to me aspergers is a rare and unique form of an amazing personality

I'm an aspie, I'm a woman, I'm a heterosexual, I'm a musician, I'm an artist, I'm a lot of things. There are lots of windows through which I look at at the world, lots of definitions which fit me, but I'm not limited by any one of them. I think there's a great need for clarity in language and meaning in this area. I like this video. It's very thought-provoking. It needed to be said and I hope people listen.

Yes .... aspie is fine! It's a friendly, pleasant warm word which undermines all the technicality and formality of 'Asperger's Syndrome' ...... easier to say and undramatising. It's got a kind of nice 'thumbs up' feeling to it imo.(There'll always be those who pounce on an opportunity to take faux-moral offence on the slightest pretext and make a noise ..... ha! ..... it's all about them!)

I think the title Aspie is enduring and positive.

Hey, I have recently made friends with a girl who has AS and found your videos while I was doing research so that I could understand her better. You have really helped me understand what she goes through to help me support her as much as I can. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.

I see you as a BEAUTIFUL, INTELLIGENT ASPIE!!! I love what you're saying. I have a physical handicap that is not really visible to others so I feel I get judged by some, which I don't let bother me as much as I did at first. But I know the first thing people see in me is I'm obese! I prefer the word fat! They never stop to wonder why I am overweight, they just assume I should exercise and eat less! But what they don't know is I had Polio at a very young age and the damage that was done to my motor neurons and para sympathetic system is now wreaking havoc on me! A lot of people get offended when they are referred to as "handicapped", which I don't understand. I do have an handicap and it keeps me from doing things the way I use to or would otherwise be able to do IF I hadn't had polio. I truly wish people would stop rushing to their own conclusions and, being so uncomfortable with people who are different that what they have in their minds as "normal". Thank you for sharing this...it helps a lot of people, even those of us who are not Aspies!!!! :-) God Bless you!

Thank you so much for this video, and all your other videos. Just realized a few days ago that I'm an aspie. Everything finally makes sense. The self-hatred and confusion I've felt for most of my life is finally dissipating. Thank you for sharing your experience so I can better understand my own.

You're beautiful, obviously smart, very genuine. You rock! Thank you for uploading your videos.

we are not broken, we are brilliant. thank you for making videos. even after years of watching them, they make me feel less alone.

I just learned i have this at 46. On the one hand i feel horrible and flawed, on the other hand i feel amazing to have the knowledge about why my life has evolved to be the way it is - and about my particular and unique skills that have amazed me - and my equally puzzling flaws and sensory overload meltdowns that have horrified me. Thanks for your amazing videos. I am really excited to learn about myself in this way.

I only recently found out I am on the spectrum and felt this massive wave of awareness and peace flood over me? like...'holy shit how have i not realized this all theses years' sort of peace with myself that iv'e never felt before in my entire 24 years of life. I relate so intensely to the 'self reflection'....i have been told my entire life im a drama queen and just sensitive and oh boy. now i finally realize im this way for a reason lmfao. If a word means something positive to the person affected, they should embrace...thank so much for making me feel like i'm allowed to say i'm an aspie too. :)

I read your title and I was getting ready to write a comment about how I don't think the word aspie is offensive to me at all until I realised that is exactly what you were saying in your video as well. Personally I like the word 'aspergirl'. It has an empowering sense to it somehow... as if it brings along superhero qualities :D

This video basically sums up a dissertation I once did for a qualification perfectly, and I agree with and have related to every single aspect. The argument (if I understood it correctly) that Asperger's doesn't define all of oneself, it is only a part, is fantastic, and the reticence/refusal to see it as a disorder is something I very much agree with :) From aspie to aspie, this is wonderful and inspiring as ever :)

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You stated this beautifully. As a 54 your old women, recently diagnosed Aspie I'm grateful for your strength and passion in speaking out. You are an inspiration!

The bullshit becomes the most transparent when a person without some condition starts telling a person with the condition how to talk about their condition, based on being offended on behalf of people with said condition.

