An Autistic Woman who was Misdiagnosed and Wrongfully Medicated for a Decade

[@SpecialBooksbySpecialKids]

I want to reiterate a point Kassondra made in this video. For people who need meds, they can be a great thing. But I also think it’s important to acknowledge that stories like Kassondra’s exist as well. Thank you for sharing your story, Kassondra! For those who are curious, you can check out Kassondra’s fundraiser at gofund.me/d525b3ed . As mentioned in this video, she is also diagnosed with Ehler-Danlos syndrome. Contributions will go to help her medical expenses acquired from this disability.

[@livthepetlady]

I will donate ❤

[@kylereese4822]

I hope legal action can be taken as this video proves the physical & mental damage to her... new laws need to be written to stop this damage happening again.

[@kylereese4822]

I could listen to her story for days on end... :):)

[@katherineknapp4370]

😊

[@trollsneedhugs]

I am 38, and only recently discovered that I am autistic and I have EDS. The hardest part is reconnecting with the very real pain that has a real cause, when I had previously been convinced for decades that the pain was imaginary. It makes me cry sometimes, because I thought everyone had the same struggles as me and I was just weak 😢

[@UNOITOfficial]

Please please please keep doing interviews with late diagnosed Autisitc Adults it is helping loads and the more you do it the more it helps. Thank you and God bless 🙏

[@soph7230]

Does god make mistakes?

[@UNOITOfficial]

@@soph7230 no, but mankind does and every reaction has a reaction 🙏

[@soph7230]

@@UNOITOfficial Why does the biological process of cancer exist? Why are babies born without a skull or a brain?

[@fats1863]

@@soph7230yes

[@MachFiveFalcon]

@@soph7230I'm not religious, but the pain and marginalization caused by how people treat those with mental disorders is often far greater than the pain caused by the disorders themselves.

[@price69420]

As a late diagnosed autistic I can't emphasize enough how important videos like this are.

[@MachFiveFalcon]

I have a lot of respect for the psychiatrists' expertise, but the surface-level sadness of my OCD and (probably) mild autism should never have been "treated" with antidepressants. The root cause was social, not chemical - and that wasn't being addressed at all.

[@_droid]

And the people that volunteer to do the interviews. I imagine it's quite stressful for some people. It's making me stressed thinking about it. ha

[@MachFiveFalcon]

@@_droidHopefully the less autism is stigmatized, the less stressful doing interviews like this will be.

[@randomCHELdad]

@MachFiveFalcon imagine, autistic people are gullible, and we fall for the healthcare bs. It's nothing but money for the 1%.

[@merrilsimon9559]

I don't think K's stress was about stigma as it was being able to express herself in a nervous situation, hence her many pages of notes.

[@TheSecretPassword]

I’m an autistic woman the same age and I resonate with her story so much. Nobody wanted to diagnose me with autism because I didn’t act like a hardly verbal 6 year old boy.. medical care of all kinds for women is abysmal

[@shellyann8818]

Yes it is! 💯

[@Absent-Mind]

Me too, I’m 23, female, I have had wrong medications, misdiagnoses of borderline personality disorder, incorrect therapies, behavioural issues that weren’t supported in the right way (being punished for them instead of finding ways to deal with discomfort, anger, excitement etc) and it really messes a person up to put it lightly. Not to mention how exhausting masking is once you figure out you have to do that for people to “accept” you. It was 2022 when I realised I was on the spectrum (thanks to my aunt who works in social care) and wasn’t until a suicide attempt in August 2023 that I have finally been assigned a support worker working with me and family who live with me to understand Autism and improve my life - and a diagnosis will follow. It had been made apparent they just didn’t want to diagnose Autism, as multiple “mental health professionals” over the years from age 12-20 had said they think I have it but were quicker to push pills down my throat. I am thankful for this video, and comment, which makes me feel less alone. I don’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone and hope they get better at diagnosing Autism in girls and women.

[@chaossausage3940]

im an autistic man in my 30's, same story :(

[@abraxsp5837]

I'm pretty sure medical care for everyone is abysmal... not just women and that's honestly kind of annoying people don't seem to either see or recognize it. Men Don't have any better medical care... in anything. It's like admitting a truth but only half of it

[@kajlovesyou]

i am currently diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, ptsd, and major depressive disorder. they’ve put me on lexapro, prozac, and klonopin. i was an AIG student from first grade to graduation, had the highest reading levels of my classes, and now i completely struggle to do anything without a set routine as grade school had. i’ve brought it up to 3 different psychiatrists and they’ve all said “well let’s see what else is there first”

[@katehopper8509]

I love how accepting and accomodating Chris is with his guests. And then he asks questions about things like eye contact to genuinely understand. He's able to consider a neurodivergent preference as actually valid. I love watching all of his interviews but this one particularly resonated and i think represents a lot of women on the spectrum... even though every autistic person's experience is different.

[@sarahmoorman6936]

Amen! I seem to have signs of being on the spectrum - my son is but medicaid won't pay for a diagnosis for me - it's ok, life marches on and I do the best I can - Love to you this day!

[@5attva]

We love Chris! The most emotionally intelligent Spirit on youtube!

[@sarahmoorman6936]

@@5attva Amen! He is kind and gifted!

[@EphemeralProductions]

he truly is one of the sweetest most special guys around, as far as I can see anyway, and he has an INCREDIBLY special personality that is totallly fit for this type of thing and this "line of work" for lack of a better phrase. It will be a sad sad day when and if he ever stops doing these type of videos.

[@Michigan1985]

The way she lit up when her friend started speaking was so freaking adorable. ☺

[@sarahmoorman6936]

I loved it - I'm so thankful a safe friend that understood came in her path! Wishing nothing but wonderful things for this highly likable and highly intelligent lady! :)

[@cr0502subtitulosx]

Chris, my man. I'm not sure you fully understand what an incredible human being you actually are. The way you empathize with the people you interview and how you handle every single detail of it, just blows my mind. Thank you for restoring my faith in humanity every single time and most importantly, for giving a voice to the voiceless.

[@lemondedetr]

100%, 1000000000000%.

[@thonone6132]

Cannot agree more! If more people in the world were like him we’d be in a better place, I think

[@Kman2765]

Yes,I agree. Chris is amazing. So kind and understanding. I've watched lots of his videos and am impressed with the way he befriends so many diverse people. I'm amazed because it's something I couldn't do but wished I could. If you read this Chris I want to thank you personally for getting it out there. Your a good man. God has a place reserved for you when you eventually go home ( which I hope is many many decades from now). God bless you.

[@Kman2765]

Isn't he awesome. I wished I had someone like him in my corner.

[@KitteyRin]

I made the mistake of sharing one of Chris’ videos with my mom. Now she sends them to me instead… Seriously, though, as someone struggling with a lot of “invisible” disabilities, seeing stuff like this (I am also late diagnose autistic woman) helps a whole lot in my fight to be understood and just…live sometimes.

