An autistic genius discusses how differences make us special | Jeffery Ford | TEDxMSU

In this inspiring talk, Jeffery draws on his personal experiences and observations to formulate his views on the strength of our global community, and how by understanding one another's idiosyncrasies we contribute to our own diversity and perception of the world.
Jeffery Alan Ford is an author in East Lansing, Michigan; a member of MENSA; and the World Genius Directory: 2016 Genius of the Year for America. By actively contributing to awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Asperger’s, Mobius Syndrome and other disabilities, he hopes to impact perception and understanding.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@alexandradeleon3723]

Hello Mr. Ford , I am a prek teacher and this year I ave been blessed to teach an Autistic boy. We are quickly realizing now that he is a genius. While I am teaching the rest of my student population to count and recognize numbers up to 5 as well as alphabet awareness... This boy can do mental math with numbers in the thousands and read fluently. I have been doing my own little research to find inspiration and ways to support my amazing 4 year old student. We are working on teaching him English (he is a Spanish speaker) and social skills to communicate more easily with his peers. You give me hope.. I want to open up a world of discovery for him and teach his peers acceptance so that he never has to feel like he does not fit in.

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you Alexandra for making a difference in this child's life and (I'm sure) many other children's lives as well. So many challenges one engages in when one is different. The social challenges can be the most brutal though the sensory challenges are no cake walk either. Remember you won't always see many of the changes you are working toward but that doesn't mean they won't come with time and largely due to you. Thank you for a life well spent!

[@TheLeprechaun99]

I would also recommend finding a way to explain to him in ways that he will understand, that although he is different, difference is not bad. This is important because kids and adults both tend to punish difference with bullying. And don't just tell him once, tell him and his peers, tell them all the time, each day. "it's okay to be different." Explain what difference may look like.

[@silkysparkle]

I have a similar experience with my son. He is brilliant but really struggles with social skills and is a bit dyslexic as well. I can already hear him say "nobody wants to play with me" and it breaks my heart. He's only 5

[@jacobrhodes7433]

I too was teased and bullied as a youngster for my differences. When I encountered someone new, it didn't matter what their differences were as long as they were nice and kind. If they were nice and kind I would sigh with relief.

[@jefferyford5309]

I know the feeling! People who are kind, loving and reasonable usually impress me more than anyone else.

[@pain3100]

@@jefferyford5309 same here

[@wealthyintime1]

I have Asperger's. I would much rather be normal than be a smart. My parents never told me, I was on the spectrum. I went through life wondering why I could not keep friends or get a job. I would rather be able to get married than be good in math.

[@ThePAULOPABLO]

Normal is a non existent state everyone is different. Different intellect, different hair colour, weight, height. Why can't you be married I have Aspergers and have a wife. Believe in yourself you can be and do whatever you want.

[@wealthyintime1]

ThePAULOPABLO this affects your ability to socialize. This will limit your chances of finding work and keeping your job. A person can be fired for being non social. I am trying to channel my strengths and aspergers into stuff which is better suited for me.

[@ThePAULOPABLO]

In the UK you could legal sue for being fired due to your aspergers (Lack of social understanding). Looking for a job that suits is fine (Maybe you are suited as a sole trader).

[@missmonke8706]

wealthyintime1 I am not a social individual. Being around others is a very taxing process which drains me. This is okay. I know that I can work on this "bit-by-bit", and am able to improve this through observation, learning, and personal growth. During my childhood, I was unable to communicate with others without putting myself through a crippling level of frustration which isolated me. When I tried to talk, my words were barely audible, and I always was forced to repeat myself. Body language was incomprehensible, and tone of voice was confusing. Over the years, I've slowly tried to improve on these, and wish to contine in doing so. I ask that you don't give up, and allow all that makes you special to do wonders. (One should: embrace their weaknesses; acknowledge their strengths; and encourage growth) You don't have to be a "party animal", but I hope that you can continue to grow and not limit yourself.

[@jasonreed1352]

You're making great leapfrogs in logic to go from "I have Asperger's" to "I can't get married". I often wonder if it would have made a difference for the worse for me if I had been diagnosed as I child. I think it would have. To have been indoctrinated by the "normal" with the idea that I was abnormal (and disordered, and with syndrome) at such an impressionable age would have been awful from my perspective now. These people you think you would like to get married to? Do you know why you can't? (In my opinion.) Luckily for you it's because they can't understand you, so they may shy away. You have a unique ability to use your logic and differences from the so-called normal, to know and understand yourself more deeply than most individuals are capable of. You have no reduced ability to have a job, friends or a spouse. You have a reduced ability, through not having gotten to know your beautiful self without the dingy lens of "disability" (as defined by the so-called normal), to have found the right person for you. Try to look at yourself again from the perspective that different is not by definition lesser. You may find that normal isn't that desirable after all. In that respect, if you hesitate to declare your "disorder" as such, you will feel as though you belong as much as you really do. You are here in the same capacity as any other person, with the brain wiring that you are basically born with on the macro level just like everyone else. Being fooled into believing you are disordered per se is something you should take notice of and remind yourself to think about this logically. I think if you do this you will find you are better at more than just math, my friend. Take care of yourself.

