12 Autistic People Who You Didn't Know Were Autistic

Simon and Ezra are both Autistic and they are such an important part of our family. Here are some inspiring people who are also Autistic.
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[@7Aheadfamily]

Hey Friends, here's how we can support you, and how you can support us ❤ Get our Free Book - www.7-ahead.com/freebook Join our ASD Club - www.7-ahead.com/asdclub Apply for One-On-One Coaching - www.7-ahead.com/autismblueprintapplication

[@LifeinCalifornia2003]

I demand you all understand who struggles with real autism and we do not called "autistic" anymore. Because all the confusion you all create, we have to prove our special needs children's situations more and more. You guys make us sad: (

[@cheyennemccall6228]

You forgot to add Temple Grandin...

[@josefschiltz2192]

Looking at that page of definition for what was simply called Asperger's Syndrome, it is any wonder that there is confusion. Human beings decomplexify and that is intrinsically part of our evolutionary nature - mostly to retain our sanity! Asperger's is a lot easier for people to latch onto, like a large signpost that points to a village that would be otherwise lost in the broader countryside. Once this village is found, then the individual street names, houses and residents take precedence. To have a term that sticks is a useful delineation where the convergence of the autistic world and the neurotypical meet, where there are needs, some of them can be great, but a degree of independence can be achieved. myself, I spent most of my adult existence actually being a carer for an elderly relative, later with dementia. It has not been without impact on my health and I may have verged upon being prediabetic and I certainly have C-PTSD. I managed that for thirty years and I was diagnosed with Asperger's by a psychologist who also has Asperger's only five years ago after my duty of care ended. I suspect that I was really projecting my autism at that time as my mask of 'steel' had been severely dented. He said that he picked it up immediately and I was surprised at his report.

[@stevensiferd7104]

Anthony Hopkins confirmed in 2017 that he was diagnosed with Asperger's in 2014.

[@user-fc7is6jo2e]

This is a wonderful channel, and I wish you continued success with it. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[@chrishoye2949]

I have Autism. Police Officer for twenty three years and Federal Agent for eleven. I also teach at the University...anything is possible. Thank you for this kind video.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@HSunday40]

👏👏👏👏

[@7Aheadfamily]

👍

[@Vitorian]

Nah you are not

[@0NeverEver]

A Here IT IS. I recently was flamed because I Said science career IS Not a good choice for highly gifted people (including Aspis) because it is to hierachical/Not really about IQ anymore but funding. And I suggested the Police instead. Do me a favour, Go Out to the aspi organisations and the organisations for highly gifted children and Tell them to choose the Police too. This will prevent a Lot of harm, because the scientific organisiations Just eat through the lifes of the Genius, using them for decorative purposes only and throwing them away afterwards.

[@kellmyers8708]

Sir Anthony Hopkins is autistic. He was diagnosed at the age of seventy. He also said autism is what made him such a fine actor because when he was young he would emulate other people in order to hide his symptoms. And he got really good at it.

[@ytr3488]

Lol

[@andrewtongue7084]

The "emulation" you speak of is known as 'Echolalia', ergo, mimicry of vocalisation - to impersonate another individual's/character's voice; this can extend to body language mannerism too, Kell.

[@eddavanleemputten9232]

It makes sense. I’m autistic and one of the ways I’ve always used to mask is to ‘act’ the way I knew would make my interactions with others socially acceptable. My head is a treasure trove of ‘scenes’ I pull out as needed.

[@johnmohanmusic]

@@andrewtongue7084 Hi Andrew, It's true that autistic children will engage in Echolalia, but as they grow older and develop their version of social skills, when someone on the spectrum consciously acts appropriately to fit in socially with neuro-typical people, they are not merely engaging in Echolalia. It goes beyond that.

[@andrewtongue7084]

Indeed so, John - I was merely scratching the surface, if you will, to the more complex elements that are manifest as an Autistic child develops - both mentally & chronologically - thank you for your post, Andrew.

[@charlotteschaefers5129]

My son had autism and was dyslexic. He had hyperacute hearing and touch sensitivity. When he rode the bus to school he wore a Walkman to block the sound. When he was nine, I found out from his doctor that he had major scarring on his ear drums from ear infections. At the same time, he started talking (9 yrs old) and conversing with people. He was amazing as a swimming teacher of 2-5 year olds and could recognize the kids who had autism and brought out the best in them. He had a hilarious sense of humor and the people who met him after he started talking thought he was a genius. Some of the ones who knew him before bullied him. He died at age 22 and the swimming students and their parents sent the sweetest letters. One child told his mom not to cry because Mr Austin was so good he went straight to heaven. Picture of rocket ship included.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Wow. This is so touching. And thank you for sharing. Our son, Ezra is only 7 years old, so that gives us hope that he could maybe one day talk. He really doesn’t say anything other than mom, and mama when I am tickling him and he’s happy or when he’s hungry. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure that young child was correct. He went straight to heaven.

[@blackthornsloe8049]

So sorry for your unimaginable loss .

[@heartmommyinpa]

So sorry for your loss

[@LadyBug1967]

How did he die

[@TheCamillo4ka]

I'm so sorry for your loss. How did he die?

[@TheWilliamHoganExperience]

I'm Autistic, Level 1. I'm also gifted with a very high IQ, and the ability to communicate facts verbally. The success or failure of autistic people to achieve what's important to them turns on whether what they find compelling is accepted and valued by society, and they receive the support they require from a sensory and social standpoint. If unaware of autism, supporting it fully becomes impossible. Most of us live alone and have few friends because of a lack of knowledge, acceptance and support for our autism. Being seen as high functioning, our support needs are often dismissed. When we melt-down, we're accused of being manipulative: You know what the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown is: Meltdowns are involuntary. Tantrums are deliberate attempts to manipulate.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thanks for sharing.

[@mordie31]

really good point regarding the difference between a tanny and a proper meltdown. folks take note

[@dreamclaw00]

I so relate to what you're saying. I think that's my problem. I have a high level of intelligence, but being ADHD too I'm so weird and odd to other people that I just can't function at work on in friendships. People constantly gaslight me over trivial things assuming I'm just being lazy or pedantic. It makes me a target at work too by bullies. I'm 48, have no friends or family and I've just stopped working because I can't deal with the abuse. I wish I had the kind of brain that was useful to other people.

[@asunset8545]

Yes, that's a big problem with being high functioning,you can appear more "normal", so your needs are dismissed because your symptoms aren't as visible as a low functioning autistic but you are both suffering and in need of support.

[@c-hawkins1150]

LIES!! Son you do not have autism...😂😂😂 If you are able to type that lie, you know you are NOT autistic. SOMEBODY LIED TO YOU OR YOU ARE LYING! 😂😂 Autism is a neurological disorder that affects communication and socialization. High IQ means you are able to communicate well. I suggest you use your "high IQ" and look up Autism in the DSM5..... 😂😂😂😂 What part of communication disorder didn't you get??? Autistic people also have damage to the amygdala! StOP yo lying!😅😅😅

[@maiskitty]

My lovely, kind, brilliant stepfather was what would now be called level 1 autism. On the spectrum. He was socially awkward with new people but the most insightful genius once he was more comfortable with you. We all miss him so terribly. We were all so lucky to have had him in our lives. İts always so worth the effort to get to know the odd ducks.❤

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️😊❤️

[@susanlivingston3075]

I'm a retired pediatric OT, dx'd at 75. I was highly successful and started a school for kids with sensory processing needs. I also launched 4 COTA programs, taught classes for teachers, did contract OT work on the Navajo reservation, just to name a few things. My autism/ADHD was my strength.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. 💜❤️💜

[@wandamccorkle4208]

Y

[@7Aheadfamily]

❤️❤️❤️

[@olenick9590]

Congratulations...i think everyone who is 'exceptional' is incredible...lookat Elon autism level 3, look at richard branson adhd, deanna troi picard and data all forms of asd if character analysed.even dr michael fitzgerald wrote white papers to verify carl jung wittgenstein, dickens, yeats devalera james joyce and even beckett are they autistic or cptsd or was it from alcoholism in the home.. either way all genius...and so are u by the sounds of it..well done in ur career

[@divergentsenior]

I think we are all on the spectrum.

