal and the public Mental Health care here is USELESS)I would literally "Freak out" on the Mental health care provider. The evidence is my life and the million challenges I've faced while navigating this world with my brain...I REALLY appreciate your videos-Chris and Debby, as you illustrate perfectly that we are ALL different but facing the same kind of challenges ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. Thanks again.

@sittingstill3578 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the video Teacher Chris. Do you find that your need for routine makes lesson presentation become rote and less flexible to interruptions?

@megconnolly807 5 ай бұрын

I had a funny thought about experiencing smells - I spent a lot of time in India, where it’s relatively common to burn waste/garbage to keep warm in cold weather (at least where I was). And now that I’m back in the US, periodically when I smell like burning garbage? I get all whistful and really stop to enjoy the WHOLE experience of the smell. Of burning garbage.

@JackieBaisa 5 ай бұрын

My dad grew up on a farm and feels happy and nostalgic when he smells manure. Haha. So, I can see that. I liked the smells of India too.

@Shnikey 5 ай бұрын

This was lovely. How about audhd inertia and demand performance avoidance and masking ❤

@angeladyson7367 Ай бұрын

So much of this I relate to and have done since I was little. Yes sunlight can make me sneeze too, in fact bright light in general can make me sneeze but worse than that if I don't get away from it, it can five me migraines and eventually I can throw up. Small talk...I run out of things to say after the weather and it makes me feel uncomfortable but if they want to talk, I can listen for a little while. Special interests: At the moment it's Beatrix Potter and her art work... Amazing woman, also it's autism itself, ADHD. Also amazing about the orchard interest as I worked for many years as a gardener/horticulturist with a special interest in pruning, particularly pruning roses but later I started to learn about soil science, plant diseases, especially those of the malus genus; both ornamental and domestica and yes I love the smell of scented roses. If they have no scent then really they're not roses as far as I'm concerned. I could go on because you talked about so much but I won't bore you and I'm sure you have so many comments to read but just know that I find this video so helpful. It further seals why I beed to seek out a diagnosis or not. 👍 Thank you.

@neowolf09 5 ай бұрын

6:55 This. Also when people get very high strung venting their life issues. I can feel their anxiety and stress its so weird.

@dengyldnesvaneHop 2 ай бұрын

You have just described my life, down to the smallest detail.. I have always felt that I was different from the time I was a child.. I am not diagnosed. as a child I only had 1 playmate and she made movements with her hands in front of her body and she only ate rye bread with chocolate spread. I loved my playmate because we understood each other on a level that I have never experienced with anyone else. I had no friends at school and was only with my playmate or my cousins. One of my cousins always told me when we were kids that I was weird to watch movies with. when my dad fixed the toilet or something with a sewer, I panicked so much that I ended up lying on the floor screaming- I don't speak much even then as an adult, because I can't get the words out as I think them. I have taken some tests and they are all in the autism spectrum, so yes, maybe. Love to watch your videos

@goldenalbatross9462 5 ай бұрын

I highly appreciate the examples because some examples can seem so vague that I don’t know what it even means.

@lellachu1682 5 ай бұрын

Wow, this might be the best explanation I've seen. Brilliantly done! I was diagnosed with ADD as a teen, but I can relate to many of these, especially #1 (don't ring my bell or call me! LOL) and all of the unexplained medical issues. My daughter reacted similarly to the sun due to a genetic niacin deficiency. Niacin cured her sun sensitivity and rashes, and one dose will take her anxiety away within minutes.

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

I wonder if you might actually be AuDHD…

@lellachu1682 5 ай бұрын

@@ChrisandDebby Yes, I’ve wondered, too. 😊 The online autism tests say maybe or not likely, but I definitely fit the BAP (Broader Autistic Phenotype).

@AnnabethOwl 5 ай бұрын

@@ChrisandDebby I have a very similar thing. In a teen now and was recently diagnosed with ADD but I was recommended an autism evaluation by a family member and I relate to a lot of things. The only problem is I can vividly remember special interests I had as kids but they all stopped when I was bullied. I also jump around but during the time I’m really into something oof an interest it’s all I’ll talk about for a week to a month and then it will change and I’ll come back to that but idk if that’s the ADD clashing and I relate to everything else.

@twylablanco9922 2 ай бұрын

I batted 1000 on the bonus round. I have had all of these symptoms. My nerves rule my body and mind. I had diarrhea the entire year of 2020. I had a whole battery of tests and nothing was found wrong. I have a fantastic new doctor who listens and gets me help. I’m 82 and finally I’m getting answers.

