Am I on the Autism Spectrum? Learn about Asperger Syndrome

Unlocking Asperger Syndrome: Know the Signs & How to Cope [Hosted by Nat Hawley]
Spot the Signs of Asperger's with Nat Hawley
Join us to explore if your challenges in social interactions and communication could be indicative of Asperger Syndrome, a misunderstood learning difference.
Note: This webinar is not for diagnostic purposes. For a formal diagnosis, consult a healthcare professional.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: Focus on Asperger's & Autism
00:44 - About Exceptional Individuals: Our Autism Mission
01:56 - The Spikey Profile: Autism Traits Explained
03:09 - Recognizing Asperger Syndrome: Key Signs
03:50 - History of Asperger's: Impact on Autism Understanding
05:53 - Autism vs Asperger's: Clarifying the Difference
08:13 - Autism & Activity Preferences: A Quiz
09:41 - Art & Autism: Interpreting 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'
12:35 - Autism & Collecting: A Common Trait?
15:26 - Cultural References & Autism: The Queen's Birthday
17:43 - Autism in Film: 1977 Movie Quiz
19:20 - Visual Perception in Autism: What Do You See?
21:31 - Autism & Personal Joy: What Makes You Happy?
24:50 - Storytelling for Autism Understanding: Story Session
27:46 - Autism & Intense Interests: A Discussion
30:30 - Autism-Related Fun Facts
34:51 - Autism Traits in Pop Culture: Is Homer Simpson Autistic?
37:20 - Autism & Social Circles: How Many Friends?
39:23 - Autism & Logical Thinking: Cube Puzzle Test
40:33 - Autism & Communication: Decoding Subtext
41:35 - Autism & Visual Focus: Where's Wally/Waldo Challenge
42:36 - Asperger's Summary: What We've Learned
44:19 - Autism in the Workplace: Needs Assessments
44:44 - Q&A: All Your Autism Questions
48:25 - Feedback: Help Us Improve Our Autism Content
48:48 - After the Webinar: Autism Next Steps
Essential Resources:
Workplace Needs Assessments: exceptionalindividuals.com/candidates/workplace-needs-assessments/
Upcoming Events: exceptionalindividualsevents.eventbrite.com
Our Website: exceptionalindividuals.com/
Connect With Us:
Facebook: exceptionalindividuals/
Twitter: exceptional_Ind
Instagram: exceptional_individuals
Tags:
#AspergersWebinar #ExceptionalIndividuals #AspergerAwareness #Neurodiversity #AspergerDiagnosis #AspergerSymptoms #AspergerInAdults

[@isabellaangeline2175]

I’m 42 and have struggled with social anxiety, panic and general anxiety disorders since I was a child, as well as many different symptoms that made me feel like I was weird and not very “normal.” My family moved around A LOT when I was young as well, so no one really ever got a chance to know or observe me, so I feel like I fell through the cracks in a sense. I do plan on hunting down a clinic or specialist who would be able to access me. But what I want to say most is that I absolutely love your accent and find it very calming. Thank you so much for putting this video together. :)

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Thank you for sharing your story with me. It's really brave of you to open up about your struggles with social anxiety, panic, and general anxiety disorders. Moving around a lot as a kid can definitely make it hard for people to get to know you, but I'm glad to hear that you're planning on finding a clinic or specialist to help you out. I'm so glad that my accent could bring you some calm and positivity! Remember that you're not alone in this, and there are plenty of people out there who care and want to support you. Keep taking those steps towards your well-being, and don't be afraid to reach out for help whenever you need it. Thanks again for sharing your story!

[@delilahhart4398]

I'm in the U.S. I wish we had something like this for autistic people over here.

[@boywithadolphin]

I collect eclipse experiences and have traveled all over the world to see them

[@ThakkMylde]

This is my third full listen through. I feel like I can relate to a lot of these things, but I also have a lot of questions that I don't even know how to express to my doctor.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Hi Thakk, thanks for your message and so glad you have found this useful. Talking to your doctor can be difficult as you may not always have the right words to say what we have done the past is to write down what we want to say in advance. You can also print off the results from one of our characteristic quizzes as a starting point

[@issofsar]

Due to childhood trauma, I see every facial expression as anger.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Thank you for sharing about your childhood trauma and how it has impacted the way you perceive facial expressions. Therapy can help you manage the impact of your trauma and regain a sense of safety and control in your life. I encourage you to seek out a qualified therapist who has experience in working with trauma survivors.wish you the best of luck

[@6jamfam]

Great video. I'm a little color blind and sometimes it is hard to tell on a screen, so I might be wrong, but I believe "F" is also a correct solution for the cube question.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Deftly making me think. I'm not even sure :P glad you enjoyed the video Sean

[@Xagres]

Yeah, I picked F and was surprised. F is possible too.