[@MrKatielee16]

As a neurodivergent female, I’ve felt like an outsider for most of my life. This means a lot, thank you for sharing

[@7Aheadfamily]

You're so welcome!

[@AnnGoslinn]

This just proves that we need different names for level 1 autism, level 2 autism and level 3 autism. My son will never be Bill Gates. It s insulting that such high functioning people have the same diagnosis as my son who has profound autism. This brings so much chaos that politicians do not really know what autism most often means. And that we need policies that will ensure residential care for severly autistic adults.

[@7Aheadfamily]

We’ve often hade difficulty explaining where our two boys stand with their levels as well. Ezra is completely nonverbal, and Simon is thriving in school. It’s certainly difficult to explain the specific type of support that they each need, since it is so different. ❤️

[@JonBrase]

The question of how to structure autism diagnostically is complicated. It's highly heritable, but different members of the same family who are all autistic (where we can assume the genetic factors in play are similar) will have very different presentations. You have a range of genetic factors, which seem to all cause similar changes in the development and structure of the brain (but exactly what changes is an area of active research), but exactly how those changes affect an individual varies greatly (most autistic individuals seem to have sensory issues, but which senses are affected and whether the affected senses are over- or undersensitive is highly variable, even within families), and the resulting support needs are likewise highly variable. If we look at Simon and Ezra, there's a good argument that both should have the same diagnosis as the underlying causes and mechanism are likely the same or very similar in both brothers. On the other hand, their lives and support needs are likely to look quite different, so giving them the same diagnosis makes it more likely that people will assume that they have the same needs.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Very true. Thanks for the insight ❤️

[@Jen-zv7ri]

@AnnGoslinn. I agree with what you have stated here and am also the parent of a son with profound autism (who is an adult). Thank you for your comments.

[@AnnGoslinn]

@@Jen-zv7ri Do you have a day program or maybe residential care for your son? How do you plan his future?

[@TheFirstManticore]

Of course there is the famous Temple Grandin, my favorite because she has done so much with animals. Diagnosed as a "childgood schizophrenic" - I guess they used to call autism childhood schizophrenia. Her mom did a great job of raising her to communicate with people, and she has done wonders to explain autism to the rest of us.

[@7Aheadfamily]

She has certainly done a lot in many ways. We could do an entire video on her

[@shecaptain3444]

She's pretty awesome. Very intelligent and mind-blowing common sense.

[@piscesempress1978]

I heard she was for Eugenics... Is that true?

[@blackbird365]

So did I. Chilling. She doesn't want autistic people to be born! :( As for animals - she designed abbatoirs, which are enormous-scale betrayal & killing, not love. @@piscesempress1978

[@MsNicoleRR]

You're right and also, Autism was discovered in the '80s, but in the beginning, they used to say childhood schizophrenia.

[@ChrissyBeTalking]

I don’t know why this made me cry. Thank you for posting. I just want my kid to be happy.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️😊❤️

[@BradyA1124]

Amen

[@KaraLey98]

I think your child will be happy, because you love him/her so much that it would be hard for him/or her/ to fail. It might be tough at times along the way, but your kid will be happy and probably successful too.

[@beverlyquigley6608]

My middle son, since passed away, would call his older brother of having cheeseburger syndrome. It was his affectionate way of saying I love you the way you are.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Love that ❤️ thank you for sharing

[@ToniHH]

Sorry for your loss

[@jude1515]

Aww, what a good brother he must have been. So sorry for your loss.

[@peterlawrence6815]

Sorry for your loss.❤

[@heathernile4700]

My adult daughter is autistic. She was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome or Level 1 autism. She started violin in the 3rd grade and continued for 24 years. She also learned the flute in high school so that she could participate in marching band. Then won the state championship with her band during her senior year. She graduated with 2 letters for her music (Orchestra and marching band). Our moto was to learn 1 new thing a day. It worked to remove alot of frustration and stress. Her music continues to be a release and comfort for her.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@dharma__3]

I don't care what the psychiatric community says; Asperger's Syndrome is not autism. There's a big difference, and it's not "level 1". Calling it this obviously diminishes the disabilities of autism and classifies a group of intelligent, but socially awkward people as disabled.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Many people feel this way. And in many countries outside of the US they still have Asperger's diagnosis.

[@bellah8393]

Our 24 year old son was diagnosed with Aspberger’s. He’s truly amazing, to us. We were initially told that basically he won’t make friends and probably won’t be in “regular “ school and won’t do well in school. I’m happy to say he not only went through the “regular “ school system but holds three college degrees. He ultimately wants to be a Paleontologist. He’s been working for the last couple of years to earn money to continue his education. He was just accepted to a university. He even got his drivers license after three tries. Not long after, he hit a parked car on the way to work and totaled our van, unfortunately. He’s fine, thankfully. He needs more practice obviously. Lol He has many friends online and locally. He’s even decided to fly, for the first time, alone, out of state to visit friends over the holidays! I’m not nervous about that at all. Lol We try very hard to encourage him to follow his dreams. He’s a great young man. Thank you for the video.

[@johnmohanmusic]

I lost my breath for a moment. Right after you wrote of your son totaling your van, you wrote that "He's even decided to fly..." At first I thought you meant he was learning to fly.

[@bellah8393]

@@johnmohanmusic Our son flying a plane at this point anyways, is more terrifying than I could handle. Riding with him was nerve racking because he hugged the right side of the road too much. He wrecked our van by going a little too far in the left lane, over corrected and hit a car. We live in a very small town and it was 5:30 am, so no traffic was out really. Oddly, the car he hit, an SUV, only had a busted tail light, while our van was totaled.

[@7Aheadfamily]

This is so awesome to hear! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@7Aheadfamily]

Wow! Glad no one was hurt

[@bellah8393]

@@7Aheadfamily It was a parked car he hit and only broke out their tail light. Luckily our insurance gave us high Blue Book value for our vehicle, so we were able to get another vehicle, and before anyone asks, no, our son is not taking it anywhere until he does months worth of practice. Lol

[@mysterionz]

Also regarding Susan Boyle, she wasn’t diagnosed until she was older because she believed her whole life she was born with a learning disability that occurred because she was deprived of oxygen as a baby. It wasn’t until 2012/2013 that she learned she has Asperger’s/autism. Her IQ is also noted to be above average as well.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing that ❤️

[@higherground337]

IIRC Temple Grandin was also originally misdiagnosed with a brain injury.

[@7Aheadfamily]

@higherground337 wow. I didn’t know that!

[@rubynibs]

Doctors aren't qualified to diagnose autism; psychologists are.

