My 29 year old stepdaughter has autism and intellectual disability. I've been working to get her services for 2 years now. She is alone almost all the time and has never had a friend. When she is in public, she is still sometimes bullied, BY ADULTS. I will just keep working to help her and my hope is to have her set up and safe before I pass away.

We all don't look like we have a disability some of us pass off fairly well. Worst yet when people do find out there is something wrong with you it must be a lie

I teach a little boy with Autism. He makes my day every day. The most pure and genuine child I've ever met.

I have Asperger's syndrome and I am on disability, yet I still have a part time job, college degrees, my own apartment and a daughter.

I have been bullied but we know we are better than bullies.

Here in UK, I see a lot of attention given to children with autism/Aspergers; but such support for adults, in my case seems to be lacking. I think the interest to help adults reduces with age. Im 50 and was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome 4 years ago. 50 years alone and lost. I feel broken.

this whole documentary felt like it was an intro

I’ve been autistic all my life, but my parents never knew. I always knew there was something wrong with me because speaking and interacting is hard. I never was diagnosed but I think I am mild. I’m 30 and still haven’t told anyone. Smh hard life.

Exactly I grew up, my autism didn’t go away once I turned 18, I’m still trying to get services at 23

I am 18 and I have a mild case of Autism. When I was five I only had a ten word vocabulary and I had to be held back in preschool for two and a half years. Throughout my elementary school days, the other kids always made fun of me for my age. They keep saying that I failed a grade level and that I am just plain stupid. These days, I prove them wrong. I have more smarts about computers and science then almost everyone in my class. I have enough smarts to be an honors student. Any person who has Autism can go through their own tough times, but that doesn't mean we are that much different than anyone else. We should have the same rights as anyone else.

I discovered I am autistic at the age of 52, and the relief was huge. Suddenly my whole life made sense, I knew it wasn't my fault. I live alone, I sleep alone and I can live with that. I used to crave love from women, but couldn't communicate with them, and so I gave up and accepted that I will live alone for life. I am not sad about this

The job market need to stop discrimination with disability and gave the individual chance.

It is indeed up to those of us without autism to learn their terms! We need a wider culture of this attitude to best accommodate difference.

I had vocational training when I was still in high school & it was the best thing that could have happened. It gave my life direction I never would have had. I feel especially lucky since no one looked for Autism when I grew up.

The trouble is that they are going to be Adults, not grown children, and they are going to develop a voice and needs and they don't need to be shamed, they need to be welcomed and loved!

There is no need for concern in the rising of autism diagnoses. The reason diagnosis has increased is because awareness is spreading, leading more parents to realize something is "up" with their child, and going to a specialist to see what the issue is. Autism is not a disease, so please don't make it sound like it is. :(

It's good to see a film where the problems I face as an autistic person are understood and supported. Well done to the film makers and the workers and family involved for their sensitive attitude to our challenges.

I desperately want to have a job, I’ve done tons of work experience but they just won’t hire me, it’s frustrating because I can do just as well as others , even better, but I will just be overlooked and not be given a chance. I had a job for two days in a small convince store one time and was told, they don’t have the hours for me so they had to let me go, but someone else was hired the next week and another experience I had was a job for 3 weeks and I was terribly bullied by the owner, until she fired me because I couldn’t understand what she wanted, it was the most horrible experience of my life. I have a lot of anger when it comes rejection because I try so hard

Such a lovely and beautiful documentary showing how much changes we can do in the life’s of people with ASD

There is a lot of focus in this video on the need for programs and legislation to help autistic adults. I want to be careful with how I say this, but... a lot of adults with autism do not want a hand-out. Just a hand-up. Autistic people are always disabled in the sense that they do think or function like those who are not autistic. However, as briefly touched on in this video, autistics are people who have much to offer despite their difficulties and can be a great asset in the job market IF we can find a place to fit. At work, my coworkers without autism are sometimes at a disadvantage which can lead to jealously and lack of understanding... Admittedly, I'm always at a disadvantage because this world is not set up for those who have autism. So, on one hand, I would welcome anything that would bring more understanding. However, on the other, I would not want to lose my independence or freedoms by someone trying to "help" me. Yes, paying a light bill can be more difficult for me than someone without autism, but that doesn't mean that I want "help" by someone taking over. Also, particularly based on reading some of the comments, to be clear, everyone is NOT on the autism spectrum. It is true that anyone can get frustrated, have sensory difficulties, and question if he or she said or did the correct thing socially. However, these things DO NOT make someone autistic. They make someone human. The symptoms of autism are more pronounced than the norms for people who are not autistic. Being autistic affects how the brain develops. Autism is diagnosed based on someone's symptoms which can very often be debilitating even for those who are considered "high-functioning." If everyone had autism, the world would be a VERY different place.

