are you an undiagnosed autistic? (sage sessions #6)

[@joygibbons5482]

Was undiagnosed until 11 days ago. Now identified at the age of 66. It explains so very much and feels like being reborn in some ways. Lots of processing to do.

[@Peter_S_]

Congratulations. So much will fall into place and make sense. Welcome to understanding.

[@joygibbons5482]

@@Peter_S_ Thank you

[@ginahernandez1209]

Good for you. 🎉 I'm quite curious about myself, only recently diagnosed with ADHD 59, now at 61, many tell me don't look for a label. But for myself, I just want to know makes am it makes sense about a lot of things throughout my life. Take care of yourself and delight in YOU❤

[@vulvaavenger5832]

Identified at 60. Life makes so much more sense now

[@beautifullifesageg.3951]

I self-diagnosed a year and a half ago at 54. I understand what you feel deeply.

[@ellisd77]

Haven't gone for a diagnosis, but positive that I am.

[@andreas3330]

Just diagnosed Level 1 ASD three days ago. 46 years old. I didn't expect all the emotions that I'm experiencing while processing.

[@Iamfrancelys]

Feels like you're describing me to a T, Dr Sage! I was finally diagnosed with ADHD like two years ago, and self diagnosed autistic a year ago. It's been definitely a journey.

[@alisonwhite9588]

Thank you! This has helped me to confirm my self-diagnosis (which I constantly question - of course). ❤

[@beautifullifesageg.3951]

I’m self-diagnosed too. I feel that my world has opened AND closed at the same time.

[@hollygF1M]

There are a lot of youtube speakers. If the more you listen, the more things resonate, then you may question your self-diagnosis less. Autism from the inside, mark hutten, orion kelly momonthespectrum… t.a.g.

[@alisonwhite9588]

@@hollygF1M absolutely agree! The more I've listened to, the deeper I've delved, the greater my confidence in my self-diagnosis. Validation! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@crimsonmoth]

Hmm… I never thought of myself as autistic, but I can relate to a lot of these. I get overstimulated by too many things going on at the same time. I worked in a grocery store and had high anxiety/regular panic attacks due to a lot of things happening all at once around me: bright lights, music playing, announcements over the paging system, phones ringing, people pushing carts all around and asking questions, etc. I also get obsessed over any current interests, and anything that interests me at all means I’m going to research it and learn everything I can about it. I do that with everything. I also isolate a lot and enjoy my routines. I don’t have a lot of friends, but partly that is because I’m very selective and like to be alone more and work on my projects. So this is very interesting. But then I wonder, are these symptoms/traits from autism or is it from trauma? (I’ve had a lot of trauma and long-term, ongoing stress) Or, am I just an introverted empath? Very interesting topic!, thanks for the video!

[@beautifullifesageg.3951]

I understand this so much. I’m a school teacher and feel the same way. I self-diagnosed 18 months ago…changed the context of how I live my life. ❤

[@crimsonmoth]

@@beautifullifesageg.3951 I can see this. Being a school teacher with possible autism could be very challenging/triggering. Funny thing is, I currently work as a lunch lady at an elementary school now, and it is working out well for me because I mostly work independently and in my own head for most of the time, with just an hour of pure chaos when the kids come in to line up for food. And somehow that pure chaos doesn't bother me or trigger any anxiety because I adore the kids so much. But again, it's only for an hour that they come in and shuffle through. Thanks for your reply, I hope your self-diagnosis has helped you with a new perspective and new tools to cope with the anxieties of these symptoms. And I hope you love your job... being a teacher in today's world must be very challenging.❤

[@YamileYemoonyah]

I think she made a video explaining the difference between autism and trauma and being an HSP

[@crimsonmoth]

@@YamileYemoonyah Oh that's great, thank you! I will look that up.

[@pennylane5432]

Are we the same person?! 😂also I currently work in a grocery store managing the frozen dept. And yes to allll of that! I’m currently looking for a new job.