[@7Aheadfamily]

It is better when the psychologist is also a doctor, or another words they have a doctorate degree. ❤️

[@YasuTaniina]

My brother has level 1 autism. At the time of diagnosis I think they just called it high functioning autism. Very bright but has sensory issues, and apparently is emotionally 5 years younger, which explains why I occasionally felt like the older sibling. He now is a practicing pharmacist with his phd and has a wife and child on the way.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@sarahw.mcelyea5655]

My oldest and youngest sons are on the spectrum. My oldest really looks up to my middle son.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@YasuTaniina]

I will add, when he was diagnosed the doctor told him that he wouldn't be anywhere near as high functioning if it weren't for the way mom mom raised him. I don't know what part in particular. After a ton of pushback from schools and teachers who told him he was stupid and not worth anything, she quit teaching mostly to homeschool him, but us as well. We did a lot of social activities with karate, scouts, church. I was a super social kid and we'd shared friends a lot. My mom did a lot of one-on-one teaching with him. He struggled to learn to read but now he's the strongest reader I know thanks to irlen overlays, large text, and an absolute ton of hard work. We found out he processed higher concepts best being read to, so my mom literally read him all of his textbooks until we found a text to speach program. He got a job at 16. When he went to college he really tried the whole roommate thing, and it was awful so my parents were able to help him get his own place.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Wow! Thank you fro sharing your story about your brother. That is a lot of work and patience from your mother. What a selfless person.

[@rozsmith6850]

Our grandson has Level 1 autistm. He was diagnosed at age 5 or 6, just turned 12. He was a behaviorally difficult preschooler, and I thought he would be diagnosed as having Oppositional Diafiant Disorder. I was surprised when the autism diagnosis came out. He is brilliant, and now understands what he needs to do to manage his issues. He are so proud of him.

[@7Aheadfamily]

That’s wonderful. Good for him. Thank you for sharing.

[@tishaguilar9959]

Anthony Hopkins was diagnosed with Level 1 autism in his sixties and he has said it explains so much about his life.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Cool. Thanks for sharing

[@stefanmargraf7878]

Same with me. Was emotional hard to learn.

[@Dancestar1981]

I was late diagnosed with Aspergers and combined ADHD in late adulthood but it’s rubbish when we are denied the essential funding we require to live a decent life by our governments when we were awarded it more than 5 years ago and then it was stolen from us using Covid as an excuse

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. 💜❤️💜

[@janetlucas2343]

He is a wonderful composer

[@brianarbenz7206]

I did childcare for a family with three autistic spectrum children. I loved them and loved the experience. That was in the '90s and early 2000s. Now fast forward to 2019. I was diagnosed by a psychologist as having High Functioning Autism, which is also called Level 1 Autism. I learned what it takes to care for people on the spectrum, then, to my surprise, was able to use it to help care for myself.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@alexandraframe6493]

My brother has never been told he’s on the spectrum, I believe he is. It can be difficult at times but he has the biggest heart ever. It took him over 50 years to say the words I love you to me. That was after we lost our beloved mother, brother, sister within two years. Now it’s just the two of us, I won’t lie it’s been hard for me. My mom always talked to him and knew how to help him, I’m learning A LOT. I wouldn’t change him for the world.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing this very touching comment! ❤️

[@peanutbrittle99]

I’m a law student and have autism and adhd…I started studying law before Hayley Moss but it always was a fear…Hayley really inspired me to believe I can also actually achieve something as an attorney in the future!

[@7Aheadfamily]

That is great. I just learned about Hailey Moss. She is a good example to us.

[@eddavanleemputten9232]

My daughter has autism. So do I and so does my father. My father has a PhD in biochemistry and had a great career that brought him up to upper level management in a multinational company. My daughter just enrolled at university and wants to be a bio-engineer. We all have our challenges. It doesn’t mean we cannot make something out of our lives and be successful. I believe some of the typical traits of autism would actually be an asset for a career in law. Law tends to require a focus on details for example. Well, as far as I know the ability to zero in on details is one of the things we tend to have in spades. 😊

[@peanutbrittle99]

@@eddavanleemputten9232 Thank you so much for the reassurance!!!! It is truly amazing to hear from people who have such an experience! It definitely also is an asset! The only real issue I see is that I have no sense of social cues and court is full of them as well as some other things! But as you said, we all have our challenges, that doesn’t mean we cannot succeed in the field!

[@eddavanleemputten9232]

@@peanutbrittle99 - I used to work in banking and insurance, what my employer did was basically investment and financial planning for people who were sitting on the equivalent of 250,000 USD or more, and wanted to have it easy when retired as well as keeping inheritance taxes as low as possible for their kids. That leant A LOT of subtle social interaction. Basically, we were selling the idea “Hand me your hard-earned money, let me give it to people to play around with and it’ll earn you more.” It meant I needed to be able to read people. Luckily I’d always been intrigued by non-verbal communication. I used to devour books on body language and neuro-linguistic communication/programming. When I applied for the job my employer didn’t have a clue that my ‘feel’ for people wasn’t intuitive at all. Long story short: a lot of what we don’t learn intuitively, we can learn. It will never be intuitive. It’ll never just ‘come’ to us. But I did find that when you ‘switch on the radar’ and use what you’ve learned, you can pick up on certain things and clues even neurotypical people are generally oblivious to. Again, it’s the ability to focus on minute details. This creates this weird Jeckill-and-Hyde type dynamic some find very hard to understand. ‘Switched off’ me (or my daughter, who’s started reading my books on the matter) comes across as very adept at reading people… and ‘switched off’ me comes across as the blunt weirdo scatterbrained professor with flashes of brilliance and laser focus on what she’s doing. It’s not sustainable 24/7 but it does enable me to do my job successfully and to be okay at official functions. I schedule in decompression time before and afterwards. My daughter is learning to do so as well as her social life expands in her life as a university student. My system of reading up on manners (etiquette books! Absolutely love ‘em!), body language etc might not work for you but it did and does for my daughter and me. When travelling, we also check out the do’s and don’ts of local cultures. When invited to a wedding or other social function outside of our own culture, we do a bit of research. It helps. In other words, even though it’s masking and too much masking is detrimental to your mental and physical health, it can be beneficial to study the theory of what doesn’t come to you naturally and this might lead to you becoming better at picking up things than neurotypical people… in settings where you ‘switch it on’. If you’ve just started law school it’ll be a while yet before you need to pass your bar exam. It’ll be a while until you get to go to court. That means you might find it an interesting avenue to investigate to read up on the theoretical side of social interaction and which cues are common for most neurotypical people when under stress, lying, traumatised, etc. Even in the event that you wouldn’t be able to apply the gained knowledge, it might be an interesting read from time to time. Should court not be your thing, remember that a law degree is very valuable in so many other areas. There are very successful people with law degrees using their knowledge without ever entering a court room. Companies pay big bucks to lawyers to review and fine tune contracts, for example. Charitable organisations have lawyers helping them help others by doing research on laws before taking action and setting up programs to reach out to the less fortunate. I wish you all the best with your studies. You’ll ALWAYS have something valuable to contribute. And it won’t be just a bit. Just keep believing in yourself.

[@shannontroncoso4127]

Autistic 3L here- No one, other another autistic, will understand the paralysis that comes with the Socratic Method.

[@byebyedarren]

I personally have high functioning autism. One person who is an inspiration to me with autism is Dr. Temple Grandin who changed the cattle industry with her design of facilities for meat processing plants and helped them handle animals in a more humane way in addition to being an autism advocate and a professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University Fort Collins.

[@alittlepieceofearth]

Totally. I love Temple Grandin.

[@7Aheadfamily]

❤️❤️❤️

[@auntylinda7640]

It's a real shame they had to get Ms Grandin to get the meat industry to treat animals humanely😢

[@suzannegaglie6146]

She’s brilliant

[@DM-hf9nh]

I read that Dan Aykroyd said he had Asperger's, and he said it helped him. I believe it did too. I remember on Saturday Night Live, he would do these hilarious monologues without missing a beat or cracking up. Like for instance the Bass-o-matic. Most comedians can't do that, especially in front of a live audience.

