Are You Autistic? 25 Questions To Ask Yourself! | Patron's Choice

Do you identify with these common autistic experiences? This video gives an inside look at what it's like to be on the spectrum. Is this you?
Part I - The Autism Quotient Test: Everything You Need To Know About The Online AQ Test - • The Autism Quotient Te...
Part II - Are You Undiagnosed Autistic? How To Tell If You're On The Autism Spectrum - • Are You Undiagnosed Au...
CHANNEL LINKS:
Patreon: / aspergersfromtheinside
Facebook: / aspergersfromtheinside
Twitter: / aspiefrominside
Written Blog: aspergersfromtheinside.com/
More Videos: / aspergersfromtheinside
Email: [e-mail]
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// WELCOME TO ASPERGERS FROM THE INSIDE!!
My name is Paul and I discovered I have Aspergers at age 30.
If you're new you can check out a playlist of some of my most popular videos here: / aspergersfromtheinside
Yes, I know, I don't look autistic. That's exactly why I started this blog, because if I didn't show you, you would never know.
As the name suggests, this channel is devoted to giving you insight into the world of Aspergers.
This blog started off being just my story, but I've learned SO MUCH about my own condition
from meeting others on the Autism Spectrum that now I make sure to feature their stories as well.
I've come a long way in my own personal journey.
Now I'm sharing what I've found so you don't have to learn it the hard way too.
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// WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS BLOG
I value your time which means there are NO KZbin ADS on my videos.
You can expect me to get to the point with concise useful information.
I focus on what is most important and don't shy away from difficult topics.
The best way to learn about Autism is to see it in real life ( i.e. via the stories of many, many people on the spectrum).
In this channel I endeavour to show you what Autism and Aspergers look like in real people and to also give you some insight as to what's happening on the inside.
I upload a new video every weekend with some bonus content thrown in mid-week too.
There's always new stuff coming through so be sure to check back and see what you've missed. (Is this where I'm supposed to tell you to hit that subscribe button?)
Topics Include:
- What is Aspergers/Autism?
- Aspie Tips, coping strategies, and advice on common issues
- Learning Emotional Intelligence (this is my special interest!)
- Autism in real life: stories from special guests
Everything I do is and endeavour to go deeper and take you 'behind the scenes' to understand what may, at first glance, seem 'odd'.
oh, and I love busting stereotypes and turning preconceptions upsidedown :)
-----------------------------------------------
// ABOUT ME
I discovered I have aspergers at the age of thrity.
It has been my life's mission to understand these funny creatures we call humans.
My special interest is a combination of emotional intelligence, psychology, neuroscience, thinking styles, behaviour, and motivation. (I.e. what makes people tick)
My background is in engineering and I see the world in systems to be analysed.
My passion is for taking the incredibly complex, deciphering the pattern, and explaining it very simply.
My philosophy is that blogging is an adventure best shared.
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// EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING
I also run autism friendly online emotional intelligence training. So if you like my direct, systematic style, and would like to improve your own emotional intelligence skills, check it out here:
emotionsexplained.com.au
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// CONTACT
Blogging is an adventure best shared which means I'd love to hear from you!
Feel free to leave me a comment or send me and email at any time and I'll do my best to respond promptly.
Email: [e-mail]
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this channel!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Peace,
~Paul

[@Luckyou03]

This video is hard because every one of these questions makes my mind say “I bet that’s something absolutely everyone experiences at some point, it can’t be just me”

[@marymerkael6527]

I used to think that too, even as I went to a psychiatrist I thought to myself that I was probably just overreacting, turns out I wasn't overreacting and that I'm actually autistic. Now that I have a diagnosis and I'm getting help, things are starting to make sense. (Also sorry, I'm bad with words)

[@Luckyou03]

@@marymerkael6527 Don´t be sorry. I actually went to therapy and that happened to me too. I felt stupid for going, like I don´t need help, I'm just overreacting. Guess I'll have to keep looking for help. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@marymerkael6527]

@@Luckyou03 I wish you the best and good luck :)

[@somjasa]

I can say yes to everyone of these statment but I know for sure I'm not autistic like asperger.

[@Werewolf914]

20/25 of these applied to me, and my Mom has thought I have it since probably around the time I was around 20 or so, but I feel like a lot of it overlaps with other things that I have been clinically diagnosed with like for example my Depression, Social Anxiety, emotional inhibition, self isolation, etc. Also one thing my Mom seems to point too aside from the social stuff is my inability to do basic addition like it makes no sense to me without paper to write on, and also she points to the odd things I'm into, but nothing I'm into is all that uncommon like I love Horror, Metal music, Comics, Books, video games, movies, and I might be kind of obsessed with Supernatural, okay maybe I'm extremely obsessed with that show, but none of it is really that niche or odd a lot of it is common Among a lot of people. Sorry for the long comment btw

[@Toriyamaus]

Trying to understand if I'm catching everything correctly and not making false comparisons to myself is the hardest part of this video.

[@kandice6777]

SAME OMG

[@ellac613]

I agree.

[@injunsun]

@Made in the womb You are.

[@Helkewen]

Totally, I'm afraid of faking it unintentionally. But I can relate almost 100%. But the strugle is real.

[@calliss510]

Same, I'm so troubled by that. I'm here listening to this and it seems to be answering most of my life, but is it real? Or am i just projecting.

[@cn8666]

When you asked "do you struggle with communication with other people?" I just caught myself thinking "no you see, for *I* have a system!" and I think that pretty much speaks for itself.

[@lara-fruehling]

Can I just validate that that exact same thought popped into my head with that exact same question. Thank you for catching your own trained response there, it helped me do the same.

[@GTiR23]

What is your system?!

[@kadyq9626]

So do I, if someone writes salutations in an email so do I, if they don't, I don't either. I copy them.

[@hannastocks2123]

Hold on, I need more info on that system dude

[@Hy-Brasil]

@@kadyq9626 in some ways this is works, in others it back backfire horribly.

[@bernardoscott4964]

I have been depressed for a long time, but after taking shrooms few months ago, l feel much happier and highly motivated and my ADHD gone , lost a ton of anxiousness and had a few epiphanies about how I should live my life. I decided to buy an ounce for backup, but haven’t yet felt the need to take any more since then.

[@barbaraingram1045]

I have autism, I was diagnosed with it when I was 15. I tried shrooms and it made me function so much better.

[@jamesharris3137]

Eek I’m autistic too and might wanna try mushrooms. How do I go about it?

[@barbaraingram1045]

Yeah doc.brenttt is your guide. Man is exceptional with anything psychedelics.

[@Xiangxaomark]

Hello Can he be reached on IG?

[@barbaraingram1045]

Yes doc.Brenttt

[@Kenghym]

When half of the questions make you go "That's not normal...?"

[@namssap]

when most of these things are normal.

[@sushilovermf]

me

[@Runescapedocumentary]

only half? i was legit like okay so im definately on the spectrum all 25 lol

[@cockycookie1]

Anxiety causes you to feel these things too and because most people are anxious and self-conscious now and again, these things can be normal experiences

[@doggytheanarchist7876]

@@namssap I'm not sure if you are saying this because you are actually Autistic, or because you want to devalue the message of the video, or because you really do not understand the depth and severity of what he's saying.