@LimitedWish 10 күн бұрын

I love your videos. Thank you for making them! I have been considering gaining a diagnosis on and off for some time and have little doubt now, thanks to your videos and others, that I will be diagnosed (probably AuDHD).

@LilMissSpeeedy01 5 ай бұрын

I laughed listening to some of this. I absolutely -cannot stand- uninvited house guests. There are certain houseguests that cause me extreme anger and frustration and I spend all my time building up anger and getting sick before they come over. I talk to basically no one unless I have something to say, because I cannot stand small talk. I try to force myself, but I can't even pretend to be interested... and then they think I hate them. My major special interest is horses... but I also love tenpin bowling, archery, paint pouring and binge watching/reading info about the latest thing that interests me lol. I definitely have food and noise aversions! I'm terrified of thunder storms and fireworks. I definitely have food textural issues as well. Can't stand eye contact. Can kinda do it, but I feel like i'm staring into their soul and not really listening. I also have 20 million health conditions, including the ones above. I am not diagnosed with Autism though. I would love to have it checked out.

@MorgynGreyWolfASMR 5 ай бұрын

I was feeling imposter syndrome and this video helped me. Thank you

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

This is far too common with us! If you haven’t been diagnosed and you have the opportunity, I’d recommend it.

@JesusIsKing96 5 ай бұрын

I’m in the UK. I did a bunch of on line quizzes to see if I was autistic and always come out in the top half, ie strong possibility I am autistic. I have a lot of those health issues you mentioned at the end, and relate to all the other 5 things you described. I asked my GP to see if I could be tested for autism and she gave me a bunch of forms to fill in and a bunch for someone who knows me well. A lot of the questions on the form sadly don’t seem to relate to the online quiz questions or the subjects you and other autistic people have brought up. They were more like ‘Do I rock back and forth?’ ‘Do I know how to keep myself clean and do I know what right clothes to wear for the weather?’ I hate surprises, I hate birthdays and Christmas, not because I am stingy, but because it is a huge headache what to get folk. I hate folk just turning up and have avoided answering the door. I hate speaking on the phone, I hate small talk and feel very uncomfortable so then I waffle. I have even seen folk I know in the street and if they haven’t seen me, have either turned back, or crossed over to avoid them. I hate certain smells and textures. I obsess over things I like, for example I will watch programmes like Friends or The Big Bang Theory and certain films over and over again. There is so much more, yet a lot of these things are not covered in the autism questionnaire. I would love a diagnosis simply because the people who think they know me, might just understand me better and go easier on me.

@carriev9608 5 ай бұрын

I suspect I'm autistic (finally figuring it out ~ I'm 47 and have been different long as I can remember) and so I've been watching lots of videos and I think this is my favorite so far! Not too fast and not too slow and no annoying things. Thank you!! And I actually paid attention to most of it and actually watched it (I have to play Spider Solitaire when I watch things). And that story totally made me laugh and I haven't really laughed in months. Thank you again!!

@sjwill1956 3 ай бұрын

Interesting .. I did a monotropism survey .. and the result made sense...i was not much like an autistic person but I also was not much like a neurotypical either .. in kinda of a grey area.. I can relate to autistic experiences with social and communication but not particularly with the sensory aspects.. at the intensity .. I have concluded that I am not sure I would get an ASD diagnosis ( and not spending the $$ to find out) but I definitely have a number of autistic like traits ...that have impacted my life.. am older .. so it's just quite calming to finally realize what these traits are .. am far more relaxed and less confused ....i get it now😀

@user-xi7gz6sz4w 4 ай бұрын

I'm hip to the deep dives. Love the baroque! Ever hear of being color-sensitive? I mean to colors of a room. That's my thing. Also freakin' loudness.

@tracirex 3 ай бұрын

I'm color sensitive. primary colors and neon hurts my eyes.

@chriswalker3187 4 ай бұрын

I recently got a primary physician. Something I've avoided my whole adult life, mostly because I didn't care whether I continued to exist or not. I got the same reaction you described when I questioned about heart palpitations and irregularities I've been noticing. When I was at the office everything was fine blood pressure, pulse etc. Just setting the appointment and getting myself to go was hard enough. I promised myself I'd do this for my parent's sake. Caring enough about myself to keep probing is daunting.

@adventureswithemilyandeliz3223 Ай бұрын

Oh my gosh. I love this so much. I love how you explained things. I couldn't stop laughing at a couple of your stories. I definitely relate to so much of this.

