5 Hidden Signs of Autism

[@laura.bseyoga]

I was undiagnosed until earlier this year. I'm 47. People have told me I'm weird/ a loner/ unfriendly/ an introvert, too sensitive for my whole life. The autism community on youtube are awesome & there are some great content creators who have helped me feel less like a freak & more like a human being. 💚

[@sharonthompson672]

1. Hyperfocus 2. Sensory avoidant 3. Sensory seeking 4. Subtle Social Challenges 5. Presenting as flexible/highly adaptable, while internally having difficulty with change.

[@aprilsmith8014]

These are not really hidden-they are very common symptoms of autism-

[@FaethorFerenzcy]

Not all heroes wear capes. Thanks.

[@amandalynn0521]

I’ve been watching Kati since the beginning of her channel when she was focused more on DBT and I just have to say she has come so far. She mastered creating legit, educational, easy to digest content. Her videos have helped me so much.

[@ovskii96]

There are also some people who are not on the spectrum, but have identical symptoms caused by different comorbidities. I am officially diagnosed with multiple disorders (mainly adhd and depression) that more or less make my symptoms almost identical to autism, but I technically do not have autism. This is why it is so important to not self-diagnose and seek out professionals.

[@LuckyGirlsTown]

Self-diagnosis is sometimes the only option available to individuals. Making a blanket statement about self diagnosis being bad in all circumstances further stigmatizes an already stigmatized group of people.

[@duerremueller3609]

this kinda came at the perfect time. My new psychiatrist brought up Autism to me today after years of struggling with the wrong med combos. I've had 8 other mental health professionals tell me the same thing and in the past I always dismissed it but this time I actually listened and am thinking maybe it's time to look further into it

[@leosthrivwithautism]

I'm so happy that an actual professional is talking about this!! Even if it's not Doctor Morton's speciality. I can't talk from a professional stand point as I am not one. I'm just a fellow autistic person. But this is what my own channel is all about. Unfortunately, over the last 5 years I've owned my channel I've tried to collab with actual professionals but so far they have all ignored my attempts to reach out. It's ok though. I get it, no one takes a non professional tiny channel seriously. haha. I'll keep trying and hope one day to collab with a medical pro. I love the video. Always makes me happy when I see Autism being talked about. =)

[@Gwenx]

Uh i am so glad to see you make this video

[@Mertz96]

I would say that difficulty with transitions is huge. It can be transitions between tasks, or places, or people. That is extremely draining. That is why if you are on the spectrum you thrive with routines. I have noticed this with both of my kids who are on the spectrum

[@violetplatt4081]

This episode is so interesting to me. I recently realized that my husband of 43 years, who is in his early 70s, is on the spectrum. I found myself laughing all the way through the episode as so much of it is him!

[@ashtincolby8273]

I like Paul's videos on Autism from the Inside. He shares his personal experiences as well as thoughts within the community and shares workshops and resources for both autistic individuals and those working with them

[@GuidingEchoes]

Wonderful video Kati! I was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism a few months ago. #5 is totally me. It’s really hard on me when plans change or when someone invites me to do something last minute. I need things planned out. I’ve never ever been one who liked spontaneous trips or anything like that. In the past, I’ve had so many friends and family members try to pressure me into doing things that I don’t want to do that I finally just started agreeing to things but ghosted them. Were they mad at me? Yes. Did they learn their lesson? Also yes. I really struggled with standing my ground with people so that they would accept it when I said “no, I don’t want to do that.” I’m currently trying to make new friends and I met a woman in a Facebook group her presented herself as being philanthropic. She reached out to me one day and asked me if I wanted to go to a Halloween party with her that night. I politely declined and informed her that I want feeling well. She tried to push me by saying “You should come out anyway. It’s a good excuse to meet new people.” I blocked her. I just don’t put up with that bs anymore. I still look flexible and calm to a lot of people and I still try to go with the flow in certain social situations. But yeah…. I identify with everything on this list, but #5 is the strongest. This was actually a big issue between me and my ex.