[@tkgosselin]

I was diagnosed at 54 as mod to severe ADHD and CPTSD. After watching this I am now concerned about being on the Autism spectrum as well. How do I get a proper diagnosis? I have kept a scab on my outer knee for the past 2 years and will constantly rub my finger over it, I think this is not self harm issue as they have said but a self soothing mechanism. I hate loud anything, I hate bright anything, I hate tags or clothes that are not soft. I burn out so frequently after work everyday, I work in a busy medical practice, I hate small talk, i hate certain foor textures, etc. I am kinda freaking out right now! I can't handle the ADHD and C PTSD now😢

[@Kryssstals]

The problem is a lot of professionals doing the diagnosing do not have any knowledge of autism and will misdiagnose. I was diagnosed with CPTSD and it was autism. Look up the DSM criteria for both to get a better understanding. There are also infographics with the overlap if you search on google. :)

[@sharonaumani8827]

I live in the US and am now on Medicare. I had to pay out of pocket and it can commonly cost up to 4 or 5 thousand dollars. My ASD diagnosis cost me $2K, but I had already spent $3k trying to get help figuring it out, resulting in only my ADHD diagnosis [that I already knew/figured out during peri-menopause, when my lifetime of skills I utilized were breaking down], when I was really wanting to get to the bottom of "this other thing I couldn't figure out" because our DSM is so lacking. Through desperate persistence, I was able to find Dr. Benjamin Neeley who specializes in adults only, differentiating between ADHD, OCD, and autism. He is licensed to do assessments via the internet in several states. I was so disappointed with my first assessment. When I questioned about some things, I was told, "Don't worry about what comes from where."

[@sharonaumani8827]

@@Kryssstals Yes, great infographics. Check out Megan Anna Neff, PhD, for example.

[@notinvogue4287]

Working on myself for healthy relationships. I think I'm on the spectrum for sure. Been dealing with all this almost to the T. Been dealing with trauma, c-ptsd I think it's called. I finally found my person and have been really trying to work on myself. Plus, he waited to ask me out and in between that time a few traumatizing events happened, which triggered me and exposed a lot of my issues. He's very understanding and supportive through my healing and discovery. We're in our 40's and learning barely now we both may be on the spectrum.

[@suzannetunnicliffe2422]

Thank you for your video. I'm going to save it and re-listen and try to make notes/diary to do a plan of action.

[@catherineburton3988]

I really enjoy your videos, they are so helpful.

[@flyygurl18]

Awesome video Dr Kim! There’s still so many of us undiscovered 🖖🏾

[@ArnoldJamesXT]

Diagnosed this year at 42. I think a good way to describe autistic people is by saying we are "Accurate and precise thinking people living in an inaccurate and imprecise world". Like the brain is subconsciously thinking that there are exact and specific ways of doing things that you don't know how. The allistic brain seems to be more fluid thinking in this regard. A lot of the problems we have are really just side effects due to this mode of thinking.

[@Daily_Bread84]

It's i teresting about friends. None of my friends dropped me nor I them but it sort fizzled out. And I am not good at checking in on people.

[@PCMenten]

Thanks for raising visibility to this matter. I think you’re right about the prevalence of the syndrome.

[@kayjay-kreations]

Syndrome? Neurotype.

[@Leathurkatt]

As a child, I was passed from doctor to doctor and being given the "flavor of the month" diagnosis, none of which were actually what was going on. The general consensus was that there's something wrong with me but they refused to test for ASD because "that's a boys only thing"... 🤨🙄😒🤦‍♀️

[@Leathurkatt]

