9 Childhood Autistic Traits in Girls | EARLY SIGNS OF AUTISM

In this week's video of Autistically Me, I talk about nine autistic traits I had in my childhood, from being painfully shy to not being able to make a dang decision! Stay tuned to learn about nine common autistic traits in young girls and some of the early signs of ASD.
***Please remember, not every autistic person will have all my traits and vise versa. Just because you don't have some of my traits doesn't make you NOT autistic, and just because you have some of my traits doesn't diagnose you with autism. Only a doctor can diagnose you!
Instagram: @OliviaHops
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Autism - Autistic - ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder - Aspergers - Female Autistic Traits - Girl Autistic Traits - Autistic Female - Autistic Adult - Autistic Girl - Childhood Autistic Traits - Autism Awareness - Actually Autistic - Autism Girls
#ActuallyAutistic

[@VS-bm3ep]

I remember that I loved being alone as a child. Yes, I did play with others but I had no problem being alone for hours. I actually needed this and still do

[@mindymeek2]

Same. I actually realized I don't want a bf and every single reason why. Makes me wonder why I ever thought I needed one not that long ago. They don't complete me, they misunderstand, complicate, and cause me to lose track of the things I really want to do, since I easily sacrifice myself. Also, I mask so bad, I don't think it's healthy for me when I also am naive about a person's ethic and morality and what kind of person they really are. So bad combo. Plus the need for alone time is not a choice, and yet it causes all sorts of distrust and guilt shaming. It's not like I do the same things a guy does when they are having alone time🙄😔

[@OliviaHops]

I would sneak out of my room early in the morning during sleepovers and go hide in my parents room so I could get away from my friend for as long as possible until they woke up. LOL!

[@mindymeek2]

@@OliviaHops exactly why my fav game was hide and seek. I got so good at it after an hour I'd climb out of the spot and declare my victory.... But i didn't mind waiting extra long to come out.

[@JoseRodriguez-pd4ve]

Since receiving my co-diagnoses of ADHD and autism, specially re: autism, my wife now understands and accepts why I'm pretty solitary (few, very close friends) and okay with that.

[@soph4850]

My mum always says that my siblings are the weird ones because they can’t play alone, but I have always been able to. Now I’m starting to think I’m the weird one

[@MorriganNoel]

Olivia, you have no idea how much relief your videos give me. My daughter is 3 and I am seeing literally all of these traits in her. My dearest hope is that she ends up being a happy adult.

[@violet-fox]

Yes ! Great video. & I absolutely understand your hopes for her adulthood. My youngest daughter turned 3 in August. She is autistic & does almost all of these traits❤🧡💛 She's content in her ways & is overall very happy . Wouldn't have her any other way

[@jojomama09]

from a autistic lady (me) she'll be fine I promise you. I wish I could go back in time and hug the little me that thought everything was going to fail for me and ended up with success. I wish could tell little me that things are going to be amazing.

[@IdaC]

My daughter was diagnosed The age of 2. She is now 12 and I am still trying to understand and navigate the world of ASD.. getting diagnosed early was a blessing. She started speech at the age of 2 and Behavioral therapy and started school for special needs and obviously still in special needs school today. That part been a blessing. My daughter understands everything but her social skills are not great. She cant have a conversation with me or anyone . She can speak but it's all scripting . Everything she watches on video or hears she remembers and scripts all day long .. I feel sad everyday . My daughter is happy that's what keeps me going ....

[@FabiolaMacabre]

With your help, patience and understanding , she will ♥️

[@morganmuldoon]

How is she doing now? My daughter is 3 at the moment and it's very hard.

[@suzannebrown9359]

Making decisions is always very difficult 😥. Being on a schedule is quite necessary. Gut issues always. Thank you Olivia. You are so brave.

[@OliviaHops]

Thanks so much for watching my video, Suzanne!! It means so much to me!

[@lethalprincess2087]

I haven't watched this video yet and I already agree with your comment! I'm terrible with decisions, don't give me choices just assign them😫😩 And I have a planner that I take with me everywhere, and I cross every single thing out from sunrise to sunset, from brushing my teeth to reading exactly six chapters in a book I'm reading at night. The struggle is real!

[@masonnix9566]

@@OliviaHops Why do you talk so fast?,jesus christ slow down it's not a race.

[@masonnix9566]

@@OliviaHops What is wrong with you? You talk like as if you are on drugs.

[@Catlily5]

@@masonnix9566 Don't be rude. If she talks too fast for you read the subtitles or don't watch it the video

[@dhadbaoui]

I can't take my daughter to the toy store and tell her to pick out what you want. She'll wander the store forever.

[@mindymeek2]

Me when I get off work and haven't eaten for 6-8 hours inside the grocery store at 1 am just slowly eyeballing every item expecting it to pop off the shelf and say" Here I am. You found me. Let's go fix your grumbling tummy." I mean I guess that's what I'm expecting. But then I see another human eventually and I realize how weird I am and I force myself to make executive decisions and get out of there. It's only been 45 minutes...

[@OliviaHops]

OMG! This was me!! When I was young, my aunt once took me shopping to pick something out as my birthday present and I made her go to several stores and still couldn't choose something. Lol.

[@contentedspirit9022]

@@OliviaHops Lol. That's my daughter exactly. Even still frequently and she's 23.

[@millie5186]

Hahaha I do that to I'm not autistic though!

[@soph4850]

@@OliviaHops same here

[@melissavukelic4138]

The “sitting and taking things in” is something I can definitely relate to. As a teenager, I remember that when I would meet new people, particularly in groups, I would just sit by myself watching and listening. It would need to do this many times before feeling like I “understood” them enough to assimilate into their group. It worked well for me at the time. I was a very attractive young women and my friend groups were always made up of guys, so they never seemed to care much when I wasn’t talking. They were just happy to have a pretty girl around! 😄

[@kamistark772]

I still experience difficulties decision making and im 25 years old with 2 kids 🙃🙃🙃 you are not alone girl!!

