Uncovering Hidden Autistic Traits

Uncovering Hidden Autistic Traits - Masking Unmasked

Рет қаралды 20,214

2 ай бұрын

Hi! I'm Orion Kelly and I'm Autistic. On this video I explore 15 hidden Autistic traits. Plus, I share my personal lived experiences as an #actuallyautistic person. #orionkelly #autism #asd #autismsigns #whatautismfeelslike
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ABOUT ORION:
Orion Kelly is an #ActuallyAutistic vlogger (KZfaqr), podcaster, radio host, actor, keynote speaker and Autistic advocate based in Australia. Orion is all about providing validation and support for Autistic people and their loved ones.
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Related: autism, autism diagnosis, Orion Kelly, orionkelly, thatautisticguy, tiktok videos, autistic, autism in adults, autism in women, autism in men, autism spectrum condition, asd, autism spectrum disorder, aspergers, aspergers syndrome, autism in boys, autism in girls, dsm, dsm5, autistic adults, autistic kids, autism mom, autism parent, autism family, autism speaks, autism awareness, autism acceptance, autism at work, am I autistic, adult autism test, autism disclosure, autism therapy, autism prevention, autism meltdown, autistic burnout, autistic behavior, autism symptoms, autism traits, autistic signs, what autism feels like, love on the spectrum, stimming, echolalia, anxiety

Пікірлер: 356

@_xntrk 2 ай бұрын

I used drugs and alcohol to relate to people. It made masking less stressful. What sucks is that I need them in order to be in a social situation, so I stopped being social so I can stop being an addict.

@minako25 2 ай бұрын

I feel this. It sounds like a form of masking to fit in. I realized I copy people... still do... to try to fit in. Even if I dont understand what I'm doing or what's going on.

@Vicious-Spiral 2 ай бұрын

definitely recognisable... same here!

@elizabethCorkins83 2 ай бұрын

Same.

@don-eb3fj 2 ай бұрын

I tried that route too when I was young, it just made me drunk, or stoned, or both, AND "weird" and uncomfortable, and didn't really help at all with socializing- nothing ever did. I've been told a handful of times that I can be quite charming, but in those times I wasn't there, I was FAR away behind the mask, running on autopilot. Anything more than perfunctory and brief contact with unfamiliar people almost invariably brings on instant shutdown, except in a transactional/business context, which I managed to mostly do okay with for over 30 years until chronic burnout caught up after the death of my wife left me with no co-regulation or support, now I just can't care about much of anything, not that there was ever much besides her that really mattered to me to begin with. Good choice on giving up socializing to give up addiction, not much benefit to either that I can see.

@mossbackbear 2 ай бұрын

I relate to this deeply. Thank you for your openness. You are not alone.

@Vicious-Spiral 2 ай бұрын

Number 4... meltdowns, shutdowns, implosion... leading to number 5, burnouts: for me, as an extremely masking "high functioning" person, that's the biggest problem in my life. It has such a high personal cost. It eats energy, time, relationships and self-esteem to such an extend, that "high functioning" is the most relative thing possible. To the outside world: sure, it looks like I'm doing great. But most of the time, nope... I'm not doing great, although I won't show. I'm lucky to have 1 good friend, that sees trough my mask with a single glance... otherwise, I would mask to self-destruction.

@MartinBahls 2 ай бұрын

I wanted to write a longer comment, but no energy. Just yes, exactly.

@HaakonOdinsson 2 ай бұрын

I have masked to self-destruction

@Vicious-Spiral 2 ай бұрын

@HaakonOdinsson aaaah that's though!

@etcwhatever 2 ай бұрын

@@HaakonOdinsson not much left for me to destroy either.

@HaakonOdinsson 2 ай бұрын

@@etcwhatever you know what, I wish we could all meet up in the real world to talk, just be ourselves and support each other….the online worlds not the same as being there in real time. I’m really sorry to hear about the destruction and to be honest but sounds quite negative for me to say, but it’s validating as well, for me anyhow…I’m not the only one, so-to-speak. What have your friends and family been like towards you? I’ve tried unmasking and mine have completely not got me at all…even my two brothers and a couple of friends are on the spectrum as well. Jesus, even them, what chance have I got to unmask to the rest of the world….none, hence the mask until self-destruction. It’s so very hard. I hope you’re alright and things aren’t bad for you

@autisticBBBELady 2 ай бұрын

I am late adult diagnosed autistic, was diagnosed at age 61, am now 64. Things finally make sense.

@gtptvanbuuren3795 2 ай бұрын

Me too, 2 years ago and now 65 and it's wonderful and scary but worth it. All the best to you.

@colleenciecura6344 2 ай бұрын

Same here, diagnosed 2 years ago at 50. Mom and I always suspected but didn't know. Now so many things make so much sense, it is so wonderful to actually know why. But it is hard, especially since I am around many people who have autism that are at a lower abilities level and people just don't give me the same consideration as them.

@Truerealism747 2 ай бұрын

@@colleenciecura6344do you have any migraine fybromyalgia symptoms from.your HF autism

@daminox 2 ай бұрын

The big thing that drove me towards realizing I was autistic (diagnosed at age 34) was the feeling of having no identity. At work or in public I was one person, but at home I was a different person. At work I was cautious, reserved, defensive, quiet, observant. A loner. But at home my personality was the polar opposite. I felt like I could be an outgoing person who could talk to anyone and share my opinions at will without fear of judgement. Eventually I realized the reason my public personality was so different from my home personality was because I've been masking when I'm not at home. I realized I was always hiding my true self from the people around me. I realized I was autistic.

@keyc.1109 2 ай бұрын

This is also my story except I felt like I had to mask even at home to a degree. I think my cat was the only one who saw the true me when I was growing up.

@UFOUAPMagnet 2 ай бұрын

You know what rare autistic trait I have? Impersonitis. I do impressions like a tick during my conversations. I will talk about physics like SpongeBob, but being completely serious. It's like whatever voice gets the point across more, and I simply pick and choose as I go, on the fly. I can do over 150 impressions, many of them are quite accurate, and I always wanted to do something with that. Like do voice work. That would be a dream come true. Anyway, yeah, a very rare trait of autism, and exclusive to autistic people. Thought you would find it interesting.

@ashleylovepace1941 2 ай бұрын

I think you’re onto something!

@Pika999 2 ай бұрын

I do the same thing! I'll be talking normally and suddenly go into Marshall from PAW Patrol (my favorite character), for example. I also do Ash Ketchum from Pokémon, as well as Pikachu and all kinds of other Pokémon, and I do way more impressions than that and always dreamed of being a voice actor. I didn't know that was an autistic trait (I was diagnosed at age 4 btw)! That's a cool one for sure, even if my constant impressions drive my family crazy no matter what character from what series or show I'm doing 😅.

@chikenjr 2 ай бұрын

I do same

@Sonicfan-cc1te 2 ай бұрын

Omg I also have that trait but for me It’s almost as if I hear another person or characters voice.