[@kenrickbautista6141]

"I definitely want that bond, but I have trouble forming it." I can relate so much to what she just said.

[@millisagable3018]

I have adhd always thought i had autism too i agree

[@Smile200-z4y]

Le mood. I cannot connect with people. Well also because my teeth are dogshit lol.

[@kushclarkkent6669]

Same 😭 I can't even tell if someone wants to be friends with me anymore.

[@no3rdseat]

Forming yes, but even harder for me is maintaining.

[@kenrickbautista6141]

@@no3rdseat ikr it can be so hard

[@vinsukun_]

I was also misdiagnosed in 2019 and took mood stabilizers as well as anti-depressants that I did not need for 4 years. She is not exaggerating on how much it can destroy you. Those meds completely changed my behavior and even thinking and speech patterns for the worse and almost completely destroyed my body and my life. I feel for her. So glad neither of us are taking things we do not need anymore!

[@ThePianistPlayer]

I've also been misdiagnosed, and got the autism diagnosis two years ago. I've been on medication for several years. Many types which didn't help at all, but I am on one type of medication now and have been for some years and it's really made a positive difference for me. I do plan to come off it at some point. It's just to say that sometimes, even with an autism diagnosis, medication can actually help. But I do understand that it can be debilitating and ruin a lot for people. It's a balance.

[@frenchiesimgirl327]

@@ThePianistPlayer Exactly, that's what it's about. It's not an anti-med discourse at all, just being aware that the wrong meds for the wrong diagnosis are dangerous and destructive so practitioners have to be extra careful and able to question themselves, and admit when not being sure or not having enough knowledge about something. Sometimes lives are broken just by a practitioner not willing to admit "I don't know, I'll ask for help from someone with more expertise". It's also, sadly, the scars of a heavily gendered history of medicine which considered for a long time any difficulty or specificity in women were just "hysteria", with still too much doctors, health workers etc today totally convinced that autism in women is not possible.

[@ThePianistPlayer]

@@frenchiesimgirl327 I totally agree. For me, primary physicians shouldn't be able to just make a receipt for medications for mental health. It should be in cooperation with a psychiatrist who specializes in mental health. That could be a way to make it safer for people. Getting a psychiatrist to examine and diagnose people and then figure out if medication will be helpful and then what kind of medication. It shouldn't be this easy to just shove psychiatric medication onto people. And also, the whole gender thing is a big problem. Luckily, it's not too bad where I come from and hopefully with the societal development with knowledge and so forth, it will be less and less gender based and more health based.

[@wolfzmusic9706]

Did you not get serotonin syndrome? I took antidepressants I didn't need for 3 days and started experiencing serotonin syndrome, so immediately went off it

[@visionvixxen]

Same here but I also didn’t live well without them. Not sure what my deal is- overwhelmed to even try writing about it anymore Tired!

[@natsinthebelfry]

I'm 35 and I was just diagnosed with ADHD and Autism. My mom was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 59. Women have historically had such a terrible time getting diagnosed with either, but thankfully I live in a part of the world where people tend to care about us(and it STILL took me this long). I'm still not able to have a regular job, but I've been doing a lot better ever since my diagnosis.

[@Jannacatha]

Late (age 42) diagnosed autistic woman here. I have been through so much; life was truely incredibly hard. Still hard, but I understand myself better now, so I can take better care of me. Great to see this topic come by more often. It is VERY important.

[@christinelamb1167]

I'm a 60 year old woman, just diagnosed 4 months ago. To say my life has been rough is an understatement! I am so grateful to finally have an answer to all the questions I had about myself, and why everything has been so hard for me my whole life (everyday things that most people do without thinking). The puzzle pieces are coming together, and I am learning how to find ways to make myself feel more comfortable in life.

[@ytyu9373]

was this a hting when we were younger ...I remember getting being pulled out of class to do odd tests ...they never did tell me what they were for only that i would have to work harder then everyone else and not giving me a reason

[@supers0nic77]

I'm a little older than you but I'm curious as to what growing up in the 80s was like for you. Wasn't great for me and the treatments weren't great either

[@illuminatiCorgi]

Misdiagnosing someone with Bipolar, who is actually autistic, and then putting them on bipolar medications for ten years is really wild.

[@sqrfoot6548]

How do medical get away with this

[@foxbuns]

it's pure medical incompetence. i saw someone to get treatment for my autism (which i was diagnosed as a child, but my parents refused to treat) and they claimed i was bipolar and gave me the heaviest antipsychotics out there. i was vomiting, losing consciousness and experiencing symptoms of psychosis DUE TO the medication (not before!). and they just told me it was "normal". got another doctor who re-confirmed that yes i'm autistic and no i don't need antipsychotics, and been fine ever since.@@sqrfoot6548 this kind of thing happens so often because there are hundreds of thousands of doctors that will tell you to your face that they "don't think autism is real" or they "don't even know anything about autism" yet still "treat you".

[@galesk344]

Unfortunately not uncommon

[@emmamunro7208]

Was 22 years for me. I'm 40 now.

[@AdoptedPoo]

i swear so many people are now being diagnosed with autism that seem perfectly normal, not everyone has social skills it doesnt make you autistic

[@CoramDeoCrochet]

I’m a woman in my early 30’s also misdiagnosed with Bipolar as a 13 year-old! Solidarity! So happy you have the right diagnosis. My correct diagnosis saved my life! ❤❤❤

[@sapphirerain70]

I’m in my 50s and I was diagnosed and medicated at 12 years old.

[@mitch5222]

​@@sapphirerain70 how long did u take medications?

[@sapphirerain70]

@@mitch5222 I was diagnosed at age 12 and I am 54 now, on even more meds now. Between my heart meds and psych meds I take 9 pills a night. It’s ridiculous.

[@TheVintageBumbleBee]

My husband was diagnosed at 60, seven years ago. Totally misdiagnosed his entire life. He's really living now. Ya can't go back, so he's moved forward confidently. Blessings to you!

[@tomifost]

How did he change from what he used to do? Genuinely interested.

[@kurtdavis7588]

I'm the opposite! I used to be autistic but I grew out of it around 25. Just a regular person now. Most of it was just the mindset

[@rinnanstimpy]

@@kurtdavis7588 I'm not an expert here, but that statement really piqued my interest. The idea of growing out of autism isn't a well accepted outcome with a proper diagnosis. This isn't a diagnosis that is behavioral (learned). Perhaps a misdiagnosis, perhaps not. Curious about your story! Take care

[@christinelamb1167]

@@kurtdavis7588 You don't "grow out" of being autistic. You either are, or you aren't. You might find accomodations that help you to feel more comfortable `and confident, but you won't stop being autistic (if you truly are). You cn't simply change the way your brain functions.

[@kurtdavis7588]

@@christinelamb1167 I hear you and understand where you're coming from.. I just disagree with you. I'm not saying everyone can completely cure themselves because some people are severely disabled.