[@robindau8867]

You are an inspiration. John Wayne's description of courage fits you.

[@jefferyford5309]

+Robin Dau Thank you very much!

[@jeffinetlyjeffbi9770]

@@jefferyford5309 wow wow

[@aw9829.offical]

​@@jefferyford5309 Hello, my son has Asperger's also (His superpower I tell him) He is 9 years old and loves all thing's science. Thank you for sharing your amazing story.

[@01nicolaj]

This speech really helps me being open minded and inspires me to keep moving forward.

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, Nexa! It's the inspired, open minded people like you that will help our world to move forward into a far more positive future!

[@NebulusVoid]

woo... self pitty train. Take having to deal with mental instability.

[@andrewrice-aspergerunivers9695]

The cool thing I read is that autistics who "get over" their fears actually still have the amygdala activity. It's just the higher centers of the brain have learned that the fear is irrelevant and block it from consciousness (well, in a manner of speaking - the English language is outdated haha).

[@jasonreed1352]

Interesting. So the fear that is "gotten over" would resemble a startle response? The amygdala still screams help, but the cortex giggles and perceives it as an unnecessary startle. I like that logic, if that's what you're saying.

[@stvbrsn]

Interesting to read your take on this. I never read that anywhere (I’m still pretty new to researching this) but I have been *living it* for 51 years. In fact, sometimes I kind of think that the autistic neurology is not a spectrum at all. You are either autistic or not. Where the spectrum comes in is how that neurological predisposition interacts with the various other spectra of human phenotype expression. As you pointed out, those of us with high intelligence (and autism) can rely on our higher brain functions to compensate for amygdala overactivity. Of course, I would have a difficult time explaining just how exhausting that can be. Because guess what? Yep, I’m still getting those signals from my amygdala just about every 30 seconds or so, whereas I suppose NTs receive signals like this maybe 3-4 times a day.

[@divinebeing2476]

@@stvbrsn I'm white autistic male 26 married to my beautiful wife who is African we are having a baby together anything is possible choose love over fear

[@athulya4147]

Very interesting. Would you kindly direct me to the source of that? I'd like to know more. Thank you.

[@plunderclat221]

As an autistic man, I can say for me personally that has some truth to it, however say for example I am delivering training, I might look confident, but the amygdala activity is there and I'll suffer for it later because it takes a lot of energy. I also proactively make cognitive assessments of my environment to supress the anxiety by deciding "I am safe". But the anxiety is definitely there. I can just manage it. But it still isn't great. I don't think its all about "fears" either though. I think part of it is overstimulation, and the inert tendency to be hyper-analytical of any environment beyond our closed bedroom door. That said, it can even happen when we're in our safest place. He isn't saying he's got over his fears. Infact he says he was nervous. He's just doing it anyway. Might seem glamorous to be a genius but if you see through that, you might also notice that being who he is, isn't easy.

[@deewalls3953]

What a beautiful heart you have. Thank you.

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you. That means a lot to me. I truly appreciate your kindness!

[@terrywestbrook-lienert2296]

Thank you. My late husband Anthony M Lienert was a MSU alumnus, a member of Mensa and Asperger's. Keep on giving inspiration to all of us!

[@turkikaboha9478]

This guy is your husband?! Nice:D

[@VenomGoofy]

I love how he laughed before he said "Touched you in such a magical way it captures your heart." He knew what he was thinking about, we knew what we were thinking about. Love you, Jeffrey.

[@ethanquenum4778]

Exercice 1 Enhance your vocabulary by filling in the blanks: Girl touching a man in a magical way: Giving a ____job. Another girl touching a man in a magical way: Giving H___

[@samann95014]

"Human race becoming fully human" what a great statement and mission he has!

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you! We really do need to focus more on who we are and what we are as both individuals and as a species. Learning to accept differences and learning to set them aside for a better existence for all is crucial to our very survival and for moving positively forward.

[@jamesrawson5413]

Hi Jeffery, there is much to take about your message. I identify with the bullying and being ostracized from my peers in secondary schools. What we have in common is being affected by the prejudice of ableism. I am finding in my meta research that ableism affects a large portion of those with a disability. It saddens me, but we do overcome. Keep up with the positive speeches!

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, James and stay strong in the best of who you are while you continue to make lifelong improvements. I've continued to develop myself over time through lifelong learning that is both intellectual and emotionally based. We are all so different from one another, so watch out for those who believe they have all the answers. Find your answers and keep growing. You have already achieved much to be proud of!

[@aleksa3909]

Mr.Ford, i dont think that you know how much i enjoyed this video! Greetings from Serbia!

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you very much! Wishing you well in Serbia!

[@edxantana]

Kosovo is Kosovo

[@matishoudayer5530]

this speech was awesome real goosebumps. YOUR A ROCKSTAR JEFFERY

[@matthewsmith7910]

Thank you Mr Ford for your amazing and inspirational words of wisdom. You as a fellow aspie have given me hope

[@jefferyford5309]

I'm very glad to know that I have given you hope along your journey. Some things take time. For me, it's been a long process of growth. Life is a long time ... and it's amazing how change can come slowly day after day without one even realizing it. May your life be a great one!