@CricketGirrl 2 ай бұрын

Great video. I can say that unmasking just makes me feel more hated. If I don't have to deal with any people (not too hard while being bedridden in a small, dark room for four years), I feel proud and quirky. But as soon as another human is added to the mix, back floods the self-hatred and feeling like a burden. Thanks, Orion. Your videos help a lot. ❤️

@shuswapbcoutdoors8652 2 ай бұрын

Starting at age 47, I was diagnosed with ADHD, then Anxiety, then Panic Disorder, then BPD, and finally at age 60 (last year), the correct diagnosis of ASD-Level 1. At age 50, I couldn't take the stress anymore and retired from full-time work; I was a professional accountant and Business Professor.

@objectivityisourfriend9631 2 ай бұрын

I feel you. I burned out at 43. At 45 everything is just too much.

@eugenetzigane 27 күн бұрын

I hear you. I've been called narcissistic and autocratic (as a leader). At 38, I was (mis)diagnosed with depression and OCD. Last year, at 41, my GP finally questioned the psychiatrist's diagnosis and suggested I get tested for ADHD. While I'm still waiting for that diagnosis, I discovered that I am really likely AuDHD. It's depressing because I know what I could have been if I'd been NT.

@shuswapbcoutdoors8652 15 күн бұрын

@@eugenetzigane Don't worry what you could have been, enjoy who you are. I am happily living a simple life and don't regret leaving academia or my corporate VP job.

@lor9573 2 ай бұрын

As a child of the 60’s, and FEMALE, I was very much undiagnosed. My generation in general and, most specifically women, went UNDIAGNOSED. I would even venture to guess that if anyone was verbal they went undiagnosed until the late 80’s? That means that almost ALL boomers and gen x went undiagnosed until well into adulthood or even in their senior years such as myself. I can only imagine what the world would look like today if we had had understanding and help. I’m grateful we are recognized today but in the end, we needed it so much sooner.

@ruthhorowitz7625 2 ай бұрын

Yes, I was diagnosed at age 57 in 2022. I was told I mask very well. What choice did I have...

@lor9573 2 ай бұрын

@@ruthhorowitz7625 We didn’t have any choice. When we were kids it was believed that anyone autistic was either non-verbal or they spoke at a noticeably younger level. Anyone who was verbal was just misbehaving. I don’t know about you, but if I ever asked for an explanation as to why this or why that I was undermining someone’s authority or knowledge or…I dunno. It really made them angry. I quit asking for years 🥲. We were expected to learn and think and behave like neurotypical people. For me it meant a never-ending burnout for maybe ten years or more. I was good at masking but in the end I had no choice but to take it off to survive. Now, after years and years of therapy, and misdiagnosis, i am diagnosed autistic. I can truly understand why and what and everything in between. My life makes sense. What about you?

@username46100 2 ай бұрын

Yep!

@MissNikkiDawson 2 ай бұрын

Us late 80s babies also went undiagnosed. We feel you. ❤😊

@lor9573 2 ай бұрын

@@MissNikkiDawson my oldest 2 are undiagnosed 80’s babies, and my younger two are undiagnosed 90’s babies. I’m grateful that we’re learning more about autism and recognizing it more readily now.

@kkuudandere 2 ай бұрын

"you're doing GOOD, but are you genuinely making connections? do you have friends?" feeling REALLY called out by that one, wow! Confusing to see myself manage to play social butterfly occasionally but I don't have any lasting friendships ...past 30 and I have yet to learn how to ride a bike... maybe someday

@marisa5359 2 ай бұрын

Relate. 46 and never could manage lasting friendships or a bike.

@minako25 2 ай бұрын

I feel like now knowing that I am on the spectrum has made me worst. I feel (maybe wrongly) that people like hate me more. Because now I'm asking for things or saying, hey I'm overwhelmed, which i held inside before. I have to remember what my friend with autistic kids said, "you have a lifetime to heal."

@ashleylovepace1941 2 ай бұрын

I think a big thing to learn is to not expect other people to understand and really they don’t have to. You have to validate you and know what you need. If something isn’t good for you, you need to respect Your needs. You are worth it. Other people most likely will not understand unless they have a loved one with the same issues (I am mostly neurotypical I think, but have 2 kids with autism). Most neurotypical people are self centered to a certain degree and don’t want anyone else to overly bother them, but especially if they don’t understand why. But, that’s ok. You don’t need them to understand you and respect you as long as You respect their differences AND yours! Makes sense?

@objectivityisourfriend9631 2 ай бұрын

Everyone can do what they want, but I haven't told most people, disclosed it at work, or changed any of my behaviors with anyone. No way. Same with unmasking. I know they won't like it. Maybe it's because I had an Al Anon boyfriend once who changed dramatically and it went so far he was a different person and was kind of like, "deal with it" and it just wasn't sustainable. Unless something is going to disturb/harm me, I won't ask for any kind of special accommodations, but then again, I work from home. Sometimes I have had to leave situations, certain jobs, but I've never said why. I present well and it would be so easy for anyone to think I'm just weak or lazy or faking it. Not worth the effort. Maybe I'm doing things wrong, not sure. I just can't deal with the headache and the rejection.

@mlr4524 2 ай бұрын

This video in particular needs to be shared far and wide with professionals in the field. You have hit so many nails on the head. Thanks Orion. (Holding. Self. Back. From. Writing. Paragraph.)

@iankretschmer559 2 ай бұрын

Yeah, No need to write my own comment, just this.

@MyNameIsNeutron 2 ай бұрын

Paragraphs are extremely overrated.

@objectivityisourfriend9631 2 ай бұрын

Yeah we need to all get together...and write them...a really long...memo. "Actually, the 'core' traits you emphasize the most are those that impact and inconvenience YOU (social) the most. You've based the diagnostic criteria on your interpretation of the condition rather than our actual lived internal experience" (shocker, they did the same with ADHD - it was mostly diagnosed in boys when they were disruptive and too hyper to sit still).

@ADHDForever 2 ай бұрын

@@iankretschmer559 i thought the exact same thing. Pleased to have found your comment to. My legs don’t work well. Piggy back me please ;)

@karo5119 10 күн бұрын

When you talk to other autistic people its like finding the alienspecies and Planet you come from and it just makes sense

@ashleylovepace1941 2 ай бұрын

I am so grateful that I knew what I did to have my son diagnosed at 2 years old. He’s 18 now. SO many of his presentations could have easily been confused with rudeness, disrespect, bullying, impatience, selfishness, etc. but since I was able to learn what those presentations mean for an autistic person, I was able to interpret them for what they were: confusion, fear, focus, literal thinking, perfectionism, idealism, and I will say it again, confusion at “neurotypicals”. I really pray pray pray he can find his place in the world as an adult with respecting his differences. Love you Orion!! You give me hope for my son!

@ashleylovepace1941 2 ай бұрын

Hey Orion…. I would really like to talk to you about a thing/ trend I have seen in many current autistic creators (KZfaq etc). I think it is a VERY important issue that needs to be addressed by autistic people! Let me know if you are interested in talking more.

@alejandro-314 2 ай бұрын

Feeling like an alien and failing to understand everyone around me all my life contrast strongly with the instant connection I felt when I first found the online autistic community and content creators.