I am rejoicing in your words! You said it perfectly. I kept saying out loud: "You go girl!" Haha. You are such a strong person with a great foundation :) I feel similar with people judging aspergers as only a negative thing. Some say to me, "You shouldn't put labels on yourself". How ridiculous. You're right we need to define ourselves so that we can start to communicate in at least SOME way (because this is obviously hard for us to do sometimes with "non autistics") . Also we need to communicate HOW we communicate before communicating.. ha. It's like aspies have to give people an overview of the way they "work" because like u said we have different brain structures. If non autistics don't know this ahead of time, they are more likely to not understand or "get" the aspie, thus creating miscommunication. Well that's what I feel happens when I try to talk with people; they misunderstand me most of the time. There are a few that I can connect with but there's still an communication block and they don't really know what I'm feeling/thinking. But it's a lot easier to talk to aspies in my opinion. Great video. ♡♡♡

Here I am, 4 years later; I have THE UTMOST respect for the way you control yourself in this video. Because it is clear it hits you in every fiber, and still manage to get this (the video) done in the way you do. Even though you said that you have did this video multiple times....I wish I had the amount of control or at least a part of it. that's what I wanted to say.....4 years later :D

Hi Maja, I completely agree that everyone has the right to talk about themselves however they those and with whatever terminology/words they prefer. I really love listening to you and watching your videos! You are a great leader and role model!

Amazing video and what your talking about is the main reason why I went into working with special education children. I wanted to give them a positive role model of a person with special needs and I hope to go into the Nest program which is a program for children on the spectrum. I've also had an issue with someone who told me that Aspie was offensive, when I was with a close friend of mine and referred to myself as Aspie, they told me that was offensive to people with Aspergers. My response was similar to yours saying that I didn't find it offensive and that since I'm the one with Aspergers that I should be able to define myself how I chose to, esp. when I'm not using it to put myself down. I really don't like it when people who don't have the disability think its up to them to tell us what is and isn't offensive, I get that they have the right intentions but its really not up to them.

You are wise beyond your years. Such an inspiration!

Attempts to control other people's language. Totalitarians exist in every subculture.

Thank you for sharing your view on this it was very educational and helpful for me

I agree, couldn't put it better myself. I say I am an Aspie because it's a lot less of a mouthfull than any other way of putting it. There is no derogatory edge to it. If I described myself as English no-one would criticise me. I'm nearing sixty now and have always worried about what people think of me, even when I pretended that I didn't, which caused me more pain. In the last few years however I think I have genuinely given up trying to fit in and now I do feel the better for it. Maturity helps, not just with this but with reducing suicidal ideas as well. You seem to be very eloquent and I think you are stronger than you know - as an Aspie you have to be. All the best and thanks for your thoughts.

I love who you are, I love how you explained yourself and WE are aspies,and we like to use the word! :)

You're an intelligent and well-spoken person. I really enjoyed this video.

I also like the term Aspie ( i use it about myself ) - I was introduced to the word by friends with ASD (who use the word "Aspie"). They also use "Autie". I find autie a challenge to say (purely by the way it sits in my mouth. AUT/ blegh// ASP// yaye :) Hey, I'm sorry it's so shitty to have douchebags on KZfaq put you down or attack you for your language. I like your videos because you are so authentic and I find that so lovely.

I've learned a lot from your videos, thanks! also, im totally interested in reading Tony's book, thanks again:) I think we all have the potential to be awesome! -Cheers!

As an Aspie, I have never comprehended people's need to tell other people how to speak or what to do on any level. I always look forward to watching your videos. Have a great day. :)

Thank you for the word Aspie. It came along at just the right time. :)

My 9 yr old is offended by the word aspergers I am trying to teach him he has nothing to be ashamed of! Call ur self whatever makes u smile an keep sharing there is always going to be ignorance an debate but the people u are helping far out weigh the views of the small an simple minded! I am glad u have such a powerful voice! Please please don't stop sharing some of us really need to hear your messages!

Well, damn, you put this absolutely brilliantly. Being able to see things from a different perspective to most other people has its ups and downs, but those words, 'Congratulations, you're an aspie' though... That just changed everything for me. I've spent too many years trying to distance myself from the diagnosis and integrate by others' standards, and it never works.

I like the word Aspie and both my son and I use it quite regularly (we are both diagnosed) I have also met people that are offended at the term. I heard a good quote a few weeks ago......."just because your'e offended, it doesn't mean your'e right!" The only people that have suggested I should be ashamed of my diagnosis were church based and somewhat narrow minded, almost to the point of 'black and white thinking' (ironic) Keep up the good work. I really like your videos.