@caseyjc5 5 ай бұрын

I once even had to quit my amusement park summer job just about a month after it started because my eyes burnt up (even with always wearing sunglasses) so I could barely even open them for 2 weeks and only when it’s dark. Fortunately I got unemployment money and soon after I got my official autism/asperger’s diagnosis for free and easily to get employment services, especially since I honestly told the doctor that I didn’t say my first words until I was 4 and had a hard time socializing especially as a child, along with having hypersensitivity to everything. I think I’m more hypersensitive to smell and taste more than anything else, such as still refusing to eat most vegetables and some fruit like bananas and blueberries. But also can relate to absolutely loving certain other smells and tastes like coffee, bread, chocolate, and even the smell of the beach. My “special interests” have been usually what other girls/women like but to an extreme, such as dolls when I was a kid, celebrities, social media, fashion, and makeup, but sometimes they’re more unusual like conspiracy theories and non-mainstream music including constantly going to different music shows, concerts, and festivals.

@whracing 5 ай бұрын

Devil wood is a beautiful smell. Love common aswel. Also mint. Mint ice cream often melts by the time Iv stopped taking in the scent lol

@randyvanheusden732 3 ай бұрын

Nicely done. My mother told my friend that I have strange ways. She knew I was different in my own way, and yet, I was never diagnosed or evaluated. I never understood why I had so much trouble relating to people and communicating. My interests were odd or too technical about things that gave the other person pause to think he is strange, just like my mother said. Well I still need an official test, but all of the tests I have taken show at 80% positive autistic.

@BuckarooBonzai 5 ай бұрын

I'm new and I'm in. Nice brand. I like and agree with all you've said. Thanks.

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for being here!!

@RestorativeWaves123 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for introducing me to the idea of wanting to smell devilwood. I love herbal/yummy smells so much, and had never heard of it. Olive/evergreen/shrub kinda scent? Sign me up. I can't wait to seek it out and find out if I recognize it or not.

@Catlily5 5 ай бұрын

I never heard of devilwood. I love the smell of lilacs and Spanish broom!

@lisag378 5 ай бұрын

I am 61 year old, self-diagnosed female. I don't believe a professional diagnosis is worth the financial pain of it, so I opted for online testing and scored so highly on all the AI exams that there is no doubt I am textbook. That is good enough for me. And Wow! I couldn't believe the list of medical issues that you put on the slide matched mine. I have had neurologic issues related to neurodivergence for my entire life. When I had a complete overload of stress in 2017, I seemed to tip into the dysautonomia problems really bad and doctors could not figure out what was wrong. I had every dysautonomia symptom in the book and the symptoms I had were very miserable. The doctors can't possibly put our puzzle together because like you said, they do not communicate and there really are no such people as "Diagnosticians" anymore. I do wish that doctors would educate themselves on ASD. It is sad for people like us because of the physical suffering and the shame of being told there is nothing wrong with you when you know damn well there is. I am pretty sure I have a typical and common set of symptoms that could easily be gathered by knowing how to look at the whole being versus just seeing people like me for a single, specialized ailment. A simple ASD screening test would be awesome! In addition to the physical history of the patient that we fill out for appointments, the doctor could offer a subset of questions with common ASD symptoms on it as part of that pre-exam, maybe there could be a fast track to a proper diagnosis instead of the never ending revolving doors leading to specialists, and then leading back to nowhere. Very frustrated with that. If every doctor had to learn in medical school about as these symptoms as part of a bigger, ASD could be treated as part of the whole person and the whole picture. I make sure that every doctor I see gets not only my self-diagnosis of ASD, but also, I try and impart some text book, typical information about us as a whole so that they may understand others like me much better. Thank you for making the video. It's a good one.

@blister9366 5 ай бұрын

Self diagnosis is never good. Unless you just want to be autistic, thats cool.

@jaykaytherapy 2 күн бұрын

Oh my goodness -- that last one really really hit home. I mean I'm already pretty sure I have ASD and ADHD (testing pending). But I have had that last experience for a really long time for several different issues.

@bridge99eng01 5 ай бұрын

I so relate with the sneezing at intense sunlight.

@Satsusss 5 ай бұрын

That's not an autistic trait. It happens to lots of people.

@HeartFeltGesture 4 ай бұрын

@@Satsusss No! If your snout gets tickled by sunlight, that means you're mental! OK!

@Dustinthewind03 4 ай бұрын

I have all of these, except for maybe certain sounds. I am getting to the point where some of the KZfaq ads I’ve seen so many times makes me crazy. Your story about sneezing and farting was hilarious. Bummer to have gone through that. I bet that was horrific lol.