@joyful_tanya 2 ай бұрын

YES! THIS! And the realization that I was never 'broken'.

@amandamandamands 2 ай бұрын

The part that gets me the most is because it is based on deficits if you have managed to find work arounds to be able to do the things then you don't qualify for the diagnosis because it isn't impairing your life enough. I have heard of people not qualifying for a diagnosis because their social skills are too good. They don't take into account that the social circle is made up of ND people or because you are masking so much.

@pierre7034 2 ай бұрын

My autism became apparent to me after my eldest daughter was diagnosed. I searched the DSM-5 and DSM-4. I looked on forums and I read your youtube channel. In September last year, I met a woman who is herself Asperger and who makes me understand that I was also asperger. Since then, my life has changed and I’m just starting to stop masking. It’s not always easy, but at least I can get to know myself. i'M 36

@nancyziegler5724 2 ай бұрын

i self diagnosed by watching your videos. i will never get an 'actual' diagnosis. the medical professionals make it almost impossible. Thanks Orion for helping me sort out this mess. i feel much better. i despise being around people and that will continue, several people talking at once & especially loud voices set me off. my age will be 69 end of June.

@E.Pierro.Artist 2 ай бұрын

"My hand is up here and don't know if I can ever get it off my chin." 😂😂😂😂😂 Very relatable and an actual problem for me but also hilarious

@mnelson9057 2 ай бұрын

Excellent critique! I see the DSM criteria as unscientific, and not evidence-based. I see it as top down reasoning using confirmation bias by deeply misogynistic non-scientists (psychologists). Just my thoughts:) A psycho told me in 2012 that I’m not autistic because I had boyfriends:). I “survived” by masking and hiding behind pretty privilege. Completely burned out since 2010, completely used up. They are ridiculous. At least since they added the wording about masking in 2013, *a few* women are being dx’d. I was born in the 60s.

@joyful_tanya 2 ай бұрын

Me too. Born in the 60s and completely burnt the f out after a lifetime of being misunderstood.

@jaosandv 2 ай бұрын

I love the way you explain autism. Thank you!

@pineberry212 2 ай бұрын

My parents tried to get me an autism diagnosis when i was a kid, but i had already been diagnosed with ADD, so they told my parents it was impossible. I remember writing in my journal in highschool, how it felt like i wasn't genuine, that i was wearing different "masks" to fit in with those around me. And it was only about 6ish years ago when i was several years deep into being a social hermit after highschool (hikikamori for those that know) that i decided to unmask and be my genuine self. Around which my mom mentioned that i should see about looking into a diagnosis as she had tried when i was a kid, but i was heavily against it as I thought that'd mean i was genuinely stupid if i was. I eventually warmed up to the idea, but i was off my parents insurance at that point. While i was looking videos on self improvement and working on genuinely trying to figure myself out, I took the radds-r test online, and i got the average score for what autistic people get. Which eventually led me to look into KZfaq videos on autism to get a better idea of if there was an correlation. And the evidence has been an avalanching on my life. Im too busy being a full time single father with a full time job through a temp company to get a proper diagnosis. I dont have full insurance due to the temp company ether. Edit: Seems I'm shadow banned from comments on comments, don't even know why, but know that I love all'y'all.

@ashleylovepace1941 2 ай бұрын

I’m a single mom with autistic kids. Wish I could help. It’s lonely being a single parent. Can’t imagine how much more struggling with being undiagnosed. ❤

@pineberry212 2 ай бұрын

@@ashleylovepace1941 Don't need to worry about me. I'm just glad my 4yo is good natured and listens to me... Mostly... But I do struggle sometimes when my nerves are completely frayed and I need space. But I'm told I'm doing a great job otherwise. I've become content with my situation and being alone. As that is the best way I could heal from my cheating deadbeat ex. And as a consequence of being content, I've found myself reconnecting with a friend a couple months back, and we are considering a long distance relationship. So things are looking to get interesting, I need to figure out how to get comfortable with the changes. But this is the first relationship I'll have where I actually have a idea what I'm working with, in myself. And if I may give a suggestion as a fellow single parent, take it as you will, work on making sure you yourself are taken care of, be content with yourself and your situation. As I was told, you are the life raft for your kid, so make sure you are not going to sink or burnout by focusing only him. I don't know you, but I believe you are doing your best, but remember that you can't always be at your best.

@jimwilliams3816 2 ай бұрын

Sometimes my ability to comment or like freezes up upon returning to a page on my admittedly ancient phone. It comes and goes and I think it’s a bug, though I can’t be sure. Though if you can edit, that’s something I can’t do at all on my phone. Technology is a pain.

@GMLGMD 2 ай бұрын

God bless you, @pineberry212.

@derfdoerfler260 2 ай бұрын

45 y.o. late diagnosed male (ASD & ADD). I couldn't tie my shoes the "normal" way throughout my early school years. It seemed like magic watching others do it. Finally, my father taught me the bunny ear method, which I could do easily because I could visualize it in my head. Unfortunately, I learned this method rather late.... like at 7 or 8 years old. I relied on velcro shoes prior to that. And... playing catch.... I was super confused by all that. I'd always run away from the ball in fear. I was forced to try it so often that I eventually figured it out,..... BUT to this day, I always dread when someone throws something to me. I usually catch it, but it feels like an eternity as the object travels through the air. Finally.... bike and training wheels... I embarrassingly had training wheels long after all the other kids took theirs off. I eventually figured and mastered the bike, but it was an abnormally slow process. Feeling like an outsider, meant to suffer, black sheep, something wrong with me..... yeah.... story of my life. Wow. Just..... wow. Thanks for this, brother. 🙏 🎉

@objectivityisourfriend9631 2 ай бұрын

We '80s kids lucked out with that velcro. I'm 45 too, late Dx, and had the same problem, lol. Even after I started wearing laces they'd get 1) stuck in escalators (two times!), 2) wrapped around. my bike pedals and I fell over in the middle of the street (two times!) I just felt so dumb I couldn't get it. Could never do a cartwheel. Always felt left out on that one! Jump roping was not easy, to this day it's tough.

@inikainika1523 2 ай бұрын

Wow never heard anyone else say about the training wheels thing!!! I stopped riding a bike and now as an adult, I require them again! Luckily, they make adult ones, with colourful lights and everything haha

@SunshineCami2024 2 ай бұрын

I got really close to a having a meltdown at the airport yesterday. I was traveling to see my mom so we can go on vacation together and I was travelling alone for the first time. I was very overloaded after a full day of travel that when i got to destination and was trying to find the meeting spot i got very overwhelmed with the noise, the lights and noise, etc and i got close to a meltdown. I managed to avoid it.