[@breeze5926]

I recently realized I had so many meltdowns as a kid. I remember crying and going to my parents for help but when they asked me what was wrong I didnt know what was wrong. Existence just got really painful for seemingly no reason. And even if I did know what was wrong, I couldnt actually speak to tell them. The only word I could say when melting down was mom, which didnt really help.

[@incognito9313]

I have a few memories as a child of throwing a fit and just yelling "I WANT TO GO HOME!" even if I already was home, lol. Didn't know why I was upset, or also couldn't describe why.

[@beesquestionmark]

This reminds me of myself. Every single day in school if someone even looked at me the wrong way I’d break down crying and screaming, and then when asked why I’d say “I don’t know” or “it’s stupid.” My mom got me to go to the school counselor and all he did was tell me not to cry. Now I repress my feelings and cry when I try to tell people how I feel. I don’t know how nobody expected autism. I think there was so much focus on my diagnosed adhd sister, that since I still got good grades (she didnt) there couldn’t be anything wrong with me. It’s baffling

[@jackieann5494]

❤

[@mudotter]

Yes. Existence was really painful. My experience of childhood as well.

[@ohkay7418]

I was like this. I would cry and my mom would say if u r going to cry I will give you some thing to cry about. I stopped cry. Now I just get 😡

[@Arkylie]

Man, while I don't relate to delayed speech, that whole "taking everything in... feeding the computer" thing hits. When my friends introduce me to a new game, I want to sit and watch them play it, and have the chance to take in information about the basics before I ever get a controller in my hands. Trying to adjust to a new game while also having to make decisions in real-time is information overload and I don't much like it. Not to say I can't try out new games on my own, but I much prefer to watch if it's an active or FPS game.

[@recoveringsoul755]

yes I want to know what the rules are, and the goal before I participate. Then slowly try game with another person teaching me, and then trying myself

[@MadameSomnambule]

Yeah, I don't think I had delayed speech either. In fact, according to my mom, I could read the license plate on my dad's dirt bike from a VERY early age before I properly learned how to read. That's more of an excel in speech development to me.

[@Scorpiove]

I didn't have delayed speech but, I did have a big problem with selective mutism. Oh and I still was put into speech class twice. I was also voted the most shyest person at the school.

[@dirtydozen5079]

I hate learning a new fone. No one to watch first. 😏

[@scarlet0stars]

Fk damn! I feel seen! 😄 I absolutely love the Assassin's Creed franchise and FarCry, but I avoided games like that for years, even told myself I didn't like them. Then I watched my (then new) partner play through them and felt much more confident in knowing what I was doing. I've since played nearly every title (working on the rest) and love it! I just needed to SEE how to play games like that first...

[@alexamunoz7943]

Between my daughter and me, I feel like we display all of these traits... we haven’t been diagnosed, but I started to suspect we might be on the spectrum when I was noticing a-typical behavior in my daughter. Started watching videos for her benefit and have found that I struggle with sensory issues (light, noise, bedding, clothing). I get super interested in topics (literally losing sleep over wanting to learn more) and become an expert and then get bummed that there’s no more to learn about that topic. Super meticulous about lots of tasks. Too exhausting to keep more than a couple close friends. I can read emotions well and am empathetic, but I react to and interpret unexpected sarcasm literally. Even if I know a person is joking, my first instinct is to take everything literally which makes me feel silly sometimes. Don’t you dare cover my nostril while kissing or I feel like I will suffocate. Same if the air in a room or car is too warm. My husband enjoys surprises and I do not. I want to know what’s coming - even if it’s a good thing! Probably amongst other things that I chalked up to me just being different.

[@donnahilton471]

I was shy and a bookworm.

[@DhhskkHehdis]

There is a autism herbal recommendations I got about dr Oyalo and his herbal remedy has work perfectly on my sons improvements in speech and social skill and my son fine till now

[@korylinne2101]

I'm glad you pointed out that boys can present in the same way girls. As a guy, I didn't have the more stereotypical male traits and several of the traits you describe I recognize in myself based on what I can remember and what my parents have told me. Just goes to show that, as you said, everyone on the spectrum is different and not all of us fit in clear cut categories. Thanks Olivia!

[@dawnschreibman682]

I have extra long intestines have u ever had a ultra sound or colonoscopy? I take 40 fiber pillsa day ndrink 5 waters cheese anddairy isnot your friend or bread sory kid..

[@DhhskkHehdis]

There is a autism herbal recommendations I got about dr Oyalo and his herbal remedy has work perfectly on my sons improvements in speech and social skill and my son fine till now

[@thebalancedvirgin4893]

You're literally telling my story. Thank you.

[@OliviaHops]

Thank you so much for watching, Nikki!

[@simonsbuddy1806]

Your honesty and self-revelation (and self-celebration) is a real gift to other young women. BRAVO Olivia!!

[@gracenosbod8964]

Not just young women! I am 60 and you are helping me understand so much about myself. Thank you, Olivia!

[@lindakrumenauer1099]

I am an older woman. The freedom that you have instilled in me by explaining your personality traits, so identical to mine, and the acceptance of self, are precious. Thank you so much. You have made a huge difference in my life. I wish I had known these things years ago, but to know them now brings lots of peace.