Point 1. Eye contact is very hit or miss and I tend to avoid it (all my life my mother assumed that I'm always lying because of that). Relationships, whether friends or romantic has always been hard to sustain (especially when they decide to get mad at me but refuse to tell me why because "You know what you did!" Ugh!!!). I have a handful of friends that have stuck around and most of them are ASD. Gee, go figure... Point 2. Sensory sensitivity is a big thing for me, especially light, sound, and touch, as well as other senses. My mother calls me a mole because I won't use lights brighter than 40 watt or equivalent (often preferring small touch lamps or Christmas lights over anything else) so my house is often darker than she likes. I also have a lot of soft fuzzy blankets and pillows and stuffed animals, and all my coats and jackets have smooth satin lining in the sleeves. I'm also a self described audiophile and listen to a lot of things besides music (and I listen to a lot of music and I'm very picky about what music I like). As for smell and taste, there are definitely certain foods I absolutely cannot eat and cannot bear the smell of. The smell of coffee makes me want to sneeze, I cannot eat things like beans (wet chalk ewww), organ meats (grainy and rancid taste 🤢), wet bread of any kind (tastes like vomit), and such... Point 3. My main fixations are science and pop culture areas (too many to list here) and I REALLY get into them in major deep dives. One stimming behavior I've done for as long as I can remember is rubbing two layers of satin fabric between my fingers (thus why all my jackets have satin lined sleeves). I actually keep a nylon shell sleeping bag across the head of my bed so I can rub it when I go to sleep (and sometimes do so in my sleep, not just while I'm awake). Not sure if it's a stim, but all my life (including in the womb) I randomly stretch full length like a cat all the time to the point of vocalizing during the stretch. 🤷‍♀️ Hyperfocus and hyperfixation on things is definitely a thing with me, for sure, and perfectionism omg... I get overly frustrated with myself if I don't get it right the first time or if things get messed up. 😤

[@Leathurkatt]

Point 4. Executive Function? What's that? LOL Yeah, me and time management are not friends... Yes, I can be very organized, but that's because when I get started on a task don't you DARE interrupt me until it's done. Having to stop for bodily functions and food drives me a bit crazy and is really frustrating... On the one hand, I lose track of time a lot, yet somehow I can track cooking time while doing something else (I can multitask like crazy). I have no idea... Point 5. Empathic, very much so. To the point my body physically reacts to seeing someone fall and hit the ground on TV as if I were the one who fell. I'm also very hyper vigilant of my surroundings to the point my mind can conjure visions of bad accidents happening before they can happen, which leads into me having serious anxiety issues and at one point I was labeled as Bipolar and later labeled with BPD, neither of which are things I have. Point 6. All my life I have been the outcast among outcasts because I was seen as too weird or odd or strange or whatever... So yeah...

[@iloveFreedom.]

​@@Leathurkatt wow ❤you seem really self aware, thankyou for your share . I have loAds of furry blankets 😊and jumpers ...even if I'm not wearing them, nearby, like a cat😂

[@iloveFreedom.]

​​@@Leathurkatt crikey I was told I had blinking bi polar too.. I bet loads of people suffer from being gaslit by gps etc even when you tEll then what your energies are doin! Hypocrates would turn in his grave, they need to take a deep dive on themselves 🙃🕯😂 Don't b hard on yourself ...it's an order ❤

[@Leathurkatt]

@iloveFreedom. LOL I've had to do a lot of internal work like that because my masking ended up being so bad that at 14 years old, my mother and I went into a therapist's office and he said it was like the same person walked into the room twice. I was mirroring my mother to the point of being her literal double! That was when I forced myself to figure out myself and who I am separate from my mother (the only constant adult in my life since I was 8). Because of this, I had to unlearn all of her bad habits... 😣😵‍💫🤦‍♀️

[@schutzenhaus]

I’ve wondered, but I do have an ADHD diagnosis and I think that explains my quirks well enough. I wonder sometimes if ADHD is going to be lumped in with autism the way Asperger’s was.

[@sharonaumani8827]

There is so much they don't know about attention disorders, and so many things, like "Auditory Processing Disorder", "Imposter Syndrome", "Sensory Processing Disorder", "Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome", and on and on, that are not yet recognized in our DSM.