@naysneedle5707 2 ай бұрын

Ya know what I hate the most about airports? On top of all the noise, lights, activity, confusing and unclear rules and procedures, they always seems to have patterned carpet that makes me feel nauseous. Airports are the worst. First time I flew alone I ended up crying and shaking, good on you for coping 🥇

@objectivityisourfriend9631 2 ай бұрын

travel can be such hell and I'm a big traveller. Hmmmm, I'm also a writer. Maybe a travel blog/book/vlog for autists could be helpful. I've now got a system down for planes. Earplugs in, over the ear noise cancelling headphones plugged into my phone with brown noise app. Sunglasses on. Soft breathable black jacket over head. Always an aisle seat to avoid claustrophobia. Always preboarding whenever I can to avoid potential meltdowns over being crowded and not having a place for my bag. Water. Safe snacks. Nasal moisturizers. FIVE THINGS OF CARMEX OMG. I've got to figure out a coping tool for delayed planes. One time I missed a flight and threw my luggage, it wasn't good.

@Catlily5 2 ай бұрын

@@objectivityisourfriend9631 I always sit by the windows when I can. I love looking down at all the tiny fields and cities! I take pictures too.

@chewieknievel8439 13 күн бұрын

In the late 70’s I was shoved into special ed classes and was the outcast because not only did I have a stutter and spoke super fast I was just “weird”. I spent most of my life believing I was just broken. Even though I blow away the IQ test the psychologists kept giving me and I only got through public schools because despite not doing and homework or assignments I aced every test I took. It wasn’t until I was in my 40’s that I discovered my autism and now in my 50’s I am very open about my experiences. I wish I had people like this in my life when I was a child, someone who could explain why I could suck so bad with people and daily living but still teach my professors new concepts of their chosen subjects in class that I realized during a lecture. Or why I can rattle off historical facts I learned several decades ago in a conversation about which restaurant to eat at. But now days I am far more understanding of my personality and because of which I’m in my first serious relationship with someone who understands my Autistic behaviors. My first relationship to get past the first few months where you can let down the mask and they still care about me. In my 50’s. I’m still learning to forgive the world for that one. Now if only can only get a job not to take advantage of my work ethics and give me a livable wage I may feel like I beat the world.

@kattkopia 2 ай бұрын

I've always been different, I don't fit in. I've learned to pretend to be social, nowadays I can even do small talk with people I don't know on my good days, it dosen't feel natural but people don't seem to notice. I haven't been diagnosed with autism even though I've been in contact with all sorts of professional therapists, psychiatrists, doctors etc since 1999 when I was 16... Through the years I've been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social phobia, insomnia, ocd, borderline and bipolar. I did a neuropsychriatic evaluation in 2008, thats how I got the borderline diagnose, probably because I'm female and have meltdowns and some selfharm problems. I went to DBT therapy which helped me undersrand and express my feelings better and to deescalate emotions. Every single thing on your list is me, I started laughing at some points because it so accurate, and then I started crying 😢 I'm doing a new evaluation this summer by someone whose an expert in autism in girls, I hope I can get some help finally. This is the first time I've talked about this publicly.

@joyful_tanya 2 ай бұрын

Very relatable. I could have written your comment except that the diagnoses started was when I 17 in 1984. Pretty much the same diagnoses until 2018 when I was diagnosed ADHD. I can't afford seeking an additional diagnoses. But finding this community has given me a lot of peace. I'm NOT broken is the biggest take away.

@Catlily5 2 ай бұрын

Your story is similar to mine except I was 14 in 1990 when I started with the mental health system. I was diagnosed with 14 mental illnesses in 30+ years. Ten were wrong. I also was misdiagnosed with BPD and went to DBT. DBT was mostly helpful to me though some of the non-DBT mental health professionals were extremely prejudiced against people diagnosed with BPD. I found an assessor who specializes in women and was diagnosed with autism last year at age 47. Good luck with your diagnosis!

@jazzcat7 2 ай бұрын

I'm pretty sure I'm ADHD but recently considering whether I'm AUDHD coz the more I dig the more I relate to some of the autism presentations though I mask. But I've just discovered my singing is stimming I've been curious as to whether it was for a while. But I watched a video that spelt it out for me. Made sooo much sense. I sing often. Always have. I'm saying this coz it's not often talked about and it might help someone else. As I always thought no I don't stim coz I don't know if I do any physical stuff but singing has always regulated me. And now I have kids I don't hide it anymore. I just sing around the house with them. And I need it coz the kids and that can be sensory overwhelm at times. So I rely on singing at times to stay afloat.

@nerissarowan8119 2 ай бұрын

Oh… that makes a lot of sense. I often sing or hum.

@BlueRoseHelen252 2 ай бұрын

Wow, yes to almost everything, and made me giggle "defects of the DSM 5" 😂 never a truer word spoken. 😊 A lot of progress has been taken but soo much more could be done when it comes to assessments. 😊

@Catlily5 2 ай бұрын

A good assessor will be able to diagnose even people who are masking. Especially if you had problems as a child that you tell them. But if you don't get a good assessor masking could be a problem.

@judithrogers795 2 ай бұрын

I listen to you in an effort to understand the man I love. I listen without judgment. He was diagnosed by a long time friend and gifted psychiatrist who adored him. I wish he would watch your videos instead of trying to deny his uniqueness. He has all the hidden traits. At times, I feel like he will never love me back. I feel like giving up on us.

@ashleylovepace1941 2 ай бұрын

I was married to someone I believe was undiagnosed and didn’t admit any issues. I gave up. I wish I hadn’t. I wish I could have learned more and respected us both more. Big hug

@Discovery1614 12 күн бұрын

I’ve seen it in my family as well and it’s so difficult. Hang in there and take care of yourself!

@johnstover4584 2 ай бұрын

I've had anxiety as far back as I can remember. When your young you don't know why you feel what your feeling. But when you get older you realize that was anxiety I was feeling.

@majonkie 2 ай бұрын

Hey Orion, I love your quirky interjections, your sense of humour 😁 These hidden traits are so on the nose! I wish I had known about these long, long ago… I’ve always known I was fundamentally different and didn’t fit in. I unknowingly masked and pushed through. I appeared to be high-functioning, but was a mess when home alone. I neglected selfcare and household chores. Ever since childhood, I had depressive episodes, some even lasting years (unrecognized autistic burnouts, I now think). I burnt out (again) six years ago, big time, and have been struggling ever since. First I received a complex PTSD diagnosis - not wrong, but also not getting to the root of my problems. Last year, I sought and got an ADHD-C diagnosis after recognizing my symptoms in the DSM-5. After starting meds my energy levels rose, then crashed again after a few weeks. I sought therapy and during the intake process the psychologists noticed autistic traits. I was stunned at first, but within an hour self-diagnosed through online searches. Who knew that girls/women present differently from boys/men? 🤯 Last month I received my autism classification and I’m already doing much better. I’m 58, first sought help at 28, received diagnoses of depression and an eating disorder, and only now do I actually understand why my life has been so difficult. I view myself with more compassion and am re-examining my fixed beliefs about myself and the way I (don’t) fit into general society. Your channel has been a big part of my self-education and I’m so thankful for all your hard work ❤

@NeurodiverJENNt 2 ай бұрын

You are the master of informative and entertaining. Like a wise old sage with a sense of humor. But seriously this was great and something a lot of us in the lost generation totally understand. Great point about meltdowns not being in the DSM5... And my 12 year old son does not know how to ride a bike or tie his shoe. Literally two examples you gave. But he can argue theoretical concepts like dark energy to you so....