[@lukepippin4781]

#1: I also had delayed speech. Strange thing about me was when I did start talking, it was perfect. People would ask me to say complex words and I almost always pronounced them correctly. #2: I was also very shy. And well... I still am haha. As far as separation anxiety, there was a time I remember holding on to the porch rail so tight my mom actually couldn’t get me off of it to put me on the school bus. I was screaming and crying, wrapped around a post, pretty much immovable. I hated school all the way up through high school. #3: I pretty much had one friend through 4th grade and I liked the teachers more than I liked the kids my age. And my teachers liked me. But I moved from the country to the city after 4th grade, they were NOT my kind of people. I felt the teachers were no more mature than the children in my classes. And yeah, I had little interest in people... again I’m still that way. I have a girlfriend. She’s the only person I take a true, undying interest in. #4: I was an EXTREMELY picky eater. I would eat 3-4 peanut butter sandwiches a day for several years, partially out of routine. I can’t eat bitter things, I will spit out dark chocolate to this day. Textures are extremely important, I wouldn’t and still can’t let food touch, especially if it’s something with juice, like green beans, next to mashed potatoes. Nasty. Smells have always been a huge problem for me. My grandmother was making sourkraut one time and I couldn’t go in the house. Going down the detergent isle in the store still gives me a headache. Sound didn’t start bothering me till around high school. As far as clothing goes, I could wear most things, but I had a lot of trouble wearing something I hadn’t worn before, especially shoes. #5: Yep... I am completely inflexible. Routine wasn’t as big a deal when I was younger that I can remember, but that’s because I didn’t have a whole lot to put into a routine. Now that I’m working, breaks in routine completely throw me off. If we have a late start to the day, I’m actually worse off than if we did our regular 7:30 start to the work day. I work in construction, so honestly at this point, I’m so exhausted and deep into burnout that I don’t really have the capacity to actually freak out about smaller breaks in routine. However as someone on the spectrum, I just stared driving last week (I’m 23) and I’m definitely still capable of feeling the stress and anxiety from that haha. #6: I’ve had many special interests. And I’ll be honest, #1 is firearms, or as they’re better known to most people; guns XD Any time I see one, I can usually tell you what it is and what ammunition it fires. If you handed it to me, I could operate it as if I owned and was trained on it within a minute or two. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s no different from trains and the like. It’s a machine. The difference is, it’s small and simple. As an American, I’m lucky enough to be able to own them, so it’s something I can get my hands on and take apart, put back together, learn every piece and what it’s function is and so on. Firearms have a set of physics behind them that really fascinates me. Other special interests include music and... well now I’ve got a bunch of smaller ones that I can’t pick from to mention. Which brings us to... #7: Yeah no, I couldn’t and still can’t make decisions. I have very few opinions. If there’s not a logical reason to choose one thing over another, I can’t make the decision. Or if they have a very similar number of pros and cons, I’ll never make a solid decision. #8: This was less the case as a kid I think, I don’t really remember, but now it is definitely the case. Being someone that’s kinda hyper logical, my brain expends a lot of time and effort figuring out what the best way for something to go is, and if someone changes that, I’m not very happy, even if I don’t show it. There are a lot of people I just can’t work with and do things with, because my decisions are always questioned or changed, and I can’t handle that. It’s one of the biggest things that causes me to stim and start feeling like I need to be alone or I’m going to have a meltdown. #9: DEFINITELY had and have stomach issues. Now that I’m more in control and have an eating routine, same things, same time, every day aside from weekends, it’s a lot better. But apparently all my life, all the way back to being a baby, I wouldn’t eat because it hurt my stomach. I had the other problem. In 8th grade, my mom had to pick me up from school almost every other day for months because I would have stomach pain that would actually paralyze me. My muscles were so tense from it that they wouldn’t respond to my will to stand. Of course by the time I got home, that ended in me staying in the restroom a while. Not fun, especially for someone prone to sensory issues haha. I had to do this and hit on every point, because I relate so well. Im not actually diagnosed, and I don’t think I really want to be. I’m self diagnosed, and there are enough resources such as yourself that I can learn from and improve my life with that I don’t need to put it on my record. Unfortunately it can cause me to be dismissed from many things. But anyway, thank you for making these videos! They are very helpful. Keep up the good work.

[@lukepippin4781]

Wow, that ended up long lol.

[@itsAurora-zq8cb]

I relate to the school thing soooo much !! Really hated it ,was so shy shy had separation anxiety also ..have memories of crying etc

[@toiwright6837]

?

[@toiwright6837]

What kind of grades did you get? Did you have to have tutors?

[@lukepippin4781]

@@toiwright6837 my grades were all A’s for as long as I was in a small town school. I was able to get the attention I needed and I was kept on track. I was officially diagnosed with ADD, however I now know through my own research, that doesn’t cover the entirety of my condition. I did have tudors. As long as they knew me and understood how I learned, I did really well with them. However by high school, I was failing every class, and I was so mentally burnt out that I didn’t care. I wore a leather jacket and sunglasses to be sure people avoided me as much as I avoided them so that I could get through the days. There were no good tudors to go to at that time either. So yeah, that’s the “short” answer haha.

[@chris-nx7ot]

My dear you have changed my world. I am 66 years old never diagnosed but I knew/know that I was/am "different". So many of the traits you mentioned I had/have As a young adult I asked my mom if she was ever told that I was slow. My perception of life is different than everyone I know, while in most cases it has turned out that I was spot on, my process of facts are was different. Thanks to you I am going to investigate and address this further, LOL sound familiar. Thank you love.

[@donnahilton471]

I think they might have thought something was wrong at school. I was very shy and I could read almost as soon as they taught me the letters. I was reading my sister's school books for pleasure. They were six and ten years older than I.

[@robinpfotenhauer4503]

My daughter sounds exactly like you. We sort of self diagnosed her ourselves recently (age 23). Her interest is in pets! Our dog was a therapy dog for her.

[@michellewilkes5801]

Ditto me too exactly all that....