[@droogsurgeon1440]

She seems so sweet. She’s adorable. I really wish her the best in life!

[@iolanisjourney4828]

Wow, this woman is so relatable. She is phenomenal at expressing herself. So very well spoken and articulate. I could listen to her speak for hours.

[@delia_watercolors]

There is so much misdiagnosing! It is scary! I was told I was bipolar 2 for nearly a decade. The meds never helped, only harmed. It was horrific! Ultimately, my mood swings were from brain inflammation caused by Multiple Sclerosis. I was drugged to oblivion for NOTHING. I didn't have BP2, afterall. Now, a few years later, a new therapist told me to see someone specifically about autism. My mother took to be screened as a child because I showed certain signs. The doctor I was taken to in the early '90s said, "girls don't have autism." It' all so overwhelming. I am glad the girl in this video is hanging in there with new information and help.

[@AlexShiro]

Ahh the ohhh girls don’t have Au. Yes. Or ADHD. The medical establishment has a lot to answer for.

[@mitch5222]

What meds did u take. I took ads, ap and moodstabilizers.

[@Zal1810]

This is what happened to me. Diagnosed with bipolar at 21, and now autism at 38. I can't watch the video, I'm so angry because of so many lost years, money and frustration that I'm already fed up and burned out, I can't get out of it.. I can't stand watching how much I will probably have in common with her and how obvious it is (not for psychiatrists sadly), and how many people had to endure the same frustration.

[@blairariavanderkamp3405]

I am so sorry, that's just awful!!

[@gloriawu1306]

Keep going. Thank you for sharing.

[@anonymousprivate6814]

I can totally relate to your comment Zal. I was diagnosed autistic at 38 and am almost 50 now. I also have CPTSD/Recurring Depression. I went through a lot of anger and grief too when I finally got my autism diagnosis. I was misdiagnosed bi polar at 21 also. I am pretty burnt out and not been able to work at all since 2010 and am on disability benefits. I live a quiet life, have outside support with the practical things I need help with and look after myself the best I can.

[@MagnoliaPantherWoman]

I can relate to not being able to watch videos that are spot on about what I went through and am still frustrated about and healing. It's like giving my frustrated feelings room to be until I'm ready.

[@RealRetroWave]

@@anonymousprivate6814 sounds like a better life than most. I spend 50 hours a week grinding getting older, now feeling pain while doing it both physically and mentally. I do not live life. I work to be poor.

[@CalliNightmare]

I can tell when she starts stimming, she's EXTREMELY anxious because she's afraid of people judging her and hurting her. My god. I just want to give this girl a huge, loving hug 🥺🥺😣

[@carolgarrett1786]

What is the definition of swimming?

[@carolgarrett1786]

Stimming! (Auto correct changed it.)

[@blackwolfjr169]

​​@@carolgarrett1786 stimming is basically doing a gesture (touching certain parts of your body) just to make you calm down or reduce anxiety but it may also be done when you are bored and want to stimulate yourself, it feels good

[@babenberg]

sorry, no, you can't tell that she or any other person in the autistic spectrum in anxious just by seeing them (us) stimming. Is good that you want to give a hug, but might be not so good if it is upon pity or a misunderstanding. Is better to ask first. To know first. And you can't tell specially in the situation you saw her, in her place, in a safe environment, with her stuff. Autism is a condition with as many peculiarities as autistic people are. Neurotypical approach use to be inaccurate. But trying to know a person's ways is greatly welcome, when there is a genuine intention to be friends.

[@Kcasadont]

@@babenberg You're right, stimming doesn't always come from anxiety. But it can sometimes be a good indicator.

[@Raptaria]

Kassondra is a beautiful BEAUTIFUL soul. I am so glad you are giving her the platform to share her experience

[@Raptaria]

I hope she knows, she's not alone.

[@JayJay32186]

My daughter is autistic and has a lovely squishmallow collection 😊 I was diagnosed as an adult, too, after I saw a video of myself as a small kid and thinking critically about my social obstacles. That was life-changing.

[@sapphirerain70]

My daughter is 33 and she has lived with me her whole life.im 53. I was told she was bipolar, when she got older she was diagnosed with aspergers. You are a complete mirror to my daughter. She has no real friends and is on her 4th counselor since January. They all are quitting and moving on. It’s making me so mad because all I see are her tears of hurt. I wish there was a way to contact one another, I could see you both being best friends lol. I wish you all the best life can bring to you sweet lady. You are very good handling your anxiety through this video. Thank you so much for your bravery and honesty. Your are beautiful inside and out! 😊❤🦋🙏🏻

[@socialstoriesforneurotypic1845]

Does your daughter have any social media? They could maybe connect through that

[@xragdoll5662]

Maybe you should’ve been a better parent. Asperger’s is no longer a diagnosis and it’s clearly not bad enough she’s able to go to a therapist

[@Theviewfromabov3]

I’m a 34 year old friendless female with an autistic daughter and suspect of autism myself, the signs are def there.. would be nice to be friends with your daughter

[@grantbishop1961]

Davis Wilcock also has autism. You can do anything and be anyone you want to be.

[@sapphirerain70]

@@xragdoll5662 she sees a therapist online and her doctor online. How dare you.

[@urfavragtimeguy3875]

I’ve known Kassy for most of my life, since I was 5 and now I’m 16. We went to church with her! She is super nice, and very great to socialize with! So surprised to find out just now that she’s on SBSK, I have watched this channel for a quite a bit.

[@Sol_Badguy_GG]

Thank you for sharing. I really clicked with her. She seems to understand something about life that I haven't find in other people. I live in France. Do you know if there's a way to reach out to her?

[@jasmine2718]

I've watched almost every episode of SBSK and I've never resonated so much with someone until this interview. I've been diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive type, Major depressive disorder, and a generalized anxiety with panic. I never really thought Autism could be included until now. I'm SO happy that she found a community that allows her to be herself. I love what her mom told her-"You can't get rid of a problem by pretending it doesn't exist." Thank you so very much for sharing your story. I'm terribly sorry you had to endure so many years but I'm glad that you were willing to share with the rest of the world for those who may be suffering. ❤

[@aurayukisora]

Wow I have pretty much your exact disorders plus adjustment disorder. I have ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder recurring moderate, and panic disorder without agoraphobia. I have really research and related so much to autistics since at least 2016 when I found the information. I really think it's what I am or maybe AuDHD. Your comment is relatable.

[@maresdreams8731]

I have the same combo there and you nailed the comment on the head! Maybe we can all find some peace now in our identity.

[@betterworld2958]

As a mental health provider whenever I see someone has multiple diagnoses I always wonder.....It is always possible but some providers are more inclined to pathologize and some not. Keep this in mind and find one that resonates with you the most. There is even a movement within the mental health industry to forego the DSM or to diagnose later. Diagnoses should be made primarily with Ct well-being first and foremost.