@tjzambonischwartz 2 ай бұрын

I was just like your kid! Very late in learning how to do both, in spite of being hyperverbal and hyperlexic from very early on. One morning in my early teens I just woke up and thought "dammit, I'm sick of not being able to ride a bike" and decided I was going to figure it out once and for all without anybody trying to actually teach me and frustrating me. Took the bike that had been collecting dust for years outside. It took me literally less than twenty minutes to figure it out. So don't be surprised if you come home from running errands one of these days and your kid can suddenly ride a bike because that kind of weird thing happens with us autists.

@jayrhodes3766 2 күн бұрын

About the DSMV…my primary care physician diagnosed me as level 1 at age 27 (I’m 30 now). I firmly believe that I need a reevaluation. I was diagnosed within a 15 min appt. I probably was level 3 (or something between 2 and 3) when I was a kid because I had SO MANY of these examples. I learned a mask and I’m just now unlearning that mask. I also think 15 mins isn’t enough to go in-depth/good enough for a proper diagnosis and therefore assistance and amount of support isn’t to the level needed.

@CuteCatsofIstanbul 2 ай бұрын

Does any else experience difficulty with water? Like diving into water? How is one to hold their body, I have no idea. Also being under water in the pool or the sea? My mind has always gone berserk with questions like - how do you hold your breath? doesn't water get into your nose? Even opening your eyes, like how??? ... these things have always freaked me out so much, I hate being under water.

@etcwhatever 2 ай бұрын

Yes. But i dont know how to swim. First time i had to do hidrogymnastic at the hospital pool the other patients were confused by my behaviour. I got better with it as i went to more sessions. Im very uncoordinated also which doesnt help. Something i truly hate is getting water on my face. Its disgusting to me 😮

@ashleylovepace1941 2 ай бұрын

Yes, I have kids with ASD and 2 have issues with water

@adrianandrews2254 2 ай бұрын

I understand you - its classical "overthinking". My advice after a lifetime of struggle is to ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. It took me about 5 minutes to answer "how do you hold your breath?" without leaving my browser. There has never been as much information available to us all as there is now. Do this for everything and you will lose your fears.

@davidlanier7006 2 ай бұрын

So you're saying the DSM-5 isn't very good about autism, I totally agree. Unfortunately, that's all therapist and doctors have to go by. Imagine if your medical doctor had such poor and missing information about a medical problem you were having. The part where you were talking about inertia, I thought that came from my ADHD. Whether it comes from autism or ADHD, I have it really badly and I hate it. I struggle with it all day, everyday. I can't get important things started or finished because of it. This was a very good video. I might even tell my therapist to watch it because she has no clue about autism.

@soundbeast4957 2 ай бұрын

I was just thinking...I love it when autistic folks recognize each other without even saying anything. LOL, I recognize that even more now that I am diagnosed. I took some psychology in school but never finished college. I was more searching for the answers about myself. I always watch people anyway. Not in a creepy way, but I watch mannerisms and patterns. It drives me crazy actually, I can't help it. So when I notice someone is on MY frequency, it's a much better social experience than working with a standard Neuro typical with personality problems. The neuro typical brain gets triggered by much different things than an autism brain. We see the literal, where, the NT likes to pretend. They say dishonest things to make others feel better. Like...If my glasses make my face look pie shaped, I would like to know they make my face look pie shaped...don't tell me they look awesome!!! I have to find out later from someone with a chip on their shoulder, that my face looks like a pie. LOL (round, like a pie) Say , "tif, no! Those glasses don't look good on you, pick different ones!", then offer to buy the pie glasses or suggest ebaying them...don't let me look like pie face girl LOL I have an image to uphold!

@soundbeast4957 2 ай бұрын

Note: Said glasses are much like a cloak. People can't see me when I where cool glasses. But if I wear glasses that call attention to my already complexed cheeky face, no...my cover is blown at that point...cool glasses only. Same goes with a hat. Cool hats are invisibility cloaks. When we put them on, it means we are invisible and nobody bothers us, because they can't see us with our invisibility shields on. Goal is to be invisible. (yes. The cooler the hat or glasses are, the more invisible we become. If said glasses are not meeting the requirement, a better set of glasses is a must.) ...yes...I edited it to correct the parenthesis. LOL

@Rockwith_gyu Ай бұрын

autistic inertia is so real. the extent to which i relate to newton’s first law of motion is insane. i distinctly remember thinking it was about me when first learning about it.

@csebesta84 2 ай бұрын

Late diagnosed at the age of 38. I was diagnosed with ADHD which explained my inability to sit still or pay attention but it didn’t explain my meltdowns, obsessive compulsive behaviors, strange way of speaking, preferring to be alone, and issues with making and keeping friends. I also had consistent issues with food textures, loud noises, certain clothing, and scented anything. Everyone just thought I was strange. The main thing people always told me was how rude and abrasive I was when I’m not remotely rude.

@hxissgurl3773 2 ай бұрын

I'm 44yrs old undiagnosed. Both my kids are ASD. So much of what you say is so relatable but also I have a strange way of overcoming my physical coordination. If I stumble or am about to fall I somehow have subconsciously learned to automatically prevent myself from hitting the ground as a natural reflexive reaction. I also struggle to catch and throw objects when I actually make an effort to do so. Most of the time I am to jerky and stiff and have a hard time judging when to release when I throw. However, if I don't think about it, which can be very difficult btw, I can easily catch and toss object very well without even looking at the tossed object or the target I am tossing to. I have had many people be shocked at how easy it is for me to toss items into buckets with such a high success rate even when my back is turned. Of course as soon as anything is said about it I then become aware of " oh yeah. I am tossing items in the bucket" and the my brain goes into overdrive with every little detail of the physics of my body and and location of the bucket and size and weight of the object and then.... Disaster! I couldn't ring that bucket to save my life. That's when I stop, take a deep breath and with much annoyance stand and say "well I guess I'm done with that for the day" and now I can feel the buzzing coursing through my arms and legs just thinking about it. The mind can be very fascinating yet at the same time sooooo frustrating.

@SerenEnfys 2 ай бұрын

Hmmmm 😅 now I’ve watched countless videos on adhd and autism in the last decade of my speculation and certainty… this video is the first one that is really piecing it all together. And maybe it’s cause I just had counselling this morning too… but omfg, I’ve wondered how it can be SO ingrained and severe, this sense of being a burden, unwanted, not needed, stupid and an absolute *freak* beyond what my family’s abuse and neglect told me… why all the classmates in each school and module? Why my friends? Why the neighbours kids and even their parents who side-eyed me? Why eventually 99% of the people who get close to me? Why the school kids who didn’t even know me or were in my classes? Why and how could everyone do what they’ve felt so comfortable doing to me… cause I’m different? In primary school, I had to play with the kids who were about 2+ years younger than me cause (well I say kids lmfao but it was one kid😵‍💫) cause she was the only one who didn’t judge me and enjoyed the games we played and the role playing… and then I got bullied for that. LIKE?? Why would I want to hang out with you when you’re nasty and this person, albeit younger than me, isn’t!? The weird ass entitlement and rules and social bullshit they lived by and people still do. It’s exhausting.