[@staticinwonderland]

My son has ASD . They said they don't call it Asperger's anymore here. But he is so smart. He has a hard time because he gets so overwhelmed by alot of people..the lights, sounds and he does not like when the teachers want him to do the work every other child does. But he has been reading and doing math since he was 4. He has known all the shapes including polygon hexagon and other complex shapes since he was 3. He tells me he does not belong at his school. They are not great with him and it breaks my heart every day when he says he does not want to go because it's painful for him to hear the sounds of the lights and alot of talking. I'm waiting for an advocate to call me now to talk about his schooling and possibly home school him. I just don't want him to lose out on getting use to people I guess. But he gets it from me. I know it's genetic and it's not my fault. And he does not need a cure . They are so obsessed with him being medicated. But he takes CBD. I do not have as much trouble with his temper at home as they do in school. They just don't understand I keep telling them the overwhelming things are painful for him and he needs breaks every 30 minutes to be away from lights n sounds. Thank you for this video. I know he is ok. Because I'm ok. And you're ok😊💗

[@waterdragon5418]

He's bored in school also.

[@aokiemarie9036]

my daughter has asd n she was going through the same thing i clld.the pen project.and they advocateor give u advice for ur childs right at school...request an ard meeting at the school n ask the school or the asd specialist for him to have set up a break plan during the day...also on the ard meeting request information of all programs they have for autism n ask them to see in which of those he qualify...also if u need help theres a book clld from emotions to advocacy 2nd edition n it helps u or guide u on how to advocate for ur child at school...also theres another book on wrights law

[@miriammaldonado7848]

Mr Ford my respect love and admiration to you God bless you.

[@jamescolon4478]

Jeffery, Thank you for all of your efforts. I discovered your channel a few months ago and haven't been the same since, and I don't believe it's a coincidence. Let me begin by saying that I have found all of your advice to be invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have heard it. However, more than anything, by far it is your character that has had the greatest impact on me. I'm sure I speak for many when I say that I've never encountered someone with as much generosity and humility as yourself, so thank you for being a role model in that regard. You have demonstrated a degree of selflessness and grace that I previously believed was unattainable. You may find this strange, but I will frequently think about you, and as a result, my entire attitude and behavior toward life will alter. When I engage with others now, I notice that I'm feeling genuine gratitude for them and, as a result, I subconsciously want to make them feel as unique and cared for as possible (and occasionally deliberately). This is in stark contrast to my usual pessimism and cynicism. I believe this is due to the fact that by being so unassuming and spreading the message that each of us is valuable and makes a difference in our own manner, you have validated myself and countless others. When it's a true genius who is far more capable intellectually than what you could ever provide in return, tells you that you are still valued, it's difficult not to take their word for it and internalize it. I'm still young, so it's possible that this change in me is just a normal part of growing up, but I can say with certainty that you were the catalyst/primer for that change. You have had a profound and long-lasting impact on my life and the lives of countless others in ways you could never have imagined. You are a living treasure and one of the few personal heroes I admire and aspire to be like in my life.Thank you for being such an amazing person and helping to restore my faith in humanity.

[@jefferyford5309]

James Colon, Thank you so much for your most excellent comment. People change people in big ways and in small ways. You have changed my evening and also have helped motivate me to continue to keep moving forward trying to assist others. You may have also discovered that it can be way too easy to bring people to tears just by giving them honest praise which is a reflection of the beauty and gifts you see inside of them. Some people never have had anyone truly SEE them and recognize in them all the good and greatness that they truly are. I encourage you to keep growing and truly seeing the best not just in people ... but also in the energy and the world that surrounds you. You are someone who makes a difference. I know that because you've made a difference for me. Thank you very, very much!

[@brainseason850]

These videos help me relate and connect in a sense with other people like myself. What a truly strong and genuine society we are.

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you. It can take awhile to find and gather one's tribe where the connections come much easier and more dependably. All my best to you!

[@cleliaalbano2184]

Moving speech! People should be taught since childhood to respect differences. I do agree with you about "affordable high education" for the role education plays in sharpening sensitivity and responsibility. Yes, our goal must be to become fully human. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, Clelia!

[@cleliaalbano2184]

@@jefferyford5309 you are welcome!

[@billwong6077]

Great talk. I am an autistic myself. I am an occupational therapist by trade. I will be on a TEDx stage for a second time next month.I think my next talk will surprise a good bit of the autism community because while I am introduced as an autistic self advocate, I will be doing a talk away from autism. I have chose to accept that as a challenge for my professional career rather than fighting through to do another talk on autism.

[@jefferyford5309]

That's terrific! You're making a difference in people's lives and I honor your efforts. Stay you and keep moving forward!

[@matthewsmith7910]

You are my hero in world of fellow aspies mr Ford

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, Matthew. Wishing you the very best on life!