[@neepers22]

I can really relate to your comment. I didn't even realise this is how I was until recently. I'm now more upfront with people, but it always amazes me how some people can just go with the flow and accept changed plans without a care!

[@GrimAshford]

I just got diagnosed this year (honestly a couple of weeks ago). I'm 48 and my entire life I've felt like I don't fit in and have been "unacceptable". It's such a relief to have a reason for it now.

[@mt20374]

Was misdiagnosed with bipolar at 7 years old. Started to question that when my sensory sensitivities and social difficulties never really went away. Through so much research and internal reflection, finally went for a second opinion at 25. Turns out I had ADHD (hyperfocus and special interests were confused with mania) and Autism (was anxious and depressed because I didn’t understand or feel understood) this entire time. Now embracing the good parts of myself that were labeled as disordered and slowly tapering off of my medications that I’ve been on for over a decade.

[@WHAATEVEN]

as an autistic person, please do not use the colourful puzzle pieces as a symbol. it is the icon of a charity that is really not good and does not have autistic people in mind, ‘autism speaks’. a better symbol is a rainbow infinity sign

[@megankidd4671]

What is bad about them?

[@biemdubayu]

Yes, came here to say this. Also, if I remember correctly the rainbow infinity is for neurodivergence in general (still perfectly fine to use for autism), and a red and/or gold infinity is specifically for autism. (Red for the autistic-led "red instead" countermovement to anti-autism eugenics group Autism Speak's "light it up blue" thing or Gold for Au, the symbol for gold on the periodic table since autism starts with those letters). Please correct me if I'm wrong though.

[@jethrobradley7850]

​@@megankidd4671 They believe things about autism that are not supported by science. They also tend to talk about autism like it is an illness that needs to be "cured".

[@jethrobradley7850]

I also dislike the use of puzzle pieces as a symbol for autism because it is just so clichéd and infantilising - giving the incorrect impression that autism mainly or only affects children

[@wolfdreams2000]

Kati, thank you! I only received my dx(along with adhd) this past Jan when I was 62. I'm still learning what this all means to my life. You hit so much on point-thanks💜

[@viennadesou6546]

The idea that we cant socialize is also a misconception; they found that an Autistic among Allistics will have difficulty socializing or will be perceived as awkward or weird; but among other Auristics, we often socialize just fine and an Allistic person among Autistics will be the one having difficulty socializing.

[@PhotonBeast]

There was a study that actually showed that it is a bit like speaking a different language due to the way the two groups understand and process things differently. Hence the communication barrier between but not within.

[@Moshm4n]

I'm pretty sure I was misdiagnosed with ASD when I was 13. It was based on having a focused interest in video games and some problems socializing. I don't remember getting an evaluation, and ever given the opportunity to answer questions or to give input on the diagnosis. The reality is I have ADHD, and video games is a particularly dopaminergic activity. Due to the inattention aspect, I'm pretty sure my early problems with socializing have to do with consistently missing social cues. But when I'm dialed in, I can receive them just fine and digest them instinctively. Now that I've gotten treatment for ADHD, I found I don't play as many games and I have a lot of varying interests that come and go. I also find that I can engage with people much easier.

[@PaintrainX]

I was diagnosed at 39 years old. What really opened my eyes was a the book “Asperger’s on the job” by Rudy Simone. I tried to solve my problems from its symptoms (mainly depression). But never understood why it didn’t work. Reading about the struggles at work for high functioning autistic people in that book, was like reading my diary. I finally understood why I couldn’t fix my problems the “normal” way. I think work is pretty telling when it comes to autistic people.