[@reallifewithkids6913]

Thank you so much for your channel. I now have the direction and energy to find out what I have.

[@katefernstrom2490]

Number 1 is one I’ve ALWAYS struggled with. As the oldest child in a Navy family that moved frequently I knew something was wrong with me because I was the only one who struggled to make or keep friends. Somehow or another even if I easily made a friend it never lasted while my sisters and brother easily made and kept long term friendships. Chaos made me super anxious and I remember being called Niagara Tears in fourth grade only to discover years later that while nothing was overt my parents marriage was in its ☠️ throes. I’ve been low key depressed and/or anxious since my early teens and while I’ve never seen the early records when my mother sent me to doctors for my angry acting out during the revolving door of people in and out of our house when I was a teen I’d bet money that there’s a BPD diagnosis in there somewhere. None of the usual Rx have touched any of it. I can’t tolerate noisy environments and have had trouble in jobs where lots of talking and office noise was distracting to the point of having to walk away and yes I’ve had people tell me “before I knew you better I thought you were such a B…”. I pretty much expect people to leave me/drop our friendship once I’m no longer of use to someone. So many things. I have my first appointment in a long time with a psych doctor next week and I am not sure how to bring this up without getting dismissed/told “everyone is these days.” I wouldn’t know what to do with it even there were an official diagnosis. I’m 66. What difference does it make anyway? My life is just what it is now. Limited. Not alone because my kids and grandkids are nearby but I even avoid my overly friendly new neighbors even though they are very nice people. I only leave my house if I need to. So many unfinished projects. So many plans I never follow through on. I might have another year or another twenty years and is it all just going to be the same? Why bother at this late date?

[@hollygF1M]

And how much $ €£ for a ‘yes’?… and how will that yes change things?

[@tiasims7737]

For one thing a legal diagnosis of autism will help you get disability with social Security. There are other organizations that help as well. I'm looking for a job with a company that has a special section for autistic people.

[@sharonaumani8827]

@@hollygF1M It helped me to finally open my own eyes and accept myself and quit putting myself in horrific working situations, trying to be like everyone else, expecting to "get it" when I cannot. It's very individual. To those who told me, "Don't worry about what comes from where" have no f------- clue what that feels like! I have been invalidated my whole life and was continuing to be. It doesn't matter, to me, that it doesn't make a difference in my treatment or I am "too old" to benefit from any sort of "accommodations". It matters to my psyche, my authenticity, to know who I really am and why I have struggled all these years. Even though others may not accept that diagnosis in me, it helps me to understand my life and have self compassion.

[@sharonaumani8827]

@@tiasims7737 "will help you get disability with social Security" ....What a joke! Good luck with that.

[@DollyBaby81]

As you were listening to some of the difficulties with executive functioning like, a dirty house, dishes in the sink, laundry piled up, and bills needing to be paid, I’m standing in my kitchen looking at the sink full of yesterday's dirty dishes, my piled up laundry in front of the laundry machine, my phone and water bills sitting in the counter, and my messy dining room table cluttered with crafts and electronics!!! lol all the while I'm wondering…🤔 How does she do that?!?😂

[@josephmartin1540]

You said, "We." Therefore, I just subscribed. You DO "get it," through whatever means. Undiagnosed since the 5th or 6th grade [Late 1960s] when I found the then criteria for Asperger's... have known and studied ever since. My nickname at school was "Spock." Thank you!!!

[@sharonaumani8827]

You would probably enjoy "Young Sheldon" [Netflix, Max] :)

[@User-kd9ij]

This is gonna be a different opinion, but I wonder if autism can be triggered by narcissistic abuse. Even the symptoms of autism makes sense for narcissistic abuse because don’t we have to be constantly on high alert when we are around a narcissist so it would make sense that our senses are heightened. Also narcissists don’t make sense in their behavior so it makes sense that we wouldn’t understand regular social cues. Also not sure if you’ve ever tried to make conversation with a narcissist as a child but my father would either ignore me or say something extremely rude if I asked him a question so the only way to communicate would be by giving a monologue lol. Not sure if I read this somewhere or if it was an original thought but I said it lol. I am autistic and have suffered narcissistic abuse.