I think some people believe they have "the opinion", which means (to them) everyone is wrong if it is different. Too many like this that are often outspoken. They like to speak for everyone else. You are right about using words that make it easier to communicate by shortening a term so verbalizing can cut through unnecessary vocabulary. It may be that some people use the word Aspie in an offensive way, but it is surely used in a positive way as well. I like to think it boils down to the person's intent. Happy Newest Year by the way.

Thank you for this! Good points, well said. I can totally agree with you here.

TheAnmish, In what way should aspies try to improve and to what extent? Is there anything an aspie shouldn't try to improve/change? If you have aspergers can you really improve, or is it just masking symptoms/traits considering its part of you/your brain structure?

I love what you have to say! I have no problem with the term Aspie (I'm on the spectrum myself), but I prefer the term "Spectral", because we're out of this world. :)

I love your eloquence.

My Dear, your productions make 24-ct. Gold look like cheap plastic. The worst days are those without your fine work. Please keep up the quality of your content as it is. Your simple presentation is very clear and needs no extra polish. You have taught me much about the Honor of being an " Aspie ." Your are very civil and very understanding under extremes of stress and depression. Just keep going as you are. I am famous for mangling "Aspergers" when I try to say it. " Aspie" keeps the subject clear and reduces the distraction of my poor verbal handling of my condition.

I am currently waiting for an assessment for autism as an adult (I'm 41). If it turns out that I'm an Aspie, I will rejoice - it would explain so much of my life, so much discomfort, so much awkwardness, so much much pain and misunderstanding. It would explain a large part of who I am, and I would welcome it - the diagnosis would not cause me pain or shame, it would be a relief because I know that there is something fundamentally different about me. There always has been. There is a quote I love from the psychologist Carl Rogers: "Facts are always friendly because they are the truth". This is never more true than when discovering and discussing our differences. Being an Aspie is as beautiful as any other part of you, and I believe that whatever word a person chooses to use to describe their brain structure is their choice - no one has the right to tell them that they can't use their own language. You are an amazing person, and being an Aspie is part of that - it is part of what makes you who you are and you are right not to be ashamed of it, not for a second. I hope this finds you well, hon. Love and light. :o)

This was simply fantastic.

thank you, you said it all, shine on you crazy diamond

I'm an Aspie and I really like myself. I don't have a disorder, I have an alternative order. I prefer the order that I have to the order that is inflicted on me. I would prefer absolute chaos if it meant freedom from oppressive social chains.

Firstly I want to commend you on your brave and heart felt speech. For me, I am struggling with my own issues surrounding the aspie / autism diognosis when I was a child. I have always felt that it has sold me short. I was bullied as a child, but always wished that I could have been in the popular groups, at least in part. Another part of me has come to think that those so called 'popular groups' were full of people who were scared to stray away from the 'follow the sheep and remember the script / rules' mentality. Society is the cogs that makes the wheel go around . The 'norm' is so ingrained into that society. Although I agree with what you are saying in my heart, my brain wants a humane and dignified 'cure' for autism. Would you not want a cure for Cancer or MS? Wanting a cure for a condition that someone has is not the same as belittling the person who has that condition. Autism or no autism, if you believe that our souls live on after we die then you will believe that autism is a 'foreign body' that doesn't have any link to who we are as people. I believe that who we are in our souls can define how we act autisticly but I don't believe it can happen vice versa. You sound like you have a really good soul. Currently there is no cure for aspergers syndrome / autism, so presently we have to work with how we can live with it rather than against it. As for cures, there are people wanting to cash in on abusive 'alternative therapies' such as Electric Shock Treatments, Holding / hug therapy and 'therapies' involving all kinds of physical and psycological tortures. With these abusive interventions and this kind of ignorance around, is it any wonder that autistic people would rather not be 'cured'? We all deserve respect as people. But is it such a bad and prejudice thing to wish those struggles away?