[@7Aheadfamily]

❤️❤️

[@c-hawkins1150]

Wrong! Don't believe what ypu see in the media! I thought everyone knew that the media lies! Autism is a neurological disorder that affects communication, speech and empathy. It is in the DSM 5. IF YOU HAVE AUTISM, YOU WOUKD NOT BE ABLE TO ACT ON A SHOW WITHOUT A SCRIPT....lol! Not gonna happen! Autistic people are unable to improvise. Please do not let this lady's lying video fool you!

[@pwk22]

That's terrific bass!

[@7Aheadfamily]

Just because someone is autistic doesn’t mean they can’t improvise. Everyone is different and while most autistic people might not become professional actors there are those that do. ❤️❤️

[@Art_by_Nicole]

When my son was 2 years old I instinctively knew that he has autism. People around me said I was wrong, because my son was too young. Instead, they treated my toddler as a boy with an ‘average’ development with a lot of anger (fear!) as result. I was so angry and in pain, because I was the only one who really daw what was going on. I found a qoute in that period of time and I framed it: “See me as I could be in life instead of how I should be.” Every person, that walks into my house, sees this framed quote and most of them stop for a second and says: “oh that is so true”. I hope I can give others some awareness with that quote.

[@danpowell3953]

That was an awful situation to be in. I don’t know why people couldn’t accept that a young child could have autism- sounds like they were ignorant.

[@andrewtongue7084]

Ignorant indeed, tho' one has to place that "ignorance" in context, Dan - they (the people you speak of) fear what they cannot explain or comprehend. My son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two & a half years old - he's now about to be twenty three in a couple of weeks - High functioning, articulate, holds down a responsible job - but most significantly of all, he is a credit to himself & to this family. I couldn't have wished for a finer son !

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@7Aheadfamily]

❤️❤️❤️

[@7Aheadfamily]

❤️❤️❤️

[@nyreekrikorian]

As a parent to an adult aon with Level 3 autism, I worry that videos such as this contribute to the misunderstanding most people have about the vast spectrum of autism. When I meet a new person, I am often asked what my son's talent or gift is. I wish there were separate diagnoses for the 3 levels and people like my son who need help with personal hygiene aren't lumped under the same umbrella as billionaires.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@user-wm2ir9ol7v]

That's just someone who probably mixed up autism and savant syndrome. While statistically people with savant syndrome are more likely to be autistic, most autistic people don't have it. And as an autistic adult with low support needs, that doesn't apply to me either. And there are reasons why they got rid of different specific diagnoses as opposed to ASD. There was an inconsistency with criteria, specifically with Asperger's and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Also people who were considered high functioning were not always getting the resources they needed because were seen as not needing them and people who were considered low functioning were seen as not as capable and weren't being given as many opportunities for independence or to advance.

[@nyreekrikorian]

@@user-wm2ir9ol7v thank you for your feedback!

[@chiwoowoo]

No autistic person is the same as another. (No PERSON is the same as another.) I believe people will always be misinformed, unfortunately. People make assumptions based on their limited experience, knowledge and failure to “listen”. I’m sure it can feel insulting to have people say things that reflect that. But it is true that those at any “level” of ASD can have extreme challenges… even if they are not so readily seen by others. Being misunderstood seems to be the human condition. Take care

[@nyreekrikorian]

@@chiwoowoo totally agree with you!

[@sophroniel]

I was diagnosed with ASD & ADHD at 25 or 26, (now I'm 30) and I've never even held hands with a guy or had my first kiss. Susan Boyle is always the person who gives me hope because she didn't have her first kiss until her 40's or 50's. I'm not broken, and I might not be alone forever ❤ And btw I was a hobbit child in LotR and was heavily involved with speech, singing & drama from a very young age, which is why I believe it took me so long to get diagnosed, because I was so good at masking... and why I was severely depressed in high school. I skipped a year and didn't even get friends till my last two years of school, and I even called it "putting on face" to seem different than myself!!!

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. 😊

[@gruntlyg3156]

You forgot Dan Aykroyd. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome... ""One of my symptoms included my obsession with ghosts and law enforcement-I carry around a police badge with me, for example. I became obsessed by Hans Holzer, the greatest ghost hunter ever. That’s when the idea of my film Ghostbusters was born."" ~Dan Aykroyd

[@7Aheadfamily]

That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing ❤️.

[@sharonb6751]

Anthony Hopkins is Level 1 diagnosed too

[@sciencenotstigma9534]

Ghosts and paranormal topics are a “narrow interest area” of mine!

[@sciencenotstigma9534]

⁠@@sharonb6751. Not surprised! ❤. I have certain mannerisms that are spart of my autism. My ex (also autistic) husband sits very rigidly, like Hannibal Lecter, all the time!

[@7Aheadfamily]

Really? Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@kathy.7475]

I have a grand nephew who is on the autistic spectrum. He is eight and taught himself to play the piano. He started with Beethoven and Mozart.

[@suzannegaglie6146]

Omg!

[@matthewguilliom6933]

Self teaching oneself Beethoven & Mozart is hard work for any age! I applaud your nephew for already achieving something he can possibly find a niche in. 7:33

[@KurtS.87]

I think I have Asperger's but have never been diagnosed. In high school a counselor told my parents I may have it but said he couldn't diagnose me since he wasn't a doctor. It used to bother me with the possibility of being on the spectrum but now I realize that there is no such thing as a normal person. Everyone has some sort of flaws. I consider myself a successful person. I am a supervisor at a hotel and take online college classes for a degree in Network Administration.

[@karenholmes6565]

Being autistic is not a flaw. I get where you are coming from, because the stigma around being autistic, but it is not a disease. It is not a flaw. It can lead to communication and sensory disorders but as an autistic person I would never want to be neurotypical. Most autistic people would not "cure" ourselves from autism. It makes me sad that so many parents of autistic kids think that their kids are broken. It makes me happy when I see parents like this one who embrace who their kids are, instead of trying to change them into other people.

[@7Aheadfamily]

❤️❤️❤️ agree with the comment below. ❤️

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you ❤️

[@daniellejohnson8910]

Very Nice!🎉

[@claudiafinelle7252]

More than not a flaw, autistic people tend to be very genuine, have no tolerance for bullshit, are not frivolous, are direct and to the point. They may not pick up on surface "social cues" but in my experience, can pick up on the nature of people,whats underneath the surface. Many traits of autistic people, are needed in the neurotypical world.@@karenholmes6565

[@mysterionz]

One of my idols, Tim Burton is speculated to have autism. He’s behind many legendary movies like the nightmare before Christmas, the dark knight, and beetlejuice.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Wow, that’s awesome! I didn’t know that ❤️

[@7Aheadfamily]

Yes! Thank you for mentioning him! He’s done some amazing work!

[@kangatato]

I was about to comment this. My parents gave me a book about autistic people and Tim was mentioned in it. I haven't done any further reading on him besides the book, but I always thought it was cool knowing that someone as powerful and amazing as him might have it.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Right. :)

[@FlamingCockatiel]

1. Susan Boyle 2. Christopher Nowinski 3. Bill Gates 4. Elon Musk 5. Haley Moss 6. Heather Kuzmich 7. Mark Zuckerberg 8. Daryl Hannah 9. Jerry Seinfeld 10. Eminem - Well, a lot of songwriters write from various viewpoints, so it might be from an autistic viewpoint. 11. Henry Cavendish 12. Albert Einstein 13. Bobby Fischer 14. Dr. Vernon Smith Umm...Which should be omitted?

[@TheSharron]

Thank you…this lady’s voice is grating my last nerve!!

[@kittycat6195]

I think a lot of the “diagnosis” is just a farce. Hollywood and pharmaceutical pushers - you cannot trust anyone.