@viciousbeauty 17 күн бұрын

I would love to see your compairson to ASD vs cPTSD.

@jacqpinks 5 ай бұрын

I was diagnosed at 47 I’m about to turn 4. lol This is one of the easiest videos to watch about autism. Thank you for mentioning medical issues. I have a lot of the same issues. Would you talk more about those medical issues. I have very sore hips they can’t find anything wrong with me and just blame my weight. But I think I have extra flexibility in my hips. I also have a lot of the symptoms you’ve mentioned.

@ChrisandDebby 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching this and sharing this! I do plan to share some more about medical issues and the importance of being your own advocate with medical issues. I had a very similar situation to you with my back, and it was scary when they said they couldn’t find anything wrong with me but that I might need to have a back brace and early back surgery… when they told me that in my mid/late 30s, it was alarming to say the least. My wife was the one who read a lot about it and encouraged me to practice meditation and relaxation techniques because she suspected it might actually be related to stress and tension. Anyways, long story short, I did a lot of noninvasive work for my back like dry needling and stretching and yoga, and it helped. Then after my diagnosis, I realized a lot of the major back pain came after I had a series of meltdowns and ongoing stress, especially during COVID. So I completely understand what you mean - they also tried to tell me the back pain was because I had gained weight, was sitting too much, and later because I needed back surgery, etc etc. I know it must be uncomfortable for you though - are you finding ways to handle it?

@conniegarvie 3 ай бұрын

I also am obsessed with the smell of lilacs! I have candles and room sprays in lilac. I keep looking for an amazing lilac cologne or perfume! I have had many special interests, Start Trek, pimple-popping (this one really bothered my family and friends!), my various medical problems and even Autism itself!

@anonymous15432 3 ай бұрын

That squishy cube in your hand you’re fidgeting with, I need to know where I can get one.

@whracing 5 ай бұрын

Well, am on the assessment waiting list for ADHD, I do have many ASD traits but watching this just makes me want to push for and ASD assessment

@lellachu1682 5 ай бұрын

I think there is a lot of overlap between the two. I was diagnosed with ADD in the 90s, and I can also relate to most of these, although to a lesser degree. Look into BAP (Broader Autistic Phenotype), as it might fit. I always test right at the cut-off for autism, but according to the online Aspie Quiz, there is an 83% chance that I'm neurotypical. :)

@whracing 5 ай бұрын

@@lellachu1682 have you tried listening to tripple layered music?? 3 songs play at once. Starting at different times. One can be heard in the left ear, one song in the right ear, and the third layer is played in the middle of your head. All songs are seperate. Also. You can hear one song at normal volumn in one ear on either side, the third song is basically played through both ears at a lower volume like background noise, our ND brain can take those quieter sounds and plays them k. A seperate part of the brain at the same volume of the other songs played in both ears. It’s weird but explains and shows the exact reasons e get overwhelmed and cannot seperate/block out background noise. Our brains are capable of bringing it together through both ears and amplifying it. After explaining this to my doctors I was told I need a diagnosis. Also background noise such as static electricity can be heard in the central part of your brain and why it’s so load for us and not NTs

@lellachu1682 5 ай бұрын

@@whracing No, but that is fascinating! I listened to a few songs and it gave me a headache, but I'm old. LOL. I thought I had sensitive hearing, but one of my daughters can hear sounds like electricity in the walls that I can't hear. Still, I'm definitely more distracted by noise than others, but I can also listen to/watch two shows at once. For me, it is just the loud sounds, like the gunfire or jets (can you tell I've lived on a military base? :)) that seem to stress me out more than most people.

@whracing 5 ай бұрын

@@lellachu1682 I hear electricity aswel. Going to bed and it’s all you hear

@selecttravelvacations7472 2 ай бұрын

When I was a nurse and had to smell rotting flesh,,,,it was YEARS later I would suddenly smell it again! I could not forget that smell! I left nursing. Too many foul smells and beeping machines, and fluorescent lights! I was diagnosed in my 40’s after going to therapy for chronic anxiety and depression. It sure explained why I was always called “Weird.” I got a hypochondria diagnosis by a dr once, it turned out to be MS. My therapist insisted I was not and to go see a neurologist. I was having severe migraines. The brain scan showed MS. Going to a therapist was the best thing I ever did for myself.