Great video! Thank you.

hi am a 42 male and from the uk and i was told by my doctor i am aspie what ever 4 years ago i have gone through hell all my life always loyal to a couple of friends what just take all they could then just dump me i really would enjoy to talk with you about this . i have watched your videos you are great

I agree, it's a POSITIVE thing!

the people that dont have it and are offended by it will never understand why its not offensive because they don't have it and don't know what it's like to have it and will never understand your argument! I love your attitude and how you fight what you stand for I am exactly like you it's to a t

Thank you for making this video. I'm frustrated with the way society perceive autism. I can't say I'm actively discriminated against, but that is because I don't identify myself as autistic in public. I admire all of you who identify yourselves as "aspies". I am proud of a lot of the traits that come with my autism, but it's difficult to stand up and say so. Not only is it difficult to willingly accept the unfair and unwarranted stigma that comes with it, but even finding a place to do it is a challenge. People admire me for my passion for studying physics, my ability to solve problems in ways that not many others would think of (for better or worse), and my drive to look at things fundamentally, and I wish I could find the place and the courage to tell them that I owe of those traits to autism. Instead most of the people I have told I'm autistic have told me that I'm wrong because I don't fit the description well enough (despite the fact that I was diagnosed at a very young age). To be honest, I have never really thought about the specific issue addressed in this video, but you are totally right and I feel like you hit the nail on the head. If you associate the word 'aspie' with a sense of pride about who you are, you SHOULD be mad if somebody else tells you that it's wrong. I want to feel proud about who I really am, and this video beautifully articulated why that is difficult.

Wow your so positive, interesting and inspirational

"you don't know shit" alright, I really, really needed that laugh this morning, and I am in your debt. You have my sincere thanks. :D

Not only is it shorter and easier to say, for me it's an affectionate term for a part of myself I love as much as any other. You go, sister! Preach our truth!

It would be like someone shaming me for defining myself as a neurotypical because that would imply they think there's something wrong with my brain structure. Of course I'd take offense to that. You're an Aspie and I'm a neurotypical and we're both human beings with far more similarities than differences. Variety is the spice of life! Love your videos :)

I agree wholeheartedly! Some people go out of their way to look for things to call "offensive", it's getting ridiculous...

'Always remember: Mutant, and proud'

i get called "special case" here at universty. all because i have aspergers and im dyslexic and i have a note taker in lectures... its horrible. when my both my grans passed last year. everyone knew about it and yet carried on the harshness, if anything it got worse... i have 6 months left here at uni and i cannot wait to see the back of the students... to much ego on a business degree... got help them but the topic i went there to learn was ok... just a shame there are alot of nasty people out there that wont try and understand but push it away anyway they can :(

I totally agree with you about the word aspie. I happen to like it myself. What I don't like is what sometimes comes behind it-- the person's intent. I think that's the place where most people get offended, but they're affixing their offense to the wrong thing if you ask me. I know some people get bullied with the word aspie, and if that happened to me, I'd probably come to hate that word and even the way it sounds. And certainly if I were the parent or family member of a kid on the spectrum or with Asperger's, I'd be upset that they were being bullied, and since the bullying might specifically involve that word, I might find myself feeling upset and being offended by people's use of that word (although I think they're a little misguided, I can never hate someone for caring about someone else enough to try to fight some of their battles for them). I'd have associated the word with the act of bullying or stereotyping or bigotry or singling them out or any of the other negative things that sometimes comes behind the words a person uses. But what I'd be missing is that it isn't the word that's offensive, and it isn't the word that hurts, it's what the person saying it is doing with it that's offensive and hurts, and the word is just the manifestation of that thing. Bullies suck. Prejudice sucks. Singling people out-- especially over something totally innocent and frankly pointless as Asperger's or homosexuality or the color of their skin or their religion or whatever else-- sucks. The words are just the implements of those things, but they are not those things themselves. I think it's important for people to not lose focus and maintain a proper perspective about what they're upset or offended by. Know your enemy, not just the random word your enemy hurls at you as a weapon. If you only know the word, you're enemy only has to change their words and they'll become invisible to you-- but their attacks will not. If you know your enemy, the words they use won't make any difference, you'll always be able to identify them and protect yourself from them.

Maja, as a fellow Aspie, I don't find it offensive in the slightest unless it's plainly being used in a way that is intended to offend, which is rare at best. If people are going to get offended by the word, they probably need to take a long hard look at their lives and re-evaluate what they have a reason to be offended about. Sure, some people choose to be ignorant and dickish about it, but guess what? I don't let those people get to me. Those people are fools.:)

I have worked almost exclusively with ASD students for the last 13 years. Like everything else - shaking hands, making jokes, etc. -- I use the term "aspie" on a case-by-case basis. If the individual likes the term and uses it, so do I. I completely agree with you that having Asperger's is a gift in most ways -- especially when the person feels good about it. Thanks for your work.