[@PlusVK22]

Mozart was as well

[@charlottelouise209]

Jerry Seinfeld is not autistic. He said he was on a TV programme then hours later retracted that he was. This information is online for anyone to read and not just me claiming he isn't autistic.

[@llowery1276]

Albert Einstein was actually dyslexic.

[@Dangerous-jl1hy]

Thanks for making this video. I'm a 25 year old with mild autism. But I have done so much in my life that one day I hope I can an inspiration to other autistic people. I've gotten my Class A CDL, my drone pilots license. I've even join the New Mexico Army National Gaurd. I don't let my Austim get in the way. Thanks again for making this video it made my day😊

[@AliceWonders22]

Most of us are vaccine injured. If you've had a single vaccine you already have vaccine injury ;-)

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for joining us here! We’re so glad to have you in the community ❤️

[@7Aheadfamily]

Did Vaccines Cause Ezra and Simon's Autism? Uncovering the Truth kzbin.info/www/bejne/hom5hJahgc12ask

[@higherground337]

The British author Matt Haig has been recently diagnosed with autism and ADHD. David Byrne in the past has walked back statements he made about possibly being on the spectrum, but when I saw him perform "I Should Watch TV" I found it so eerily relatable. The lyrics are about a person deliberately studying "how people work" by watching TV and trying to figure out why he doesn't fit in. IMO that song perfectly captures the experience of level 1 autism.

[@7Aheadfamily]

That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@zeinanammour37]

Sir Anthony Hopkins was diagnosed with Autism at 72 years old. It is said that he never makes mistakes in his movie shots because he keeps memorizing his lines as well as other actors' lines so they don't repeat the scenes.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@HumbleHerman]

I believe Stephen Spielberg recently announced that he had been diagnosed as autistic. Look at the documentary about his painful upbringing … it certainly fits.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@Dr.Pancho.Tortilla]

well he survived the Holocaust walking back from the gas chambers

[@sam12587]

To me it seems that it’s much more common. Drs only hear about those who need help.

[@HumbleHerman]

And only a small fraction of those. There’s so much untreated, crippling pain out there … sigh

[@matthewguilliom6933]

Would love to consider the great director a fellow Autistic person. As for me, I was diagnosed @ about 40 with level 1.7:33

[@culturecoroner]

This was lovely and presented so well and so concisely. Thanks!

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. 💜❤️💜

[@hungryotter100]

In the UK they won't diagnose with Levels, as no matter where you lie on the spectrum, you will be experiencing difficulties. If you look at the pie chart spectrum vs the linear spectrum chart, that will help explain it.

[@dorfone]

There are lots of us out there with Aspergers or as we call it here in Canada. Autism Spectrum Disorder. I got diagnosed four years ago when I was 69! Better late than never. It didn't stop me from operating three different business for most of my working career. I think of it more as my superpower now.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. 💜❤️💜

[@baileymay5476]

My son (26)has autism , he’s in his last year of college. He will be graduating this spring radiology/ imaging, I sure hope the medical field will give him a shot, it’s all he’s ever wanted to do.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing! ❤️ I wish him the best!

[@donnajoseph2004]

I rarely cry but when I heard Susan Boyle sing, I couldn't hold back tears through her whole performance. She touched my heart.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for commenting! 🩷🩷We appreciate it!🩵🩵

[@eddelgarorellana6731]

Great report! Thanks for sharing this information😊

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it

[@gamergirlmars]

I have Asperger’s and I love it when people come out and tell the world, so people don’t feel alone. I relate to Henry here that you mentioned. Writing the servants notes and building two stair cases just to avoid people is my kind of thing lol. I’m taking notes here Henry, you’re on to something!! 😅

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-pb9bx6wb6s]

yes I think I m like Henry too.. not diagnosed though.

[@user-eg8ht4im6x]

Great video, there are so many ‘famous’ faces who happen to have Autistic brains. Some are late diagnosed like Susan Boil others not, from all walks of life. A couple of people have commented to effect that level one Autism is not a challenge compared with level 3 in many ways they are correct but I think that it’s sad that people think that that means we don’t have any challenges in life, we do. It’s not less of a challenge it’s a different challenge. Both Ezra and Simon have huge challenges because they both have Autism, it’s true that those challenges will be totally different and need different levels of support. But Simons challenges are no less real than Ezra, they are just different. I agree that there needs to be a better way of describing Autism ‘The Spectrum’ is so large and variable it’s hard to understand that it’s the same rout cause for a person with levels 1, 2 and 3. We are still learning and understanding Autism we have come along way but there is a longer way to go. Tony Atwood thinks that maybe in the future we will find a better way of ‘grouping’ autism so that there is a better more instantly understandable name. Please don’t dismiss the issues and challenges that each Autistic person has. As a person with level one I may be able to talk and to a greater extent express my challenges, but that didn’t stop all the mental health issues I suffered because I wasn’t understood and my genuine difficulties where ignored or brushed under the carpet. I do get that having a loved one with level 3 is extremely hard. When I was younger I actually worked with Autistic children and Adults who where level 3. I do understand how hard it is. Please understand Autism at every level is very very hard to live with, but we are all unique and need to be heard. We level one Autistic people are not trying to take away from your experience with level 3, we know and feel the pain to. We are tying to express what it actually feels like inside Autism which is something that few with level 3 can manage to do. I dearly want to help and support those who have loved one with level 3. It’s a really hard and lonely place. Please know that you are not alone and I do understand just how hard it can be.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing this. I feel graceful to have children on different levels on the autism spectrum so I can see how different they are. Just like you said, They need different support and have different challenges.

[@c-hawkins1150]

You got played!!😂😂😂 This video is a huge FRAUD! A lot of these people on here pretending to have autism thinking that people are gullible enough to believe them , have no idea that there are advocates tracking these frauds down! DOnot believe these liars. Autism is a neurological disorder that affects speech, communication, empathy and certain motor skills. Always do your research before believing these liars! This video is a joke😂😂😂.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Again, what you said about autism being a neurological disorder that affects sociality speech and neurological processing is true. However, just because someone is autistic doesn’t mean that they can’t do great things. ❤️

[@janesekillebrew8774]

Thank you for posting this 😁

[@7Aheadfamily]

👍🏻

[@michellekruger3292]

Oh my goodness, what a great video. My youngest son was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2002 as a young adult. I felt so guilty for not knowing. He was raised by the "buck-up" method. He was so brilliant and loved by his teachers, but he wouldn't do any school work. Yet he taught himself Calculus during his high school years so he could program in a specific computer language. Now, 22 years later, he has a wonderful wife, two darling daughters, and earns double what either of his engineer brothers earn. His young life was hard, but he has told me that those experiences has made him the compassionate husband and father he has become. His diagnosis was the best thing for my marriage. After learning all about Asperger's I realized that my husband had all the traits that my son had. I had to adjust my attitude about the Asperger's behaviors that drove me crazy. But, after 47 years of practice we have quite a wonderful marriage.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@kimberlybellinger3925]

I appreciate you making this type of video. I know too many people who are ashamed of the "label" and I wish it weren't so.

[@7Aheadfamily]

True. I think that by being open to others we can help people not feel alone.