@rachellorton4693 2 ай бұрын

I continue to be shocked by every video I watch because I had no idea the majority think completely differently from me but it’s also like wow.. other people DO think like me too. It has been the most emotional experience of my life (and that says a lot iykyk 😉). But it’s nice to feel understood.

@SunnySunshineField 2 ай бұрын

The way you give information that totally resonates with me while also making me laugh hysterically is an absolute joy. Thank you!😊

@KTplease 2 ай бұрын

24:04 Has anyone told you that you resemble Conan O’Brien? Wow! Your vids always make me literally laugh out loud. You’re doing a great thing here. Thank you.

@CommissionerLofi Ай бұрын

Tiktok fyp found me and made me aware that I have ASD. Life makes more sense than before. 33 years old

@silviasevilla239 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video I needed clarification about burn out. Last year I was self diagnosed, invalidated by a Neuro psicologíst. 65 yo burn out Fatigue takes away half of my life

@mr_ekshun 2 ай бұрын

We're pattern-seeking creatures that try our best to figure out how things work with the information available. These "conditions" are not defined by a cause but instead by an observed pattern. Personally, I feel like our definitions and labeling of ADHD and autism are going to change significantly in the (hopefully not very distant) future, as I can see that the current definitions of these "disorders" are being pushed past their limit by new understanding. We drew a box around a pattern that looked like it fit at the time, but when it turns out that the box didn't fit after all, and not just by a little bit, it's time to toss out the box and attempt to draw a new one.

@alilonghair7792 2 ай бұрын

Who am I? I'm who I want to be! That bit about developing a character resonates so much! I cherry pick behaviours I admire in other people... see how they cope with situations and practice it in my world. I feel like a chameleon at times as i seem to adapt to different situations. I like to be around people where i feel most like the me that i want to be... usually find out those friends are also on the spectrum 🥰😀

@nerissarowan8119 2 ай бұрын

Tying my shoes was such a challenge as a child - I wore shoes with buckles through a large chunk of primary school. And the bike with training wheels? That was me too. I learnt to juggle when I was at uni so I could improve my coordination; I was the kid who couldn’t catch and was constantly getting hit in the head during school sport.

@nerissarowan8119 2 ай бұрын

Does watching KZfaq videos count as stimming?

@autisticjenny 2 ай бұрын

I thoroughly enjoyed this video Orion. I sat and watched the whole thing. Usually my ADHD doesn't want me to do that. LOL But it was very educational and entertaining. I love your sense of humor. It keeps my attention. AWESOME! Yes, found my tribe, related to all of it.

@minako25 2 ай бұрын

Also I laughed at the excessive smelling. I am hyper sensitive to smells and will smell everything. It's mostly seen as quirky (i think?) that i could pick up a photograph and WILL smell the paper.

@alexkiddonen 2 ай бұрын

Another one of the barriers to late autistic diagnosis is the people around you are in "denial" and try to gaslight you that you're not autistic at all - THEY DONT WANT TO SEE YOU EMPOWERED, AUTHENTIC, UNMASKED.

@KamillaMirabelle 2 ай бұрын

Just to go for all 3.. Acting like neurotypical.. resonate deeply within me.. i'm a late diagnosed AuDHD.. (adhd not late) and i'm transgender too.. for me it was not only masking my mental differences, but also my gender incongruens.. 😒 i did acting class in school, musical later in life and courses on retoric.. just to fit in better.. My masking caused high amount of trauma in any kind of way.. 😢 but even being openly transwoman, and openly autist, I'm still forced to mask daily to maintain a life with work and social relationships to my kids school mates parents.. 😒

@EvrenAlyx-fk7rv 2 ай бұрын

I wish I was diagnosed earlier. I feel like it could’ve saved me a lot of struggle, both past and current, from anorexia. I still use it to cope in times of high stress and change instead of stimming or allowing myself to meltdown. This world just isn’t conducive to allow autistic individuals to thrive. We barely have the resources to diagnose females with autism, or ADHD for that matter, and even though awareness is going around, there is still so much pushback and people ignoring the issue. There are so many mental health disorders that are caused by not getting that autism diagnosis. It’s more than just autism going on for many people. It’s not just all over the internet because people want that label. It’s because it’s finally being recognized. It impacts so much.

@laurenbina4188 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for helping me find my Tribe ❤ I was clueless up till a few years ago. It all started with feeling validated with other's shared experiences.

@nancymello5246 2 ай бұрын

This was an excellent presentation. Most of it really resonates with me. I have been diagnosed with ADHD in the past and have recently gone through the testing phase for ASD; just waiting to hear one way or another.

@user-js5et3gc8q 2 ай бұрын

Very well done articulation of autism diagnosis Orion and in just 29 minutes.This subject is fascinating for me.Way back in 1970 I went through an intense psychiatric evaluation process that found me to have a "moderately flattened affect"and that I found it "very difficult to converse or communicate"and that I had shown"considerable social withdrawal"and that I also had an "intense fantasy life"and to top it off I had a"thinking disorder"whatever that meant.Of course I was given a diagnosis of schizophrenia in keeping with diagnostic criteria of the day.Oh I almost forgot. My psychological test result showed that my test was "certainly not a psychotic one".Go figure.Anyway for the past couple of years I honestly and totally identify as being autistic and my therapist has validated me on that.Finally I learned to ride a bike when I was 9 and I still rock back and forth when I am trying to concentrate.

@PeterJoubert1972 2 ай бұрын

You described dyspraxia so well. I can identify with it. As a child I found it difficult to catch and throw a ball or anything else. I remember kids saying I throw/catch like a girl. Of course this is very disrespectful to females, but as a young boy it was humiliating to hear that. Balancing is also a challenge. I struggle with both even now.

@mishakelly2 2 ай бұрын

49 year old female, just professionally diagnosed. I’ve been on psych meds for 35 years. I stopped in July 2023. I’ve always used alcohol to be social. Women have a very different way to be autistic. I’m very empathic, and I just spew everything I am thinking. Sounds like: my dog whining, my husband chewing (I decided he doesn’t have enough cheek fat to eat chips properly...😂) they send me in rage mode. It’s weird how those things were squished by those meds. Now I feel every thing, and want to know how to handle all of those new things….

@A.Abercrombie-uo9ji 2 ай бұрын

Thanks again for another awesome video!

@stabnickplays8673 Ай бұрын

I met all 5 of the dsm 5 guidelines you mentioned trying to get tested as an adult now.

@colleend80 2 ай бұрын

THANK YOU, ORION❣️

@lacifacer92 Ай бұрын

I'm not diagnosed autistic but I 110 percent am. It's good to watch to remind myself to take better care of myself. Idk how they would help me if I did get a diagnosis, but these videos help me help me just a bit. ❤

@MummyMagicBristlecone 2 ай бұрын

Really needed that, thank you for the medicine! ❤

@dn3305 2 ай бұрын

I am late diagnosed ADHD and I don't really know if I am autistic, too or not. I can relate to many things but I can't get the line between ADHD and autism. I really think I am too dumb to be autistic but I can't stop watching videos about autism and can't stop asking myself if this could be me😆 I think I need to find autistic peers so they can tell me if I'm in or not or that I finally can tell 😂😂 Once I heard: if it's ADHD, take meds. If life still is hard af and not managable, it is autism, too! XD

@ADHDForever 2 ай бұрын

Know the feeling well

@SunnySunshineField 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for this! You make so many excellent points. So helpful. ❤

@spacefacecadet 2 ай бұрын

I've learned that a number of autistic traits that I thought I didn't have, it turns out I did have and just didn't understand what the trait meant. Because of the autism. Lol.