[@heide-raquelfuss5580]

The same here! Animals are my fascination and my deep love. I loooove my dog so much. I feel more connected with animals. Not so with humans.

[@tiltawhorled]

its so hard to describe how horrible and painful my childhood was. i still am not over it.

[@MeaEubanks1225]

This hit too close to home but I'm grateful you made this. My childhood sucked because no one was patient enough to understand me. I tried so hard to be "normal" most of my life and it was miserable.

[@PixelatedFaerie]

Feels like you just described my childhood 😅

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

I was super interested in horses for many years as a child. I drew horses, read about horses, pretended to have horses, pretended to be a horse, all the time. I did play with other children at school, but most of my horse stuff was just me by myself. I also struggled with decisions, still do.

[@hannasophia18]

I hate making decisions. Especially picking a restaurant or what to eat. Didn't know this was also an autistic trait! I got diagnosed about a month ago and still learning so much :)

[@OliviaHops]

Yes, picking a restaurant is the WORST!! It can cause me to have a meltdown. Anyways, thanks so much for watching, Hanna! And congrats on your diagnosis!!

[@hannasophia18]

@@OliviaHops Haha thanks! I'm so happy I got my diagnosis, my whole life makes sense now :)

[@vickigardner9014]

I am a teacher and interact with autistic children, this helps me very much. My niece is autistic, this helps me understand her more. You are amazing. I am going to watch more of your videos, thanks for sharing your life experiences. God Bless!

[@plethoraria]

Your mom sounds incredible, and she seems like a strong support system! Would you ever do an interview with her to get her perspective on what it was like and any recommendations she has for parenting a child, more specifically a little girl, who has autism?

[@LadyKartoffel]

Aaaah I'm crying again! You're describing my daughter almost to a T! I'm so terrified that she's not going to have the same opportunities as other adults, but seeing you the way you are is giving me a lot of confidence and hope for her.

[@Feminazi1dc]

Put good things in her head & raise her up, that's the best thing you can do.

[@blndqt00789]

Introverts and creative people which is autistic people can get people far because they are intelligent as fuck and can focus more than others on getting educated

[@compassandradio6261]

What advice would you have for us boyfriends or husbands with an autistic girl in our lives? Update: Never mind. I just found your video on autism and romantic relationships.

[@thomasjones8347]

That was a very interesting video. I have a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome, and while I can definitely identify with some of the "classic" traits of Autism more associated with males, like you, I also have developed strong masking skills, and most people are surprised when I tell them I am on the spectrum. I credit a lot of this with watching a lot of TV shows and movies and imitating the way I see the characters interact on screen. I actually came to enjoy playing different "characters", (to a point). When I was a child though, my traits were much more obvious. I had pretty much every trait you mention, except I don't think I had delayed speech or gut issues. My mom has told me people thought I was like a "little old man", and I often got along better with adults than my peers. In my case though, I don't remember ever being disinterested in my peers. I was always desperate to make friends, but other kids often made fun of, rejected, and/or took advantage of me, and because of my difficulty with social cues, it was often difficult for me to determine if someone was making fun of me, leading to significant social anxiety. I definitely could (and did) entertain myself with solitary activities, but I don't remember ever passing up an opportunity to play with peers. I have always had obsessive and narrow interests, but they have shifted over time. Vacuum cleaners were my biggest obsession when I was little, but I've also been obsessively interested in music (particularly music artists), cars, history, languages, genealogy, and houses. (Old houses are definitely my biggest obsession). By the time I got to be high school age I was more self-aware, and I learned to mask well enough to get along with most of my peers, but it was always a struggle. Like you, I also jumped back and forth between groups of friends. The fact that I enjoy playing different "characters" played a big part in this. I also always loved talking in different accents, and I even came up with names for some of these "alter-egos".

[@itsAurora-zq8cb]

Thanks for sharing...interesting to read and see your growth..Good luck to u ☘ I relate to wanting to have more friends too etc...had a few but nevwr felt totsmly close to ppl

[@beetee873]

Sir do u have sensory issues..how to deal wit it

[@eveplummer2040]

I am 54 and I have always sensed that I was different. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was in my 20s so I thought that maybe that was why I felt that way but I wasn't sure. Recently I started watching videos about people with autism and there are things I relate to. Some things I have learned to stop doing so much. I used to be very inappropriate. Once and a while I can still be. I was very shy. I have never had a best friend in my life. I always believed people were talking about me in school. I have trouble socializing with people I don't know. If I am put on the spot I sometimes go blank and can't figure out what to say. This is just some of the traits I relate to.

[@juliedepaolo9971]

Thank you, Olivia! You have helped me learn so much. I play imaginary "characters" with my granddaughter on the floor. She absolutely LOVES our one on one time together. She is very controlling when it comes to our playtime. She makes all the rules and I must comply 😀. She pretty much controls the whole playtime. Telling me who I "can be", what I can say, what "the story is", what to pretend, what I can touch, or not. She has most of the traits you describe. I love this child more than anything in the world and want to help make her childhood and future life positive. She has been a huge blessing to me. I wish you would do a question and answer type forum. I would pay for a subscription if it were offered by you.

[@OliviaHops]

Thanks so much for this sweet comment, Julie! And for watching my video. I'm honored it could help you learn something. Your granddaughter sounds very similar to how I was with my imaginative play. I still have imaginary characters that's I've "known" since I was 11. Your granddaughter is awesome and she can do anything she puts her mind to. Thank you for watching over her and wanting to make sure she has a great future. God Bless both of you! And I'll definitely look up how to do a question and answer forum/video. Thanks for the idea!