[@madisonsara6012]

I'm not normally concerned when I get 100% on a quiz...

[@silverseen8300]

Yeah, me to...

[@incarser101]

😵 right?

[@hectorandem2944]

"I came here to learn, not to feel!" 🙃

[@kemitstoes5764]

Couple of my friends at school knew and they were like "now I bet you wish you didn't pass every test" lol

[@jackrogers1115]

Why would you be concerned with relating to this? There isn't anything wrong with being an aspie or high functioning autistic - just means we're diversified in our psyche compared to most. Be proud!! I take positives from know I'm different!

[@theabundantlifehomestead9948]

I often struggle in social situations when a conversation involves more than one or two other people. It seems as if everyone else knows when to talk and fits their responses into the conversation without talking over each other. What usually happens in groups of more than 2-3 is I just observe and don’t speak or I accidentally talk over people, generally responding to something after the topic has moved on. It’s really embarrassing. It takes so much energy to be in social situations unless I have one safe person to talk to.

[@ravenmeyer3740]

Yes. Can only focus on one person at a time. Seems like they compete. I’m trying to listen to what they are saying. Can’t hear or process more than one conversation at a time.

[@nofybn7794]

@@ravenmeyer3740 I say that is normal human nature, NOT autism. People wanna slap a disease or disorder on everything. Also just plain life, life is NOT perfect and people are NOT perfect. I don't understand why people want to call autism when a person is NOT PERFECT. NOT A SINGLE PERSON IS PERFECT. People have flaws or weaknesses somewhere, just because some people can do something and others can do not mean autism. Just because many people can and we can't, we are autistic? NO, LIFE IS NOT PERFECT!!

[@RiZosMX]

OMG! Same as me

[@amyjennings2343]

I feel and do exactly this!!

[@shottasam]

@@nofybn7794yes that’s true, but does that happen with every single conversation u have basically thru out ur life

[@FreePigeon]

I only started to really take notice of possibly being autistic last year. I needed to get a flight from my home country to another, it was my first flight and I found myself looking for videos of the inside of each airport so that I could pre-plan where I needed to go. Then I realized that most people don't do that, and started to look at my other behaviours. Never had any friends, always felt like I'm watching people from afar, never knowing how to join social groups even if I wanted to, always feeling disconnected from the world. Struggling to find a job because I'm told I always seem 'disinterested', 'unengaged', or whatever, even if I feel like I'm making a ton of effort to be chatty and upbeat. It's so tiring and I think I could probably be diagnosed with depression as well because no one fucking believes me.

[@MissCherryBoom1]

I feel the same way and it happens to me just like you.

[@scottfulton267]

This is definitely me as well. What you do for airports, I do for hiking. I'm an avid hiker and I research the hell out of every hike I do so I can bore my companions about details of the hike, and can name every lake and nearby mountain.

[@22Harponyo]

You're not alone..hugs

[@Charmayne7]

Wow, most of the traits you mentioned for me, too. I have not had a problem with keeping jobs; that's probably my only successful interaction with the outside world. I focus on the task that needs to be done, but if I can avoid dealing directly with other people, that is always the option I take.

[@tropicaally]

i feel the exact same way

[@andrewhazlewood4569]

This list is me almost 100% Bonus question: in conversation do you often feel that you don’t know when the right time is to start talking- either that you are always starting to speak at the same time as someone else, you find yourself talking over the top of people accidentally because they weren’t finished, or you never get a word in.

[@mrwhat1058]

Absolutely! The complexities of group conversation are a nightmare. Normal strategy is just to smile and nod :D

[@lexb1075]

My life.

[@lex3889]

ye all the time

[@MusicAutomation]

Yes, absolutely, and much more so in a group conversation. Navigating the social dynamics of a group is basically an impossible challenge, so I sit in silence nearly all the time. But, if I do that, I'm no longer successful at appearing normal. So, I dread being around any group of people.

[@jumpinggakflash2313]

Yes! It's exhausting.

[@kadyq9626]

I was 25 when I finally figured out that when someone asks 'how are you', that they really didn't want to know - that is was basically a social nicety. I always got odd looks when I would tell them exactly how I was and why, good or bad. I found this extremely odd - why ask someone how they are doing if they really don't want to know. I thought to myself hey if I missed that, there must be other things I'm missing.

[@lenakataeva7525]

When I ask this question, I always expect true answer but it's always a small talk. It really frustrates me

[@nancycronin551]

Same here! I was SHOCKED that people use that as a conversation starter and want a response of positive content like "Fine" or "Well" and NOT the truth.

[@wootteojin9392]

for me now when people ask I don't often know how to respond, i wait for them to move on cause all i know is, nobody actually means it... but then i find out this specific person meant to know about my well being. So stressful

[@supersonictumbleweed]

It's also a cultural thing, because in rural Europe, so to speak, the normal thing is to speak about something good (or bad) that happened to you lately even if a stranger

[@k-matsu]

Ive always loved the Jackson Browne lyric: "Maybe people only ask you how youre doing because thats easier than letting on how little they could care." I also tend to respond to the question literally. Then when I ask for a similar response the other person usually says "fine" and makes a beeline for the exit. Like you, I was in my mid 20s before I got diagnosed. Parents of our generation were terrified of any suggestion that their child was "not normal" so if you had a very attentive parent you were probably taught to mask, from an early age. Anyway, even though I made it to my twenties without anybody really "noticing", for me the diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder was simply a "Duh ... thats obvious" moment, like looking for your eyeglasses and realising that youre wearing them. It was such exhasusting effort to constantly follow the rules that my parents taught me about how to "fake it", that there was never any question about whether my brain worked differently from others. I just had never figured out the REASON.

[@shahadjastaniah2445]

When you asked "Do you find dealing with the outside world difficult and stressful and makes you anxious" I just started crying. I still am not diagnosed although I feel I need a diagnosis, cus dealing with the outside world is killing me while everyone seems fine and see me as a drama queen when crying for such thing.

[@shahadjastaniah2445]

@@HACKED787 Thank you🥰

[@st3910]

You are OK! this world is very stressfull and cruel! We are normal, the world isn't! 😘

[@ScorpyCFS]

As a doctor, diagnosed at 39, I found the biggest camouflaging factor was that I was extremely good at understanding emotion, far better than my peers. Whilst all of the other factors on this list were largely true, and with a reasonable education in psychiatric medicine, (and of course with 20 years of health care and personal depression/anxiety experience) I would be quite sensitive to acute but subtle changes in tone, macro and micro-expression. Plus I could use my misunderstanding of the disconnect with what was being displayed and what was being said as a form of 'intuition' to ignore reported affect and focus on effect. Since my diagnosis I have felt at liberty to offer a quick disclaimer that I will likely be blunt due to being neurodivergent and then drilling through the 'bullshit' to the point, where we can start dealing with it. It seems to resonate with people. They come back I guess... On the more important note, coming to terms with neurodivergence also made the experience of depression and anxiety a thousand times less distressing. And now my wife has a better understanding why I come home from a day seeing people and need to jump straight on a computer game or have extended sleeps. Much more than when I worked in procedural medicine such as Emergency or Anaesthesia, where the risks and decisions were much higher but the interpersonal requirement was much lower. Fascinating it took this long to be diagnosed in hindsight....