[@e4m7g6]

And let's not forget the parallel universe where we are all autism and must get diagnosed as human.

[@nannywhumpers5702]

Check, check, check, are you in my mind? I didn't realize until my husband was on deaths door, two days before he passed I told him I thought I might be on the spectrum and he was like Yeah, no kidding and gave me some examples I had not thought of. I need to get a diagnosis and maybe get some help cause oof it's been a super rough year. Edit: My biggest outcome was giving myself a break after his passing.

[@nyuuuchan]

I just started a diagnostic process for ADHD, instead after the first interview the professional suggested to look into ASD instead. Apparently not everyone is mute when meeting strangers or graduates a year early to escape class. 😶

[@JimmiAlli]

Thank you so much for this. I think this information also helps men. ❤

[@sharonaumani8827]

@@JimmiAlli Absolutely. Even though autism could look different "for women", it isn't limited to that gender.

[@tiasims7737]

@PCmenton I just found out that there is an abundance of people on the spectrum in the engineering field. I'm an engineer and now that I'm aware of this, when I look around me at work it's astonishing.

[@sharonaumani8827]

Lots of musicians, too :)

[@tiasims7737]

​​​@@sharonaumani8827 yes! I'm a musician too. A whole lot of people I know in this field are musicians. Kind of makes sense because music theory is mathematical. It takes an OCD type of focus to perform well. Many years ago several decades, a counselor told me that I'm OCD. But he went on to say that in my field, that's a good thing because I was writing mission critical code and it could not have any mistakes or someone could get killed. 😬

[@HrKontraer]

hi, really great video, thanks! 🙂 paragraphs would be a great help; I loose track all the time 🙂

[@febgetsfit]

Very helpful. Thank you. 🥰

[@pennylane5432]

I relate to all of these signs minus the “taking everything literally”.

[@bengisusens]

Perfect 🥹🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@cathywarriner]

Thank you 😊

[@Okami404]

Including myself 🦢🐦🐧

[@doveatpeace7067]

Hi KIm, I wonder how many people diagnosed and undiagnosed are womb twin survivors. So many of the traits are similar, re creating the trauma in the womb until its healed, living for two or more people at once. VERY interesting subject people may want to look into. 1 in 8 to 10 people are womb twin survivors and may not know yet the body and consciousness remember. Hope this helps someone : )

[@JustMyAutisticalities]

Thank you so much Dr. Sage. This is a very affirmative video that kindly directs attention to things that an undiagnosed autistic person may be experiencing. One point I find very fitting to my experience is difficulties in emotional regulation and hypervigilance. I am diagnosed with CPTSD, ADHD and have a very low scored BPD diagnosis (which pains me so much because I feel misdiagnosed and not seen). My doctors gave me a suspected diagnosis of ASD but not an official diagnosis yet. What I find hard to explain and understand is my excellent ability to identify, interpret and understand the feelings, mimic and body language of others in general but only if I am not directly involved (observer's perspective) but am so bad when I am directly involved/ affected. Is this a common ASD experience or maybe something else? I score high on the EQ because of my ability towards others and extremely low when it comes to my own feelings and emotions. For my own emotions and feelings I benefit greatly from emotion and need charts with illustrations of where one can feel these in the body. Then I can scan through my body sensations (I am highly sensitive to my inner body sensations and changes) and compare them to the illustrations and see what emotion they would point to. Then ask myself if I can relate and often then realize what the true emotion probably is. But I only have these difficulties with myself. Not when assessing others. I cannot find any information on this presentation and would be grateful for any pointers and info you or others could give me on this matter 🙏🏻 Thank you again for your very valuable and helpful work!!!