[@maryrainbolt-young591]

Dude. The gut issues. My son is going for an evaluation soon. He’s most likely ASD. he is at the point of making his own language. I love these videos. You are helping me so much. I’m thinking I’m on the spectrum too but I’m afraid to get tested. You’re so brave. I can’t thank you enough

[@fantasymmorpgroleplayer8871]

I'm still shy. Separation anxiety. I prefer 1 on 1 time with any friends. It's hard for me to socially show that I care about them, and I get overwhelmed if they all want to talk to me often. Sensations have to be in my comfort zone. I haaaaate jeans. I can't handle the feeling of any cloth on my shoulders or arms unless it's extremely cold. I still need naps 😅 I emotionally feel like I want to cry when I don't have the food I want. I get really into my hobbies. I still can't make decisions ☹ I tend to pick an outfit and stick to it as my most comfortable outfit. Wish I could simply wear it every day. The idea of having a whole wardrobe for going into work sounds so stressful. I had constipation as a kid. Now it's diarrhea if anything at all is off. Having regular poop is so rare 😔

[@angeleahmacdonnell7750]

This is so crazy !!! This sounds exactly like my 18 year old daughter when she younger !! Thank you for doing this video !

[@OliviaHops]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@TheTrainingDesignersClub]

My daughter didn't do sleepovers (and even now she's 18 she doesn't like parties). She has good friends, but they are all kept at a bit of a distance. Also struggles to make decisions - MUCH prefers someone else to make decisions for her. Routine very important!

[@daniellemarkkula269]

I just wanted to thank you. I've always thought I was just weird but your videos made me realize I'm autistic. I've gone through almost the same things as you. And I still cant make decisions and I'm 35. I feel like a child. I'm codependent really bad. I dont know what to do to get help and I dont have anyone to help me. And I definitely cant afford medical. I feel lost because I cant be normal and everyone avoids me. Thank you for your videos tho. Your helping realize I'm not just weird, theres a reason to my madness. ♥️

[@heathercatcatherine]

Yes I get decision paralysis so badly! It is very common to experience with ASD/ADHD! I am the worst person to ask last minute where to eat 😂

[@SarahMJordan]

Thank you Olivia. My mom said at the end of the school year my kindergarten teacher confessed to my mom that I cried everyday at school. When she finally asked me why I said because the bus was too loud and it smelled bad. This was 36 or 37 years ago and I still remember.

[@Arkylie]

Difficulty Making Decisions: On the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the clearest trait for me is Intuitive (caught up in ideas, low connection to the details of the world around me (especially time)), but the second-most clear trait is Perception. Perceptive people take in data and are good at picking up new details; Judgement people are good at sorting through data, narrowing down options, and making decisions. The extreme Perceptives (divorced from that Judgment trait) are horrible at narrowing down options. For me, it's very difficult to decide on X because it means that YZQRM are now not part of the picture, and they might be cool too! Which is why it's so hard for me to make decisions while writing, and cut out possibilities. Another trait I've never connected with being atypical. Man, all these things that I've known about myself for a long time but am now considering through a new lens...

[@recoveringsoul755]

I have trouble making important decisions and I'm a J type

[@karablack8336]

Aaaaay Myers-Briggs! I'm an INTP Apparently INTPs and INTJs are the most common types to be autistic.

[@kittimcconnell2633]

@@karablack8336 I am INTJ, and want to tell you the percentage of each because I utterly obsessed over MBTI for about 10 years, and my daughter told me a few months ago she thinks I'm Autistic. I'm 52 years old and already figured out on my own that I am depressed, ADHD, dyscalculic and dyslexic and severely gluten intolerant. Kind of getting sick of labels.

[@Sandiegeek]

BOSSY! Yup that's also our daughter. My husband got her a tshirt that she wears with pride. It says "I'm not bossy! I just have great leadership skills" :-)

[@Catlily5]

I was the oldest child and was extremely bossy. My poor brother and sister!

[@heddiemay]

Olivia, thank you so much for your videos. For the first time in my life I feel validated. You are so amazing!

[@DanS8204]

Olivia, you are amazing! Thank you for your wonderful work!

[@lepus9588]

so happy to see a new video, especially on a topic that is super helpful to me!! :)

[@OliviaHops]

So glad you liked this topic! Thanks so much for watching, Lucy! :)

[@segwrites]

I relate to literally every single one of your points. Thanks so much for this video! I’m in the early stages of research and gathering information for my official evaluation without any family members, unfortunately. So I’m trying to pool all the early traits I had from childhood, and your video has been the closest to my experience. It’s triggered a flood of memories, and I’ve been able to endlessly list examples based on your points alone. I greatly appreciate you for creating such helpful content. I’m a new subscriber! Thanks, again.

[@courtneyawalsh]

I sometimes faint in crowds. Total overwhelm. Sensory issues: yup. Love my alone time. Maybe, hmmm. I’m 50 now so it certainly could’ve been missed. I always was super sensitive and cried easily. Get obsessive about things. I do prefer a combo routine of structure & variety. Am highly psychic. Anyone know how to get tested as an adult? Mostly just…curious. 😀

[@scrapbooksiren1608]

Yes I’m 55 and just diagnosed. I have similar traits to yours. I would scream and cry at those nature videos and the images would haunt me and replay in my head to the point it gave me anxiety and I couldn’t sleep thinking of the poor baby antílope that was killed and eaten by the lion. 🥺 That sensitivity sort of crosses into intuitive/psychic senses. I have heard the testing can be expensive. Luckily my insurance covered 100%. If you have insurance for “mental health” (I hate that term) then you have to find someone that does the testing. It’s a specialty sort of thing. Then you do the testing. For me that was an interview, answering 6 pages of questions, more interviews, some A.D.D test I think was called a TOVA test, and a series of puzzles and more questions/interview with another specialist that judged me on my answers and if my feet were constantly fidgeting, choice of words for the answers, etc. I want to say the process was a month or so.