[@PrincessMicrowave]

I don't think an autism diagnosis should excuse you from politeness. Even though it's natural to be blunt, not caring about hurting someone's feelings isn't something to be proud of. Also sounds like your wife is taking shit from you that she shouldnt.

[@ScorpyCFS]

@@PrincessMicrowave You're neither qualified to comment or know enough about me to do so. You've made two assumptions from a short excerpt of my life, a) that I am blunt with my patients without being wholistic or supportive, nor care about their feelings, and b) that my wife is unhappy with my part in our relationship and or that I treat her poorly. You've done this presumably to feel superior and or insightful. Your conjecture has grossly missed the mark on both counts border-lining on slander. I don't know how you could have expected your comment to come across as anything other than insulting. Leave psychological analysis to the professionals. I am done discussing the issue with you now, you may not address me again. Kindly fuck off.

[@siliconsulfide8]

@@PrincessMicrowave What they mean could be instead of

[@kaytielove374]

@@PrincessMicrowave Being blunt is not synonymous with being rude. I would much prefer my doctor to be straightforward or blunt. After all, a doctor's visit is not intended to be a social gathering. Also, you've made a rude (not blunt) assumption about his relationship with his wife that has no basis. Sounds like autism is triggering for you and maybe you should ponder why that may be?

[@Joseph2day]

I have never been diagnosed with anything, but I know I train myself to be good at many of those things that others learned to do as a baby, but I seemed to have missed. some of those learned skills I think I do the task better than those that learned it as a baby, but still for me it is a task I learned.

[@rerolero]

I feel like the youtube algorithm is trying to tell me something...

[@da_roachdogjr]

Same. :/ This doesn't seem to be those videos that get recommended to everyone overnight.

[@henrypastrana1959]

It is... And you can actually make it work for you. 😄

[@umegadarkstar2657]

Haha same, this just popped up randomly in my recommended. I haven't even seen any videos or webpages about Aspergers. But I do indeed have AS.

[@sarasam6392]

😂😂😂

[@josenunez6946]

Same 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@JessicasASMR]

Now to find out if im answering yes because I’m on the spectrum or if it’s just my anxiety

[@taylorbritt499]

Is it autism or is it ADHD and social anxiety, the world may never know 😅😂

[@natalieflores6841]

Same 😪

[@JessicasASMR]

Taylor Britt exactly lmao

[@JessicasASMR]

natalie flores go us lol RIP

[@whoviangirl3878]

Saame😅😂

[@robcio150]

I have ADHD and most of those also apply. It helped me notice that despite being different kinds of neurodivergence, they are actually pretty similiar in many regards.

[@e1dsd720]

honestly im getting to a point that i think i have both, especially since autism and adhd have a high percentage of comorbidity. I'm diagnosed with adhd, but i don't think the adhd is enough to make me feel like an absolute alien interacting with anyone normal

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

thanks because i suspect i have adhd and this might be why i connect to this. i wonder now what i do have.

[@tuesdaytue]

@@bluebellbeatnik4945 ADHD and autism are comorbid! And they have overlapping symptoms, but they're definitely different from each other. Make sure to get information from trustworthy sources!!

[@bobbiemiles-foremaniii8747]

In that they are both imaginary. There's nothing wrong with any of these people. They're just different. But they are good ways to describe some types of people. You should not take drugs for any of this. You should instead find ways of living that work for you.

[@tuesdaytue]

@@bobbiemiles-foremaniii8747 You have no idea what you're talking about mate. Don't spread misinformation without educating yourself

[@P_Taters]

My father was diagnosed with severe ADHD as a child. After watching many of your videos and evaluating my own life and my father's; I am certain that it is not ADHD. My father was given Ritalin at a very young age and it's led him down a life if addiction. That coupled with his defiant behavior towards anyone in authority over him has led to him living on the streets. Maybe if he was given therapy for his behavior, rather than drugs, he'd be a lot better off. He's very intelligent and creative, but he is horrible socially. He's quick to anger and absolutely refuses to accept anyone in authority over him. He refused to have me evaluated as a child, because he didn't want me to have a life like his. I know he did it because he thought it was protecting me. My life is not impacted the way his is. I may come accross as rude from time to time because I don't know when to be sympathetic; and I may have a strict routine I stick to everyday; and I may have given up on trying to fit in; and I may not like socializing most of the time, but I am able to accept the world works the way it does and I'm not raging against it, trying to make it change for me. I'm sorry dad. I hope you're okay out there.

[@cameronschyuder9034]

Well if he did have ADHD then the drugs would have helped him (though, treatment with both medication and therapy is generally most effective). The real unfortunate thing was his misdiagnosis, as well as the people around him not recognizing his addiction for what it was and treating it before his life took a bad turn. I’m sorry that your father was not given adequate treatment. I only said the beginning because there is so much anti-drug sentiments regarding treatment for those with ADHD that it can actually be hurtful for those of us that need it. The stigma is very prevalent, I see so many posts on Reddit of pharmacists denying someone their prescription written by their doctor.

[@Tata-ps4gy]

OMG! Yet another sad story to refuse to take the meds. For things like this I will never see a psychiatrist

[@ratcaspi1632]

its crazy when i lived my whole life not knowing i was any diffrent because i just stayed away from people lol

[@JoyNicoleParker]

Me too just learning about this now 😭 I’m happy but I’m so overwhelmed

[@jonathonjubb6626]

I'm seventy and just finding out... Thought I was just depressed and had unexpected panic attacks. It's a bit late to do anything about it now, like others I assume, I have my coping mechanisms....

[@MrYakooboovsky]

Weirdooo

[@jayhosh8126]

I don't see it as being uniquely different, every single person is different but they often try and put on a mask to fit in with society, some are better than others, some have more willpower to carry it on, and some simply don't give a shit. If someone truly likes you as a person it shouldn't matter how long of periods are between your connection, connections just don't break, if we liked someone in the past and they come up to us with an issue months later do you just say you all of a sudden don't like them and say no? Do we stick to the stereotype that people lack eye contact because something is wrong or they're lying? Several people's brains are wired toward visual thinking that loses sight of their thought focusing on too much around them that leaves a distant gaze. Do we become bored and do things like lightly dance or tap around when nobody is looking? What about those who don't care if anyone is looking or what they think? It's our jobs to keep us happy in our own way, it isn't a 'cope' and that's an excuse, that's healthy nature to be ourselves, maybe everyone else is scared to do the same. There's just too many variables, and quite frankly if you really think about it everyone has a weakness and strength, nobody is perfect, and everyone is on a level of autism.

[@ratcaspi1632]

@@MrYakooboovsky ?

[@froggy904]

I want to see a doctor or I want to talk to friends or family about it but I’m terrified that they’ll think I’m faking it and making it up for attention

[@BeccaBuckLebowski]

Go to a specialist and have it checked for yourself. The opinion of others on that matter doesn't really count. I used my diagnose only as a guide on how to succeed in a system, that wasn't really build for me. I rarely ever speak with others about it, really only when my condition could affect them in any way. Although there was a time, when I wanted to tell everybody (I found it very relieving to finally know "what's wrong with me" and I wanted to share it). And I often experienced people not believing me (because neither am I "retarded" nor "Rainman"), but I don't really care anymore.