[@hugashe352]

100% same

[@noctisocculta4820]

I got diagnosed with all of those before my Asperger's diagnosis. Doctors admitted it was possible I was on the spectrum but wanted to first cure the depression and anxiety. Ironically, the depression and anxiety were caused by being treated for depression and anxiety. But anyway, maybe bring it up with a psychiatrist and see what happens. Get your parents to fill out forms with questions regarding what you were like as a child, e.g. when did you start speaking. There's no treatment for autism, but a diagnosis can help with self-advocation and discrimination from ignorant health care workers. Who knows, maybe you are on the spectrum. Good luck!

[@Maria7Maria]

I resonate so much. I am an autistic woman who was wrongly diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and spent the majority of my early adulthood trying to fight this diagnoses, my family and I never thought it fitted me, but autism was never considered for young women. I went through years of discrimination, mistreatment, inappropriate treatment and lack of access to the proper care due to this incorrect labelling of me. I felt like a bad person with something wrong with me, when in reality, I was autistic and struggling with social norms and overwhelm. Sending love to anyone out there experiencing similar

[@Catlily5]

Same here. Misdiagnosed with BPD. The outpatient mental health providers didn't see BPD but the psych hospital diagnosed me.

[@goofymermaid]

As a 30 year old autistic individual, listening to her story definitely made me feel less alone with my struggles ❤

[@teresaamanfu7408]

I thought she was 18

[@Catlily5]

​@@teresaamanfu7408 No she's not 18, autism and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome can make you look younger than your actual age.

[@MarkoZorecHimself]

3:08 "Can you handle the light and the darnkness inside of me?" I rarely hear a 'normal' person say such deeply meaningful and heart-touching sentence, as this one.

[@Kman2765]

Cassondra is highly Intelligent. She is sweet and brave. I am impressed. Her saying that spun me out. She is great.

[@Problempossum11]

In all my years searching the depths of the human condition, I have never heard such profound, honest and harrowing truths from anyone who wasn't some kind of neurodivergent. I think its one of the reasons why I could never connect with neurotypical people, its like they don't have enough going on inside for me to relate to

[@WerewolfofEpicness]

you could say allistic/neurotypical instead of normal :)

[@Kman2765]

@WerewolfofEpicness .I think he said " normal " because it's something we just want to be accepted as.

[@WerewolfofEpicness]

@@Kman2765 oh i interpreted it as him wanting a different word but not knowing what to say but you could be right

[@coco_b]

Girl same. 44 here and just diagnosed at 42. My whole life makes sense now but I feel like I missed out on my entire life because I had to mask. I was misdiagnosed. I had to act “normal”. I never thought about it as having missed out on my life until just now. Kinda really sad. I have only started unmasking and being happy with myself and my brain in the last 2 years and that feels like such a wasted life. If my son wasn’t autistic I probably still would never know about autism/adhd. My son opened up a whole new world and made my entire life finally make sense. So happy this girl is so young and can live the rest of her life knowing who she is.

[@maresdreams8731]

I feel the same way there. 34 in July. But we do still have a bit of a chance left. So take it by the reigns!!!

[@babenberg]

Absolutely. Diagnosed at 50, now 52, Sad but revealing. Finding the reason of why the 90% of my life has been as it has been is taking a lot of sh*t out, but I also have that feeling of "I lost my time and energy so miserably trying to be up to expectations". When I was 34, at Christmas Day's family lunch, my auntie came once again with "when are you going to grow up? you are always quite childish". She was smiling and sweet. I took it good, it wasn't the first time I heard that :) But at that age I could answer something like "auntie, I'm not a child since my childhood, I saw all of you being a family I don't belong to because I can't understand your things, so I mask by being playful and silly, but I'm not a child". That could be misunderstood and probably would lead to a less comfortable conversation. I also had no idea what or why I was like that, so probably I would fail to tell them what really was happening.

[@katehopper8509]

Relate so much. 41 and pursuing diagnosis. Never would have considered it before having a kid on the spectrum. I'm a professional at masking.

[@coco_b]

@@katehopper8509 Yes! Never would have even given it a second thought if it weren’t for my son. Professional masker😆

[@supers0nic77]

I'm 43 i wish i knew someone like me irl i could talk to about this stuff. Tbh i feel alone in it and like everyone else seems so much more normal and better functioning

[@kryssalou]

i love watching your interviews, but i am SO grateful to see this one. i had a very similar experience misdiagnosed bipolar and heavily medicated for the wrong things for 20 years. when i talk about it people don’t understand how much it actually effected me negatively. i ended up addicted to drugs, i can’t function anymore. my brain doesn’t function properly and it’s made me dependent on my abusive family. i no longer have any quality of life and the misdiagnoses is where it truly started.

[@UnderTheBlueBeanBush]

I've been diagnosed with autism five years ago, I'm now 48. Until then I was working full time and was more or less constantly in a state of burnout. Now that I am in a better situation I am trying to get off the drugs I have been self medicating with to cope and I am wondering exactly how much they have damaged me. I also have cronic pain connected to my autism but it is really difficult getting proper medical assistance to help me deal with it.

[@Kari_512]

In 2017 I was misdiagnosed bipolar and was wrongfully medicated for 7 years. Antipsychotics ruined my body. I have autism/ADHD and only found out last year that I'm not bipolar. I too, have gone on a journey to love myself for what I am. Hearing this woman tell her story is inspiring. I relate deeply and it brings me joy to see that she's finally reaching a point of self understanding that can bring her peace... ❤ Keep going strong!!

[@Ginabina76]

My daughter's story is Kassondra's story. Its something that's been on my radar for awhile now, it is horribly misdiagnosed in females especially in the US. We have 4 kiddos, 1 daughter now 23 then 3 boys 16,14 and 13. Our daughter was diagnosed bipolar at 14 and on meds for YEARS, most years spent playing the med game actually. Then after we got an autism diagnosis with our 16 year old, he was alot younger then, they told us to have our daughter come in. I should have never doubted my own intuition. I always wanted my children to march to the beat of their own drum and that is exactly what I got and love it. Kassondra, if you read this you did great!!! You are amazing and keep being you!!! 💙💙💙

[@shawnaaustin3396]

Why would you just blindly believe those doctors and allow your child to be poisoned if you knew the medicine wasn’t helping or even harming??

[@zf-xi6ds]

Most likely indoctrinated, glued to CNN​@@shawnaaustin3396

[@J.13333]

@@shawnaaustin3396 people aren't perfect, even parents

[@donnaer]

@shawnaaustin3396 Hindsight, which you now have in responding to her comment, is 20/20. Human behavior is complex. Add to that the developmental growth differences in children, and the imprecise and growing field of knowledge in neuroscience, and I can totally understand any parent being influenced by the medical field.