[@Cory93NS]

same here, i picked F and i was like WHAT, i had to draw it out to convince myself that im wrong, and clearly i wasnt.

[@user-ln4qe1sh8i]

I've completed an online assessmemt which confirmed high functioning aspergers, i've always felt different but after the recent loss of my father i've discovered even as a child I displayed the classic symptoms but nobody knew when I was born about this condition. It's a relief after so many years to know why I am the way I am. I would like to get the official diagnosis but it will be challenging now I think 😔

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

I'm really sorry to hear about your father. Finding out about high-functioning Asperger's can indeed be both enlightening and relieving. An official diagnosis can be challenging but it's also empowering. It's never too late to understand yourself better. 💪

[@yomiolokodana]

On the cube part, I thought I wasn't allowed to move the cube around, and I would only be able to fold it the way shown and nothing else; I suppose that's why I always get these incorrect. I do often see small details a lot though.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Hi there! It's understandable that you thought you weren't allowed to move the cube around, but in many cases, manipulating the cube by rotating it can help you solve the puzzle. Thanks for your comment!

[@user-ln4qe1sh8i]

I am also an obsessive collector, mainly rare vintage high fashion, anything Vivienne Westwood. I am an expert! People have always commented that I am in my own world, it's my safe place and I actually need time to myself so lockdown was really good for me as I did not have to see people at work, I have masked all my life so it was incredibly freeing!

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

It sounds like you've found a unique passion and a safe space in your collection and expertise. Lockdown gave many people a break from social masks. Embrace what makes you comfortable and happy! 😊

[@herkcollins4263]

My boyfriend and I collect dolls, some call him a hoarder because he has so many. He has Asperger's and he thought he recognized it in me as well. I talked to my doctor, but because of my age, there is nowhere for me to look into it further.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Mild obsession such as collecting is a characteristic for sure that doesn't guarantee anything but I suggest keep researching and if you believe you may have autism contact your GP but we recognise this can still be a challenge in itself

[@herkcollins4263]

@@ExceptionalIndividuals I did talk to my doctor, she said Asperger's makes sense to her because it took a long time for me to open up to her and discuss my basic illnesses with her. She sais she can't send me to anyone because of my age, but she will refer me to a psychologist friend of hers to talk with about it. I am also studying it because I took 3 of the tests and scored high for Asperger's. Yes, both of us collect Dolls, Lego, and Hot Wheels haha. Thank you for your comment, I greatly appreciate it.

[@DrDespicable]

I really see a lot of myself in this. I've long thought I was at least *somewhere* on the spectrum, but no one takes me seriously and I don't know where/how to get tested. Very frustrating.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Thanks for your comment I'm glad you're able to find the video useful we agreed it can be very frustrating to find help when it comes to getting a official diagnosis. If you are based in the UK we can do a free workplace needs assessment for you which is a good starting point if not we have a few resources on our website that might be able to redirect you further

[@DrDespicable]

@@ExceptionalIndividuals Thanks - I'm in the U.S.

[@turtleanton6539]

Very very cool

[@indridcold8433]

Yes

[@turtleanton6539]

Perfect

[@nnylasoR]

I saw a frog *with a side wound* - and got hung up by the typo in the monkey story telling bit. My imagination could not proceed (a first, really!), because I did not know which to run with: the nonsense written words, or what the person said. 🙃

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Thanks for sharing your experience ^_^

[@andersonfelipeschwartzdeli9998]

Don't mess with Anakin, he is a good huy, he is not a dumb guy.

[@Bozpot]

I know I'm late to this but, for me, lockdown was horrible. Not because of being alone - which I enjoy - but because we had our independence taken away. I also loathe masks. They make me feel ill and panicky. I was so relieved when the mandate was dropped.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

It's completely understandable to have found the lockdown challenging, especially from the perspective of losing independence and the discomfort caused by masks. Many people, particularly those who value their autonomy and have sensory sensitivities, experienced similar struggles. The easing of restrictions, like the removal of the mask mandate, brought relief to many. Your feelings are valid, and it's important to acknowledge the diverse ways in which people have been affected by these changes. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@ilovecheese111]

I collect Pyrex and Corningware... I have like a very expesnive collection its so pointless but I think one day I can pass it down to my grandkids and they will be worth a lot.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

That's great that you have a passion for collecting Pyrex and Corningware. It's great to have a hobby that brings joy and purpose to your life. And who knows, maybe your collection will be worth a lot in the future. It's always great to pass down meaningful items to future generations.