[@coolpfpbut9505]

Talk to a specialist who can accurately give you a diagnosis. Mental disorders are real and it shouldn't be something you assume you have without someone certified to confirm it with you or not

[@lucasreboucas8123]

Fuck this whole "specialist diagnosis", thats only for the NT people, but if you are an aspie, you know how you feel, and that's enough for our comunnity. I spoke about it to my brother and my mother. My brother gave me a really nice ear plug this year, but when we had this conversation he was all "are you sure?" "oh, you should talk to a psychologist" , and so I did, and 3 months later she was still trying to figure out, what was every and each day more obvious to me, because is simply impossible for an aspie to not do some research about aspergers when you finally know why you were so "weird" and left alone your whole life. I talked about it with only one friend of mine, and she was aswell doubting me. We can't blame them, we passed our lifes learning how to fake, and now we are adults that can somehow fit into this NT world, and our friends nly know our masks, our facades. Thats anybodys fault at the end of the day.

[@Emily-ce7hd]

@@BeccaBuckLebowski if you're in the US, if you get a formal diagnosis are you required to disclose it when jobs ask if you have a disability? A lot of the ones I apply to ask and specifically list autism

[@BeccaBuckLebowski]

@@Emily-ce7hd Sorry, I don't know, I'm from Germany.

[@SoberOKMoments]

I'll be 80 next month - figured out only last year that I'm well onto the spectrum. Tests confirmed it. I did so after three of my nine grandchildren were diagnosed with Asperger's and I clearly saw my own behaviors in them. For me it was a relief to figure this out as it has helped me understand so many of my life's decisions and confusions. I am long retired and able to live my life happily in my rigid routines and limited social interactions. It's lovely.

[@scottc4206]

After researching this for awhile, I’m convinced that I have Aspergers. Unfortunately I didn’t find out until much later, I’m 48 now and to be honest my life isn’t too good. I have a lot of depression from loneliness and constant rejection and therapy has never helped. Thank you for your channel it’s been a big help to me.

[@Dolce3339]

I’m 48 and recently convinced myself too. However, I’ve decided to embrace it and live the way I want to even if it doesn’t look appealing to most people.

[@gabriellarossi5925]

Hey, now you can try to find someone else with autism to relate to, hang out with, text with or email with!! (y'know, your specific, preferred way of communication like the video said😆) The internet is a wonderful, connected place! Plus, now if you have an idea of what your own ways are, you may be able to find a more specialized therapist that may help you better than previous ones if you're willing to give that another try. At risk of giving a grown, experienced adult unsolicited, unwanted advice.... At 48, you've still got plenty of opportunities to turn things around. Keep an eye out for positive things and it will become increasingly easier spot them and invite it into your daily life. Try identifying limiting habits and intentionally breaking them. I'm not sure what you're dealing with, but something I've dealt with plenty of times that led to MY depression and loneliness was focusing on not doing the wrong things, so I ultimately ended up not doing much of anything and the things I thought would make me cool to do, that I would normally never do, were actually strange and alienated me from others. Try not to care if people like you or not (because so far it hasn't worked anyway apparently) and take a leap and talk to them about what's really on your mind that you might think would be strange to ask them. They might just be really intrigued by your thoughts and think you're pretty interesting. Happened to me. Also, it seems to me that a ton of people with autism are quite analytical (not sure if that's more specifically an Asperger's thing, haven't done all my research yet), and that's natural, so I WOULDN'T suggest trying to squash that down but rather using that to your advantage in social situations and planning ahead a strategy for if you feel anxiety in any parts of a plan. A positively reassuring strategy. Look at the best and the worst ways things could go, be prepared for both, hope for the best, and then say "*uck it, it's now or never"... or something like that.

[@denisemoye495]

The thing that drives me crazy is somebody saying ‘you make eye contact so you’re not autistic’. I make eye contact because I’ve taught myself but it’s not natural. Plus, not everybody is the same so just because one person might do or not do something, that doesn’t always relate to everybody.

[@petraw9792]

I do that, too. I get more clues when I look at the face and it helps me focus. But it's a conscious decision not a reflex.

[@denisemoye495]

@@petraw9792 Do you ever realise you’re staring too much and it’s got uncomfortable and you have to look away? None of it it natural. 😆

[@strawbeemilkk]

i didn’t start doing it until i was trying to figure out how to appear more confident to be liked more and eye contact is always mentioned so i started making sure i did it but it’s always a conscious thing and i’m always over analyzing how i’m doing it like “oh i need to make sure i’m not doing it for too long or it’ll be weird but still enough that they know i’m interested, also ew this feels awkward,, floor-eyes-floor-eyes”

[@idontknowanymore2437]

omg I almost never made eye contact with people I'm talking to

[@tlafleur8433]

I also taught myself to make eye contact and to speak and try to stay alert to not go back into my private world around people like most of my life. Learned how to pretend to be interested in others, how to pretend a lot of things.

[@annamcknight2573]

I am 73 and fulfilled 99% of your criteria for autism. It has been a long, hard road. Diagnosis was unknown to the general public when I was a child. Now I am retired I can stay away from people, except for very short periods. Such a relief!

[@ph8632]

I am 56 with an autistic kid...... Had to divorce my X because she was a nightmare. Starting to think I might be on the spectrum!

[@realswobby]

This is one of the only things that keep me going, for real. The hope that when I'll become an elder, I will be finally able to rest.

[@h4rl3k1n]

For holding out for so long I think you are a queen and an absolute hero. It must have been so tough.

[@pearlh1051]

Lol this is hopeful. 😅 retirement is the ultimate treatment

[@annamcknight2573]

@@h4rl3k1n Bless your heart! I made a right mess of my life. Calm waters now.

[@izzywox8246]

I am 30 and have wondered if I was on the spectrum since I was 25. Mainly because I am awkward socially and have enough emotions for 10 people when I'm emotional. After watching your videos I no longer think I am on the spectrum and have a so much greater understand of autism! Specifically your points on childrens experiences on the spectrum and I had absolutely no feelings like that growing up. I think I'm just awkward and tend to be a little more introverted and that's okay! ❤️ Thank you

[@teresehilesolson944]

Some of the most creative people and creative minds in history were considered "awkward." You sound like a very passionate person, something I lack. I say... Harness that passion, find your joy, and turn it into gold! Be the wonderful person you are and shine!

[@heythere6983]

Have you looked into quiet bpd

[@Lil_Yuri]

A ton of these are also ADHD traits, if you combine that with social anxiety due to RSD, childhood bullying and/or effective criticism from adults, you've got half of these. You wouldn't think of them as being similar but it some ways they are.

[@j.ronnygibson]

I got 15 yes and 10 no and a child Psychologist said I had ADHD when I was a kid. My younger brother is thought to be on the spectrum but my family don't want to say that

[@Mushroom321-]

Yes, !there is the same thats in also in a.d.d. , exactly!.

[@sebastiancastle7893]

KZbin's algorithm is being a little direct with this one

[@Alicebaby99]

😬🤣

[@joep4224]

Haha. Ah, this one cut to my core. Please don't anger the algorithm.