[@kelss23]

@@shawnaaustin3396there is a lot of different medications in psychiatry so by the “med game” she most likely means they were putting the kid on different meds and you have to stay on it for weeks or months at a time to even see result. she didn’t do anything wrong she had hope that one of the medications was going to work for her daughter and they didn’t but her daughter has help now and she can’t change the past

[@BM_718]

You give a voice to the voiceless. I hope this beautiful woman gets everything she wants in life. Respect to her for being so open so the public can understand.

[@grantbishop1961]

Truth is a rare trait in a society built and walled up by deceit, lies and corruption. Maybe the people who really have autism are the crazies who think their normal following a corrupt system designed to fail. Biden voters aren't crazy their just soulless organic portals for luvifer to extend his energetic presence in our world and the black goo robotoids and clones. They have no human rights but yet they still run the world, the world Christ gave to Us his CHILDREN! Time for a change.

[@WheelzGaming88]

I'm genuinely sorry the healthcare system failed kassondra on such a detrimental level for such an elongated period of time. She is extremely brave for sharing her story in hopes others in a similar situation don't feel like it's just them

[@evahappy2980]

I LOVE her relationship with her friend. So beautiful to see how they interact and connect

[@ascgazz]

I’m 45, adhd dx at 42, autism at 43. This young lady is absolutely perfect in every respect, and explains the social aspects so accurately. And smiles so much! I wish I had more smiles! Awesome interview, many thanks.

[@lesyeuxsansvisage1157]

I was misdiagnosed as depressed when I was 8, when I actually have X-Linked Hypogammaglobulinemia, MCAS, and about 30 other severe health issues. If I’d been treated as a child, I probably wouldn’t have cancer now. The years of doctors blaming me, still hurts like hell.

[@visionvixxen]

🙏🙏🙏

[@lonefaolan6042]

❤❤❤

[@vi4670]

Hi, my story is similar to yours and I'm so sorry you had and have to go through all of this. Can I ask how old are you and at what age have you been diagnosed with mcas and the other health issues, and how is your quality of life?

[@mitch5222]

Doctors are evil. I know it for myself.

[@Hchris101]

The BEST channel on KZbin

[@robotv8707]

Always saddening me to see cases like this. I relate so hard as a woman on the spectrum that had to discover it on her own. Glad this channel uplifts voices so they can be heard.

[@hollyastewart]

This was so well done by everyone. It's not easy for people with autism to give an interview like this. It takes a massive amount of courage and vulnerability.

[@mudhunny7]

This was incredible, I’m so glad I clicked on this. I started sobbing when she explained selective mutism, I’ve been struggling with that my whole life but it’s never been validated, I’ve never had the words to explain it until now. Thank you so much Kassondra

[@vagarenlopaco]

I was misdiagnosed with BPD and the medication they gave was so strong for me they made me feel like a souless robot. I do struggle with severe depression but being diagnosed helped me to be more kind to myself. I got diagnosed as autistic at 30 y/o. I cant put in words how it changed my life for good. I feel this kind of relief but also all the bad life I had because I was misdiagnosed broke my spirit. Chris, I say this everytime you make a video: thanks for doing this. I love you

[@shatteredscry]

Me too! Getting a bpd diagnosis is traumatizing. But I'm too nervous to go back to a psychologist and get rediagnosed cause I don't trust anyone:(

[@xragdoll5662]

⁠​⁠@@shatteredscryit’s really not once you fully understand your diagnosis. BPD is VERY stigmatised

[@warmandpugly]

Same boat. So glad we got answers eventually. ❤

[@ofekmizrahi3079]

​@@xragdoll5662usually treated with antipsychoticd just like bipolars probably the worse medication for those that dont need them

[@Catlily5]

​@@shatteredscry If the BPD diagnosis doesn't fit you it is worth it to get diagnosed correctly. At least it was worth it for me. Extremely worth it.

[@ellisonrhea4854]

Just a note, "late stage" diagnosis would typically refer to a terminal illness with distinct stages like cancer and dementia. It's just "late diagnosis" of autism. I also have a late diagnosis!! My bipolar was diagnosed at 25, and my autism was diagnosed at 31 after psychologist testing. My psychologist was surprised that the bipolar was affirmed on the testing as he thought I was misdiagnosed as bipolar. It does happen a lot. But I happen to have both! Thanks for doing this, loved watching it! ❤

[@Catlily5]

I have both bipolar and autism. I also have PTSD.

[@myowndrum286]

What a beautiful smile. A warm, funny, creative young woman. Thank you for sharing your story, my dear. A little thing about dogs. They are much more attuned to your thoughts and how you feel about them than most people are. When your dog stares at you, he's staring at you with love. I've had dogs for over 60 years! Many were my best friends!

[@dw7922]

You are a great interviewer. Thank you for continuing your project. You are capturing so many snapshots of humanity. It’s beautiful.

[@w0ahsam536]

agreed 🙌☺️ been watching for a few years now!

[@solidaridadglobal]

This is such a wonderful interview! As a neurodivergent mom of autistic kiddos, it's soooo valuable for me to hear the experiences and perspectives of autistic adults - so a big thank you to Kassondra for being vulnerable and sharing those insights! Of interest - when I was doing my field work in the Peruvian Andes, some of the more rural Quechua communities, especially those that had no real Spanish even being spoken there and only Quechua, eye contact was completely avoided. So I would meet with Quechua folks, with a Spanish translator, and we were talking without looking at each other, and it was a lovely and interesting experience. So eye contact norms can vary a lot in different cultures, which is really neat. Best of luck to you Kassondra, I really appreciated learning more about you :)

[@christiegrows2022]

Love this fact about your experience with eye contact that’s facinating

[@MrMartellSincere]

I'm an autistic man and i appreciate this lady's courage for coming out

[@Smile200-z4y]

Same bro. We got to stick together

[@MrMartellSincere]

@@Smile200-z4y us autistics gotta stick together

[@Truerealism747]

​@@MrMartellSincerefor sure do you have fybromyalgia with your eds

[@MrMartellSincere]

@@Truerealism747 I'm not sure what that is, my apologies in advance 😔

[@Truerealism747]

@@MrMartellSincere I love autism folks apologize for what we do not understand ime just the same.heds us Elo's danlos syndrome or hypomobility fybromyalgia is pain in different parts of the body

[@ArmyOfGodXRP]

Beautiful young woman! Thanks for sharing your story. You're never alone. We are all out here to support you.

[@MantasticHams]

I often say to people when i have a visible reaction to their eye contact: "Sorry, when you came around the corner, our eyes met and for a moment i felt we we were quite nearly one person and your self was pouring into mine, and i became momentarily overwhelmed by the connection. Did any of my soul go into your eyes?" Its half a joke, but thats kind how it feels to me, like in that moment we both have learned something that can't be shared in words. The narrative about Autists not experiencing empathy is so damaging, we feel it differently, and possibly at times even more powerfully than others.

[@anyaalissa]

This is so beautiful. “Did any of my soul go into your eyes?”