[@edtheplumber5307]

Maybe just me, but the audio quality was unbearable. So if you really want to reach people with autism, maybe have better sound equipment. (So, I was focused on the echo and reverb and could not focus on the content. Sorry).

[@kayjay-kreations]

Mine is fine

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Thanks for the common it very well may of been from our side as we had a few difficulties with Internet connection, but we have now fixed this. So should be good going forward. Fingers crossed

[@amyvictoria103]

Why are you using the term “Asperger’s” when it is no longer a recognised medical diagnosis?

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Amy have you had the chance to view the webinar? In the recording, we speak about why this term is still used colloquially, but your right is no longer recognised as a medal call diagnosis.

[@kayhansen9229]

A lot of people still want to call it Asperger's like myself I'm 65 and was familiar with the term Asperger's I do not like the change because I was already in my fifties in 2013 so that was not very long ago I had a boyfriend who was 58 with Asperger's he was never diagnosed and never has been and he probably never will be I think changing the names of syndromes and so forth is stupid like changing the name of Facebook is stupid I also don't like the fact that they want to call sociopaths and Psychopaths people with antisocial personality disorder I think it's dangerous and I think it's confusing to the lay person the doctors think the lay person doesn't matter but the lay person does matter if you try to say somebody is antisocial and they're a sociopath they use this as their own design haha see I'm not antisocial s*** they don't understand what the doctors are saying the doctors are saying that they're bad for society basically I'm not making this up that's what it really means also just because you change a book does not make it so many years ago I was quibbling with my psychologist ex-boyfriend because I was taking care of a 2-year-old who I insisted was a psychopath it gave me chills to have to take care of him I couldn't even go to the bathroom without him trying to injure his younger baby sister I was telling this story to my boyfriend he knew I was very intuitive and astute and he kept saying you can't diagnose a psychopath until they're 18 you can't diagnose a psychopath until they're 18 I said yes you can of course you can you can diagnose them just like I did by the time they're two years old. Legally as a doctor you may not be able to legally say that someone is a psychopath or sociopath until they're 18 but how you sure as hell no what they are before then later on he took a job with the federal prison system in Texas and his senior psychologist explained to him that he most definitely could diagnose a psychopath at the age of two later on he called me on the phone and said guess what you were right I was wrong.

[@hlanton1232]

uh! 6 june?? .oh well. Officially, I would say for me, it is 12.08.1990 thats when my Eternal life started no matter my age

[@goetcetc564]

Is there anything like this in the US?

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Not that we are aware of sadly but if you find anything please do let us know as we get asked this alot

[@trapper1211]

39:50 arent there two possible answers? A and F?

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

That's a good point! Sure looks that way

[@Runekille190rs]

whats your opinion on people with it having been given LSD?

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

If you're talking about the historical context of it then it's rather shocking and shows the lack of understanding at the time. With any having you more researchers always needed as long as it is done in a safe and transparent way which I do not believe LSD was

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

We have a recorded webinar on the history of autism which might be worth checking out if you're interested to learn a little bit more

[@Runekille190rs]

@@ExceptionalIndividuals was asking if you had any knowledge/heard experiences of people using using it to help them. Personally I think it really can but I was just curious. I will check out the video though I'm on a journey to learn more about it as I am not diagnosed but I feel drawn towards figuring out if I am.

[@Runekille190rs]

@@donkeeefarms3795 shrooms dont work on me it takes an immensely larger dose for effects I've done 12g and id compare it to 1-2 on a normal individual

[@MrBungle900]

@@Runekille190rsAre you on any type of medication for mental health issues? These interfere with psychedelics that work on the serotonin system and nullify the effects somewhat. Specifically SSRI’s and those that work on serotonin.

[@Amanda-1985]

19:26 Looks like a toad thats been shot to me....I can't see the horse.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

We have npt had that one before ha :)

[@CRFSUIGENERIS]

I saw that too! I saw the wound first.

[@ilovecheese111]

I knew the birthday of the Queen....thats so weird. Probably from scrolling thru Facebook I subliminally learned it. Creepy.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

It's not uncommon to have random pieces of information like that stuck in our heads. Our brains are designed to store and recall information, and sometimes things we see on social media can stick with us even if we don't realize it. It's fascinating how the brain works! Don't worry, you're not alone in having this happen.

[@aswler]

He was German speaking, so definitely not asperjer but asperger!