[@KT-wr7ju]

Thank you Olivia

[@mitzi66]

Definitely relate to most of those! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@nafihpofih]

Olivia thank you so much for sharing your story. You opened my eyes. I always struggled with socialising and many other things you talk about, I can relate to at least 90% of what you say. This was such a wow moment when I watched your first video. I'm so glad I found your channel. For a long time I was trying to understand what Autism means and what it is like to be autistic and I didn't know why I wanted to know so hard. Well now I finally know - I myself am on the spectrum. I used to read diagnostic criteria and watch other people's videos and couldn't understand. The way you explain things just clicked with me, suddenly it all fell in place and the official criteria started making so much sense and I can't be more sure about my discovery. So weird. But such a relief. I'm 36. You're doing a great and very important thing. Thank you so much.

[@marilyntorres2376]

This was very helpful information, thank you for sharing!

[@jchow5966]

Thank you for another helpful episode!!! ☮️💟

[@fionatavernier3490]

Both my children were painfully shy and had severe separation anxiety as pre-schoolers and early elementary school. I always felt their teachers were so judgmental of me and assumed their behavior was caused by my overprinting/"helicopter parenting". I wish teachers would educate themselves about early signs of ASD. One of my children would scream at other children when they approached to play at the park. I didn't know what to make of it at the time, but the disinterest in other children persisted for years.

[@katpup]

Thanks for these videos❤️ I also loved being alone as a kid, still do. I still feel like a kid inside too. I also had a very similar gut situation, had to have suppositories as a little kid. I also never spoke at daycare to the point of the teachers believing I was nonverbal until one day I spoke when my mom came to get me and it shocked them!!

[@jennytaylor3409]

Ok Olivia, thank you So very much!!! You have changed our world in such a positive way. I am deeply grateful for all you share. Our 10 year old daughter is on the autism spectrum. We are finally getting answers and any help she needs. It was you who made it really click, and motivated me to get her tested. Thank you so much!!!

[@GIBRALTARHOMES]

Thank you so much! Your comments are so relevant! Our five-year-old daughter has the same issues. It’s good to know that there’s hope!

[@johnreid859]

Thank you Olivia for the information that you provide. It helps.

[@EllieS1863]

Thank you from my heart for making these videos. It’s like you’re talking about my daughter but with a few small differences. It’s mind blowing. Thank you.

[@velveteye74]

This video was EXTREMELY helpful to me as a mother of an autistic 3 year old. I’m filled with so much hope and joy for my daughter’s future. Thank you for lifting this mama’s worries off of her shoulders! God bless!

[@HelenWheelsUtah]

Your very first video popped up on my recommended list today and I watched it because I have a friend who has an autistic daughter. I have a feeling that I'm going to be learning a lot more from these videos than from any other source. Good luck with the channel! You have a new subscriber. Cheers!

[@blackchickadee1]

Whar a relief !! Thank you for sharing, super spot on with some traits.

[@boots1256]

Thank you for sharing these videos! ❤

[@OliviaHops]

Thank you for watching!

[@mumr4268]

Thank you for all your info!

[@Saba-LouAKhan]

Thank you for this. I am in the process of (adult) diagnosing myself and can identify with so much of what you’e saying. I was amazed to learn about the gut correlation; I’ve had severe (and I mean *severe*) constipation all of my life. It’s all falling into place. And I wanted to mention there are these fermented plums/apricots used as completely natural laxatives in east asia since anctient times. I live in europe and get them from a swiss company calles ‘share’, but I’m sure you can find something similar. I don’t use them all the time and have regulated a lot by meqns of diet, but these are fantastix to have for emergencies. Keep making videos and thanks again!

[@suellenbrewster239]

Your videos are incredibly beautiful and helpful. ❤️

[@supernintengill]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I feel validated. This one really spoke to me. I had every single trait growing up. Thank you for these videos, they truly help make me feel more comfortable being a girl on the spectrum. ❤️

[@ptharrison1]

I am a teacher of 25yrs. Thank you for sharing these traits as it helps me understand and build better relationships with my students.

[@mariabelenhernandez]

Same to a lot. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@Peacelovecozy]

Olivia, first off, Thank you for posting this! I am with my niece for over a week and a half and I really love her she is also my Goddaughter, I rarely get to see her we live far from each other. Now that she spent time with me I have noticed many things you just spoke of… I felt she was not having fun being with me, but now I’m in a coma shock after hearing you… I don’t know if she is ASD but she does have so many of what you just said. Wow! I’m so glad and feeling blessed by total accident I came across you. I was not looking for a this. I didn’t know about this at all. So thank you! I will be sharing your video with my sister, my nieces mom. I can see her with a total different kind set, I will not be asking her to make a decision anymore! Thank thank you!

[@lilith8098]

watching your videos are so refreshing and validating, thank you!

[@alicehatzoglou5683]

You gave me a lot of insights with your video! Thank you so much!

[@syleenadawn2038]

Difficulty making decisions is also called "Choice Paralysis" and it's very common in both ADHD and Autistic peeps!

[@anjachan]

I annoy myself with that! xD

[@danssaddimple9133]

your videos are so helpful and informative! i also had a special interest in horses when i was a kid :'D + my gut issues have also been a huge problem for me and i was diagnosed with ibs as an adult. i'd love for you to make a video about the link between stomach issues and being autistic :)

[@OliviaHops]

Thanks so much for for watching my video and commenting! I'm so glad you like my videos and that you find them informative. That's my goal, so when someone tells me that, it makes my day. So, thank you. :) God Bless!