[@zoeelauren4649]

Thank you this was very educational and helpful😊❤

[@7Aheadfamily]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching and commenting ❤️

[@ericlee6495]

Hey 👋 7 ahead family thanks for sharing everything 😊❤

[@7Aheadfamily]

You are so welcome

[@arig3424]

I got diagnosed with autism level 1 a year ago after struggling profoundly in school/social life and overall. I really appreciate seeing things like this because since I’m in collage I feel so behind compared to other adults it gives me hope that I can make it to the small goals I have like getting a job. It’s my biggest struggles I’m facing right now because I can’t make eye contact and not social there is a big difference between me and others especially when I’m overwhelmed and experiencing sensory issues. It truly gives me hope seeing others like me succeeding despite the world being extremely difficult.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing!💜💜💜 We appreciate you being here!💕❤️💕

[@tommunyon2874]

It is great to get a more advanced perspective on autism. I first heard of it reading a Saturday Evening Post article back in 1964, when I was a student library volunteer in junior high. The author's experiences with her son made it sound like she was living in a horror movie.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Oh. No! It is very difficult for a parent when they don’t have support and people to help them under their child. But it is not all bad. There is so much good that comes from Autism. and many blessings that have come to our family not in spite of but because of Autism. As a parent of five kids and two who are autistic, that is my experience.

[@JudithMcPheron-pb9lv]

Thanks for all the info. Good to learn. 😊

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@flxmkr]

Matthew Labyorteaux (aka “Albert Ingalls” on Little House on the Prairie)😢 said he was autistic. In fact, he mentioned this way back when females weren’t diagnosed with autism. It was around this time that I was diagnosed by my psychiatrist as “love deprived”, “Emotionally Immature”, and something about social, but I cannot recall the term he used. Within two decades later I was diagnosed as having general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, OCD, ADHD, bipolar, depression, trichotillomania, and anorexia nervosa. It would’ve been much easier to just say, “You’re on the spectrum, Kid!”

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. 💜❤️💜

[@lulumoon6942]

Right there with ya, kid! 💞

[@Jolinda11]

Chloe Haden is a stunning example. She's an actress, author, and content creator here on YT as well as other social media.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@CaWolfie258]

I was diagnosed at birth, I've always been insecure about it since I was always bullied at school. But my mom always made me feel better, I'm grateful for all the things she had since for me even if it wasn't easy. Thank you mom, I love you very much! 🥰❤️

[@mjh5437]

""Diagnosed at birth""??....New-born babies cannot even talk🤔

[@CaWolfie258]

@@mjh5437 I'm just going what it says according to my documents.. I'm no doctor lol

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️😊❤️

[@user-wm2ir9ol7v]

@@CaWolfie258 maybe when you were around 2. As far as I know, there earliest signs have been able to be detected in babies has been 9 months. But I read that around 2010. And there has to be an evaluation done that involves talking to parents/caregivers and then evaluating the child and tabulating the results. But some parents/caregivers give their children an unofficial diagnosis while waiting for the official one.

[@stephiechefy]

I’m certainly not qualified to make any diagnosis, but I find myself wondering if Julia Child was on the spectrum. Often mocked for her communication style, but I found it very understandable, engaging, and fun. Cooking and food is a super helpful special interest (it’s help me overcome some of the sensory issues that would keep me on a chicky nuggie and brown diet lol).

[@7Aheadfamily]

❤️❤️❤️

[@candyrosepetals]

I agree. Her methodical approach is so soothing.

[@livliiiv3124]

Oh, yes, good observation. I never thought that, but yes, I can see how now. she was fabulous ,

[@piscesempress1978]

My mom always used to say she was different, so probably I wouldn't doubt it.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ♥️

[@jmswellbeing]

Great video, thank you. Your content and the comment section have inspired me to create a video to address the bias and conflict people feel at different parts of the spectrum 💛

[@7Aheadfamily]

That is so awesome!💕 Send us the link to the video when you finish!💕 We'd love to check it out!💕

[@jmswellbeing]

@@7Aheadfamily Thank you 😊 I will do💕

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you!😊😊😊

[@theresaduffy8222]

Thank you for this!

[@7Aheadfamily]

of course!

[@marecort3697]

My sister was told when she joined MENSA that the vast majority of members have Level 1 (or Asperger’s). She’s one of them.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing!

[@debr4613]

I enjoyed and am proud of all the Autistic children I supported in the public school system ❤🎉 I learned so much and felt so loved 😍

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing ❤️. Agreed!

[@infoMentalHealth]

i have seen MIRACLES in my family too! Just found out about your channel today! Thanks I am inspired as we have 3 autistic kids 29+ years and older.Two at home still:)

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@infoMentalHealth]

I WILL POST A FEW MORE IN MY AUTISM HELP FOLDER...I HOPE IT HELPS US ALL SPREAD AUTISM AWARENESS AND PROMOTES YOUR GOOD WORKS.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Cool. ❤️

[@happinesscomesinwaves5534]

I came across your video and learned a lot. My son also has Autism. Thank you for sharing these facts. I subscribed! 😉

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@shelly3251]

My oldest son has DiGeorge syndrome with autism and depression with psychotic episodes, my middle son has level 1 autism, my third son has moderate autism. Very tiring but grateful for my boys.

[@7Aheadfamily]

That’s a handful. I bet you could make a KZbin channel! Thank you for sharing. How old are your boys?

[@shelly3251]

22, 20, 15

[@7Aheadfamily]

Cool. Thank you for sharing.❤️❤️❤️

[@carong.3072]

Are you or their other parent autistic? Frequently, when several children in a family are autistic at least one parent is also autistic (frequently undiagnosed). As they go through the diagnostic process with their child they learn more about the neurology and seek their own diagnosis. My oldest has recently begun the process of getting diagnosed (he is 37) and as he is sharing what he has discovered both my daughter and youngest son have ranked very high on most of the self diagnosis tests including the one for monotropism. I have a well, and as a 60+ female,it is hard to get a diagnosis. It is also very hard to drop the mask, which made it possible to function in society. 🤔🧐🙂

[@sayusayme7729]

Beautiful content, my son and I, awaiting diagnosis at 63. Thank you 💙

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️😊❤️

[@Willipik]

I got the feels watching this! As a parent still trying to figure things out for my teen, it can seem daunting. Thank you supporting a community of truly amazing humans 😊

[@7Aheadfamily]

You are so welcome!❤️❤️❤️

[@SomeGal]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@idaslapter5987]

Temple Grandin is an amazing person to add, and also Hannah Gatsby.

[@7Aheadfamily]

So true! I need to make another video. ❤️

[@drummermomcjs]

My husband's family has several members that are on the spectrum. My husband, although undiagnosed, would aptly fit in The Asperger's version of Autism and 6 of our 8 children and several children are also on the spectrum. While hubby and I were not officially diagnosed, due to the era we grew up in we were simply known as "those children who can't sit still, won't focus, pain in the butt kids that annoy most people with questions they cannot answer but cannot dismiss easily. It has made for an interesting life with people at varying levels of autism all living and functioning in the same house. Phew, the teen years were a dizzying whirlwind of drama. OUr youngest turns 20 this year and still deals with effects of being on the spectrum. As do her siblings and father.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️💜❤️❤️💜💜

[@MoonDirectedTarot]

thank you for your work to bring awareness. I have a child Level 1 who leads a productive life teaching elementary at risk students. I am in awe of this person's accomplishments!

[@7Aheadfamily]

You are so welcome!🩵🩵 Thank you for sharing and commenting!🩷🩷

[@toughtimes6596]

Autism is so misunderstood. I have been blessed to meet some amazing people who are diagnosed. I may be as well honestly, never been tested tbh. I dont care if I am either, I dont like labels lol.

[@7Aheadfamily]

❤️❤️❤️

[@jerrimenard3092]

David Byrne of The Talking Heads was diagnosed in his 60's. Basically if someone is querky, gender non confoming and stims, I would see them as one of the family. Yes, I was diagnosed level one at age 40.

[@higherground337]

I definitely get that vibe from David Byrne, but I haven't found any proof that he has a diagnosis. Do you have a source for that?