You summed up a lot of stuff I was never able to. I just never dealt with them because I couldn't untangle their nest of assumptions eliqantly but yeah. You speak for me too on this. If the wiring of your brain can't define you what can. I found the word "Aspie" when I was figuring all this stuff out and found it very useful on the internet. If you google "Aspergers" you get medical stuff and stuff from parents of kids with aspergers but if you google "Aspie" you get actual aspies taking about their experiences.

I, too, do not find it offensive. What I do find offensive is that we, as people (with or without Asperger's) are so self-important that we believe and behave as if somehow others should conform to our own preferences. I understand your having found it difficult to articulate your feelings on this topic, and I commend you for having found the best explanation I could imagine. I fully agree w most of what you have said here, and for those few points where we differ, that's the joy of being human. We have every right to differ in our opinions. If we were all the same, well, we'd have a much bigger problem, I fear.

I prefer the term "Asp kicker"! Yes, I have Asperger's!

I like your logic. I think the analogy you make to a homosexual saying he is "a homosexual" is perfect. The only reason why someone would think that referring to someone as "a homosexual" or as "an aspie" is offensive would be because they think there is something "wrong" with either one. Another analogy would be calling yourself "a Latino" if you were from Central America and live in the United States. It is just identifying yourself as a member of a minority group, and there is nothing wrong with that.

As us I was identified as nuro-atypical (they many different names for it) in grade1 (around 40 years ago), extremely bright but would never be more than a brick layer, (only made me more stubborn and ended up with a PhD). Decades later officially being an Aspie allows me not to be alone/ Whether one choses "aspie" or person with Asperger. If needed were it as a badge of honour, typically loyal, honest and deeply caring (in our own way, just takes us a little longer to get there).

So who actually say's to you "haha your an Aspie you suck?" In regards to your video I was having this very same conversation with someone last night. So basically I told this person that I am on the Autistic Spectrum, and that I have Asperger's. Their reaction to the word Autistic was "oh ok, you're Autistic?" When I replied that I have Asperger's their response was "oh, what's that then?" Unfortunately there is still a lot of ignorance around Asperger's. And alway's when people don't understand something, or they fear it, you will alway's get some kind of negative response or reaction, met with confusion. In regards to being called an Aspie..what's wrong with that? This is how I describe myself.

This is very, very good talk!!! I think the reason who find the word "aspie" offensive are people who consider asperger's as something negative or even a disease. In the way the way that e.g. people schizophrenia probably wouldn't like others to say "that's the schizophrenic" because then the disease seems to be their main characteristics. The word "aspie" only becomes offensive when people define asperger's as bad. The problem is that most people neither really know what asperger*s is nor how aspies feel about their "condition". Usually people only know that it's part of the autistic spectrum and then autism automatically brings rain man to their thoughts. I dare say that low functioning autism is sort of a dysfunction, people who have it are not able to care for themselves and you yourself said once that a lot of nonverbal autists would like to talk but their condition doesn't allow them to express themselves. And since asperger's are on the autistic spectrum, a lot of people automatically consider it a dysfunction. Another thing is that, because of the lack of social skills, a lot of people who interact with aspies do not understand the syndrome at all and simply find them "weird" (hence the problem with the bullying). That's why they might find the word aspie offensive. Finally, when it comes to relatives of aspies, especially parents - they probably see how their kids have to suffer in school etc and thus make the syndrome responsible for the bullying. And don't want them to be called aspie because they don't want to define their kids by the "evil" syndrome. I know that the real problem is not the problems but the other kids' ignorance and lack of understanding - still, i think you cannot really blame those relatives for having problems with the word aspie. Anyways, let's hope that the word will lose its negative connotation soon and that a lot of people watch this video! Best wishes :)

where do we send questions?

I SOO AGREE WITH YOU :0) By the way..... I have the explanation about why some people love to categorize and other don't. If you are interested to know, go read the different personalities in the Myers Briggs personality types. You will find that some personality love to categorize, structure and judge (like the INTJ that I am) and other personality hates categories (like INFP) and these liking or hatred are so integrated in your personality that you cannot control them or help it, it's just stronger than your own will. I think it will totally catch your interest and help you understand why in some people mind, it's ''totally wrong'' to define yourself as who you are. They just can't help it!!! From now on, you will have more empathy for those people and get less angry (my girlfriend is part of ''them''' btw LOL :D Have a nice day!!! )