[@Ary0728]

Omg #5 was so validating! Thank you. This has been me for decades but I couldn’t word it as well as you did

[@wolfdreams2000]

The autism channel that oddly just showed up in my feed as I was watching a video made me see that I may be autistic. She is autistic and has 2 kids who are also, but she mostly helps by sharing what she's learning. Her channel is Mom on the Spectrum Also? There's an incredible Dr named Tony Attwood. He has so much info between his YT interviews and his website that it's an excellent rabbit hole😊 Thanks again, Kati

[@siennaprice1351]

I have Septo Optic Dysplasia. This rare brain condition caused me to be born completely blind, and it also caused me to be on the autism spectrum. I have a hyper focus on music, the therapeutic benefits of music, my favorite musicians, sensory items, and other things. I mask emotions and crying and sensory overloads to fit in. I’m a sensory seeker. I love the feel of certain textures, I love certain sounds, I love to swing, rock and I love deep pressure.

[@cristinafrick9773]

Hi Kati😀 I am a huge fan of yours and appreciate all you do so very much. I am not autistic, but I work with a lot of autistic people, and it's my understanding that the autism puzzle piece is considered offensive to some because it relates to Autism Speaks, an organization that originally felt that autism needed to be "cured/fixed" (I'm not sure what their current position is). I just wanted to let you know because I love all you do and don't want anyone to get upset with you or feel hurt💙 Take care and have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year- you have truly helped me more than you'll ever know- much love to you!😀💙

[@HeathaLynn13]

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a young kid (around 11) but I’ve been off meds all of my adult life (I’m 40 now) I have a few of the symptoms that you mentioned. Especially the last one. I live in my head obsessing about my perception of things even though I know how much it doesn’t help. I prefer to try and overcome things on my own my learning and understanding my diagnosis vs going right on meds. I’ll def watch this video again and see what other helpful things I can extract. Thanks for all your videos Kati

[@stephcwooten]

I’m 33 and was just diagnosed this week! 🎉

[@kenrickbautista6141]

Like your video "8 Surprising signs of ADHD", this video kinda spoke to me. Not too long ago, I was taking a look at my life and it looks like I showed some signs of (undiagnosed) AuDHD. Same with bipolar disorder.

[@mistycapps6002]

I wasn't diagnosed until my 30s. I am now 42 and being diagnosed this late makes it very hard for me because adults with autism don't get the support they need. And people think we don't need help because we've survived this long without it but surviving and living are two different things.

[@wuzittooya]

Does it even matter, though? If you don't get the support you need, despite surviving, you're still pretty much where you were before you got diagnosed.

[@mid5606]

Hello Kati! Could you make a video about the differences between autism and social anxiety? Some characteristics overlap and I'm a bit confused.

[@reneegraber]

Thank you for this video. I felt very seen and validated. I had no idea that certain behaviors, internal experiences, and reactions were signs of being on the spectrum until a few years ago. I have a friend who is genuinely SO easygoing about any change of plan, big or small, and had candles and overhead lights on when I was visiting once. I had to ask that we blow out the candle and turn off the overhead lights. They were fine with it, but I was like, “Dang! Must be nice to be so chill and unaffected by life.” Haha! I know everyone has their own struggles, but the extreme drain from masking for social interactions, sensory issues of all varieties, and the internal experience of rigidity rather than flexibility really speak to me, amongst others. Unfortunately these are things that don’t just “go away,” so it’s up to us as individuals to try to build a life that can, hopefully, somewhat accommodate our needs and values. Understanding oneself is a powerful first step.

[@jimdavis5849]

Thanks Kati, this is brilliant. I'm 58 now and 10 years ago I started trying to figure out some issues I'd had since I was a child. After years of doing my own research I'm convinced it's a mild version of autism. I think autism was only diagnosed back in the 70s if it was very pronounced. My parents and my school always treated me like I was smart, so I felt okay about choices I made like minimizing social interactions, hyper-focusing on a limited set of interests, etc. It worked out okay for most of my life, but I kind of wish I'd have worked a little harder to minimize some of the effects you mentioned in the video. Sometimes I think if I'd had those traits to a slightly greater degree I might have gotten a diagnosis and ended up with better results in the long run.