[@faeriesmak]

I freaking LOVE David Byrne!

[@bitwize]

Gary Numan, arguably the primordial New Wave musician, had Level 1 and worked the social isolation that comes with it as a theme into his music.

[@LoganRegina966]

What does Stim mean?

[@Flipper86]

@@LoganRegina966 Stimming - stereotypical, repetitive behavior, often associated with autism and intellectual disability. Rocking and hand flapping are probably the most recognized or noticeable. Ever watched the movie “Rain Man?” Dustin Hoffman does a good job showing some stimming and stereotypical “autistic” behaviors (head tilt, rigid adherence to diet and schedule, repetitive language, etc.)

[@simonmcglary]

Based on biographies of people from the past there are many great people that would now qualify for an autism diagnosis you begin to wonder if the world could deal with life without autism.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Do you mean we shouldn’t diagnose? It’s Not needed? I am grateful for the support our family has received (that only happened after we got a diagnosis for our kids) there has been so much we’ve learned since then, to be better parents for our kids.

[@simonmcglary]

@7Aheadfamily diagnose yes! It's important to remember it isn't the negative so many label it as. Allow the individual to be themselves

[@7Aheadfamily]

💕 very true

[@srldwg]

It's meant to be validation for the fact that what would the world be like without the amazing contributions that autistic people bring to the world. With our unique view of the world, and the different way our minds operate from nuerotypitals. The amount of people that have been groundbreakers and in many fields and industries. The people that made discoveries based on our natural inquisition, questioning why about everything. The contributions because of hyperfocus and and a impeccable ability to retain information. Our attention to detail that is unique to us (all external stimuli is processed as details to us.) This brings so much to the table in how we see and accomplish things. These are all natural abilities that we have been (and are) extremely lucky to have. We have unique traits that bring amazing abilities, thoughts and ideas to any environment. Also, they were saying that if they had been able to get an official diagnosis (which they didn't have the knowledge or resources during during that time to be able to officially find out). Not against diagnoses. I think that you are lucky to live in a time where your children had the knowledge and resources to receive a diagnosis. You get to parent them in ways that will help honor their traits and make life much more comfortable for them. You sound like a good mother who is determined to raise your children to embrace and accept their challenges. To accommodate their needs and give them their best life.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@boldandcourageous4176]

This is a great video so informative.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@DestinyAR]

Awesome video subscribed! ❤

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thanks for subbing! So glad to have you joining us here ❤️

[@AnnMitt]

I play pickleball with a high functioning autistic college student. She is so cute and fun to be around. I hope her family continues to guide her into her adult life because they have done awesome thus far.

[@7Aheadfamily]

❤️❤️❤️

[@vevespears]

Dr Vernon Smith is actually one of my favorite scholars that I study in college, his work is impressive, I am not a scientist but Einstein (accordingly) said that creativity is intelligence having fun (or something similar) so I know that a lot of people who have incredible talents, and ideas that create $$$$$ probably have a level of autism, or that's what my sister and I think, my sister is a teacher that has a masters in special ED and she handles a lot of cases for Autism and helped me with my kids with ADHD

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@jb9218]

Thanks for this. I always knew many of these folks were special, just didn't know exactly why!

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for being so kind! We appreciate you!❤️❤️

[@MichaelOliver-ry7fj]

You forgot Alfred E. Newman Holly😅! LOL; Seriously, You are on a roll Gal! Keep Up the great effort!

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you!

[@rosalindapacheco1570]

My son was diagnosed with high functioning autism in college (Asperger's). He's brilliant! He graduated from MIT and now he's a Software Engineer. Yes he struggles with social anxiety but we're so proud of him! He lives by himself and he is thriving.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing! ❤️😊❤️

[@TheZurheideList-rl5oo]

Just as there is an autism spectrum, there is also a wide range of visual neurodiversity. Dyslexia is the best-known. I have Saccadic Dysfunction, which is similar. It's basically the visual component of ADD. The eyes can't focus and will skip from line to line when reading. Depth perception was really affected in my case too. A distance of 30-40 feet looked like fathoms. I was diagnosed as a teen and started getting the help that would eventually enable me to drive and graduate from college. I'm still not a speed reader. Working as a bookkeeper didn't pan out, but other than that, my Saccadic Dysfunction doesn't have many remaining drawbacks. I wish it had a few advantages, though. Could use some of the fortune of the people you mentioned in this list 😅

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@autumnzephyr]

Thank you. ❤ I have never heard of Saccadic Dysfunction before, much less know anything about it, but what you're describing sounds like symptoms I've had since I was a child. At times, I struggle to focus on one line of text at a time. It often happens randomly outside of work, and when I'm scanning thru info in data sheets. Up until now, I just thought my hand-eye coordination was bad because of my subpar vision. I am nearsighted and have worn corrective lenses since junior high. I've never been the best at parking (double oof with parallel parking) because I have trouble judging distance. 🤷‍♀️ I also cannot jump rope or hula hoop worth a hoot. 😅

[@merkinidgit]

Speaking as someone diagnosed with “minimal brain disorder”, the old medical term for a broad array of neurodivergencies, I’ll point out that it’s very likely that your neurodiversity has caused you to be much more empathetic to people’s struggles than neurotypical people tend towards. That’s a positive trait associated with neurodivergence. Another one is “outside the box” problem-solving. When your brain is wired differently, your thoughts and ideas will also be different and a good leader and non-toxic workplace will leverage that superpower. I wouldn’t trade my “minimally disordered” brain with its learning challenges and impulsivity for a neurotypical one. I find most “normies” boring and superficial. Neurodivergent people who TMI and trauma-dump are way more my type!

[@autumnzephyr]

@@merkinidgit I don't know if your reply was directed at me or the other commenter. Either way, I wish I could hug you.

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

Q: What does DNA stand for? A: National Dyslexics Association! (I have a dyslexic friend who loved that joke...)

[@anniebillette6477]

I look up to my 20 year old level 1 autism. He is a great musician and keeps me grounded!

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️❤️❤️

[@underneaththecape4055]

My son and myself are both on the spectrum. I'm an actress and my son is a computer science person. We have our quirks, but we love to go and see and experience. I wouldn't change a thing :)

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@fadenyaba8650]

I think that many philosophers were autistic. Socrates used to sort of freeze when thinking hard about a problem, standing all night on a field so other people watched over him. Plato probably was on the spectrum, too. His definition of love as being guided by the same ideas nails it for me, while NTs would find that deeply troubling abstract. Immanuel Kant with his clockwork routine life is a probable candidate, defining marriage as a contract for the mutual usage of sexual organs - just so romantic! 😂 I heard that Wittgenstein qualified for being on the spectrum, but my guess is that philosophers in general are likely to be.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Very interesting. They definitely might have been. Thank you for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sciencenotstigma9534]

I’ve always been attracted to a person’s mind!

[@7Aheadfamily]

❤️

[@ChelleLlewes]

Two other famous people who have been diagnosed as autistic are Dan Ackroyd and Anthony Hopkins (who was over seventy when he got diagnosed!).

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@debbyboekenoogen9766]

My son is autistic and I am so proud of him! He has a way of thinking things through and showing me to think outside the box.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing!🩵🩵 What outside of the box ideas does he have?🩷🩷

[@9musess521]

Thank you so much for this video and sharing your family’s experiences. There is a brilliant autistic woman named Dr Temple Grandin who has written a number of books on neurodiversity. “Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstraction,” is a goldmine of well-researched information on non-linear brainpower. She has quite a few KZbin videos as well.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you! I have defiantly heard of Temple. I should find out more about her.