[@montauk081]

​@@anyaalissa I agree, beautiful...like the saying goes "the eyes are windows to the soul."

[@R3DR0PE]

Your last point is very true, but low-empathy autistic people like myself deserve recognition, too! I notice a lot of autistic people want to turn their nose up at the idea of other autistic people having "stereotypical symptoms" because the stereotypes people say about autistic people can be harmful, but it feels really isolating to almost be seen as someone undeserving of empathy from others just because I'm low-empathy. Hopefully that made a bit of sense??

[@owlbyovrprepared1128]

Hyperempathy can also be directly connected to autism, on occasion. Mine definitely is.

[@melq9437]

@@R3DR0PE It does.

[@joellafrechette4011]

I wish people could see themselves as others see them. This young woman is absolutely fascinating. I could listen to her for hours. She could be a motivational speaker!

[@slayervorge]

Kassondra has such a wonderful, beautiful soul. Wish nothing but the best for her and her friend. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@parkerryann]

there's so much misinformation about autism, especially with women and girls. thank you for sharing your story, you're a lovely person 🖤

[@heartroll8719]

As an autistic woman, this is true. I wasn’t diagnosed till 21 or 22 and I’m 28 now. I slipped between the cracks due to being a girl. I did my homework, was nice, and had no behavioural problems. My doctor said if I was a guy, I would’ve been diagnosed as a kid.

[@shion_lwn]

I am late life diagnosed autistic with adhd. lots of autictic people have chronic illness. I relate to her story. it is very difficult having been misdiagnosed for many years. I lost a sense of who I am because I was making for years. I understand her story.

[@1TorukMellon]

I was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder for almost two decades, I had a psychotic break in senior year in highschool due to being over medicated with the wrong medicine. Went to a behavioral health hospital and it was there that I was diagnosed correctly and discovered that I have Asperger's. I can relate to her in many ways.

[@mitch5222]

How was it coming off?

[@Ginabina76]

Same story almost as my daughter! She is a completely different person off the wrong meds. It is horribly misdiagnosed in the US and misdiagnosed with specifically bipolar disorder. Europe is YEARS ahead as far as females and HF autism. Are you in the US?

[@DanDanDoe]

I wasn't misdiagnosed or anything, but I was medicated for epilepsy. The medication worked, but it also made me so depressed. I was happy, hopeful and energetic, and slowly I just wanted to cease existing. A dark shadow looming over me at all times. When I seeker help, I was basically told "Well it's probably because of the medication, not mental health issues so we're not doing anything." One psychologist literally said "Well you don't seem suicial so you're not depressed." When I brought it up with my doctor he just said to come back after another 6 months, because of protocol or whatever. When I had a different doctor and really pushed for quitting th medication, with my mother there as backup, my doctor relented and after only a few weeks I felt so much better. I'll never be the same entirely, though. I can't even begin to imagine what it must've been like to be misdiagnosed and get medicated for something you don't even have. I hope you're doing well and receiving the support you need.

[@1TorukMellon]

​@@mitch5222 I felt as if the whole world was no longer on my shoulders. I felt free and joyful.

[@1TorukMellon]

​@@Ginabina76Yes, I am in the United States.

[@AnneChaffee]

Thank you, Kassandra! You are incredibly articulate. As a clinician who does assessments your story is helpful and meaningful in so many ways. Please know that your goal of wanting to help others is also reaching clinicians who diagnose ASD!

[@NlHlLlEN]

I used to have presciptions for Schizofrenia meds even though I was diagnosed as an Aspie. I am really thankful to my mom for never giving me these meds. Today, I'm doing my best on working with my autism, ADHD, OCD and hyperlexia meds-free! I really owe it to my mom for standing by me the entire time! I would never make it this far without her! People like these, having the courage to talk about their difficulties in life, are the most inspiring people in the world! My though and love to all of you who's getting by! Never let your spark fade out! We're all walking the same path, at a different pace, at a different time. P.S. Kassondra is such a unique and beautiful name!!

[@Valeciols]

Poor girl, being wrongfully diagnosed with the wrong disorder and having to take the wrong medication sucks, it must have impacted her life a lot :( she's so beautiful!!!! oml❤❤❤ she seems so kind I love her stuffies they look so soft!😊❤

[@ElaineSade]

Kassondra has such a kind and sweet soul. Her experience really resonates with me . I’ve always felt so different from my peers. Watching this video has given me the strength to find out if I’m neurodivergent. I certainly feel like I’m masking in almost every social situation 😢

[@tsirakura1684]

As someone who recently got diagnosed as an adult, definitely go for it! My diagnosis made a huge difference in my understanding and compassion for myself

[@briannenurse4640]

If that's how you feel, then you probably are some flavour of neurodivergent. It's a big spectrum! Even if you don't get diagnostically assessed with ADHD or autism, neurodivergence can also be acquired through mental health conditions like OCD, PTSD, EDs, and a whole plethora of other situations and conditions. There's a lot of good info out there, don't be afraid to dive into it!

[@MagnoliaPantherWoman]

Yes, we're with you for support. I'm neurodivergent, full time since 2017 and with recurring chronic illness for 30 years before that. Virtual hugs.

[@romysv]

I''ve felt that way my whole life. Mid 20s I was assessed for adhd and got a diagnosis and now I'm trying to find the courage to go through the process again but for autism. Big hugs

[@lavernevictoriacarol4531]

As a 58-yr old with almost identical sociological challenges - minus the eye contact difficulty - I am so thankful that Kassandra (and others in her age bracket) FINALLY have the resources to get the proper treatment for the correct diagnosis. In days gone by, we suffered under the stigma of ‘flighty’, ‘wishy-washy’, ‘has potential but…’, ‘needs to focus on her studies during classroom time’, etc. As an ‘80’s kid - born in the 60’s and raised by 18-yr olds - I became the following: 1) a chameleon; 2) a people pleaser; 3) angry, confused, flawed, frustrated, hopeless, judged, misunderstood/misdiagnosed, labeled, lost, pathetic, unforgiven, etc.; 4) a ‘non-me’ made up of multiple external identities with no cohesive identity. Like Kassandra, the complication of having autoimmune disease (in my case multiple and not diagnosed until mid-thirties), makes EVERYTHING worse! I have gone on too long, but my heart goes out to this young lady…I feel her struggle - the down-in-the trenches kind that only poetry, art, (safe) self-expression can ease. The need to ‘gear-up’ for ANY outside activity and the necessity for decompression time afterwards are things that affect me on a daily basis. And over the years, it has perplexed me as to why the medical profession distinguishes between ‘mental’ health concerns and ‘physical’ health concerns - last I checked, our brain was part of the rest of my body…⚓️🙏🫶🏼🕊️

[@emilyolsen3916]

Kassondra you did a great job in your interview. I appreciate what you had to share. I’m so happy you were able to get a proper diagnosis! I watched my brother fight the battle with meds and all their side effects, he went through something, was taken off if so many meds, and became such a different person, so I can imagine what you went through. ❤

[@DPortain]

I would love to sit for a whole day and listen to Kassondra's story. She seems lovely to hang out with.