[@sg4421]

Hey Kati, I love that you mentioned sensory seeking! Like you said, people usually talk only about the opposite, not really seeing that people can have both things on different days. I am autistic and when I am not overstimulated, I often find myself looking for stimulation, sometimes I even look for something like rough textures or even things that actually hurt, just because I feel like I need something highly stimulating. So thanks for talking about this! I like this video. :) I hope you have a nice christmas time!

[@dorkenspache8353]

#2 is why I dislike family events a lot. A lot of people in a confined space with a lot of ambient, uncontrollable noise. It's especially bad when the house I'm at doesn't have proper sound dampening stuff like couches, rugs, etc in a room and makes it super echoey. Like I love my family, but I also don't like how overstimulating these events are

[@pandabytes4991]

Any time I leave the house, I make sure I have my noise reducing earmuffs with me. It isn't too uncommon for me to go mute if I find myself in an environment that is to loud.

[@nicksmith4924]

3:37 why ARE they on the inside though!? I’ve been asking that since I was 4 years old. Why would I want a scratchy thing on the back of my neck.

[@daizydoesstuff]

hi kati! thank you so much for breaking these “symptoms” down! i’m very curious if you have ASD as you use in-group terms like “we” when referring to folks who are on the spectrum. thanks for all you do!

[@ushere5791]

all 5 are true for me, but #5 is the most insidious. i have been self-contained my whole life because i've had to be. i've only ever had to reach out for serious help this past summer because of a health issue i couldn't simply adjust to. for reference, i self-Dx'ed autism in my 40s and got the formal Dx at 60 because they want us all to return to office and i can't go back to open bullpen/cube farm after 4 years of blissfully teleworking.

[@sneakysquid62]

I was diagnosed recently at 24 and I relate heavily to everything in this video. I found the weirdest thing happening. I feel more autistic now, it's like I have no idea how I got through social settings and seemed so normal when now, I get overwhelmed so easily. I also have no idea how I went undiagnosed my whole life

[@kivoe]

On the spot. I hyperfocus and it's draining!! Also agree on the stimuli seeking and needing to be flexible, but struggle with it. I was diagnosed in 2019 at 29 years

[@kivoe]

Also unsure if i'm Borderline, don't have the diagnosis

[@viennadesou6546]

I was diagnosed at around 39 after the 5th person suggested I may be Autistic (these were all folks that had either personal or professional experience with the Autistic community). I find I'm both sensory seeking and avoidant; the regular stuff of life can be incredibly overwhelming and I seek music and soft material often to sooth from that overwhelm. I'll wear really soft pants or jacket with soft lining and gently feel the material. I often will play a single song or album n repeat ad nauseum cuz it's calming my mind during overload - it's often interfered w/ my ability to get things done cuz I need to turn it off to engage in something else but I cant - or if i did my mind would be in chaos and I wouldnt be focusing on my task anyway.

[@neepers22]

Autism runs in my family - my brother, some cousins and nephew to name a few. I went through the process of getting assessed on the NHS a few years ago (so in my early 40s). I did not come out with a diagnosis (ticked most boxes but 'passed' (for want of a better word) the bit about communication), but I still feel like not enough information was taken into account as I didn't have the benefit of input from my family and friends that knew me as a child, so it was all self-reported. Being female, I've become adept at doing what I need to fit in, while mentally exhausting myself. I don't know if I shot myself in the foot during the assessment by doing this. I'm really fed up as I still struggle, but I don't feel I have the right tools to help myself or explain to others why social interaction exhausts me soooo much. Maybe it's too late for me. At least one of my son's is on the waiting list for his assessment at the moment. Maybe he'll be lucky.

[@Amybohme]

Can definitely relate to this. I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago now and im in my 30s. What I find funny is that before i was even diagnosed, i had a neurodivergent friend ask me if i was autistic. I denied it at the time, but this friend wasnt surprised when i told her after my diagnosis that i was autistic.

[@mattlawrence7130]

I fit all of those signs. I'm also an old man and I have learned through extremely painful experience that there is no help for me.

[@FirstLast-cd6vv]

Lovin' the new do👍

[@Fireclaw2k]

Thanks for sharing. I have autism. I was wondering if you have what resources do you know about that will help people find work with autism and that have slow processing disorder….