[@LumeoEdits]

Such a warm hearted genius :)

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you. I try. :-)

[@roykosonen1734]

What a gentle soul!

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you. Much appreciated!

[@digeorgesiphone]

Thank you Jeffrey!!! Humans need to embrace our differences if we want to survive… a selfish effort is needed for our own survival.

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, Jorge. Wishing you the best in life today and always!

[@flyhigh5616]

I especially liked his ending thoughts and cannot agree more.

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you! I truly enjoyed giving this TED Talk. All my best to you!

[@ijasahammed1630]

Wonderful sir .. Great respect sir.

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you. Much appreciated!

[@jacquelineiona1996]

hello Mr. Ford.... I have been trying to learn more about Autism as I really feel my son has though he has not been diagnosed... I am trying to get him to agree to get tests done so we can know for sure....his father and I are very concerned for him...yours was the 3rd speech I've listened to and have found a lot of hope in your words so thank you for that! I know the potential my son has ...he's very intelligent and sorely misunderstood by many around him including family.... I 've have known that there was something different about my boy for years...had some help but I feel I need to go a lot farther in order to help him help himself....wish me well .... hopefully I can e mail him your talk and the talks of others and open more communication with him 😉

[@jefferyford5309]

Hi Jacqueline, I wish you and your son all the best. I have a KZbin channel (just click on my name) you can subscribe to that has numerous videos that might also be of help. Life presents challenges for us all. It's how we deal with them that ultimately defines us.

[@ql6746]

@@jefferyford5309 hi Mr Ford, I have a 23 yr old son with autism and I am writing my thesis on opening access to the federal workplace/intelligence community to people on the spectrum (high functioning in particular). I have not found much research on the topic but I believe it is a valuable research question to be answered. Would you possibly be open to an interview? Thank you for your kind soul as we’ve never heard our son speak. When I listen to you, it makes me tear up to hear what may be inside of him but can’t come out. I’m so relieved to find your channel and will be subscribing as we’ve felt alone until recently on this issue. So happy for you. God bless

[@ql6746]

I hope you found a solution. I too have a special son.

[@asgio27]

You're my kind of person Jeffery. Love your persona and philosophy , and have not found anything to disagree with you on yet ! Be well.

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, Anthony. Wishing you the best of everything!

[@StandUpAndThrift]

Thank you for your honest and inspirational videos :)

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, Sabrina! It's truly my pleasure. Wishing you the best of everything!

[@coldsea9530]

You did great bro and think you so much for inspiring us

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you for the terrific, uplifting comment!

[@dicksilk]

Nice job, Jeffery. You might wish to look into that project that seeks to build passive, pure water distillation towers that simply condense drinking water out of the air.

[@ql6746]

God bless - as a mom with a special son, this is so cool

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, Vet Vet! Always remember that sometimes you might be planting seeds for growth that might take years to develop because we ALL develop in different ways at different times. My mother died before I was diagnosed ... before I was published and read by millions of people ... before I won either of my two Genius of the Year awards ... before I became a father ... and before she ever could have read beautiful and supportive comments like you have given me ... BUT it all matters and her efforts were not wasted even though she wasn't around to see the results! Know that YOU matter too and so does all of your efforts whether it feels like that on a challenging day or not. Wishing you and your son many years of happiness, love and growth!!!

[@mssiluvmusic16]

You are wonderful❤️🙏🏻

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you! Wishing you the best in life.

[@davidwilson410]

Jeffery Ford is amazing!

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you very kindly! I have a KZbin channel if you would like to see more from me. Either way I wish you the very best!

[@davidwilson410]

@@jefferyford5309 I watch all of your videos. Working on getting into 99.9 percentile High IQ societies.

[@justbe646]

BEYOND GRATEFUL c/o KCB

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you and I'm grateful for your comment!

[@juliebailey9254]

It's a matter of perspective to every individual.

[@crstfreedom]

be different is bless .

[@katrinmurnain6028]

BRAVO .....

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, Katrin! I appreciate your feedback!

[@birdsofprey7324]

Thank you!

[@jefferyford5309]

You're very welcome! All my best to you.

[@LJ71990]

Wow hes an inspiration! ❤

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you!

[@siobhanjustin]

Thank you Jeffrey. Your talk was inspiring.

[@matthewsmith7910]

You are absolutely right mr Ford because our differences make us different and it is our differences that can unite us in peace,give us all hope and recognize our true place in the world. And if anything mr ford us autistic people have changed soooooo much in the world and yes mr ford perfect examples of autistic heroes include and are not limited to: YOU,Keanu Reeves,Courtney Love, Leonardo Da Vinci,Steve Jobs,Bill Gates and for those who have lost all hope for autistic people.....Iron man,one of the most profitable avengers characters,possibly the most significant at this point was portrayed by the one and only Robert Downey JR....and thank you mr ford for your amazing and inspirational words

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you! Tony Stark is one of my favorite Robert Downey characters. He's a great actor who has overcome so much in life.