I am heartbroken for all of you and all who suffer for whatever reason! Everyone has value! Different isn't bad , and oftentimes it's most special ! People can be so cruel and thoughtless, and I feel they are the ones with a socialization problem ! I understand isolating oneself ...for self preservation..... but do not let ass hats do that you! They are beneath you! Do what feels right for you ! Love and hope to you all ! Rachel Usa

It's still very difficult for most adults who have autism, especially for those who were diagnosed later in life, or who were never diagnosed but are suspected of having it. As one who has a mild form, I can say that 1. Needed services are just not available. 2. As long as we stim, elope, have meltdowns and obcess, we'll never be accepted by "normal" society. 3. Whenever we display any talent (math, music, art, etc.), we're complimented, but it's more like that that's given to trained animals or side show freaks!

Bullying feels like naturalized in this video, as if it was the sole responsibility of the target to learn the necessary social skills to prevent it. Bullying and enabling bullying should be regarded as crimes against humanity because that is what they are. Bullies should have criminal liability for their inhumane behavior.

People forget Autistic Children do become Adults! New York is the worst state, there is nothing for an Adult who has Autism! It drives me nuts that I used to live in NY but live in PA now. This state tries so hard to help people with Autism; I just wished New York would work harder for them as well. My nephew has Asperberger Syndrome with OCD....there's no one to work with him and it breaks me heart!

This is quite an intelligent view on the subject of autism. I like this.

I have Autism our life's are fine we just have some challenges.

I live in a major US city, and in the entire metro area there are literally 2 options for therapy for adult spectrum disorders (who take insurance) while there are hundreds for children. You don't see this with anything else. There is no focus on childhood bipolar, or childhood anxiety, while ignoring the adult version. Considering the fact that the majority of humans are adults, it makes no sense

Thank you very much for this video. 🙏 Well done, bravo 👏👍😊.

What the lady said from 28:37 to 29:24 is so common, that, it’s heartbreaking. 💔

I’m from the UK and I ‘ ve just been diagnosed with Autism . I’m now 72 years old I’m considering legal action against the organisations that failed to spot this problem years ago for the trouble that the department of social security caused me over the years. When apparently this condition is easy to spot.

I'm 40 with depression and autistic. I work but struggle with finances. Family doesn't think I'm autistic. I pray for me and their acceptance. Office Depot is a good company. I would like a company where I can use my coding and IT skills.

Work life is just one constant humiliation and rejection (if you are 'lucky' enough to get into work in the first place)

So true about life skills being more valuable than academics for autistic people, unfortunately autistic people often are just good at the knowledge thus masking the disability in school

work with people like that and I'm happy I'm in that field and I have been learning a lot from it

I thank the GOOD LORD 🙏 each and everyday for my training as being a Home Health Aide, my son is 29 years old I didn't get any help when he was little and now that he's a adult. I asked the good Lord each and every day to keep me strong. But take him first before me.

❤ amazing and so compassionate. Thank you 😊

I got a md Anderson add and It brought back bad childhood memories when I was 3 and going there for my dad man I miss him I didn't know him well because he passed when I was 4 but man so sad that I didn't get to grow up with him he was a good man and there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him and almost every day my mom tells me about a dream that she had with him in it what a terrible loss I can't wait to see him up in heaven and get to know him

I'm 26 years old with mild high functioning autism it can be difficult mostley because people treat you like your different and think your not as smart as them just because your less social then they where your actually 4 times more intelligent

The diagnosis rate is increasing because of increased awareness, better diagnostic tools, and parents who know what to look for. And because girls aren't being over looked as much. No one is putting chemicals in the water, and vaccines do not cause autism.

Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for this!