[@christiegrows2022]

Oh I love your channel and then you used the puzzle piece 🧩 😩😩😩😩

[@REAVER781]

oh, where to begin... I got diagnosed with ADHD in 2012, but still had issues with social stuff. I had started to research Aspergers and I asked my then therapist if I had Aspergers. She tilted her head to the side (like a dog would,) to think, and replied "no, you're not THAT severe, but you're definitely on the spectrum. She told me that the DSM-4 did not allpw for dual diagnosis of ADHD and ASD. I started seeing a new psychiatrist in 2022, He started me on Anxiety meds, but also noted p[possible Borderline Personality Disorder. I JUST started seeing a new therapist, since stopping therapy in 2017, due to a breakup that I wouldn't processing well. New therapist is great, had me get over my anger for my ex after 2 sessions. I did ask him how F'd up I am? He said ADHD, Anxiety, CPTSD, possible ASD and "Borderline Personality Disorder traits". SO much overlap on symptoms for ALL of those conditions. The ONLY traits that don't overlap are the remaining ASD traits in this video. My Therapist and I are going to whittle them down, as the treatment for most of them is NOT the same. I'm seeing him weekly! yay for awesome insurance, $30 a session.

[@marinakiell1069]

Kati, how have you been coping after hearing about the wildfire literally seen from Pepperdine University’s windows?When I heard “Pepperdine” I automatically thought of you.

[@Katimorton]

Aww thanks for asking. I am doing okay, they are sending out regular emails with updates, and so far all of my friends are okay. It's really sad, and unfortunately not the first time we have had fires there. I just hope everyone is okay and the university is able to protect as much as it can. xoxo

[@marinakiell1069]

@ tbh, I don’t know anything about Pepperdine, I just associate the name of the school with you as you have brought it up in some videos as to being the school you went to. Until I heard about that wildfire I thought Pepperdine was in Washington state, whoops.

[@BoostedPastime]

Thank you Kati, we love you and we love your work and yes I have definitely been hyper-focused on all things automotive and mechanical my whole life when I was in high school I actually filled up my iPad which was supposed to be used for school work with over 3,000 pictures of cars and engines 😂

[@peterwaugh4734]

Using the vacuum at night, wanting to wear dresses, and walking the cat.

[@prace7812]

"and we wouldn't play together but we would play in the same area together and she's like I had a hyperfocus on trains and this other girl love to color these very specific car things" Wait that's me! As a child, my mother stopped me visiting a friend of mine because that was how we spend our time in his room (separately playing), which didn't look social to my and his mothers so we didn't go there anymore.

[@librarian1701-D]

i am unable to get support or help or even an official diagnosis.. doctors know nothing about it.. and I'm in my fifties... i get comments like 'well you've made it this far without a diagnosis'

[@MsHwisprian]

Change plans cool. Im in. *Gets in car and drives back home

[@Bree-ree]

Can you please make a video about the overlapping of mental illness as well as brain conditions? I’m officially diagnosed with 7 different things (CPTSD, BPD, depression, GAD, OSFED, OCD, BDD) and it’s suspected I have more (ADHD, skin picking disorder and autism) and it’s so confusing? Are half these things just overlaps? I’ve always been very involved in my treatments because of desperation to feel better. I’m 30 now, huge history of trauma as you prob guessed 😬 I see my psych and GP regularly and am on 3 psychotropic medications. I myself am a full time carer of my autistic daughter and work part time as a psychogeriatric nurse :)

[@gingermarshy007]

This video sounds like ur talking about me. Im not sure what a diagnosis would even do tbh

[@Katimorton]

It's really up to you.. it can be validating to get a proper diagnosis, or ensure you get proper support and care :) But not everyone feels like they need a diagnosis. xoxo

[@cmntr_]

@@Katimorton hi kati, can you please make a video on the intersection of autism and hypersensitivity? I think I might be an HSP and I also have a few symptoms of autism. The healthcare professionals I have seen think all I need to do is 'read a self-help book' (was told that by a psychiatrist), so I wonder if I was an HSP and not autistic, would I even be able to get any support since that's not a mental illness? Can you recommend any relevant resources?