[@harusubliminals6894]

YEAH

[@Headsign]

Bonus question: did you space out and had to pause by the middle of the video because of information overload?

[@DrsJacksonn]

Not in this video, but I do have that in a lot of videos lol.

[@Headsign]

I did 😄

[@stephaniepodlesny5759]

I had to keep pausing it!😆🤔🙄

[@laubowiebass]

Mathead aha

[@MsDamosmum]

I often have to do that with videos so that I can catch up with my own brain storm that occurs with the information input

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

the emotions one is tough only because i'm a woman and i was raised in an enmeshed relationship with my mum who cried all the time. as a result, i feel people's emotions very, very strongly and yes it's overwhelming. i am too sensitive to people's emotions which is why i don't want to be around people that much.

[@teresehilesolson944]

Autistic people, especially females, tend to be hyper-empathic or hypo-empathic. In other words, they "feel" very strong or overly dulled to people compared to neuro-typicals. The hyper-empathic people feel everything that comes off of the people they are around. It is extremely draining, but it can also be a gift. Being hyper-empathic, you may detect a problem with someone, physically or mentally, that others wouldn't see right away. But also know that people get freaked out about it. Like "You're coming down with a cold, aren't you?" And they respond with, "Yes, how did you know?" It freaks people out, feeling like you're too intrusive... OR, the opposite... that you care very much about them.... when neither is true. You just feel it. I tend to gravitate toward isolation. I stay healthier when I do.

[@streetsforhumans]

I feel this so much, I went through the same with my mother. She was depressed and I always had to be there for her and tried as hard as I could to make her feel better, though it never seemed to work. As a kid, my comfort was to think that somebody on the other side of the world must be going through the same thing as me, this helped me feel a bit less alone ❤

[@KaylaLKwon]

Oh !! This really helped me to understand now that I’m an undiagnosed autistic. Now I can show my husband and my parents this video and I strongly relate to these questions. Thank-you so much Paul.

[@theleetworldbest]

"Do you do things at home you wouldn't in public" Literally everyone...?

[@doncarlton4858]

I said that too. One of the 10% I answered yes.

[@MaiiOrduna]

He means stims and "tics" like pacing around in a room, fidgeting, rocking, repetitive movements, etc.

[@MaiiOrduna]

Btw I like your pic. For the Empire!

[@theleetworldbest]

@@MaiiOrduna Old ass pic from the time I made YT. Probably over 10 years now.

[@sheilacampbell1635]

Yeah I rock both my twin and I rock

[@MichaelJordan23]

My problem is that I feel like I identify strongly with many of these questionnaires, but I honestly can't tell if I'm just answering the way I think an autistic person would, or if I'm answering genuinely. Other questions like "Do you often notice things that others don't" seem rather psychic-y where they're generalized enough that anyone could relate.

[@leetee3207]

I took that to mean that you notice things that might not bother other people, like for example: When you plug an appliance and it has a high pitched buzzing sound. It doesn't seem to bother anyone else, but it drive me crazy. I can spot a tiny scuff in a piece of furniture that no one else seems to notice or even care. These are not psychic-y whatsoever. (I don't know if I just have extreme attention to detail or if it's something more.)

[@momkatmax]

Good explanation. Now I would say that some do hear annoying noises, but this would be noticing a sound that is so faint that others tune out. Or let's say a light flickering just a bit. You might REALLY can't STAND IT. Or a crooked picture. My eye goes right to a crooked wall outlet or trim. And lights need to be changed, buzzing noises solved or no sleep!

[@flamencoprof]

If I am on a bus I will immediately notice if one hang strap is different. I worked in a 13-level building: nobody except me noticed one window on one floor was different. Crooked picture frames, misaligned text etc. all jump out at me. Yet my house is a mess at the mo. Go figure. I scored 13/25 yes on this.

[@ds.laetitia]

Once, I noticed a gutter was replaced, up there at the edge of a 2-storey house roof, on the usual way home, while I was chatting. And I obviously stopped the conversation to share this extremely important information.

[@simonsimon325]

it's that thing isn't it where you can identify with the symptoms of almost anything if there are enough of them and they're a bit vague and open to interpretation.

[@madaramejoule7276]

So I scored 25 out of 25 and I have been suspecting I am on the spectrum. Thank you for this video, it provides so much validation. My very close friend (who is also on the spectrum) often think that we must have been twins at some point in time because we understand each other on a level that other's don't and we often joke and say that "being human is hard". One of the things I struggle with the most is being able to understand why people don't say what they mean.

[@jackcalix4000]

I resonate with 24/25. I'm slightly concerned, not because I think anything is wrong with being on the autism spectrum, but because there's a chance that there was something I didn't know about myself. The only one I didn't answer "yes" to is question 25 because I don't have easy access to any sort of medical attention, whether mental or physical. I have had multiple friends who are on the autism spectrum ask me if I'm also autistic, which confused me at first because I was not educated on the subject, but now I know that people with autism often understand each other better than they understand people without autism (or so my autistic peers have told me). I know I should probably go seek some sort of confirmation from a professional, but that would require me telling my parents my concerns, and they would likely brush me off.

[@a_921]

Don't know where you live, but do you have access to any hotlines you could call for advice? (Not Nesse on autism in itself, but on how to go about getting an assesment)

[@yobitch127]

I answered "yes" to nearly all of these questions. I should probably see a doctor 🏃

[@erall1673]

how is this a top comment with only 5 likes

[@_.WildMoonChild]

@@Gulpathfinder I have an obsession with Chicago Med at the moment. Dr. Latham(surgeon) found out he had aspergers that went undiagnosed his entire life. While this is just a show, I don't doubt it happens quite often in real life. My disorders all went undiagnosed as well, until this year. 🥴 Many people on the spectrum are extremely intelligent and high functioning! 😊

[@doggytheanarchist7876]

@@_.WildMoonChild functioning labels are harmful.

[@HelenaOfDetroit]

Same

[@mouiapasiakafa3108]

😂😂

[@AshPragasam]

4:09 "Do you often notice things that others dont?" No, that missing apostrophe doesn't bother me at all

[@kailee9289]

Ash, we think the same 👍🏻

[@jessicah3450]

I wonder if he did it like that on purpose as part of the test? 🤔🙁

[@ThePinkBinks]

Where is your full stop WHERE IS YOUR FULL STOP???! lol 😉

[@AshPragasam]

@@ThePinkBinks 😅

[@ThePinkBinks]

Ash Pragasam hehe 🙃

[@gretefreilauf9233]

It was exactly how I felt and also the trouble today. Thanks from the bottom of my whole heart! ❤ You doing a great job!!!

[@julsdemers4740]

very helpful video, and during the entire video i was just nodding my head in agreement, so this feels very accurate as someone currently waiting for an official diagnosis for autism (as FINALLY a doctor took my consideration of being on the spectrum seriously) so yeah, really enjoyed this video!

[@johnwilletts3984]

I’m now almost 70. For most of my life I was a quiet introvert and not really sociable. However in later life I learned to act. By watching others interacting and chatting I’ve gradually learned how. During the last ten years of my working life I got a reputation for being a loud extrovert. Since retiring I’ve been volunteering as a Tour Guide. I entertain large groups of people, but the moment I take my badge off I become off-duty and so change back into my unsociable self.