@KayleenGnwmythr 2 ай бұрын

Great video, very helpful - thank you.

@animal_person_ 2 ай бұрын

What a great video so helpful and informative! We are so lucky to have you, Orion Kelly. Keep up the amazing content because you are helping so many!

@Jenna.g.85 2 ай бұрын

Great video Orion, definitely feel like I’ve found my people, I can relate to not riding a bigger (for me still a smaller version ) two wheeler until I was 10

@EarthVoiceOnline 2 ай бұрын

Excellent! Thank you for being real and speaking truth to so many important topics!

@spacechef81 2 ай бұрын

I just found this channel today and have watched a few videos. Every video makes me feel like crying. I've never felt understood, even a little bit. Orion seems to get me better than I get me. I appreciate this so much more than I thought I would.

@Oona707 Ай бұрын

23:08 I said this to my mom when I was a little kid. Now at 50 hearing someone else say it really is incredible. I wish I could go back and tell little me I'm alright...to just accept me being different. That I'm not just here to suffer

@lhitch2900 2 ай бұрын

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on autism, thank you Orion for doing this!

@jayrhodes3766 2 күн бұрын

I once had a neurologist, in the ICU mind you, tell me that he “has experience knowing and extensive knowledge of how autistic people behave. [he has] never seen nor heard of ‘stimming’” I have no idea how to explain what I and my wife felt in that moment. I started stimming and he thought it was an effing seizure. 🤦🏻‍♂️

@wendyheaton1439 2 ай бұрын

Brilliant thanks so much, it all resonates...

@KatieB33 2 ай бұрын

I’ve done both online tests for Autism and ADHD and I scored high in both. I do feel empowered knowing that’s why I’m broken. But trying to tell family. I do this or that because of adhd or autism and I still get into trouble.

@confidentlocal8600 2 ай бұрын

That's the thing--it does NOT mean you're "broken." We aren't. What's broken is how society treats us.

@spencerdeumer-nt2eu 2 ай бұрын

Hey Orion. At 70 and about a year into my Autism discovery. I watched your videos and even bought your book. All very enlightening and of great help. Now I am on that rollercoaster ride of rediscovery. At first, it was easy to realize all my struggles so now I am in that What Now Stage and seem to focus on the Autism reality. Not so easy.

@babialex13 8 күн бұрын

This was an amazing video thank you so much. I’m sorry to hear that there are so many nice people out there but I appreciate you and I am really thankful that I stumbled upon your channel. It has been eye-opening for me so I wanted to say thank you. That not, everybody feels these feelings.

@etcwhatever 2 ай бұрын

I cant ride a bike, i cant swim. Only learned to tie my shoelaces in my 20s and i do it in a weird way. I still have a couple of velcro sneakers for when im not in the mood for tying laces😂 i still suck with buttons also. My transition problems are on olympic levels 😢 i stimmed so much i messed up a finger on my right hand 😮 i have a thing for rough textures. Im obsessed with acid foods and my stomach doesnt appreciate. Had to stop eating a lot of stuff and know i can barely eat cause the new stuff doesnt taste right. Ugghhhh

@AUDIS477 2 ай бұрын

I was 13 before i could even tie my shoes! 9 before i could ride a bike, always called clumsy, at 47 have no friends, and on the off chance i make any🛰️, im always called weird, strange or they soon ghost me and no longer want to know me. I definitely hyper focused on anything cars/airplanes/electronics. My ex use to have to call/text me to eat and drink. I still stimwith my zippers and buttons. That use to make people assume as a child that i was “playing with myself “ when in fact i was stimulating and then sniffing things.

@Red2U 2 ай бұрын

That just about sums it up for me. 🙌🏻

@RobAnthonyDire 2 ай бұрын

I was misdiagnosed as bipolar. I now know I have ADHD & autism. What I was told was severe depression is really autistic burnout. The misdiagnosis made me worse, and spiral more into depression. Wow!! you are the first person who has ever been able to explain what I experienced when I try to catch a ball! Thank you! Aren't the traits of autistic inertia also symptoms of ADHD? That's another reason that they may be part of the same overall condition

@Amanda-00- Ай бұрын

I keep saying ah ha and yeah that's me every time I watch your videos. Then hearing you say my thought out loud, "is this me talking on this video or is it Orion?!" I'm still coming to terms with the possibility I discovered last year. I've yet to really deep dive into Autism because I know it'll be my new "special interest" that will take over for months. But I think I'll find even more of myself once I do 😊 Thank you, Orion for all of your content and for allowing those of us who need it to feel seen and validated ❤

@marisa5359 2 ай бұрын

Thank you. Great insights. Relate to so much here. Definitely have coordination issues all throughout our family as well. EDS particularly, which is a condition being researched as something that occurs at high rates with those on the spectrum. My thought is it's all in the genetic code. Similar skewing with some traits seen at varying levels person to person. Similarities and validation in connecting the dots to be sure, yet every experience unique, unable to be pigeonholed. Which is why when you meet one autistic person, you have met one.

@nighthawk244 2 ай бұрын

Hi Orion, I got diagnosed 3 weeks ago and i just eant to say thank you. Your videos were the first that I watched that led me to believe i am autistic

@advaitawho 2 ай бұрын

Thorough! 👍😁 Your really good at this

@AutisticActuary 2 ай бұрын

Orion, you video(s) have really resonated with me. I got my diagnosis 48 hours ago and still exploring what that mean for me. I am 52 years old, married with 3 kids and a solid career, but things were always 'off'. Now I understand and am learning alot more. Of course I am very high masking and very high IQ. But I was always putting on a mask, I have had a mask on for so long I don't know where I start and where it begins - but at least the first step is understanding that there is a mask. I have only told immediate family and a few trusted friends so far - and slowly figuring out what I want to do with this knowledge. First step is self-knowledge and self-care. I think I understand how and why I did certain things in my past and will be more aware to try to avoid burnout which I realize I would slip into every January to March. After the craziness of the holidays I would go into 'hermit mode' and not want to come out. I thought it was something more like seasonal depression, but that never felt 'correct' to me - now I think it was more just general exhaustion with the holidays and going everywhere with family/friends. Thank you for these videos, they have helped me alot on my journey and will likely continue to help me and others. That being said - reading the DSM-5 description actually is starting to annoy me - because of the things that they assume are 'normal' - eye contact is used but that assumes that eye contact is good and desired, but that is a societal construct, not truly objective. Anyway, thanks for this and I am sure this is not the last you will see of me around here (I even created a channel as opposed to my prior 'just use my name' default account.