[@gingermarshy007]

@@Katimorton i will consider its implications. Ur response is really appreciated so thank u!

[@thecatsbackyard4833]

Thank you. I thought the video was fantastic.

[@Katimorton]

Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your kind words :)

[@stanchern3796]

What does the status of being an "autist" give us? Does it open up any possibilities? Why is it important to be diagnosed and "supported" medically or therapeutically at all?

[@cmntr_]

I think it can be validating to be able to put a label on it and to have a proper diagnosis as a starting point for further care, should you need it. If you're not struggling in your day-to-day life and you can't be bothered to see a healthcare professional about a (possible) diagnosis, that's valid too :) also as far as I know autism is a spectrum, so some people can struggle more than others

[@renfairegoddess]

The amount of physical comorbidities that come along with ASD. POTS (Postural orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). Dysautonomia of various types. It's also nice to know you're a perfectly normal zebra rather than a failed horse.

[@cmntr_]

@@renfairegoddess I love your phrasing: 'It's also nice to know you're a perfectly normal zebra rather than a failed horse.' that hits the nail on the head! I might steal that lol

[@anotheruser9876]

How do I get the support that I need when it cost me $3000 out of my own pocket to get diagnosed and the ones I live with don't even give a shit?

[@alladreamwedreamed]

You say to get diagnosed, get treatment, get support ... What does that look like? What is treatment and support for someone 40+ years old?

[@Gwenx]

Also if you have special ears like me that are sensitive to putting something into them, you can go to a shop that makes hearing aids and ask them if they make costume fit earplugs, they might be expensive, but my god is it the best thing i have EVER bought myself!! My partner snores, so i need them to sleep, and they fit like a dream and my ears are not bleeding or scratchy or comfy when i wake up. (I have had an untreated ear infection for years i didn't know about, and that has left my ear super sensitive, but the form fit earplugs are so snug it doesn't bother the ear)

[@cmntr_]

What a wonderful idea, thanks for sharing! I mostly use single-use earplugs, but they tend to fall out at some point during the night.

[@ao11861]

So if i only have number 5 am i on the spectrum? Or do i attribute this to all the childhood trauma and people pleasing? 🤔

[@inspectre27]

The stuff in this video was definitely overlooked in me, but after the possibility was raised they were also some of the traits that made me say, "Hey, that's me!" when i was doing the initial verification research. (Also, my "realization story" is kind of funny, but a little long. I'll share in a reply below if anyone's interested.)

[@cmntr_]

Does anyone have any resources on the intersection between autism and hypersensitivity (as in a hypersensitive person/HSP)? I have been told many times by professionals that I do not need therapy, but in my daily life I struggle quite a bit and I would like to have more of an idea what direction I can point them towards. Or maybe find a specialist who knows about both.

[@renfairegoddess]

HSP is what Elaine Aron came up with 20 plus years ago to avoid her grandchildren getting an actual ASD diagnosis. It's NOT a recognized ACTUAL diagnosis. Like, Myers Briggs types aren't a dx. FYI, Elaine's grands actually did go on to get their ASD diagnoses.

[@cmntr_]

@@renfairegoddess oh wow, that's disappointing. I knew that it wasn't an actual diagnosis, but I believed it had some truth to it. Possibly because I feel like that HSP label fits me so well and I want to be able to put a name to it, make sense of my perceptions and experiences I guess. Thank you for commenting and can you recommend any resources on ASD? I'm relatively new to the topic

[@adamloepker8057]

I'm not seeing the clear distinction between ASD and things like ADHD It literally sounds to me like you are repeating the same symptoms for each. Help

[@elianal444]

I love you Kati!!! You’re so smart thank you for sharing with us!!

[@elhache7160]

Seems like "introversion" is a big part [of] being on the spectrum. 🤔

[@KeifusMathews3]

💔

[@barttheraven]

Do you by any chance have autism yourself?