[@valerielefebvre927]

Yeah, I'm a super quiet person, and I just recently taught myself how to have small talk with other people which is basically just asking the other person questions about the thing that we're talking about. This is only through text though, I cannot for the life of me speak to new people outside of my social group. I've got some learning to do

[@__delroc]

Hi John! Just wanted to say that I hope you're comfortable with these two versions of youself! Bet every person in those groups you entertain is glad to have you as their tour guide. Actually, now that i think about it, I kind of relate to Valerie's comment too. I try very VERY hard to engage in conversations with new people but never know what to actually say. But hey who knows, maybe in a few years I can get a reputation for being an extrovert too! Hope you have a lovely day/night!

[@danwebber9494]

At 50 I find myself wondering how much of my behaviors are practiced coping techniques. 30 years in retail forced me to learn small talk and sales, but I find it exhausting.

[@iori7370]

We’re literally playing life on max difficulty 😂

[@mwilliamson4198]

you're 69. don't be ashamed to say it 😂

[@wolfu597]

1. Have you always felt different to your peers? 2. Do you worry about 'not being believed' when you tell others about yourself? 3. Do you adopt different mannerism when home alone? Things that you wouldn't do in public? 4. Do you have 'gaps' in your skillset? Some simple things others do naturally but you can't? 5. Do you like to be prepared? And dislike last minute changes? 6. Are your routines sometimes seen as ' extreme' or 'odd'? 7. Do you like to focus on ONE thing at a time? Because it take a lot of efforts to 'shift gears'? 8. Do you go through cycles of hyperproductivity? And then burnout? 9. Do you struggle to hold down jobs? Friends? Relationships? 10. Do you have trouble expressing what you really mean? Especially under stress? 11. Are there some common type of communication you find extremely difficult? or uncomfortable? 12. Are you sometimes gullible? Struggling to tell whether people are being serious or not? 13. Do you often wish people would say 'what they mean'? And get angry when they dont? 14. Are you particularly sensitive (or insensitive) to some things? 15. Does this lead to significant discomfort in some types of public places? Or in participation in social activities? 16. Do you feel like dealing with the outside world can be difficult and stressful? 17. Do you often notice things others dont? 18. Are things that are obvious to others 'often' not obvious to you? 19. Do you have uncommon interests or passions? That others just don't get? 20. Do you find dealing with people difficult? Or confusing? 21. Do you feel like it YOUR job to fit in? If you want to make friends? 22. Are you constantly worrying about 'doing the wrong thing' socially? 23. Do you often feel 'overwhelmed' by other people's emontions? (or not feel them at all) 24. Are you often surprised when people tell you what they've been thinking or feeling? Because you had no idea? 25. Have you received other labels or diagnosis? That didn't quite seem to fit?

[@theautistic.teacher]

Yes to all questions... So, does it means I'm autistic?

[@alephnull7410]

Raf Warner most who may be “diagnosed” as autistic would be greatly served to take a break from the internet and maybe go on a long trip/vacation to see more of the world/country. I can’t imagine what people “classify” as autistic today would be prevalent if one were to grow up on a farm without WiFi.

[@theautistic.teacher]

@@alephnull7410 I don't use social media, I only use KZbin to be honest because I'm trying to learn French. I don't like to get out of my house, and I can't afford any kind of trip right now, so... Anyways, thanks for your reply.

[@VariantAEC]

@@alephnull7410 Amen to that! To everyone else... I think most children could be diagnosed because face to fact human interaction is no longer the norm. As well I think most of the people here on YT that I've seen tonight have been misdiagnosed as Autistic, but are just typical individuals a bit off in their own land. Sarcasm isn't innate. It's learned, I think people forget that. I remember being introduced to sarcastic remarks and I couldn't understand them as a child, but I learned how sarcasm is used to tell someone off or just make an ironic joke. You don't just wake up trying to humorously deceive people. If I grew up in a different place I might not understand it at all. Some cultures don't do sarcasm, but those individuals can learn how sarcasm is used and deploy it if they see fit too. Not knowing everything or understanding what to say isn't abnormal either. My friend's father died... How do you respond other than offering condolences and sharing the good times you remember being in their company you can't say much. These things are hard for anyone. Small talk might be what they need depending on their personality they may prefer to sulk for a while in isolation. If it's been a week call let them know they're missed don't mention the deceased they know what you mean anyway. Engagement is complicated and it's really telling that the "that's Autistic" meme doesn't make sense to some people. By the sound of it basically everyone is Autistic by these new super broad definitions encompassing ASD and by the man in this video who alleges to have been diagnosed with ASD. ASD is a clinical diagnosis meaning there is no test that proves you have it. A team of doctors diagnose children including a neurologist and psychiatrist (based on very broad and ill-defined symptoms) and then poof you're Autistic! Being diagnosed as an adult sounds much more sketchy.

[@alephnull7410]

VariantAEC You make very good points about sarcasm. High level sarcasm is a product of an irony driven culture that dates back to the 90’s and then the subsequent technological boom. Virtuosic sarcasm as a skill set is an important tool on the internet but real life is not “IRL”, it is simply real life and virtual knowledge should not have power to describe physical knowledge. Your comment starts with saying “face to face interaction is no longer the norm”. You are correct but that is a serious problem in order to make it in the world as a complete human being. Basically everyone is starting off very behind in their mental health growing up in society that promotes technology as modern day religion. Face to face interaction is where a pure formation of interior can be realized in individuals. Technology produces a kind of meta filter on this process even outside of its use. Just existing in a world with technology has a distorting effect on real human growth and connection. Hence the arrival of memes as a primary youth culture narrative of the highest order. Where previous generations took to the streets to provide voices that society recognized as the “voice of a generation” memes are complex and compact cyber notions that never escape their pixelated world but rather draw the human psyche closer to virtual dissociation then much needed internal realizations built on true intimacy. “Ok boomer”, there is a meme that can be attached to any physical phenomena thereby reducing existence to nothing more than low level discourse. This behavior is promoted in contemporary culture yet it is fundamentally skewed.

[@melissaschank5124]

I'm on my journey and have just realized recently I'm on the spectrum. This knowledge has changed my entire life, and the way I see my past and myself! I no longer beat myself up for NUMEROUS things. All of this is labeled as an HSP (highly sensitive person), and an empath, etc., in the self discovery realm. Ty for this validation🤗❤️

[@Traybair]

I don't have a diagnoses, but I definitely relate to many of the things that people on the spectrum experience. One that I am growing very tired of as I get older is masking. I am not a very expressive person, so I put on for people all the time. If I don't they think I am sad, or they offended me in some way, or just that something is wrong. When I tell them that nothing is wrong, they never believe me. I can't imagine explaining masking to them. It makes me feel very manipulative.

[@aaronslater470]

I've always gotten the complaint that I am "fake". I never realized I was masking. People are always easier to deal with while I mask. Once they see the "real" me they think I am cold and the relationship is usually over at that point.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Amen.

[@caitychiz6851]

Once they see the real me they think I’m too much and plain batshit insane..so?.. my middle ground idk

[@s4ms4mxx]

@@caitychiz6851 yes!! I notice when I get too comfortable with people at the workplace I start to become over the top and then I have to ground myself and consciously only talk when I need to, to make myself appear normal to them again and then it repeats???

