I was diagnosed at the age of 11 back in December 2003, following a lengthy battle from my parents. The frustrating thing is that if I'd been more badly-behaved, I would've been able to get an appointment with an educational psychologist a lot earlier, though my parents understandably didn't ask me to do this, as it would've been incredibly ethically questionable. It's only within the past few years that I've become truly aware of how much autism affects me, and it rather mystifies me as to why I've only really noticed this now!

I was diagnosed at 25 when I was little the Dr diagnosed almost every name in the book of what I have

Connor actually uploading! Nice 👍

I was diagnosed at 15, and it took me a LONG time to get to grips with having a label like autistic (at least until I was 21). Now I see it as just 'autism = me' and I think the diagnosis part helped me reach that conclusion, but like I said, it took a while! I like your suggestion of a support-based system Connor!! This could be lumped in with the diagnosis process for now, (one step towards getting rid of the diagnosis altogether). The "diagnosis" could essentialy list suggestions for accomodations and how to help the autistic person, for example! Also your PHD etc. on autistic needs sounds SO INTERESTING! Go you!

Very well said, Connor! I couldn’t agree more; there are many things that need to change and to continue educate people about autism too. 🦋✨

I was diagnosed early in childhood

What you said about society lowering their expectations of you because your diagnosed .. that hit hard. Its so true! And its not right!

Great Video Bud as always :)

It is really great to hear from you! I feel very encouraged that both the Neurodivergent community and the public are learning. Never give up.🌈 We could someday soon be beyond most labels. We could build a support-based versus a diagnosis-based system. You'll be involved, I'm certain! 👏👏👏

I was diagnosed in my late 40s

Im terrified to get diagnosed. I feel like another label won't help me. But in society that label could also help me. I'm on disability for bipolar with psychosis, I've been diagnosed borderline, I've been diagnosed schizoeffective, and autism has always been brought up. But I dont want labels. Its hard to explain because I don't judge other people. But I judge myself.

Thanks for this Connor! Diagnosis can also put people in danger - have seen this many times, sadly. Worrying in the current political climate.

I was diagnosed at 2 1/2 years old

Very much agree. It's notable how mention of autism reveals bigotry. A mixed blessing, that one.

I struggle to explain what I'm good or bad at in general, what I can manage/cope with, and what I can't. So I often know that I need help, and and why I need it, but not what kind of help I actually need. I've been 3 years diagnosed, and I wonder if I'll ever know. Mah brain in terms of understanding my needs is like scrambled eggs. I wish I could properly understand my strengths and weaknesses, and there certainly aren't services designed to help with that. I know the things I want to focus on in terms of my career, but I dunno how to keep going at it. I keep finding myself staring at a blank page, or a blank wall, and I have no idea how to move forward even though I *absolutely* know what I want to do. The whole thing is really frustrating.

this video is very good its so under rated

I was for a long time originally had speech and language problems especially expressing my feels. My official diagnosis was halfway through when I was 18 and the services are queues and lists 5 years.

Hi Connor, great video and really useful for me as I’m waiting for my diagnosis (3 yr waiting list…). What’s the subject of your degree and research? Sounds really interesting and so great that you’re working to change the diagnosis system!

I actually got angry towards the end because I feel like inside my soul I know who I am, but everything you said about other people not understanding , is a hard concrete fact that I cannot accept. My needs are not being met. And this can easily lead to suicide

I can’t even tell you have autism! Your such a great guy.