[@acediaethos4469]

crying my eyes out watching this. my psychiatrist and i decided to send the referral for an autism assessment today. i think i'm finally going to get some answers

[@warmandpugly]

I so so hope you get some answers ❤ getting my late diagnosis has changed my life. I empathise completely.

[@acediaethos4469]

@@warmandpugly oh my love this means so much to me 🥰 i am so glad it changed things for you and i am so glad you exist the way you are ❤️

[@warmandpugly]

@@acediaethos4469 right back at you ❤️ we are enough just as we are and anything that helps us accept ourselves more is such a bonus. Keep smiling ☺️

[@acediaethos4469]

@@warmandpugly i'm grinning like mad right now!! proud of you, proud of us ❤️

[@ThePianistPlayer]

Thank you so much for sharing. I also have autism, but was misdiagnosed and treated for borderline for 10 years, before they discovered that I don't have borderline, but I have autism. I'm still on medication which helps, and things are starting to make more sense with the autism diagnosis. It's scary how easy it is to diagnose someone from one test and not doing a full on investigation. I'm 30 years old and got the autism diagnosis two years ago. It has really been a struggle...

[@Catlily5]

I was misdiagnosed with BPD (borderline) until I was diagnosed with bipolar. I recently got diagnosed with autism.

[@Crimsondream01]

I am a late diagnosed woman, I was diagnosed six years ago, as a woman in my 40s know I can relate how important this is

[@sufidancer77]

This actually made me cry. Very similar story, including the misdiagnoses and the EDS. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@Yinyara]

Same here, although I'm not diagnosed with autism, I'm in treatment right now for C-PTSD, but they think I might have Inattentive ADHD as well. I've had depressions and anxiety most of my life and am diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder. Somehow a lot of people with EDS (in my case also the hyper mobile type) have either ADHD or autism or a combination.

[@CLCIII]

What a beautiful person. I can't imagine what it was like for her to go through what she has been through. Hoping that the future becomes a happier and more comfortable place for you. As Always, May God Bless you and yours! 😇

[@CatsandHatsCrochet]

As a late diagnosed autistic person, this was so validating. Thank you so much for being vulnerable and sharing your story ❤

[@Mia_Waiting]

The BEST channel on KZbin.

[@C-24-Brandan]

Thank you so much for allowing her to have a safe space & platform to tell, explain and lay out her story! Really good she's getting the proper care, off the wrong medications & able to be herself finally. Really appreciate your channel Chris, for all the good it does, platform and safe space it provides for people and place people trying to understand a diagnosis can go to watch and learn as well!

[@SARogCol]

Such an amazing woman! Brilliant personality! My son is awaiting diagnosis for Autism (hes only 6) so seeing different things regarding autism really helps. Chris, you are simply amazing with how you are with everyone. You really are a true pure soul.

[@Hadaria-Starseed]

A wonderful interview! Thank you 🙏💙✨ What an amazing young woman

[@SpeedyGrama]

I am 54 and learned I am autistic at 51. I also was treated for the wrong thing. I think you explained Autism very well. Don't worry you did great. Thank you for bringing this to everyone. It helps so much to explain it when I have examples to show people and to verify that I am ok. Thanks again

[@SFayeLewis]

Sue!

[@MightyTheWolf]

This channel is truly beautiful. I'm a person with Mild Intellectual disability. I got the diagnosis as a child but didn't accept it before i was around 25, because of the stigma it brings with it. I also have been struggling with depression from a very early age and that's something that made it very hard to be social as I isolated myself (something I do, but to a much lesser extent today). For me antidepressants was a huge help to become more social, but it's not a magic pill and I still do have very heavy depressions.. My issue with my diagnosis is that it's very hard for people to actually tell that I'm "different", and that might sound like a relief but in reality it's very hard on me because it also meant that I felt like I was hiding who I really was.. This week I finally got an internship at a store and it was very big relief since I've been out of a job for years at this point and I hope to be able to get a job out of this internship. I've seen a few videos of this channel and I just have to thank you Chris Ulmer for these videos. It's really good to see and hear other people with different diagnosis talk about it. It's such a stigma in society about disabilities and you help make it more approachable!

[@jessthegardener]

Congratulations on getting your internship!

[@JerkingOffJoker]

There’s no way you have a intellectual disability.

[@Shnecko]

She's a beautiful soul

[@giacomogranzotto]

What a great testimony! Thank you Kassondra, I have been edified by your words, so spontaneous and truthful…you are an amazing person. Thank you and God bless you 🙌

[@zoe.wilhelmina]

I'm a late diagnosis person as well and was diagnosed with hEDS the same year :( stories like hers are so important, thank you for sharing 💕

[@z0neth]

I relate to her SO much, videos like these hit me so deeply. She and everyone else here are stronger than they think ❤

[@1NOIAM]

This video is so good to see, thank you so much.🙏🕊️

[@billjoseph676]

I really like these videos. I suffered from horrible anxiety issues all my life and as a kid growing up in the 80's it wasn't really diagnosed as anxiety. After having one of my kids diagnoses as being non neurotypical, I started looking back and my self and started seeing all the similar behaviours we share. Now I'm not diagnosed, but I really believe that if I were to be I would also be autistic. These videos show how easy it can be to not be diagnosed with something, but misdiagnosed instead. I was always told I had stomach issues. But my stomach issues were a symptom of my anxieties. My anxieties were triggered by outside stimuli I couldn't understand at the time. Certain sounds, textures and smells.

[@Catlily5]

I was diagnosed with autism at age 47.

[@outlaw565]

Kassondra, thank you for sharing your story you educated me so much. You can express yourself and journey far better than most people by far. You communicate very well. I find that most people are incapable of expressing anything intelligent these days.

[@7timsch]

Thank you, Kassondra! Your sharing is incredibly helpful. My son is autistic, at an aprox. level of 1.5. He's 10 years old and I see a lot of the things you're talking about on a daily basis. As a 10yo, he can't quite put into words some of the difficulties with anxiety and excitement that you were brave enough to share, and it's beyond valuable as a parent to have that insight. I still catch myself telling to "stop crying because __ isn't that big of a deal" I'm trying, but at times I can't help feel that it's a 10yo overreacting. Hearing your story has taught me that there is quite a bit of neurodiversity at work, that it's not just him. He's the first in our family to be diagnosed with autism so we're learning everything on the fly. Your interview is invaluable. Thank you again for sitting with the anxiety and sharing; it's making a difference.