[@brendielahooha]

Yeah me too! I mean people think fake is bad. But I dont understand why. I mean, if I act weird around people and say whatever I really mean it makes people discomfortable! So why is it bas to say things that I think is apropriate for the situation?

[@caitychiz6851]

Samantha Browne EXACTLY it’s at work this happens 😂😂😂 I say sorry about it a lot but they say oh it’s ok you’re funny ahah and I’m like yeahhhhhhh my bad you think I’m weird 😩😅😩😅

[@michiganscythian2445]

I was a hyper verbal child, speaking in full sentences extremely young and always praised for how bright I was but also constantly yelled at to “be normal” with some weird and sometimes even gross habits. I was terrified of balloons and loud noises, extremely picky eater, always struggled making friends, was very immature for my age, had difficulty telling fantasy from reality. Had an insane memory where I would memorize the dialogue of episodes of He-Man or My Little Pony yet struggled in math. Again, seen as weird because I had a knack of memorizing things out of books and repeating that information (whether fact or fiction). Became obsessed with metal music as a teenager, still obsessed with fantasy and horses although I always seemed to struggle as a rider, always seemed less coordinated than everyone else., yet I had pretty much all the mid 90s dressage tests memorized. Couldn’t do sports in school because I was so clumsy and uncoordinated, had extreme difficulty with high school math (almost failed) but breezed through ELA, foreign languages and social studies. Could spent hours looking at maps. Always felt that I was putting on an act, like I had to act like everyone else and frustrated that it came to normal to everyone else while I struggled. As an adult, usually had boyfriends or husband yelling at me about “I don’t understand how you can (insert smart person thing here) but can’t do (usually simple housecleaning task)!” Struggled to keep relationships and jobs, went through job interview after job interview and only got hired when I was the only candidate. Was often overwhelmed at work. I was a teacher and struggled with planning lessons and keeping up on everything. Husband died and I had a miscarriage soon after and I lost my teaching job because I was so stressed out. Fast forward and two subsequent boyfriends kept yelling that me that I take things too seriously, too literally. “I don’t understand how you can learn a language in 3 months but can’t figure out how to work a gas stove!” “Why do you have to shows from the 80s memorized?” “You’re like a space alien trying to be a human,” I still have extreme difficulty with executive functions like paying bills and filling out paperwork. Fast forward more and finally got back to substitute teaching, then I was offered a job as a paraprofessional at a district, telling me that I would be working 1 on 1 with autistic students. Ok, desperate for a job so sure. Then it hit me. I am these kids. I could finally see how I looked to outsiders and how I came across. And one 3rd grade teaching laughed way too hard at me and two high functioning autistic students arguing about dragons. But it all finally clicked and fell into place: my weird habits and skill sets, my inability to function socially and my own struggle to be normal. And I answered yes to just about every question on your quiz

[@supersonicears]

Your story is almost exactly the same as mine. This is a revelation. Thank you for sharing it.

[@jayy5882]

proud of u

[@julialucas1482]

To ourselves, we are either really special or we are not. There seems to be no particular ideal, or normal when it comes to human beings. We are miracles. Each one of us is like a tiny galaxy operating a storyline that has a past, present, and future. Being different is normal.

[@idkwhattoputmyhandleas28]

yeah, I just got diagnosed with autism (from a physiologist) and when I was little I had an imaginary land full of budgies and otters and they had a surprisingly VERY catchy theme song and that's all I would do really talk about. when I say little I don't mean 4 or 5. mean 14 :0

[@TheHeydzo]

Bless you. I truly relate to you and your struggles. It is difficult and one needs tremendous strength to cope with outside world. My daughter and I are part of this journey too. I came to see if my suspicions were correct and my heart broke to peaces. At least we know now.

[@heyrabbitart]

Okay so this video might have genuinely changed my life. Thank you so much for posting this tool! I will be looking into more legit diagnosis with a therapist but dang dude. I feel incredibly seen, thank you again.

[@Maliinaewa]

Thank you so much for your videos. I went 22 years burning out by masking every day. I also had a traumatic childbood that made me feel like i MUST fit in and do the right thing at all times ..or else.. and then my friend who is also on the spectrum nudged me in the right direction and now im watching your videos every day and the world is starting tk make more sense everyday 😭 i feel so understood and seen and normal for once. Also, your videos are super easy to follow along and understand and i for once feel a lil hopeful again about myself. I feel like im gonna be able to find the adjustments in life that i need to like.. survive and be happy and whatnot

[@zyklzy1]

I recommend people on the spectrum avoid seeking "professional help" from psychiatrists who are not trained to recognize mild forms of autism (i.e Asperger's) and will most likely label you with a mental illness and medicate you unnecessarily. In my years working in psych' wards I saw a large percentage of patients who were obviously on the spectrum yet this was never picked up by psychiatrists.

[@Ky-xh8zq]

Jeff May this is why I won’t seek an official diagnosis. I’m female and mask very well

[@jumpingjellyfishy]

Not sure if it relates, with the last couple of doctors I went to to discuss my problems, I seemed to be picking up this attitude of "oh, another lazy individual that wants to get on to benefits". Could just be me reading things wrongly, not sure. I'm guessing that if you want any in-depth professional discussion you need to shop around, and/or pay for it.

[@SuperLotus]

I tend to avoid psychiatrists in general. After 20 years on medications, my mental health is actually worse in a lot of ways.

[@Ky-xh8zq]

Bonzaroo I get that vibe too sometimes but not all providers. Seems to me some of these medical professionals have either compassion fatigue or see their patients as non human. Can make one feel very helpless because you’re going to them to seek very important answers😞 keep going, you may find one that cares.

[@graysthenewblonde177]

Ky I chose someone who specialized in Autism and he was the one who diagnosed me. He didn’t try to recommend medication either.

[@billygilmusic5072]

That feeling of "so I'm not the only one" and "I'm not crazy" is so overwhelmingly soothing as I answered yes to all 25 questions. I'm 24 and I've never been diagnosed. I will seek professional help as my anxiety related to socializing has become so umberable that I've barely left my house in years

[@Vagmayi666]

Same here bruhhhhhhhh

[@zanderC5953]

I also answered yes to every question. I was lucky to find understanding friends, a good job, and a support system. They were out there. But im still learning everyday. I wish you the best and support you^^

[@treelight1707]

Same here. I am trying my best to change career in order to be able to work away from direct contact with people.

[@treelight1707]

@@turabalikhan1341 For me, while I cannot afford a therapist, it has been a huuuuuge relief, learning about it. At least, I don't feel that much guilt or shame about situations where I blame myself for saying something that I shouldn't have, or not saying something when I totally should have (conditional mutism). Acceptance is the key right, for the time being at least.

[@treelight1707]

@@turabalikhan1341 Many people obviously go undiagnosed for a long time, because it wasn't even considered a 'disease' until recently. But for me, it's more like, I was dealt this hand, less emotional intelligence, for other forms of intelligence. It kind of is fair, so long as I make use of the extra-intelligence elsewhere.