[@mae.lll7778]

Mine is genealogy. . .I have a hard time knowing how to say sayings most people know how to say. I have frequent meltdowns when I know I have to be in public places and I work at a big retail chain and won't happens almost Everytime I have to work.

[@Muchaspass]

Living your best Life Endless Possibilities Dr.Sage refresh outlook makes it memorable Infused with a bright New Day Kimberly Reenergized And Ready To Take On The Day Scottsdale Arizona is I A Fresh Start Can't seem to choose where to be Comfy in the US?

[@amandazplace5663]

Wow! I check ALL the boxes!! I've always been able to juggle a lot of tasks, very high functioning. But, to achieve this, I selfmedicate with high sugar food.

[@sharonaumani8827]

I never thought I was autistic [nor would anyone else] because I didn't struggle with eye contact or with picking up social cues [in fact, quite the opposite], though I struggle with reciprocity when speaking and awkwardness among groups of people. I have so many mixed traits and overlap, I really needed to see someone who specializes in differentiating between ADHD, OCD, and autism in adults. Only then could I fully accept it. It is so incredibly frustrating as I have a lot of short term memory issues that, along with my slow processing, makes it impossible for me to speak in public [or even when I know i am being recorded]. I also have to relook info up to be able to spit it back out to support myself, for example. People would say, "You should write." But they have no idea what it is like to weed everything out to get to sometimes even just a paragraph. I never had any speaking delays growing up, that I know of. However, I have always felt like, when I am trying to explain something, particularly when feeling any distress, it's especially upsetting [as well as humiliating] because I feel like I can't verbally express myself or get the words out "right", like I jumble my words and cannot think. I truly don't know how I ever made it this far in life [and nearly didn't]. On the outside, I got through school, I've lived on my own, I have a house and have lived a responsible life [no kids, thank God, as I couldn't have managed!]. But my life was absolute hell. At 65 [in the US], the only thing that is keeping me going now is that I no longer have to put myself in the horrifically torturous environments that kept me in overdrive and constant fear and shame. I think you [Kim] are the first content creator I came across that introduced the idea of ADHD and autism and I remember having lost interest, at that point, because I "knew" I wasn't autistic. It was the persistence of the You tube algorithm that finally caused me to deep dive and the longer I did, the more shocked [and grievous] of my life I became, but also more relieved, accepting of myself, and no longer willing to force myself in situations that overwhelm my senses "to survive" [financially] and trying to beat into myself something that does not exist within me, no matter how hard I try.

[@SheilahAragon-g1p]

Dr. Kim, you inspire me. I'm certain I am. Where does one go to get diagnosed?

[@e4m7g6]

Sorry, I am not Dr. Kim, but if you are in the United States, the APTC has a list of member clinics with psychologists in training. It is a great way to get assessed and save money.

[@tiasims7737]

I would suggest just go to Google and type in autism testing in your area. Also, Dr. Sage listed a website.

[@symbiotesully]

Im 27 in australia, trying to figure out what my issue is, but getting tested and diagnosed is much more stressful than it needs to be, to the point where its unfair...

[@shaimizu]

I can relate to quite a few of these but I don't have any strong specific interests. I have a problem with lack of interest.

[@neurodiversityalumni]

Great video

[@MaiToi100]

Ok wait now this is describing me to a T. The overhead light thing is me! I can’t take too harsh or bright artificial light, too many sounds happening at once. Social situations drain me, the tone of some voices and certain smells are overwhelming… the list goes on. 😮

[@fuschiadea]

The mismatched skills 100%: my partner thinks he has ADHD. He checks all the work boxes, but the house is a mess. We're perfect for each other because I can't work with neurodivergent burnout and comorbidities, so I clean house. It gives me a sense of control and is the one normal thing I can do.

[@ceceliamadden6329]

Where does an adult get testing for autism? I’m in the San Diego area.