[@jayluce5502]

Livi! So proud of you and the you've come so far, since (ehum) your kicking days playing football for me, not to mention your childhood. Your parents are pretty cool people. Oh and Bratt, we she's okay too! Keep helping those in need. God knows! Love you.

[@OliviaHops]

Aw, thanks so much for watching my video, Coach!! Football was about the only place I wasn't shy because I thought if I was, I'd get eaten alive lol. Thanks for making me feel welcomed from Day 1. Love you!

[@melodyaumiller9364]

This is such a sweet exchange. Blessings to you both!🙏💕

[@aprilstowell7544]

Hey, Olivia love your videos. You've been so helpful to me in understanding my daughter better. Was wondering if you have any tips for explaining the birds and the bees to my daughter. She's turning 11 in July. Thanks!

[@MarysAwesomeVideos]

Hey Oliva! Nice video I definitely relate to some of your traits as well Take care!

[@katykaty5963]

i recently found u on KZbin and so happy I did! u have basically been describing my 9 year old daughter and your videos r really helping me anderstand her better!!! thank u!!

[@elm-vn5li]

Loving all of your videos, they resonate so much and are very helpful! As for the "bossy" trait, I saw a quote once that said, "I'm not bossy...I'm just aggressively helpful," and I was like, YES! YES, YES YES! That's us! 😁

[@norakelly9284]

I just have to say, good for you to provide this insightful information. I can certainly apply what you're saying to people I know and it helps immensely to understand and not be critical.

[@katemcdonagh10]

I'm so glad I found your videos. I'd like to learn more about the melt downs and the best way for me as the mom to help.

[@OliviaHops]

Watch my meltdown video! And maybe the video with me and my mom. Those should help!

[@erinalvarez9687]

Im so Thankful for you are speaking out on ASD. Your videos are helping me to understand how to help students.( especially girls) I work at an Elementary school. Have worked with several Austistic children. Your information is very helful. Your are beautiful inside and out.

[@Cheryl01ish]

Yourw awesome and I love watching your vids. Just makes me feel less alone as both of my boys are autistic but completely different in many ways from eachother. Thank you for the insight 🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@OliviaHops]

Thank you so much for watching my video and this sweet comment, Cheryl! You made me feel so good. I'm so honored my videos could help you feel less alone. Your boys are awesome and they can do anything they put their minds to!

[@Cheryl01ish]

@@OliviaHops it's me who is thankful. My eldest is failing high-school and I worry soooo much for him but haven't given up hope, and now am more determined than ever to help him achieve whatever he eventually sets his mind to 😊

[@jeanlittle405]

OMG, how did you get into my brain??! ;) Awesome video...I can identify with all nine! Thank you!!!

[@MuseDisorder]

THIS ^^^ yes, ALL of this describes me as a child too, other playmates were very cruel while I was growing up, I also had an older brother that drove me absolutely insane lol, playmates saying I did not have a right to be into horses as much as I was because I did not know how to ride one, I always fell off and was quite nervous having to get on one, but I loved loved loved being around them, the smell of them lol yes i know weird and talking to them, and brushing their coat, like having a close friend sort to speak. I enjoy being alone too and have to tell my family i need a set amount of time to be by myself without interruptions, or else i too have amajor 2 yr old melt down, and i am 51 yrs old, I'm such a terrible peron and i wish i could be better and normal. my kids and petsand everybody in my life deserve a better mom, friend, wife, ect. I have too many unfinished craft projects too and here I am watching videos

[@DeborahAnnsuperversatile]

Thank you so very much for sharing 🙂

[@OliviaHops]

Thanks for watching another one of my videos!! :)

[@donnasmith275]

Thank you so much Olivia, for you sharing yourself here helps me, a 61 year old mother and grandmother to understand so much. God Bless you always dear lady!

[@SamNicDur]

This sounds to the “t” like my 3 year old daughter. Thank you for speaking out ❤️ we are getting her evaluated this summer so that I know the best ways to help her

[@Shayne_T]

the vaccines aren't helping, unfortunately.

[@awesomesauce3110]

@@Shayne_T Ignorant and incorrect!

[@evanherzmann3686]

Thank you for the work and charming smile, I am sharing with gratitude

[@OliviaHops]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing!!

[@Brittney1986]

Thank you!! You just described so many things that I did as a kid that I never understood before. I was just recently diagnosed, I was misdiagnosed as bipolar and then wondered if it was borderline personality but no. It’s high functioning autism. It fits like a glove, I feel so relieved and more accepting of myself now. Your videos are helping me so much I can’t thank you enough. It’s nice to feel a part of the world now instead of an alien no one understands.

[@holographic555]

Thank you for sharing your journey! Great job on the videos I've seen so far. I look forward to more. While I have never been diagnosed, I feel like I could be...my experience with examples are: I had speech therapy for my struggle with saying words that started with an S. I think if I recall that it was kindergarten or first grade. When I get tired beyond my capacity or overwhelmed, I can't form sentences properly or say things wrong. My mind will go blank. I definitely need alone time to decompress from large crowds, events and parties with family/friends. I get noticeably agitated and extremely overwhelmed and you can tell with my tone when I'm overwhelmed. Noise affects me when I'm extremely overwhelmed. I can't do small talk. I am terrible with eye contact. It's very awkward, but I try extremely hard to stay engaged when I need to. My emotions from my family's perspective could be seen as very flat. I don't get excited about things that one should. However, contrary to their belief, I do have an extreme interest in landscape/nature photography, poetry, pathology and tornadoes. I get hyper excited and stop whatever I'm doing to take the photograph. I'm a literal person and am loyal to what one literally says. It can be seen as obedient almost or I need things explained if I don't understand the statement or request. 🫠 I obsess over holographic and pastel colors. Anyway I hope everyone has a safe space they can be however they need to for their growth and authenticity. You aren't alone whether you're diagnosed or not. You matter as a human. 🌞

[@mikaylahmag1428]

Your are amazing Olivia! 🦋 I had all of your Traits in a different ways so and my 2 daughters.....our Traits is very similar with some variations! Thanks to share about your Mild Spectrum! You doing a amazing job, and you helping to save the World! Soon our planet is gonna be emerge in ART, Creativity & Resilence! And you are parte of this! LOVE, PEACE & FREEDOM! 💗❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@lindalanting8362]

Thank you for sharing. It is helpful information for our family. By the way, you have a great smile.