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

I think I teeter back and forth between 2 and 3.

[@poohbear0320]

I think I am on the spectrum, but not diagnosed.

[@linnmusic]

I have tested and seems I have autism - though my doctor says "everyone has autism"...

[@MrAgmoore]

how can everyone have autism? that doesn't make a lot of sense?

[@linnmusic]

@@MrAgmoore my thoughts too

[@MarcoEmeryLinden]

I have autism.

[@tracirex]

how about depathologizing the autistic experience? repetitive movement is a preference for freedom of movement. we are highly attuned to our senses (ya'll make too much noise and you wear itchy clothes). your way of socializing isn't our way of socializing. theres nothing wrong with the way we move thru the world. masking to fit in to a neuronormative environment destroys our health. thank you for pointing out that this is not your specialty.

[@MrAgmoore]

sensitive much?

[@UrnestHemingouey]

I found this video quite harmful. First, as much as all professionals tell "these are just things to think about and maybe discuss with your therapist", most people don't go to therapy. Most people just watch again and again such videos which put labels in their heads and tilt them into self diagnosing. It is well known fact that in therapy therapists should abstain from providing diagnosis, as each and everyone's condition is unique and putting labels on it, can make people feel helpless, like it is "already decided" or even make them find comfort in their bad situation. This is especially the case with autism, as it is considered to have predominantly genetic reasons and most of it's variations are uncureable. For example a viewer can easily tell themselves "Well, if my condition is genetic and uncureable, why do I even have to try to change my behaviour", while their behavior could be easily explained with things like social anxiety, depression e.t.c. (which are curable). Just reading these so called "sympthoms" makes it obvious that they are somewhat contradicting, vague, and huge percentage of people can describe themselves that way. Having unique and strong interest is not a reason to "maybe talk to your therapist about it". Just that statement makes me wonder if these professionals really find reasons for concern, or just reason for someone to go, pay for therapy and maintain the industry. It is well known issue in psychology that most of the research is made in the USA which makes the research biased. It is not a coincidence that most of these articles about autism are actually researched in the USA. They created a lot of problems with overdiagnosing ADHD (just google it and you'll see way too many independent results on the topic) and now they are doing it with autism. It makes you wonder if all that people who were diagnosed at late age were due to research on autism getting better, or because it took time for the industry to grab hold on to this money source as well. If half of the people can describe themselves in some way, it shouldn't be considered a disorder. For example Subtle social challenges and sensory avoidant examples, can fit quite well with what we know as introversion. Introversion is not a disorder. Being controlled on the outside, while feeling discomfort inside is actually a skill to control your behavior. Controlling yourself takes inner effort, no s**t, Sherlocks. At the end, I would point out, that as a professional, you probably know all these things and still continue to create harmful content. For example you have one video from ten years ago on ADHD being overdiagnosed. One would say, if there is indeed such a problem, we should try to balance it out and control it, to better people's health, right? Then it seems like you just made a dozen of videos on the symptoms (especially the vague "lesser known ones"), providing a tool for people to selfdiognose themselves, but under the mask of "I'm just spreading awareness and pay a professional if in doubt". Way to hop on to the youtube alghorhytm train!

[@ACHRAF1644]

I thought i had adhd but I guess its autism

[@renfairegoddess]

AuDHD is commonly dx'd together. You can have both. Once you're properly medicated (if you choose) for the ADHD, your ASD traits will come forward.

[@MrAgmoore]

there's a crossover between ADHD and autism. Gabor Maté thinks that there is a connection between trauma and ADHD. A Psychologist said that trauma and ADHD affects the same brain areas on imaging.

[@FreedomSasquatch]

Everyone is on a Nero diverse spectrum of development and has difficulty with certain situations.

[@Monipenny1000]

Why do I feel like these signs are normal human behaviors? I've never thought I was neurodivergent.

[@zitatoth7312]

First!

[@Katimorton]

woot woot!! xox