[@ginatheaspieexplorer4632]

Hi 🙂 i love your speach. It's important to embrasse our differences because they make our strength. I beleive every one has something spécial that is needed to bring to this world. Every person has à unique perspective and with many perspectives its alot easier finding Waldo 😉🙂 and Much more.

[@jefferyford5309]

Thanks, Gina! I love your comment! So many varied perspectives in the world from which we can tap into to see the world! I have a KZbin page with close to 30 videos you might enjoy. Just type in Jeffery Ford Genius into the search field and you'll find them! BTW, Where's Waldo? :-)

[@ginatheaspieexplorer4632]

Well thank you and for sure I Will look Up your vidéos. 🙂 To find Waldo you have to look beyond your comfort zone. Thats all i can Say the rest is top secret hihihi😉

[@jefferyford5309]

Word on the street is that Waldos gone dark and is engaging in covert ops feeding intel back to Langley through clues in children's books around the world. Waldo's a Red, White and Blue patriot ... just don't cross him. Word to mothers everywhere!

[@ginatheaspieexplorer4632]

Lolll, good one!🙂 Definatly i Will be very stealthy around Waldo.hihihi

[@veralivillela3417]

Amazing!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jefferyford5309]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I have a KZbin channel with quite a few more videos if you wish to watch them. All my best to you!

[@snickthegreat]

Thank you from a fellow aspie!!

[@jefferyford5309]

You're extremely welcome and my very best to you!

[@brainseason850]

Likewise.

[@sudharsanpaskaran]

Awesome !

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, Sudharsan! Much appreciated!

[@yomama8833]

Thankyou

[@jefferyford5309]

You're welcome!

[@embrywhite8267]

I think you are remarkable. Hope I can break my son's code so he can succeed like you.

[@jefferyford5309]

Hi Melissa, Thank you for your kind words. Keep celebrating each little achievement and advancement because they all add up. It took me a LONG time to develop into who I am today and I'm still working on it. Autism doesn't go away but some things we learn to cope/deal with better through time and experience. Most of all love him and know that no matter how it might feel at times just loving him will help him more than anything else much of the time.

[@TheEyez187]

Mankind has a lot of potential. If we, as a species can properly embrace our humanity and adopt and achieve what you outlined in your talk.... well, then we can reach for the stars; literally and figuratively!

[@jefferyford5309]

Perfectly stated!

[@TheEyez187]

@@jefferyford5309 Coming from yourself, that means a lot. Thank you!

[@breamoako9945]

Amazing

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you. Much appreciated!

[@Meghan3]

Thank you. I have cried and I rarely cry. 😎🌈

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you. I'm glad to have been able to touch your heart with my message. I wish you a full, beautiful and a truly lovely life.

[@Meghan3]

@@jefferyford5309 You really did. I wish you a wonderful life too 🌈

[@jefferyford5309]

@@Meghan3 Stay sensitively and perfectly you. Your kindnesses matter to people. I've had people (men and women) tear up simply by sharing with them the beauty and strengths that I see in them and experience with them. These things deeply matter. Your kindness and goodness are gifts and something you have protected inside of yourself that hasn't been tarnished by the challenges and cruelties of life. That shows strength, courage and heart. You are appreciated!

[@Meghan3]

@@jefferyford5309 I don’t know what to say. As an autistic person, I rarely hear such wonderful things. Your kind words mean so much to me. Thank you for the time you took to make my inner world better. A virtual flower 🌺 for you.

[@junehanabi1756]

To clarify Aspergers is no longer a recognizable or aknowledged diagnoses because it's based on very old and incorrect information. Autism and Aspergers have been completely removed as diagnoses and replaced with ASD (Autism spectrum disorder)

[@Jackie-rc6cj]

Thankyou for doing this video , as a Mum of an ASD child I was worrying about his future you have given me hope. :)

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you, Ruby! May your son (and ALL of us) continue to learn and grow throughout our lives and reach our full potential in the ways most important to us. All my best to you and your son!

[@cleopatrajones90]

what do u think about raven matrices??

[@EscapeRunningHead]

Talk about special people

[@duncancaron5333]

mr ford i have the same type of austim as you and want to know how do to you prepare to speak in front of people for I am in a speech class and having trouble with the preparation of my speechs

[@jefferyford5309]

Hi Duncan, That's a tough question for so many reasons. I often rehearse my speeches mostly in my head (I have restrictive lung disease) and also out loud. That way I know it backwards and forwards which helps me to reduce anxiety. Speaking in front of strangers is easier for me than what speaking in a high school class used to be. The people who I speak in front of are there only because they actually want to be there to hear what I say and often to meet and greet before and after. I use some humor to help others feel more comfortable with me and try to remember that everyone there is there for a reason. I also try to reach people on an emotional level and not just an intellectual one. I wish you the very best in life!

[@duncancaron5333]

+Jeffery Ford thank you

[@Caleb-lu3zl]

He said he was awkward but he does a really good job giving a speech actually

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you! This is very much appreciated. Months of preparation went into this speech and I'm glad that my effort paid off!