[@LexiAngel91]

Look for a neuropsychologist who has experience diagnosing autism, esp one who is familiar with how autism presents in someone with your gender identity.

[@e4m7g6]

SDSU Center for Autism --> Clinical Services.

[@sharonaumani8827]

I mention another option in one of my responses @ Dr. Benjamin Neeley, Phd.

[@tj5339]

How do you know if it's autism versus complex ptsd? Are there a lot of overlaps in traits among different types of neurodivergent people?

[@tiasims7737]

Is there any recourse having autism and being fired at your job? Is there a state or federal entity that I would complain to?

[@tiasims7737]

Dr. Sage, please list that website again. The one where you can go to take tests and if you score a certain value, they invite you to get a diagnosis. Sorry I can't recall the name of the website. I know it's in one of your posts but I don't know which post.😅

[@AlecJohn-c5o]

Howdy. I am not diagnosed as being on the spectrum but back in 2005 I came across a website on "Nonverbal Learning Disorder" and in dialogue with forum members I finally thought I had found what I had been battling my whole life. (age 36 then....54 now). I wanted to find out about an official diagnosis so after much hassle I finally got an appointment with a Neuro Psych and went in for testing. However in Australia NVLD is not recognized as a disorder and in the words of the Neuro Psych NVLD was just a hokey American invention and he felt that American specialists were overly "label happy" and were diagnosing things that don't exist. I left that appointment completely deflated and withdrew from the online forum as the Neuro Psych made me feel stupid for even being there. For what it's worth, my Neuro test showed impairment in all visual spatial tests and above average intelligence in verbal and written communication. ....so in other words my brain is functionally asymmetrical. (that is what NVLD is supposed to be) Question. Do you have any info or input about NVLD? Is it a non entity or could it perhaps be another part of the Autism spectrum?? Best wishes.

[@sharonaumani8827]

I am American, but I have never heard of "Nonverbal Learning Disorder". I don't believe I have ever come across that in our DSM or heard the term used. Maybe it is an outdated reference.

[@AlecJohn-c5o]

@@sharonaumani8827 I know there was some debate at the time over whether it was simply another variant of the Autism Spectrum. It's main manifestation is impairment in the visual spatial field whilst being overly verbose at a young age. Dyslexia is said to be an impairment of the left hemisphere whereas there is little research done on right hemisphere dysfunction and how that may impact on the young child and also going into adulthood. My knowledge of Autism spectrum disorders is very limited. In my ignorance I always though Autism was like Dustin Hoffman in Rainman. When listening to a few videos from this channel I was surprised that the woman identified as being on the spectrum....not what I was expecting. My whole life I have been clumsy and not very mechanically minded. I have had intense interests in things like weather data and geological data and confuse people by my need to spend long periods of time alone. Anyway, the NVLD was definitely a good fit for me as it addressed the visual spatial deficits quite well however it appears as though this is quite common on the spectrum as well. There is an author called Rourke who wrote quite prolifically about the subject back in the 80's/90's. Amongst young men with a Non Verbal Learning Disorder he reportedly found a suicide rate as high as 30%. This is likely since young men are often thrust into manual trades like carpentry etc which is anathema for someone with visual spatial deficits. The continued problem with repeated failure at manual tasks apparently pushed many young men into suicide. Thanks for your reply and feedback. Much appreciated.

[@majacobs]

I've watched a few of your videos (and others), and I'm still confused. There are quite a few of these symptoms that could just be ADHD and social PTSD---both of which I have. So I feel at a loss to be able to tell if I might have high masking autism as well.

[@cookiemooshi]

Crying easily

[@JamesMaynardMoreland]

like most of the viewers i was already diagnosed but maybe i need another one just to be safe you know . . . .