@colleenvaught6829 2 ай бұрын

TRIGGER WARNING: Orion; these things are all so important to know about…I got my diag while relocating across country after my partner of 23 years dumped me. I had seen the psych earlier, when she completed my assessment report and diagnosis I was driving all I could fit into my car 2,000 miles away from my life of 15 years. I truly believe I have been in burnout since. I don’t know how it happened, but 7 months after I found myself in hospital having overdosed on my psych meds. (Meds I specifically asked them to step me off of 6 months earlier!) I am the example of what happens when an autistic person lives 50 years unaware.

@staceyruwoldt9158 2 ай бұрын

I know what you mean I've being in Autistic burnout for 2 years, cause I kept pushing through for way too long, even when I started becoming overstimulated or disregulated 😘 I found the balance..... Extremely hard between self care and then being there for others said with respect, kindness and love. As a child I were actually diagnosed with global developmental- delay.. It was the 90's and Australia weren't up to speed with recognising that as, just simply another presentation of autism, thanks so much for everything you do 😊♡♡

@msmltvcktl 2 ай бұрын

I was adopted and diagnosed with ADHD at age 7. I suspect i was given an actual autism diagnosis sometime in my teens (that would have been the early - mid 90s) but never told; instead, i was mentally and emotionally abused for being autistic and thrown out after graduating from HS. All of my autistic traits are dismissed as "borderline", or worse, blamed on my being mixed (wtf? That's why i have meltdowns? lol no, Constance) to this day; I'm stateside, currently living in dedicated elderly / disabled housing and STILL BEING BULLIED. Maybe a formal diagnosis would get my property mgnt company to start listening to me.

@msmltvcktl 2 ай бұрын

**i should have said that the management company keeps giving me "lease violations" for things that are 110% related to my autism (mostly due to not seeing things they way they do), and for standing up to the bullies.

@NaneMeister 20 күн бұрын

Love Love Love your vids!!! Hard to look at because of the super bright light behind you

@don-eb3fj 2 ай бұрын

Thanks Orion, best list of "criteria" I've seen, and I'm only unsure about two of them. My environmental sensitivities don't seem to be very pronounced, there seems to be hyper-sensitivity to loud, crowded, busy places, or highly emotional expression, but hyposensitivity to my own body sensations. The final criteria about things finally making sense and feeling like part of a community - not so much, after so long as an alien outsider I don't think that's possible for me even among other alien outsiders, and the neurotypical world will always be a madhouse. As for the Dysfunctional Society Manifesto: -It isn't soft and absorbent -it chafes -it leaves one feeling unclean -and it doesn't FLUSH easily! (The Insane Clowns Diary isn't much better.) For a more accurate, realistic, and legitimate attempt to present useful psychological material, give the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual ( PDM2 ) a study.

@RpMcMurphy_ 2 ай бұрын

I’m coming here to apologize for giving you a hard time in the past. I was at the same time denying my own diagnosis. It all started when my son was diagnosed.

@zeldaverste4972 2 ай бұрын

Orion kelly you are brilliant

@tdsollog 2 ай бұрын

I’m 52, and very likely autistic. I can relate to everything on this list.

@ellecapone1337 Ай бұрын

Soo much of this is so relatable to me! Then every once in a while there’s one that doesn’t line up and I end up feeling like I’m a fraud or faking it or something equally disdainful… In my case today it’s the lack of coordination as a child/riding a bike example that has me thinking this way because from what little I can actually remember about my childhood , I was very very good at riding a bike, I near obsessively spent my time teaching myself to do increasingly difficult tricks that heavily involved a good sense of balance . I was good not just for my age but just good! Does that mean that I cannot be on the spectrum? I’m not sure? I would like to hear from Anyone with an opinion on this.

@CherrysJubileeJoyfully 2 ай бұрын

I found a way to excel but it was "acting " I didn’t think i did repetitive behaviors then i realized i hid them . In my mouth in my shoes in acceptable behaviors. 15:39 so far you are describing me exactly. But i managed to ride a bike swim dance gymnastics but tieing shoes was hell because once I goy the pattern I couldn't get them the right level of tight but not too tightly. AutiHD yep or ASD+ Yes yes yes transition is near impossible. But i can look in a microscope at a single sample for literally HALF A DAY 20:01 things like complete and total isolation My stim is polishing rocks and gems. My former friend hated the sound. But entitlement is why i left that friendship. 22:10 my ex gets mad because i talk to others like i use to talk to him and switching on a dime ... its because i still instinctively mask my voice with others but he gets the real me. He just hates the real me. So hes an ex now. 24:15 lol i love you

@mlr4524 2 ай бұрын

Holding my polished gemstones now while watching this lol.

@CherrysJubileeJoyfully 2 ай бұрын

@@mlr4524 you are my new favorite person lol

@wilma.espiritucrowley 2 ай бұрын

I’m not diagnosed but only because I never went to the doctor. In my country of origin, autism is seen in a negative way, very little compassion and understanding. And kids who show signs of autism are seen as just being kids. Loud, emotional, chaotic. I can relate to everything you have mentioned. I struggle a lot with self-identity because of constantly fitting in. I knew I wasn’t being myself and I thought it was normal but I was also wondering if it was just me doing this very thing called masking. I am very ambitious and high achiever but I always knew I can’t be a leader. It’s not just an inherent part of me.

@babbagebrassworks4278 2 ай бұрын

Neurodiverse verses Neurotypical, was in my 40's when someone said I might haves Asperger's, read about it, did online test, scored 100%. "Ah, I'm the crazy one and those crazy ones are normal". This year Adam Savage "My ADHD means I like shiny new things and solving problems". Uh, what? Did some more reading, whoops got all 9 ADHD signs, got wife to confirm, she said yep got all nine, she scored me worse than I scored myself. I am ND and embracing my revealed abilities and making allowance for the ND issues. My parents told 55 years ago "He is just shy and will grow out of it" Never did. My life finally explained at 64.

@heatherwilliams3748 2 ай бұрын

Anytime I opened up to my family about the struggles I was having, I was met with the same, "you'll grow out of it" you just need more exposure. I'm 36 now and still waiting to grow out of it.

@vania698 25 күн бұрын

Thank you!

@ADHDForever 2 ай бұрын

Thanks, Orion, as always, you're spot on. I was diagnosed with ADHD a year ago (at age 48), and I'm certain I'm auDHD. However, with all the years of masking, I've convinced myself that I can't possibly have autism to. After watching this episode, I'm even more convinced that I do. I intended to broach the topic with my psychiatrist during my last two appointments but couldn't bring myself to do it. I feared he'd tell me it's just ADHD, and feeling like an imposter prevented me from bringing it up. I remember sitting there during my last visit, my head racing, telling myself, 'Go on, just do it, bring it up,' but I couldn't. Twice i’ve walked out feeling intense guilt and major regret. I've been searching KZfaq for relatable content to help me gain the confidence to bring it up next time, and here are at least 15 examples. Now, I just need to muster up the courage!

@Catlily5 2 ай бұрын

Writing down the reasons autism fits might help. It might be easier to read from it or just hand them the paper!