[@clairmackenzie8300]

SNAP!!! Just over a minute in and already like for like, albeit I was a lot older before my BP diagnosis was given… thankfully for me I am intolerant of ALOT of medications and so refused to take antipsychotics…!! I have been diagnosed as ASD, ADHD, OCD & CPTSD….!! Sending love from the UK 💋

[@denisegilbertson5555]

My 25 year old son has Aspergers and I always described it to people like this: imagine most of the world is like Windows, it’s the predominant operating system on most computers, and having Aspergers is like using iOS or other operating system. There isn’t anything wrong they just operate differently. Also, being direct about your diagnosis and needs with neurotypical people is helpful, in my opinion, because then I can try to accommodate your needs in order to make and maintain a connection with you. I find Autistic people to be the most interesting and truly genuine people.

[@amandahankins2731]

Perfect explanation!

[@MagnoliaPantherWoman]

Agreed. I'm neurodivergent since 2017 and started telling most professionals I deal with at the start of every conversation until they're used to it. I have it written down for doctors because it's faster for them to read it than me trying to say it. Otherwise people interpret my pause as being done speaking. And I don't remember everything I need to say. My current doctors appreciate that and my 3-page medical summary. Only one dr refused to read it and he was abusive anyway. I literally walked out and told them not to bill my insurance.

[@BronwenMcLaren]

That's a great metaphor! I feel like windows is more autistic than iOS though 😂

[@xragdoll5662]

Asperger’s isn’t a thing anymore. Doctors will tell you that. They just used the term ASD

[@catherinegrace7999]

​@@xragdoll5662 Found out today why we don't like the term & stick w/ Level 1,2,3 Autism 🖤Hans Asperger is suspected of sending disabled children to Nazi's for termination. Evil

[@me-fx5yj]

I have cptsd adhd and was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. So I get it. The medication is not for people that do not have bipolar disorder. ❤ glad you figured out what the drs misdiagnosed. My daughter 12 yrs old has autism. Much love sweetheart!!! Xo

[@ai965]

It depends on which one. Lamictal is a mood stabilizer that is also an anti-convulsant for people with epilepsy.

[@Catlily5]

​​@@ai965 Many epilepsy medications are also used for bipolar.

[@HelenaW999]

So many things to love in this thread interview! I love how they seem to deeply respect and admire each other, even though their beliefs are different. I also loved the interviewer’s bewilderment at why people wouldn’t make such a simple accommodation as not looking someone in the eye while talking.

[@MsMarvaS79]

This was an amazing interview, so many teachers parents’normal’ people need to see this. Thank you for sharing! ❤❤❤

[@keithtaylor6259]

I'm autistic and next year i will be 70 , when i was alot younger i had a bad temper and i heard voices in my head and i saw myself in different places and different situations and i would flap my lips alot and sound like a motorboat people used to make fun of me , sometimes i still experiance it all except i have better control of my irish/Indian temper now , the lord raised me i was at church more than i was home i got saved 9 10 , 1972 , i may have autism but i was Army field Artillery 15 years a landscaper 25 years assistant manager at a condo building 6 years now I'm retired , i hope this helps , that woman in the video is absolutely ADORABLE ! " ❤❤🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹💋💋😗🎶

[@bambi.j.15]

This interview is incredibly comforting. While I do not have an official autism diagnosis, I strongly believe that I have it. However I've been misdiagnosed and improperly medicated as bipolar two separate times. I felt that both times drove me chemically insane too (once to the point of dropping out of college), which is why I have since not sought out further psychiatric diagnosis. The medication hurt me far more than it ever helped. Thank you for sharing your story ❤ I appreciate this so much.

[@Heathernd]

Holistic care is so important. Bless this woman.

[@leifhedegard3722]

Big Thank You! Kassondra for being so open and "unmasked" helping me understand. Also for both: being so nice, making such a friendly atmosphere. A lovely interview!

[@Lingboysc2]

this is one of the most beautiful souls I've ever been lucky enough to witness. Thank you for this episode!

[@leorduran]

i had the same experience, being treated for years for bipolar/affective disorders when my core issue was, in fact, ADHD, despite performing very well academically and not showing behavioral symptoms of hyperactivity. since being on meds and doing CBT my depression symptoms improved enormously, and so have my executive disfunction challenges, so I have finally started to actually live instead of barely surviving. I also relate to her description of how masking took a toll on her. I am learning to unmask and advocate for myself, but, as someone who was bullied as a teen, that is a huge task.

[@britty23]

I was put on an antipsychotic medication for anxiety and panic disorder before getting diagnosed with ADHD when I was 31. The antipsychotic made me gain weight like crazy and I felt like a zombie 24/7. I'm now on a stimulant meficstion and have never been better. My anxiety was a symptom of ADHD. Being misdiagnosed, especially as a woman, is so common unfortunately.

[@kelss23]

ESPECIALLY with adhd. I’ve had the same experience as you and i know how bad antipsychotics suck and then I later got diagnosed with adhd after no other medicine worked for me. Doctors will say it’s just our hormones and the fact girls r more common to have inattentive adhd makes it even harder for us to really figure out what’s going on.

[@jakeb2008]

You are doing such a service to the world with these interviews. Coming from a late diagnosed Neurodivergent family that has been life changing for my children, me and my family. You are providing an education for all steeped in sincerity and wrapped in genuine compassion

[@AkuraTheAwesome]

Thank you Kossondra, you helped me realise I'm not alone. I'm someone with severe ADHD who was first misdiagnosed and medicated as bipolar. This is the first time in my life that I've heard someone else went through it too. Thank you so much, I feel so much more free!

[@tysonskaggs5290]

I love these stories, it just goes to show how much diverse peoples challenges can be! I myself have a form of autism and I was embarrassed about it for most of my life. I always told my parents I just want to live a normal life, but overtime I’ve come to embrace my autism as well as my depression and anxiety because it’s was makes me, me! ❤ all of the people you interviewed are such an inspiration for me! This wonderful young woman, who is also my age, is a wonderful example! Keep doing what you’re doing! There are a few stories I can relate too! Maybe one day I’ll share my own!

[@hannahj8099]

I could relate so heavily with Kassondra, even with the hEDS diagnosis. Very grateful for this channel. ❤

[@Copper48]

I can relate so much to the Autistic traits she talked about. ❤ Thank you for sharing your story and your faith.

[@shannonm75]

I was diagnosed at 41 in 2016. No one could diagnose me with anything but depression and anxiety but then I had a doctor that was thorough but I have been extremely socially inadequate my whole life and couldn't seem to change it. I didn't have many friends because they thought I was "shy". But I know now what it is and I am masking less and want to be non apologetic and transparent. I wear earplugs around loud places and when I sleep. Eye contact is difficult and sometimes selective.

[@pika23]

Omg really??? I'm going to ask my psychiatrist about a referral for an evaluation.

[@ラッセル9728]

this guy is an angel on earth. i just love his personality. Man the world needs more people like him.

[@solodad7999]

Outstanding interview, very educational and thank you both for putting this out there. Being direct is always the best way to be.