[@OliviaHops]

Thank you so much, Linda! I'm so glad that this could be helpful to your family. God Bless you all!

[@209_mentality4]

Thank you for this!

[@sz4679]

My now 19 yr old son used to have constipation too all the time. He's gut issues are much better now. Thanks so much for your videos! I am a huge fan for yours!

[@alanjwilley3021]

Hi Olivia, like you, I had the same traits, but until recently, I never had an answer for why, I only found out what my issue/condition was until late 2021, I'm now 61 and understanding myself a whole lot better, but still have the same problems.

[@SuperHalo78]

Oh my God!! The picking out clothes thing!! My daughter is 17 now and is much better about our but it's still a nightmare if her outfit isn't prepared for school the next day. I've never heard that from anyone else but I knew it was part of her Autism. Thank you for sharing btw. ❤ My daughter was diagnosed late too and I feel like people don't believe me so I'm going to be sharing these!

[@lourdeslotusrevell3649]

🌈🌬Hello Olivia, I think your wonderful 🥰 i was diagnosed HFA when I was 20yrs old im 50 now & totally relate to you. Thankyou for sharing your journey..your a sweetheart x Lourdes Lotus Revell 💛💮😁

[@kristenfarina7215]

😂 I love this video! Couldn't agree more 😅❤ it's crazy how much we can all grow, from when we were a kid to now

[@tinaspears6769]

I swear every video I watch, I feel as though you are describing my life. You sound like a much younger version of me. Do you have any suggestions for where to start for an old woman? I need an audible or maybe just some more resources. Thank you for being so honest & candid about yourself! It’s truly truly helpful! Much love & God Bless ✌🏻💚🙏🏻🌻

[@sharonambrose]

Thank you for sharing about your speech delay-my daughter also had her own language! Her speech came in slowly between the ages of 3 and 5. And of course, now at 7 she’s a nonstop chatterbox.

[@OliviaHops]

Too funny, Sharon!! I have to say, I'm quite the chatterbox when it's on a topic of a special interest lol. Is she the same? Thanks so much for watching my video and sharing. Your daughter is awesome and can do anything she puts her mind to!

[@sharonambrose]

@@OliviaHops My Carolyn loves talking about everything and asking a million questions. She’s a joy but is exhausting. 😂 If you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up her answer is “I want to do everything.” Lol. We’ll see how her path unfolds, thank you for your videos because they help me support her dreams. Many, many thanks Olivia!

[@NadaTall]

I’ve never been diagnosed, but I became very interested in researching autism in 2010 when my then-two-year-old nonverbal grandson was diagnosed as severely autistic, at the low-functioning end of the spectrum. The more I read and watched about the subject, the more convinced I became that I may well be a high-functioning autistic. Watching this video, I felt you could have been telling my story, except that I began speaking quite early but didn’t walk until much later. I’ve never heard of anyone, male or female, with as many similarities before, particularly the difficulty in decision-making, the intensity with which I, even now, still approach every new interest, and the lackadaisical approach to associating with friends. I also have been aware, even prior to beginning to research my grandchild’s condition, that I’ve always, since my earliest childhood memories, been very uncomfortable looking anyone in the eyes. Anyway, I appreciate your candid synopsis and have, just now, subscribed to your channel. Thank you.

[@mariaasensio8454]

Olivia, thanks for your videos. I can understand myself like never before thanks to you. When I watched your first video I started to wonder if I were autistic. And I am. You have literally CHANGED MY LIFE

[@mariaasensio8454]

LOVE YOU 💕🌱

[@OliviaHops]

Wow! Maria, this comment means the world to me. Thank you so much for sharing that I could help you understand yourself better. I'm honored. That is my main goal, so I'm so excited to hear they could help you. God Bless!!

[@boxcar724]

Just diagnosed in 2022 at age 37. Painfully shy as a kid to the point that I literally cried and hid behind my mom if strangers talked to me. My mom also walked me to the restroom in public places until I was probably 13. I HATED clothes (still true lol). Dinosaurs were my special interest but girls weren’t supposed to like them 🙄 Thank you for these videos. I’m having a hard time right now with umm everything so relatable content is a small moment of relief.

[@jackieirizarry6783]

Hi Olivia, my daughter is 19, and I guess I always felt that she was different in her own little ways when she was little. But listening to your videos I now believe that she has had autism this whole time. Of course I can diagnose her myself but she has always had her corky ways, facial expressions and melt downs and alot more. Thank u for posting you videos. I have learned alot.

[@janetrichard6079]

My 15 year old was just diagnosed with ASD, your diagnosis came even later. My kid had every one of these traits that you mention and was flagged early for speech therapy and physical therapy, but never for ASD. I feel like there are a lot of undiagnosed cases out there!

[@ImassiveHeadache]

Yes like my daughter for example I keep asking for her to get tested but never get the recommendations. She is 8 and has the comprehension of a 3 year old.... She is speech therapy through the doctor and her school but I still can't get the recommendation needed.... Is it because I'm in the state of CA? Seems like the Doctors out here not trying to hear my concerns.....

[@ModernDayPilgrim]

You are great! Love your channel! 🙌🏼💯😃