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Absolutely, you're correct. In German, the pronunciation would indeed be "Asperger," with a hard 'g' sound. Language nuances like this are important, especially in names and medical terms. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@ShayQrchestrals]

Good presentation, but its a shame in talks like these with im assuming exclusively neurodivergent people is the spectrum of a neurotypical person gets lost in the conversation. I could relate to a lot of the aspie-related points but i dont have ASD

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Hi @ShayQrchestrals, Thanks for your comment. It's important to recognize that while these talks focus on neurodiversity, many experiences can resonate with neurotypical individuals too. The aim is to bridge understanding across all spectrums. Your insights are valuable and remind us that human experiences often overlap.

[@ShayQrchestrals]

@@ExceptionalIndividuals Hey. I appreciate the reply and no less the intellectual honesty :) Sorry I might've taken it the wrong way. I've just become frustrated over the seemingly increasing ambiguity of what it means to be on either spectrum. I recently went through a long assessment process for ASD, because I suspected or rather feared that I was autistic (sorry but thats how I felt), because social interaction is beyond important to me, but I started to see issues with it in my adult life. Turns out it's a mix of severe social anxiety, ocd and being overly self critical, and not autism - but had I not had the privilege of recorded childhood videos and good references to my typical social skills pre-adulthood, I dont doubt I'd probably tick enough boxes to qualify as being autistic. Ofc it's possible to have a great social life as an autistic, but I mean, by definition, you operate on a different wavelength than the neurotypical population, which means its something you cant change. Ever. And that's what I feared. Its also why I have issues with the new DSM-V and its ridiculously broad scope of criterias. I can just imagine a neurotypical person who ends up getting misdiagnosed with autism and (at least if they are social butterflies at heart) it is going to feel like getting a death sentence, because it essentially tells them that their issues are non-curable and only managable at best.

[@ShayQrchestrals]

@@ExceptionalIndividuals That became a little self indulgent. I appreciate what you do, and continue what you're already doing so well: open and honest discussion about neurodiversity and everything it is and isnt.

[@kayjay-kreations]

Enjoyed lockdown…..and found out I’m autistic due to wearing masks I lost mine

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Hope you have been able to get the support if you need any. And as for losing the masks we fully understand lost about a dozen already.

[@kayjay-kreations]

In wearing a mask literally I lost my autistic one

[@kayjay-kreations]

I am happy to be left alone and watch a party

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Good on you. There is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes our own company can be exactly what we need to refresh the batteries

[@anniestumpy9918]

it's interesting but also very much sticks to boys'/men's presentation of autism, I miss some diversity

[@anniestumpy9918]

also, the Greek word "autos" does not mean "alone", it means "self". I'm very surprised he literally does not know the meaning of the word/subject he's talking about...?

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

It can be disappointing or frustrating to encounter someone who doesn't understand a word or subject that is important to us. However, it's important to remember that everyone has different experiences and levels of knowledge, and that everyone can learn and grow. Instead of becoming discouraged or dismissive, try to approach the situation as an opportunity to educate and enlighten the person, and to foster mutual understanding and respect.

[@isabellaangeline2175]

@@anniestumpy9918 Why are you so rude?

[@Astro_Gnome]

It should be Queen's birthday, not Queens birthday. Sorry.

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Thanks for pointing that out! It's always good to have accurate information.

[@boywithadolphin]

25.25 started not stared

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Good observation ;)

[@kayhansen9229]

@@ExceptionalIndividuals please I'm so tired of you people that want to correct the spelling on these things I never type or spell I simply talking to the machine. It does not always pick up my words right I think this is because I've been living in Houston Texas and now have an accent or when I'm extremely tired I'm not pronouncing words right predilective doesn't always get things right every time I see a mistake I have the ability to right away understand that this is the predictive making a mistake and not the person I don't bother correcting these things because it takes up too much time and energy people should be able to figure it out on their own I often used to talk to my psychologist boyfriend about this very subject the subject of how easy it is to read handwriting many letters we of the older generation now we're taught to write everything and what used to be called long hand handwriting along with the differences also many misspelled words your brain corrects for you when you're reading letters from people. An example would be when you get a letter from your 80-year-old grandmother with many mistakes because she's elderly you can still read the letter you know what every word means that she meant to say you can do the same thing with the predictive writing or anybody's spelling what's more important is the content and not correcting this is the peavish small-minded type of thing that you youngsters need to get over it.

[@kayjay-kreations]

No imagination soz

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

It's important to remember that you do not need to have all the characteristics in order to be diagnosed. These are just a most common, but I am sure you do have an imagination :)

[@andrewattenboroughtwothumb4697]

Elon musk

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

yes, In May 2021, during his appearance on Saturday Night Live, he stated that he has "Asperger's", which is an outdated term that was previously used to describe a form of autism.

[@chriss11499]

that mic man.... horrible sound

[@ExceptionalIndividuals]

Sorry >.