Say as you wish it's your right. You're an Aspie and you should serenade that I'm an Aspie I love you I mean as a friend, ok Thank you for caring enough to post this video

You've got *so* much to be proud of! Nothing to be ashamed of. And you communicate and express yourself damn well! D*on't let anyone else tell you what you can or can't say or express* - I see nothing you've done that's "wrong" or inappropriate. And "aspie" isn't offensive - at least in any (common?) contexts I've known of or encountered it. At least most all the general usage I've encountered of it, it's generally a friendly casual slang for one having Asperger Syndrome or being on the Autism Spectrum - I think most commonly used by aspies referring to themselves - individually or as a group. Seems rather, to me, like someone referring to themselves, accurately, as being (relatively) tall, or short, or blonde, or woman/female, or man/male - accurate, short, descriptive, is what it is, not offensive and doesn't "define"/limit the person ... other than rather accurately describing something that they are. No more, no less, and not something to avoid using as descriptor. About the *only* context(s) I'd think "aspie" might be inappropriate, is in some professional contexts where one ought more precisely identify what one is talking about with a non-slang term (e.g. medical journal article - probably wouldn't write "aspie", just like one probably wouldn't write "germ" or "bug", but would generally use a more descriptive and less ambiguous (and non-slang) word, term or descriptive phrase). The only other context I think of where it would be inappropriate, is if someone were to frame it as a derogatory - but in such a case the problem isn't the use of the word "aspie", but using it as a derogatory (rather similar to using "gay" as a derogatory/pejorative - not cool, don't do that). And don't apologize for getting angry. :-) Anger is an indicator that something's not right and should be addressed or changed. So long as one doesn't do something violent or otherwise inappropriate with being angry - well - anger ain't all bad. (As for myself, I exceedingly rarely get angry, and I also have an exceedingly ingrained pattern of dispensing with my anger - such rote ingrained habit/practice I do it really without even thinking about it: anger --> frustration --> energy --> do something useful (and generally constructive and appropriate) with/about it). And great to hear from you again - always much enjoy hearing from you. (And again, you really don't need to apologize about, e.g. lighting, (wet/damp) hair, bit of sniffle or sneeze you have to deal with, etc.). By the way, the audio level was also excellent on this video.

Well thought out and presented video and personally I think your right in what you said and make a lot of valid and powerful points. Its difficult to ignore those that say derogatory things about Aspergers but especially personal attacks whatever they may be. They are best left to their own ignorances and a lot of those kind of people are those that are supposed to leaders in society and look at the mess its in. The world would be better if a lot more Aspies had a bigger say in the way things are dealt with as my experience shows that many are kind a bigger understanding of reality and tolerant of others. As individuals like you said we have the right to be who we are as long as we don't hurt others. However a point of fact is that there are an awful lot of people who don't have Aspergers that hurt maim and terrorize others far more than an Aspie ever will because most have a code of conduct much greater than society in general and want things to be right and as perfect as they can be hence why in my experience people find it difficult to interact with us. The world will never be perfect but if more were like you and lived in a similar way to your values then it would be a better place. Thank you for sharing at times you were finding it difficult but you carried on through your discomfort. Looking forward to you next video.

Is the brain structure different, or is it just function of parts of the brain (~ 7:30) ?

Aspie is to me a funny and lightharted way to tell people about my way of experiencing them and the world... Since I know I have Asperger its that much easier to love and accept the way that my body and mind functions. The last piece of the puzzle that is my life as it where... But I can imagine it isn't the same for everyone I recon.

Like hearing from you, Think you're great.

Great vid cheers!!!

Yeah we can think in a way no one else can, but digestive issues hurt so bad.

Sock it to 'em sock it to 'em Young Lady.

Interesting video, but in the end I want to know something, did you travel to Australia in the end?

Epic! :)

This goes to all other kinds of "disorders" like Diabetes. I hate people saying "Don't say Diabetic, it's offensive" THE HELL IT IS...it's TRUE...I am a person who has diabetes, which means I am a Diabetic!! One and the same. Same as with my own Aspergers!! Thank you for sharing this video!!

Aspie's naming is cool ;-)

Embrace your Aspie Powers

You are a beautiful person, and a beautiful girl. Dont give atention those people who talk bad of your condition. The world are full of stupid people. You are a beautiful person. Kiss

when I call everybody else neurotypical they think I'm insulting them cuz they don't know what it means when I refer to them as normal they tend to be insulted

I was recently diagnosed with Asperger's. How do you deal with your diagnoses in a positive way????? Also am I an "Aspie" sense I have Asperger s????