[@patryn36]

i highly suspect that i am autistic, the personality type is far more similar than any other. The problem with me having autistism is i do not have sensory issues as i have hear them described and i do not know what anxeity is personally even though i am aware of the definition. I have always had issues dealing with people, always noticed how different i was and am from others, and from what i can see it involves how everyone i deal with fails to listen to the word choices i make and i always attempt to make my meaning as simple as possible. I have issue with the term of overthinking

[@patryn36]

because i find most do not think at all. Had a typo cause me to post before i could get thought completed and the method i am using here does allow for editing.

[@ric9759]

I'm a bit confused. It sounds like a lot of the characteristics attributed to autism are basically normal behavior albeit a bit compulsive or excessive but don't really need to be classified as autistic. Could this be a way of categorizing what has historically been thought of a normal, although socially undesirable by those who sanction social behavior, as a more serious detrimental pyschological issue, ones that need to be controlled so as to conform to what is deemed socially acceptable? Just a thought....

[@SporeVitus]

But isn't it also symptoms for adhd? How can one know the difference?

[@mclaarson]

Im now 99% sure im autistic. The worst burn out i have ever gotten was when i was going to a city to do an exam i have newer been to. My brain locked my memory down and i couldnt remember anything lol.

[@Merial710]

How do I get diagnosed? Where do I even start?

[@tomgeorgearts]

OMG so many things you mention are triggers for me - particularly the 'smacking gums' thing that people do before they move onto the next part of a presentation/lecture. It really irritates me!! Also some peoples' mouths make tiny squishy noises when they speak. And eating sounds - yuk! Thank you.

[@bellak2140]

Most of these symptoms exist in people with CPTSD. Not the special interest part and not the having trouble understanding social cues part though. But the rest applies to CPTSD. So nobody should just assume they are autistic. Heck you may even get misdiagnosed as autistic when in reality you have CPTSD and an unregulated nervous system. Unless you can get a disability salary or some other benefit then i don't see why anyone needs such a diagnosis?

[@tiasims7737]

My Autism/ADHD/OCD/BPD causes CPTSD, no doubt about it. 😢

[@kathykonkle1097]

There is only one reason for seeking a diagnosis and that's seeking a prescription. Bad idea all around.

[@sharonaumani8827]

@@kathykonkle1097 Your opinion only.

[@philly8184]

CPTSD is highly common in Autistic individuals, as they are gaslit and mistreated nearly from birth, and due to brain structure it’s more difficult for us Autists to dump trauma during REM sleep as a neurotypical person does. An Autism diagnosis can provide validation, and self diagnosis is absolutely just as valid. It matters to know your brain is different and there’s nothing “wrong” with you!

[@sage3582]

ARE YOU ME ( my name is sage)

[@Becca0082]

Always feeling misunderstood

[@KellySmith-rj3lu]

✨🕯️🫶💫✨

[@bigcatlife]

I just wish I could find autistic women to hang out with as I do not connect with neurotypicals. It is a frustrating journey to navigate living in this world as an autistic woman. The only intelligent and intellectual conversations I have are with men.

[@karenettien8494]

All these symptoms sound like borderline personality disorder, how do you know the difference??

[@RockyMt._views]

I love your videos, but the bright white background hurts my eyes so badly. Trying to listen, but can't concentrate without watching😢😅

[@rachelr8837]

I tried for a diagnosis but the therapist (man) said I followed a conversation too well and didn't think so.😢 I disagree. There should be a brain scan that they do for this! I want a diagnosis. I have been dealing with this my whole life.

[@gregorystinette8271]

You described 99% of the general population

[@SimoneEppler]

Nope.

[@bellak2140]

Maybe not 99% of the general population but 99% of the CPTSD population ​@@SimoneEppler

[@SimoneEppler]

@@bellak2140 yep, there is a huge overlap!

[@sharonaumani8827]

You minimize and invalidate like 99% of the population....troll.

[@chelsea2711]

So disappointed to see you putting out content like this smh

[@sharonaumani8827]

WTF?!