[@Caleb-lu3zl]

@@jefferyford5309 your welcome 🙏

[@JohnDoe-tm9wz]

I am a genius too 🙌🏻

[@DutchHouseMusic1]

As a high iq society member i can say that youre right in everything you said there brother!

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[@lb1798]

4:09. 😥💔💔💔

[@artsandinventions3209]

Nice speech im trying to deal with inventions...

[@jefferyford5309]

Thank you very much!

[@Life_42]

I always knew there were* humans and "humans". Like he said; only when people can set their differences aside and work together then we are truly human!

[@jefferyford5309]

So very true. Sometimes we just need to set our ego and differences aside and positively move forward to the best of our combined abilities.

[@Life_42]

@@jefferyford5309 High IQ Society! You are famous! I want to do better for myself and the world

[@VwapTrader]

I’m subscribed to his KZbin channel, but he hasn’t uploaded content in a long while.

[@jefferyford5309]

That might be changing in the next month or so. I have another idea concerning the subject of genius that I'm strongly considering expounding upon in a video format which I'll be making to upload on KZbin.

[@VwapTrader]

Jeffery Ford Glad to hear it, bro. And have you considered “spreading your seed” far & wide to increase the genius population in the next generation?

[@navyasingh4490]

I have autism when I was child I was most intelligent student of my class....but when I was started to look on my behaviour which was different from other people I got into depression and my all intelligency gone .... because my focus is only in my behaviour....which makes me depressed....so what should I do now

[@LORDMICKEY]

Figure out why you are depressed and use that same obsessive researching for self improvement

[@KennethHuntington1]

I do the same thing! I'm in therapy to understand myself better instead of wondering how I'm effecting my environment.

[@tylertheirel5459]

what are his book titles?

[@jefferyford5309]

I have written articles for periodicals, magazines and newspapers.

[@turkikaboha9478]

He sounds like Steve Jobs

[@MAW51187]

The Last car i owned i managed to damage each panel on it.

[@sujaandhakane487]

Hoping for my son who is 1.5 year old

[@jefferyford5309]

I hope he will enjoy a happy, beautiful life and do all he can with whatever his gifts may be. I also wish you well and hope you'll enjoy the experience of parenting. All my best to your family!!!

[@sujaandhakane487]

@@jefferyford5309 thank you for your kind words.

[@jefferyford5309]

@@sujaandhakane487 You're most welcome. Also, I would add that it was in the day to day of my earlier life where no changes appeared to be occurring to either myself or my parents where the foundation for future growth was actually occurring. I and I'm sure many others, never would have believed I could do many of the things I do today ... but here I am. Acceptance, love, direction, compassion and patience went a long way in my life. I'll be eternally grateful for those who helped me to grow.

[@sujaandhakane487]

@@jefferyford5309 should I admit him in pre school as he is going to be 2 in June... please guide something..non verbal with no gesture, having visual stimulation, nothing else? Taking ot and speech therapy from last two months

[@jefferyford5309]

@@sujaandhakane487 Sadly, that is way beyond my pay grade - especially without knowing so many other variables that help to make him who he fully is. I would be cheating you if I even wagered a guess and I respect you and your son too much to even offer an educated guess because I really don't know. I wish I did.

[@jamesbaron9711]

I have Asperger's syndrome an I have a a learning disability so my iq is just borderline. I'm in the grey area 😭

[@gloriaa4637]

Same 😢😢😢

[@jamesbaron9711]

@Cami C I was diagnose with asperges when I was 17 at that time they tested my IQ. But I have always had a learning disability because I was tested for that when I was really young

[@unksoldr]

My autism made me a Green Beret.

[@Teo117]

Will you teach me?

[@mrshadow5132]

I have autism spectre but weak form

[@jefferyford5309]

I wish you the very best and hope that your life's journey will be a fulfilling and enjoyable one.

[@mrshadow5132]

@@jefferyford5309 thank you!

[@jesuisravi]

this is how a true "aspie" talks.

[@shady8045]

I know people with Aspergers and none of them talk like this. autism has nothing to do with how your voice sounds

[@scottshields2116]

and why does he have a tube on him

[@b1na276]

why does water spill from my eyes while watching this video?

[@testingtest3322]

Alysa Fajard maybe you watched it in the shower?

[@jayjayjay4788]

@@testingtest3322 LOL

[@benthomas1741]

I wonder why. I wonder why.