Very well said. I stand to applaud you and your comm

I love the word Aspie. A friend whose kids are on the spectrum asked me if I found it offensive. Like you, I think it is something defining.

If a person is offended/hurt by a word such as "aspie" then there are issues behind those feelings that have not been dealt with. There are people out there who can help with these issues which will help life be so much more comfortable.

It's not offensive at all. Aspie is what we call each other.

hi my name is Chris and im 29 years old and I begin to watch your videos lately, the videos you do are amazing and you say very good points about Asperger syndrome and also im a proud subscriber to your channel that thinks is a very brave thing to do to put yourself in a camera and talk about this subject to the world that not a lot of people know of and me as well have Asperger we struggle in our everyday life and one last thing that's amazing that you have a boyfriend I guess girls don't have to much trouble in that area when you have Asperger cause guys is a hole different story about the relationships ok well thank you keep doing your videos

thank you!

I agree with your idea as to the word aspie, It depends upon the context it is used. some times it is used with affection as well. We need the diversity in people as a whole. not every one is the same or think a like.

It's not offensive, I find it serves no purpose, it all. I won't EVER call you "Aspie" - I'd call you your name, but I have no issue with whoever doing what they want re calling themselves a group "title" but you're unique, sweet and beautiful. I mean that with the utmost sincerity, God loves you, and you truly are a lovely person. You are a HUMAN, not the restriction of a label. Keep smiling, lots of love, Matthew, England

Hi AnMish and Hi all, Just have to reply spontaneously 'as the thoughts come'. It's just a word, and in all my AS experience, it originates from Aspies themselves and an affectionate and acknowledging reference. Of course, its everyone right to refer to themselves as they wish, but my POV? It's a self-reference that takes a step away from the clinical diagnostic term and starts to dissociate the syndrome from the clinical markers which are essentially about identifying areas of difficulty/problems. Think it is helpful for Aspies and NTs alike to understand the origin of this word and to help each understand each other's POV, to uncover the similarities and strengths of each, as well as the differences. It is very likely that now AS is gaining a cultural higher profile, the term will begin to gain negative association with some - ie., another word to devalue someone with. I like the word 'Aspie', its fun. It's the negative associations are not. So, support the right to positive self-referral but don't negate those who are having a bad time by it; AS or NT alike. Last word (yeah right!): whatever the term, I is as I am. As owners of the 'term', Aspie, Aspergian and whatever will develop next, let's be as flexible and inclusive as we can. Apologises to AnMish for not watch the vid all the way through - just had to 'tap out' my pennies worth.

You don't know how many times that this has been such an issue with me, People have been telling me "I really hope that I'm not an aspie" or "Don't say the word Aspie!!" and it drives me NUTS!

Asper kids and Jennifer O'Toole does the congratulations your an aspie thing too.

What do you think of Simon Baron-Cohen's extreme male brain theory?

100% agree!

I'm an aspie. I'm not offended by the word. I use the word to describe myself. And btw, Maja, you are brilliant.

Love your work. You are so generous, insightful, inspirational and basically right. I feel calmer and more relaxed listening to you. Thankyou. And did I mention thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou? When you mentioned anxiety and suicidal thoughts, it made me want to offer a potentially helpful piece of information. I get emotional reactions to certain food chemicals, including anxiety. While looking up a link to post, I also found that 75% of people on the spectrum have similar food intolerances. So there could well be something in here which you find relevant. www.fedup.com.au/factsheets/symptom-factsheets/autism-a-asperger A change in diet obviously won't change who you are, but it can make life a little easier. In my case, controlling diet means a bit less anxiety, less tiredness, reduced joint pain and less bloating. Everyone is different and the list of various symptoms which different people have is enormous.

One of the things we can directly control is our own personal choice to be offended or not offended by something. For most things it is simply not worth the effort to be offended because it is generally one of two things: An accident in which case they did not intend offense-- so why be mad at them? Or they did it on purpose to deliberately upset you-- so why should you _allow_ them to upset you? Besides, I always found "aspie" to be both accurate and endearing. I feel the same way about calling someone "ginger" which to me is no different than calling someone a "blonde" or "brunette"-- they are all descriptive of a particular phenotype and should not necessarily have a negative connotation.