Speaking from someone who's in his mid twenties, life can be a struggle and I have limited access to things in life such as communication, travelling, employment and living independently. What people don't understand is that they assume they know what autism is, but as soon as I act differently, they'd think I'm acting strange or just being socially awkward. I can't help that. If they really had the same condition as I have, they'd certainly know how being wired differently can make you feel like an outcast to everyone else.

Excellent video. I am going to share it with all my friends and those who interact or who will come in contact with those with Autism.

Thanks for sharing, speaking as an Autistic Adult in my fifties and only diagnosed in 2012

16:28 Best speech ever! God bless this man!

It’s hard for me to to adjust myself in certain social situations especially at party’s I don’t know how to say some certain things appropriately or say less sometimes it’s hard for me to get out there and now I’m stuck I need a lot of help with finding the right group of friends as well everyone deserves a friend

This is highly depressing.

i am 28 with hf autism but as a child i was misdiagnosed with adhd so i did not get the help i needed until i was 26 and got properly diagnosed. i was also bullied in school. i wonder if people will ever understand hf autism

I have aspergers and it is a high funiction autism...and it is pretty interest to research about this.

32. My life has been a waste. I am waiting patiently to start being alive. I'm losing patience.

I was circumcised and then bullied my entire life. Why did the world take EVERYTHING beautiful from me?! Being alive is a prison.

Another Question: If you are an adult in your 30's with autism but also have OCD...the cleanliness kind and live with your parents who do everything for you & who will be 70 and 68 this year--I'd love to know how you believe you will be able to cope when they are no longer around? I am asking this question for a family member. I worry so for my sister & brother in law who are in this position. My nephew has the highest form of Autism but is unable to live with other adults due to his OCD mainly.....I believe his Autism wouldn't keep him from being able to do this on it's own. I'd really love to hear from people who are in this same or similar position! Thanks Everyone, you've been so kind in replying!

Find a spot in your adult life I not that old like most you but I do respect all that you guys kick it that far to survive And made a way for new generation autism to living a normal human Life in modern city s

This is like looking at the Future.

Social expectations do you mean. If you are different in whatever aspect the people expect that you follow the same pattern that all follow anyway. Only because you have to ( must to) adapt to the majority of people when you are already an adult. You can solicit help when you are a baby, child, and teenager, but when you already turn 18 years old, you have to be a certain way and not asking for help anymore. Therefore, you are "wrong" or you have to "fix" you. Well, that it is how I feel. Or it is like: "We can help you being already an adult ( inclusion), but if you do not fit in thei expectations ( being fix), it your problem". Also, they do not care about if you have a "diagnostic" or not. Especially in work.

Thank you

This is so true.

I work/worked alongside people who are on the spectrum and they're the most honest and, (yes sometimes "blunt"), people I've ever met. Some of the funniest people I've met too. One thing I've noticed is that none of them see race or age, they just see people as people.

this will help thanks for this video.

Ayisha seems like a sweetheart

Come to Frederick Maryland there are 4 places with Adult Autism Day Programs.

Hadn't seen this before, well done. Overlooking presentations, choosing to mainstream unfortunately led to a short changing 50-60+ years ago for those who today would be diagnosed on the spectrum today. Offering services to adults from just to seniors is part of disability rights. Information of progress in this direction seems hard to come by. Perhaps an updated production either available or is planned to be available in an easily accessible format covering examples of options functioning or soon to be functioning. Suggested examples would be great.

I am 42 years old, and am autistic. But, I live in my own, have a college degree. But sadly, I only have a part time job, because I feel like my autism holds me back. Don't get me wrong, I love the people I work with, but I want more than what I have. The world is poorly equipped to handle autistic adults.

We need this over here in UK

my grand mom is a nurse for kids with disabilities

I got diagnosed in 2020 at 29 but i still haven't received help. My case worker is a useless young woman who sits on her hands cause these social workers won't do anything without health insurance. So i just sit at home all day in my room alone and frustrated.

Adult diagnosis is way to expensive.

I have Autism and it's it's great to have .

I have described how social expectations are for me as an autistic person with the following analogy: This Friday you will take a calculus test. What, teach you the material? NO I won't teach you the calculus that is on the test. Just figure it out as you are doing it. Does this sound reasonable to anyone? Of course not. Yes, some people can just pick up math after a bit of practice without anyone teaching them. But that is not remotely common. For most this would be an impossible task to succeed at.