[@deborahpitcher5162]

Here's how intelligent I am. Sumer was the world's oldest known civilization on earth. The Sumerian empire's oldest known religious writings date back before 3500-3000 BC. Sumerian farmers lived on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and because of this they were able to grow more staple crops other than grain. Sumerians used cuneiform on stone tablets and this was their form of language. In 3100 BC Sumerians and Babylonians (even Assyrians and akkadians) conquered Mesopotamia in which written history began in the same year of 3100 BC. The Sumerians had a short lived Renaissance like era that was short lived in the 23rd century BC and fell due to the amount invasion. Babylonia- Accroding to a Babylonian Date list the State of Babylonia was a small akkadian village that was founded in 2300 BC but did not become independent until a chieftain by the name of sumu abum declared the independence of babylonia in 1894 BC and babylonia then became a small Independent state which crafted the babylonian empire in 1894 BC but babylonia did not become a major empire for a long time. The Mayan civilization-The Mayans were a major mesoamerican civilization that is no more But The Very First Period of the Mayan civilization did not begin until 8000 BC,this was known as the archaic period and came to an end in 2000 BC,in which the preclassic period of the mayans began however the Mayan civilization all began in the Yucatan Pennisula of Mexico. Nobody really knows when the Mayan civilization crafted and constructed their buildings but some speculate they were built around 750 BC to 500 BC. The Mayan civilization showed very significant knowledge of agriculture that was started during the late preclassic period of the mayans. The Mayan diet included the main things such as:Beans,squashes, Chili Peppers,and Maize (Corn). The mayans were known for their calendar (Which Began in 3140 BC and Ended on December 31st 2012 AD),Language ,architecture, astronomical system, And Religion. The Mayan civilization expanded to guatemala, southwestern mexico, Belize,El salvador,and Honduras. In the late contact period of the mayans a Spanish man by the name of Diego delone Came to christianize the Mayan people however Delone was intimidated by the mayan religion of violent bloodshed and Contacted the Vatican (I believe of Spain) and the Vatican sent the Spanish military to conquer and christianize the Mayan people and defeated them successfully and The Mayan people were then forced to covert to Christianity or be burned alive at the stake

[@paracletusrevelation4080]

OMG I' m humiliated!

[@stvbrsn]

Left out the biggie. Newton.

[@jefferyford5309]

So true. Thank you for the addition!

[@stvbrsn]

Jeffery Ford my pleasure! I loved your talk. You sound like a genuinely sweet soul and as a fellow Aspergian, I can particularly appreciate that. Cheers!

[@ssorenahscm7318]

why was he voted genius of the year? what has he done to contribute to the world?

[@srghma]

Would be better if he made some advance in physics

[@jefferyford5309]

I agree with you that the world would be better if I made some advance in physics. I would even add to that and affirmatively state that the world would be better if I had also made advancements in medicine, mathematics, technology, engineering, psychology, sociology, ad infinitum. I take comfort though in knowing that the world is now better because I have chosen to advance not just my own life, but also the lives of many others as well. People are alive today that wouldn't otherwise still be alive because of the path I've chosen to pursue. I know that because I've received emails and comments under articles that I've written telling me that they didn't commit suicide because of the things they've read and learned from me. I've received many other fan letters, emails and comments telling me how much I've helped them and I've had people come up to me after speaking engagements letting me know just how much I have helped them or a family member or friend of theirs to live better lives and that I've given them hope. So, I've not only helped those people that I have just mentioned ... but due to the multiplier effect, I've also helped everyone else that those lives will be able to touch in the future. We all have gifts and that includes everyone I've just referred to, myself and YOU as well! Serhii, I wish you the best of life and hope that you'll make the most of your gifts and that your life will be absolutely EXTRAORDINARY!!!

[@indexplus]

Street Smart 101: Pants that fit and leather shoes with cloth pants.

[@ConvD59]

What, r u genius or something?

[@milk9613]

Greatest Ever fight me bro

[@brianlee5132]

Apparently no geniuses in Africa

[@buttpoopskittlefiddle201]

elon musk?

[@computerfraudandabuseactof43]

Correct

[@ssorenahscm7318]

environmental factors like poor nutrition, poor education, ect

[@richardcullen7007]

Having some arbitrary index value doesn’t make you a genius. I can’t find anything that you have actually done other than having a high IQ , and then writing about said IQ. Genius’ do things nobody else can. You are pretty much the same as any other anecdotal based life coach.

[@jasonreed1352]

Interesting criterion. I think you should consider whether "do things nobody else can" should be changed to "do things nobody else has yet" to make your statement more logical. If you just leave it at "no one else can do what I do" (and the "do" is exclusively think when referring to intelligence) then you haven't found a way to communicate your genius idea. (Which, I suppose, is technically a "do".) I imagine a lot of genius ideas are ultimately dismissed because of this type of error. I agree that neurotypical people may not be able to grasp your concepts if you try to explain how you came to the new idea. Try explaining it to a person on the autism spectrum. They'll be more likely to follow your logics. Perhaps through this type of teamwork it's possible to find a better way to talk to the so-called normal people. I wonder if the designation "genius" on the IQ scale is more an indication that someone is intelligent enough to be a genius than indicating genius was (or will necessarily be) actually accurately communicated to the rest of the world. It seems to me that people deciding which words would be used to describe a range of intelligence levels would not have used a purely Latin word with virtually no ambiguity on its definition.