[@rosolenn]

I found out I was Asperger's in my 60s when a girlfriend at the time figured it out and said my Asperger's was the cause of all her problems (she had her own issues). I googled Asperger's and agreed with her. That discovery was a great relief to me. Probably the greatest scientific mind of all time, Sir Isaac Newton, was undoubtedly an Asperger's. Albert Einstein was also likely an Asperger's and is close to Newton in terms of scientific achievement.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Yes. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@terrymanning8064]

The Canadian -American astrophysicist Dr. Hugh Ross could be included on this list. He started reading 5 books a week on physics at seven years old and went to do research at Caltech. He has written many books explaining the intersection between science and faith and speaks around the world about the wonders of God's works

[@terrymanning8064]

Dr Ross has Asperger's

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@c-hawkins1150]

Wrong!!😂😂😂😂 This video is a fraud! Noone with autism is able to read 5 books a week let alone be a physicist...😅😅 Autism is a neurological disorder that affects communication, socialization, empathy, speech and certain motor skills.. look it up in the DSM 5 or Google it. The people in the video is LYING through their teeth!

[@c-hawkins1150]

​@@terrymanning8064TROLL !!!

[@7Aheadfamily]

Both of our children have officially been diagnosed as Autistic by professionals who are board certified. What is odd about your comment is that what you said about autism is actually true, it is a neurological disorder that affects socialization, communication and repetitive and restrictive behavior and interests. But of course, an autistic person can read books. There are many autistic people who are quite famous, who are scientists and extremely intelligent. There’s actually a word for it, it’s called being a savant. a savant is someone who is extremely intelligent and a lot of times they are autistic. Of course, in the autistic world only a very small percentage or seventh or have extreme, intelligent abilities or intellectual skills. 😊. The difficulty about autism is that since the spectrum is so broad, and looks so incredibly different on each individual, there’s still a lot of confusion. One of our KZbin channel’s purposes is to add clarity to the diagnosis and lessen the confusion around autism. The more people know about autism, see autistic people, and the more they are educated about autism, the less they are afraid of it And the more inclusive we can all be.

[@LaurelWreath7]

Thank you!!! ❤

[@7Aheadfamily]

You’re welcome. ❤️

[@healwithmarianna]

thank you for the video

[@7Aheadfamily]

You’re welcome. ❤️

[@T.T.M.60]

Sir Anthony Hopkins also has publicly said he is Autistic.

[@johnscott2964]

I have an adult child with aspergers (Level 1) and I have pointed out to her some of these people to encourage her. Sadly, she generally responds angrily by comparing herself to them in a way that makes herself out to be a failure. Still, I appreciate your contribution here. At minimum, it could provide many parents with hope.

[@ReadyorNot811]

I dont blame her.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️😊❤️

[@BeachBetty]

my 10 yr old grandson is autistic and ADHD and off the charts academically. Love that kid.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@adrienneanderson-smith2257]

I was told by some parents of the HOMESCHOOL program (where I taught art) that my youngest son has Asperger’s Syndrome. In research I discovered MANY similar symptoms as found in myself & my husband! Such a lucky creative kid. Well reviewed actor too. So! We are all eccentric 🤪

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing!😊😊

[@heatherfitzgibbon]

After working with special needs children for 35+ years, it's pretty easy to pick out autistic adults by the characteristics they display. I am also inclined to say that 50-60 years ago, the Nerds, or those kids who were "odd" were probably autistic and had to learn to compensate to get by in life.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@NathanaelLarson]

I don’t expect what I’m about to say to make parents of level 3 autistic people feel any better. I actually somewhat hope it doesn’t because their feelings are still valid; however, I figured this might at least be informative. As a level 1 autistic person, I feel alone in my own way. I’m sick and tired of getting comments like “You don’t seem autistic.” and “Well, you’re very high functioning.” I feel like those comments ignore my support needs. Level 1 autistic people can’t do everything everyone else can like some people say. If we didn’t have any more support needs than neurotypical people, then we wouldn’t have an ASD diagnosis. Those comments also downplay the struggle it took to get me to where I am today. I most likely wasn’t always level 1. I guess we at least don’t have to feel alone in the fact that we feel alone.

[@7Aheadfamily]

I’m sorry you feel alone. I am a mother of a child with level one and it’s helpful to hear your story and have you explain your struggle. So thank you for sharing. I am sure there are many instances where people downplay what you have been through and are going through. Happy you found our channel so we can connect.

[@higherground337]

It's incredibly difficult having level 1 autism. I suppose a lot of the people who downplay it don't understand that even if you're "just" level 1, even in the best case scenario where you can work and have the least possible support needs, a lifetime of loneliness and anxiety is pretty much part of the deal. My belief in a higher power has helped me through my darkest moments, but yes, it's tough. You're not alone!

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing and being here ❤️.

[@NathanaelLarson]

I think it’s possible Level 1 is the best case scenario in terms of support needs, not necessarily in terms of happiness. There are some very happy level 3 autistic people out there, such as Ezra. Not that this is always the case, but it’s a possibility.

[@7Aheadfamily]

You bring up a valid point. Ezra is able to find joy is the simplest of moments and is mostly a very happy kid. Simon understands more, is able to notice and care when others are judging him or not including him. Ezra on the other hand May notice an understand but it doesn’t seem to bother him at all.

[@JasmynSundayrose]

My son has non-verbal autism with PVL. Back in 2005 the doctor said he was 9 out of 10 on the scale. He is 21 now. So after watching this I guess the charting has changed. I live in Canada so I am guessing it is the same now where you live. My son is incredible when it come to music on KZbin. He loves songs with weird or interesting parts. He will rewind a song to the part that he likes exactly to where it starts so he can hear it. It amazes me watching him. Thanks for your video.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️❤️❤️

[@cherylbowen4229]

My son is 42 with severe Autism as a child which has improved over the years to be manageable Autism with speech and able to do some living skills by himself. I have a nephew with level 1 and cousins with Autism as well. Many children in my area have different levels of Autism also. It’s like after 1981 more cases of Autism appeared suddenly.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@CharitysClarity]

Asperger’s is so different level 1 compared to level 3 non verbal just drastically different.. it really concerns me I have child with severe autism I had a brother in law with severe autism, he recently passed away. He needed 24/7 care… I get it when your “high functioning” it’s awesome to celebrate how you can do everything everyone else can.. but it’s hard when you are alone in this community because your child is not “high functioning” is not “level 1”…. It is what it is I guess

[@7Aheadfamily]

You’re right ❤️. It can be very difficult. Having one son who is severely autistic level three Ezra, and Simon, who is level one, has really helped us to see that difference on a daily basis. Know you’re not alone and we’re here for you ❤️ let us know if you need anything.

[@higherground337]

I personally think the labels should be changed at some point, because it seems just so confusing for laypeople rn. I'm autistic and I can't even begin to understand the challenges of level 3 autism. I don't think the label "autism" helps me much either because it's so broad and doesn't tell people what kind of support I need. Clinicians may change their mind in the future, but in the meantime these are the labels we have to work with so 🤷. I'm sorry to hear about your BIL. Sending love to you and your family. ❤

[@phantomvampyressshadowkiss4690]

My youngest daughter is level 3 nom verbal. She doesn't talk talk . She can say words she gets upset with loud noises like mixers, hairdryer, sweeper , blender, etc

[@7Aheadfamily]

Agreed ❤️

[@7Aheadfamily]

Noises can be difficult. ❤️ thank you for sharing and many blessings and much love for you and your little one.

[@bigjonswife]

My 16 year old grandson has Asperger’s. To ensure he would get services in school if needed, his official diagnoses is Autism no spectrum disorder.

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@7Aheadfamily]

Thank you @zolialtheabrowne for the Super thanks! We appreciate it!❤