@AndrewUtz3 4 күн бұрын

There is a restaurant I used to stop at in my travels, Perkins in Breezewood, PA, USA, at the old Petro truckstop to be specific, that would overwhelm my auditory sensory system every time I tried eating there. The place had sorta sound deadening material on the ceiling and carpeting, no soft background music or humming equipment, so it was a clean palette for everything else, namely: ice tinkling against the water glasses, cutlery against the plates, chewing noises, crunching of crisp food items…and anyone who spoke literally whispered or at least spoke super softly. By the time I had resisted bolting enough times to actually finish eating, I was beside myself and ready to sit on the curb, arms crossed and rocking with tears streaming down my cheeks. I would at least curl up in my bunk for a bit to try and calm down. Usually I would get take-away instead of eating in, but would sometimes forget.

@aaquib90 2 ай бұрын

As soon as you said your heart dropped when you entered the cafe I knew exactly what was about to happen (coz I have been in that exact same situation way way more than once), I knew your friend had bought an unannounced guest with him.

@lucsgabriel1052 5 ай бұрын

At first I thought I only had misophonia (aversion to certain sounds). Sounds like rain, water and wet sounds in general, as well as chalkboard and the way some people clean their nose make me cringe so hard I'd have to cover my ears. Then later on I realised I not only had audio sensitivity, instead I have sensitivity with all senses, mainly with touch and hearing. But I also have sensitivity to certain smells and I'm a picky eater to an absurd degree, in fact I used to go to the hospital a lot because I'd get anaemia because of my bad eating habits. On top of that, I've had tics since my childhood. Everyone would tell me I'd eventually "grow out of it", but now I'm an adult and I still have very annoying tics (both motor as well as vocal ones).

@minim3494 5 ай бұрын

To be fair if I came accross someone sneezefarting I think I'd love them for making my day a little brighter. I'm a firm believer in 'it's only embarrassing if you qct like you're embarrassed'. Most stuff you can just ... 'own it'.

@Lori-lp6uc 4 ай бұрын

Although I've never been tested, I honestly believe that I am on the spectrum. I've had all these symptoms my entire life. Fortunately, I'm able to function with some normalcy. The thing that hurts the most is people who underestimate/diminish our daily struggles. It's not just physical. It's not just mental. It's not just emotional or psychological. It's all these things combined. It's like being abducted by your own thoughts, thrown into a dark box, and trying to break out before you lose consciousness. It's a living nightmare. People who don't suffer from anxiety will never know just how frightening it is or how courageous we are to keep fighting our own mental weakness. ❤

@thejammiebricker2327 Ай бұрын

Some interior shop lights made my mom & I feel like we were on a suddenly dropping elevator & dizzy. Can focus and forget water & meals. Love alone time with things that interest me & do a few online jigsaw puzzles before heading out or when want to grab a little quiet. Will play an episode of vintage TV show I’m familiar with on same screen as jigsaw puzzle while concentrating on the puzzle. Learned not to jiggle my leg anymore when seated (habit I picked up & had for a while until felt embarrassed) Used to almost faint in large fabric shops when a child (the air in them?) I don’t have what are noted as the usual main signs so probably not on the spectrum but appreciate some of the differences we share.

@markelmore66 3 ай бұрын

I am a middle school special education teacher and I have a 7th grade student who is an enigma to me. She hates talking, told me she doesn’t get jokes when I told her one, has no friends, never says hi to anyone, works constantly (which I think is an escape mechanism to avoid people). Acts like she is going to cry if she has to talk in front of people, talks softly and covers her mouth when she talks, has had foot and back problems and also has an ADHD diagnosis but isn’t hyper at all. She loves drawing and really lacks empathy for others. My brother is autistic so I know what it looks like and I am starting to think this girl may be AU. I’m not even sure how to proceed because I am not a professional. She is my favorite kid and I want to do right by her and get her help if she needs it. I want to see her happy and have friends and to giggle and have fun like other kids her age. I want her to feel included. She enjoys the company of adults more than her peers and want her to have fun with friends. I hope I can do something for this wonderful child but am at somewhat of a loss. How do I broach the subject with my teaching team and admin or even her parents? God give me wisdom…

@marielb4720 3 ай бұрын

Hi, coming from a person with a similar childhood. I always wanted to Be included, but never was as a child. If you are close with her, become a mentor to the child. I’m sure she will appreciate that. Best of luck to you ❤

@vanessagutierrez7975 Ай бұрын

Oof if only I had had a teacher like you

@pyraledubuis9744 Ай бұрын

@@marielb4720 yes mentorship is probably the best thing that may happen to her, better than a therapist. At least for one year she will blossom (lived experience), she maybe just needs a life buoy