Thank you. As usual, you're very thorough and cover a lot of information on the subject. Other than mannerisms, I didn't give much thought to masking or camouflaging physical issues. I do notice that it does happen. I tended to hide and modify myself to become a person who could interact successfully with the people around me. I rarely gesticulated when speaking, as I believed the proper words were sufficient. I would have more gesturing among people I was more comfortable with. How we think we're being perceived by others creates the persona we become. Chameleon, we are natural actors and psychologists.
@OneAutisticPerson4 сағат бұрын
I have noticed I gesticulate much more when talking to people I trust to add context but sit very still when I'm not in that space. That's why I do so much in my videos I think because I feel safe. Masking is something I know everyone does and it's a natural protection mechanism as a social being but with neurodivergent people, it's the feeling of sustained and often forced masking that I think is dangerous for us and why so many of us truly feel calmer and more at an equilibrium when isolated but then crave social interaction as a social being, then we have to mask again... vicious circles or perpetual masking and unmasking (once we learn to unmask, I have only just learned to do so even to myself). My next video is very much about forced masking and how it reminds me of of various other debunked and often dangerous methods of forced psychological and social change and often is completely futile as a long term option. Thank you as always for your support of my channel, it really does mean a lot.
@MVance-k9p4 сағат бұрын
@OneAutisticPerson I masked constantly and lost my identity. The worst type of masking is when you don't know you're doing it. I fell apart and figured out how I had lost myself during the rebuild. Similar to the story of "Humpty dumpty". Years of intermittent shutdowns, burnouts and dissociation. What happens when the mask becomes permanent? Me. Much of my energy is utilized reading other people and calculating my reaction. It's more than learning another culture or language to necessitate interaction. We're aware of the shift in self and who we are when interacting with people from other cultures. As an actor is aware of his true self when in character. Masking is more draining. Keep up the excellent work. You're not alone. Be your best self.
@flyygurl18Күн бұрын
omg this makes so much sense; i can also do a weird clicking thing with my thumb since childhood. It resonate also, separating the symptoms and addressing them separately; chronic fatigue, headaches and constant shoulder pains. Unless a pain is excrutiating, I never share that so this helps to recognise that it's not normal to have lots of discomfort All the time
@OneAutisticPersonКүн бұрын
The looking glass definitely becomes clearer (to coin a metaphor) once you see it. Having EDS is definitely something that was a journey for me as it made realise that you van know it but you might not KNOW it
@flyygurl18Күн бұрын
@@OneAutisticPerson will be checking it out: doing a bit of research!
@OneAutisticPersonКүн бұрын
Have you ever noticed that you are masking physical symptoms, due to social masking?
@joygibbons5482Күн бұрын
Yep, all the time I’m in the presence of any other human…..
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What are your favorite or most challenging parts of the holiday season?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What are your go-to strategies for navigating social events?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you relate to seeing things in a different way or have a unique approach to imagination?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What are some unique traits or interests that make you or someone you know stand out?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What are some unique traits or habits that you’ve noticed about yourself or a loved one?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What was your journey to understanding yourself or a loved one better?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What was your experience with autism diagnosis, or are you considering getting assessed?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Have you ever been told you were rude when you thought you were just being honest?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What’s one small detail you’ve noticed recently that others didn’t?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What’s one assumption about autism you’ve heard that you think needs to change?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
How do you process emotions or big ideas like social justice?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
How do you find balance between solitude and social interactions?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What are some strong interests or passions that bring you joy?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
How do you feel about social chit chat-necessary bonding or overwhelming challenge?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you or someone you know struggle with monologuing? How do you view it-challenge or strength?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you feel a deep connection to numbers and patterns? How has it influenced your life or work?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What are your thoughts on reframing autism traits as strengths?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Which pathway do you think is the best for a late autism diagnosis-NHS internal, Right to Choose, or private?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
How do you navigate friendships as an autistic individual? Do you prefer deep, long-term connections or smaller social circles?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What’s your experience with pattern recognition? Do you see it as a superpower, a challenge, or both?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you find it easier to navigate social interactions in certain spaces, like theaters or museums?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do changes to your daily routine affect you deeply? How do you manage unexpected disruptions?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you ever find it hard to keep a conversation going? How do you navigate those moments?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you find idioms and metaphors confusing, or have you developed ways to interpret them?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you find it easier to focus on smaller details or the big picture? How do you manage multitasking as an autistic person or in general?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Have you tried the Reading Minds in the Eyes Test? How did you do, and what surprised you the most?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What’s your take on monotropism? Do you think this theory explains autistic experiences better than other models?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Have you experienced an early fascination with language or numbers?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you or someone you know resonate with traits of hyperlexia?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What helped you the most in understanding yourself or someone with autism?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What has your experience been with traits like masking or hypervigilance?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you find body language or eye contact challenging? How do you navigate social situations?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What are your thoughts on the issues uncovered in these SEN schools?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
How do you experience hyperfocus or hyperfixation? Do you see it as a challenge, a strength, or both?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What are your thoughts on how healthcare systems handle neurodivergent needs?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Let me know in the comments how you relate to these experiences or share your strategies for managing social challenges!
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What’s a common misconception or stereotype about autism that you’ve encountered?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you resonate with the "4 States of AuDHD" or have your own ways of explaining the interaction between autism and ADHD?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What adjustments have made the biggest difference for you in the workplace?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
What do you love most about your unique brain?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Have you ever experienced burnout? What do you think are the biggest challenges when dealing with it?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Have you ever tried to explain the challenges of living with autism’s spiky profile to someone?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you find literal thinking and sarcasm challenging to navigate?
@OneAutisticPerson2 күн бұрын
Do you believe neurodivergent and neurotypical people experience empathy differently?
@DaveAndStuff6 күн бұрын
Great video! I can so relate to just wanting to talk about my own special interests, and when they say something about their own, "oh that's nice...." 😆 I've been in the pre-diagnostic meetings this week, and next week I do the ados-2. It helps a lot to hear you talk about it, so thank you. Also, I realize I've been masking in the sessions this week. I mean... I don't even know how to "unmask" after decades of trying to be normal... I'm trying to let my weirdo flag fly but it's not something I'm used to.
@MVance-k9p8 күн бұрын
Besides the connectivity of the ND brain, the insula usually is not working the same way as NTs. The NTs have an automatic preprocessor for social and emotional information. They process in real time, in a fluid manner. NDs lose some or all of the preprocessing ability and have to process everything in the frontal lobes, somewhat consciously. So, the ND's systemizing mindset will attempt to make an irrational concept fit inside a rational box. Besides not being able to force fit the concept inside that box, the ND spends a tremendous amount of working memory and other resources trying to do it. Conversion from irrational to rational = depleted resources and fatigue.
@MVance-k9p8 күн бұрын
I do like the "empathy paradox " term a bit better. NTs sense and interpret social/emotional information in a fluid manner. It's their natural language. So, they will respond to social and emotional problems of others with the same language. ND's, in the same situation will respond with support and a solution. As that is part of their natural language. If someone burns their hand, NT offers hugs, kisses and a "get well soon" card. The ND with ice, bandages and invents flame retardant gloves..