[@johns.6437]

I think you should find some real values instead of believing in fake labels like "genius of the year" on the basis of an IQ test. There are so many hard-working people in the USA, Nobel Prize winners, scientists etc. and I don't think it is good to cling to silly IQ labels like your life depends on it. My grandson has Aspergers too and his teacher said he is very gifted, but we are trying to foster his talents without putting ideas into his head that will only damage him in the long run. As far as the number of IQ groups your are in, Mr. Ford, I see that most IQ groups accept the same tests, so what's the deal? If you had to pass a new entrance or IQ test every time maybe it would be different, but as it is what's the use? You have taken an IQ test. How many groups you want to join with it is up to you, but it doesn't make any real difference. You say somewhere online that your articles have been read by millions of people. Any proof? Only because millions of people go online it doesn't mean all read your articles (which incidentally I cannot even find). Where are they? You are not like Jake Barnett for example. I actually do believe that there is some sort of connection between autism and genius, but I was thinking of something that really impresses me, not IQ alone! Temple Grandin said we should accept differences well before you. She said: Different, not less. It is actually obvious. As it is, I only see you as an autism advocate, which is good. You should see yourself as such too, forgetting your ego. Nothing else. Don't use speeches that should benefit autistic people to advertise IQ labels. I surely have lost respect for high IQ groups if all they do is brag about IQ with no real basis in life. I will NEVER believe that somebody is a genius on the basis of an IQ test. Incidentally, because people with Aspergers are apparently so accurate I think quite a few would pass an IQ test at a high level if given the chance, but many are probably more interested in their obsessions. I know that all who worship IQ will give me a thumb down, but I just tried to give an honest opinion and am happy with what I have done. As I said in my other comment I am over 70, so if I want to say what I have to say it before I go. Last but not least, I assume there are also autistic people who have been bullied and have other challenges too. IQ doesn't make you better, that's for sure. People should be motivated to go on with their lives also if they don't have a high IQ. The challenged ones deserve as much recognition and help as you. IQ does not make us special. What we do with whatever we have makes us special. As I said before, your friends who put these ideas into your head are not your real friends. Real friends help you grow and find real values. You can do it. It is never too late. You can be valuable also without these absurd genius ideas - just by being yourself. We are all not defined by measurements of any kind (IQ, height, weight, whatever), but by what we do.

[@nenechi4ever]

Very well said.

[@elijahbailey7808]

John Simpson did you even pay attention to his speech at all, or did you just immediately start criticizing him?😑

[@jimroberts2147]

I agree with Elijah Bailey. You’re unfounded and ignorant criticism of high IQ societies is profound. For example, you quite obviously have no knowledge of what Mensa is about and what they do, even though their sites are available.

[@RatWorks001]

John, I think you're concentrating way too much on the whole genius thing here - you seem a little obsessive about it. Jeffery said so much here but you seem to have heard just the first minute or so. The whole 'intelligence' thing, Mensa, they're just a hobby with this guy, he has fun with it the way you or I might spend too much time working with wood or cars or crosswords. Sure, he's proud of it, but only because he actually is a genius, and has put a whole lot of effort into it. He says himself it's not that important I think just about everyone starts to squirm when someone who may be merely clever starts boasting about their intelligence. You wonder what has happened to this person that they need that sort of reassurance. That's NOT what Jeffery is doing - he's just stating a few facts about himself - why are you so judgemental about it? About your age? Over 70? Nothing special about that, you might make it to 90, still plenty of time do some learning.

[@faismasterx]

You can raise your IQ by starting to use the 'enter' key to make some paragraphs.

[@IvanPerez-bh8sv]

Inverted Snobbery.

[@leerose8628]

Okay like for real, I just really want frozen yogurt. Please. Help me.

[@edmund1958]

Buy some

[@deadeyeduncanfromkotor7836]

A S S B U R G E R S

[@dr.strangelove7739]

Genius may be a developmental disorder.

[@ikorrrzzz1964]

If my height is 190 can I consider myself as a basketball player? Same with IQ. Dear Ford you are not genius. You just have a good height for basketball

[@richardcullen7007]

IKORRRZz z bingo

[@jasonreed1352]

Delightfully said!

[@heroicman03]

Does that, deep down, make you feel better about yourself, though? Does it?

[@ellfra2]

A reasonable point, I like the guy but not sure of his contribution that ranks as genius.

[@stuffilikeyt]

The people who gave him genius of year probably disagree

[@scottshields2116]

why is his voice like that

[@scottshields2116]

it's a disease

[@bowgart6719]

No it isn't

[@MarioGotMilk-Remake]

no it's not.

[@siobhanjustin]

I'm not saying that his cranial nerve palsy is secondary to vaccines, simply that vaccines can cause cranial nerve palsies.

[@sleepyeyeguy]

Evidence? Sources?

[@sleepyeyeguy]

If you are willing to support your arguments, I would love to have an intelligent conversation on this topic. The truth is out there somewhere, and I would like to think scientific investigation the most promising path to it.

[@ashleyzeleznik5388]

What you talking about and how does that relate to this video?

[@jasonreed1352]

Interesting. I'm curious if you have conjecture on which cranial nerve palsy is involved in autism? Would the different connections in an autistic brain (compared to a normal brain) constitute a palsy for the normal brain? Thank you for your comment.

[@stahpitt8531]

Meh.. Nobody likes a show off.