26:48 Utz Sour Cream and Onion chips. Hell yeah!

I'm nearly 41, my IQ is high enough to be in Mensa and I was diagnosed with Aspergers as a child. I'm currently reassessed with ASD1 in the social domain, and ASD2 in the non-social/repetitive domain. My life absolutely sucks. I've been on my own since I was 17, support services ignore my needs because there's people on the spectrum who can't hold a job for a year at the time and live independently, so they're deemed to have "bigger needs" but at the same time, I'm unable to do anything useful with my life and my family doesn't want to have anything to do with me. There isn't a day going by where I don't think about ending my life.

my greatest challenge is to show how kind and generous ; greatest way to tell people how a different person live my spelling isn't understand and spelling am dyslexic and a aspie [ p.s. that's how it spell]

15:47-16:36 i LOVE this. perfectly put.

Lets work on legislation for individuals with disabilities. The ADA is an archaic document and we need more Least Restrictive Environment interactions, jobs and other services. I hope with the new Government we can work on Community Based Instruction/Travel Training and better Transition service.

I like how she says he’s autism

California 's Governor Jerry Brown signed an Act last January 1 that legalized the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units behind or attached to the primary home on a lot. Here in the Los Angeles area affordable housing is very difficult to impossible to find, and this solution will be helpful to many. Their offspring could have a safe and private home, near to the family home, and perhaps a roommate that is not disabled who could be employed for a rent discount.

I wish more services were available for us autistic adults. 😠 I feel like we’re being short changed

When I graduated high school I was exhausted. I was told " you're smart, there's a college over there, go there." I did that. Now I'm thirty and I haven't had a real reason to live for about twenty years. I'm not sure what is going on and I'm very scared.

What is the beat or background music 14:13

Please let me die in my sleep tonight.

actually it's interesting - because Now with SDP and People getting to choose their services that might change

WOW, great theory of how to treat people on the spectrum @ 15:44, YES!!!!!- finally someone gets it :-))))), YOU need to see how we can do the job in our way, and make a job which fits US, not the other way around.( have Autism myself), and great program, nice to see the "DIGNITY" put back into caring for people, and the respect of who people are, and allowing for their differences.

Mr metokur is going to sample this and make some fuego

I like how he said, "Spark to Mind". A very cool and original way to phrase that saying.

I am the same way

I have autism myself and I have been struggling to find a partner for a long time.

Here's the issue I have with the overall "diagnosis" of mental retardation, if someone is nonverbal and has very little fine motor control, how do doctors KNOW what is going on in their head. I am an adult autist, I was nearly completely nonverbal until the age of 4, and then spoke very little until adulthood. I spoke just enough they knew I was, "all there." They tried putting me in special education, but couldn't because when they tested my IQ at 11 years old it was 180. Guess what, doctors have no way of testing to know for sure of a nonverbal autist with movement issues is MENTALLY handicapped. No one questioned whether Steven Hawking was still "all there" when he lost the ability to communicate verbally, because he could still type. No one questions deaf individuals who can sign. The analogy I use when I'm going through a shut down or regression is : the lights are on, someone is home, they just can't open to the door and talk about the weather. Stop labeling someone's intellectual ability on their ability to communicate.

I have autism i find life very hard. I am 61 now.

actually there is cspnj moceans and dvr

3:37 he got us all

No Development Disabilities Center?

What’s up with the backgroundmusic!?

I'm 23 and autistic I'm in the middle of the spectrum and I feel I failed being on disability and not getting my dream job

I have Asperger's Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. I am age 59 going on 60.

3:34 He got you!

Im 30 years old with autism all i want to go to college drive get my apartment and getting a great career.

No all are disabled, many are capable but has a mild speech delay, anxiety or a different perception on how to socialize and put up with the crap of shitty people at work.

she makes seem like people with autism are faced with tragedy, but they shouldn't be pityed or treated like they are stupid. Videos like these are why people have a stigma against people with autism.

As an autistic mf I can relate

This is a reason for abolishing the minimum wage. It prices those requiring assistance out of the market.