[@aaronwalakay]

I’ve always felt like I was different. Hard to communicate or make friends or keep jobs. I really think I’m on the spectrum and accepting it will make me feel better because there isn’t anything wrong with me. Most of these questions applied to me

[@heathermarieloving8132]

Thank you. I am certain that I am on the spectrum, but feel like an imposter without a professional diagnosis, but also many of my quirks and manifestations of my neuro-atypicality are often behaviors that make it extremely difficult for me to navigate finding a provider (in or out of my insurance network) to get the diagnosis. But I heard the best way to articulate to a professional why you think you're autistic is to be watching videos like this and/or researching the diagnostic criteria and then tell them examples of how those symptoms manifest in your life in multiple settings, etc. And this has been very helpful for me with finding the words and being able to discern whether an experience is relevant to bring up to a professional. I left an abusive marriage in November of 2019 and have been stumbling my way through learning how to support myself financially instead of being the housewife and step-mother for a man who pursued me when I was 18 and he was almost 30. Now, in 2022 I have managed to establish stability for myself enough that I can provide for my own basic needs and have a little for saving, and a consistent enough routine that I can manage continuing this job without burning out from it in 2-6 weeks. Even without a professional diagnosis, I am starting to unmask as I build a life for myself that enables me to live my life in alignment with my values. I have been masking for so long though, starting as a child in school, that I'm often too close to the situation to recognize whether or not it's a mask. Thank you again for your insight and perspective. :)

[@bartardo1]

Tears started at #4 I'm 48 and this has been the best thing I have ever watched. Thanks

[@-tranch5569]

You are not alone. I was in my late 30's before we came to the conclusion. The best "scary" thing to happen in years. Best wishes for you

[@sugimation8575]

Comments like this make me love KZbin.

[@paulmichaelfreedman8334]

48 too, in the process of finding out exactly what I have, most likely asperger

[@FRODOGOOFBALL]

Congratulations, and welcome! When I was in Junior High School I told my parents I might be "partly autistic", but everyone insisted I was normal. Several years ago I went online and took some tests, and I consistently showed up as having Asperger's and Avoidant Personality Disorder. I am 51 now.

[@tamarajessup1398]

I'm 57 and have only fully embraced being autistic for about a week. Welcome!

[@elisabird6245]

I´m over 60 and could answer "no" to only five of these, though I´ve experienced some more than others. When I was young, my behaviour was called being rude and badly behaved, especially for girls. My parents treated me at home, by beating me. It didn´t work. I´m glad people are more enlightened now.

[@babblingalong7689]

Wow you look amazing for 60 years old that is incredible.

[@elisabird6245]

@@babblingalong7689 That´s an old photo! Not sure why but it was the only one I could get to move onto KZbin. Possibly wishful thinking.

[@babblingalong7689]

@@elisabird6245 Sorry was just cracking jokes in a neurotypical manner. I know it's an old photo and feigned naivité for amusement. Still, you were a really pretty lady and I'm sure you still are. Sorry you got beaten by your parents.

[@elisabird6245]

@@babblingalong7689 In those days it was normal. Seems to have improved lately.

[@babblingalong7689]

@@elisabird6245 Yeah, might've been normal, but it was still wrong, and still damaged kids.

[@KendallRenee]

I’m watching this & it’s feeling eerily familiar. Thank you for sharing so many educational videos! It really helps those of us that have been masking so heavily for so many years we wonder where we fall!

[@eddiestorey9633]

I’m 60, I have everything you spoke of from my earliest memories, i am un-diagnosed. I also have ADHA. I live your content, keep up the great work

[@sammibooger4784]

I cried as I answered each question because I only had 1 no. Doctors will not “test” or analyze me for it because “it won’t change anything” but it could change EVERYTHING. It’s an answer. It could help me get disability help, because I can’t work full time, BECAUSE my brain just won’t allow it and it shuts down so easily when I get overwhelmed.

[@amyrowles1486]

I hope you're able to find a Dr that's right for you. I've had better service from nurse practitioners since they take the time to listen.

[@mgd6087]

Get a specialist.

[@57msdeb]

Disability won’t help much anyway, because you haven’t paid in much. 😥

[@ashiyaa8624]

i hope things are getting better now. sending you love

[@BoogSReviews]

I feel the exact same way. No one seems to understand that. My family is great but that’s one thing they don’t understand. Like I get so overwhelmed with simple things that it feels like I’m just going to fall over. The best way I can describe it is like being a beginning in a video game being thrown into an expert level without any gear or stats. If that makes any sense.

[@viccolasvic9461]

More questions that I think are important that he didn't mention: 26.) Do you have troubles with sports or balancing? Do you find that you bump into things a lot or are you called clumsy often? Do you have to think about which foot to start with when you walk up a flight of stairs? 27.) Do you have a strong sense of social fairness? If someone breaks the rules by cutting in line do you get angry? Does it upset you when you're trying your hardest to do the 'correct' thing while others don't seem to care? 28.) Do you have tummy issues? All the time? The doctors think you MIGHT have reflux or something low-grade but they can never figure out what it is? 29.) Do some things bring you not just discomfort but actual physical pain? Does dubstep make you feel like your teeth are getting drilled? Does sunlight make you NAUSEOUS? Does eye contact make the back of your neck hurt? Some people just natrually dislike things, but is it difficult for you to even muscle through it? 30.) Do you ever get emotional to the point where you become embarrased later? Do people call you immature or tell you to stop, but you physically cannot stop yourself? Did you throw tantrums a lot as a kid? 31.) Do you ever get so overwhelemed that you just want the world to stop for a minute? Do you struggle to form sentences when you're stressed? Do you grow numb to the world around you and sort of shut down for hours or even days? 32.) Are your joints really flexible? Do your joints pop or ache a lot? Can you contort yourself in was that gross other people out? (sometimes as a form of entertainment) 33.) Are you told you're cold or unfeeling? Do people tell you you have resting bitch face a lot? Do you struggle with feeling things at the right amount or in the right context? Does it worry you that you're not "human enough" sometimes? 34.) Do you forget to perform basic tasks like brush your teeth today or make a meal for yourself? 35.) If a task has too many steps do you often get overhwelmed or forget? Do you try to find ways around a task because it never gets completed when you try? 36.) Do you like repeating phrases you hear on TV or the radio? Do you apply forms of media and litterature in place of a specific feeling or as a metaphor for the situation at hand? Do other people understand what you mean or do you have to explain it? Do you like making fun noises to yourself?

[@nicolejudge5279]

Me, reading number 34 and realizing I have forgotten to brush my teeth today: *shifty eyes*

[@lucaszalmas2775]

Jesus the more questions I read, the more anxious I get. I'm a functioning person and I never thought there could be something 'wrong' other than my anxiety and depression up until maybe a year ago. All of them questions apply to me. It's really weird.

[@AllThoseChickens]

I always mimic accents, if that's anything lol. Any time I hear an accent other than my own at work, I copy it, usually when nobody can hear me. People probably think I'm making fun of someone, but I'm really just trying to copy their sound

[@viccolasvic9461]

@@AllThoseChickens There's a thing that autistic people do called "chameleoning" where they'll adapt traits and word choice of their peers either conciously or subconciously so they can blend in. I had a history teacher in hs with a Detroit accent and every time I came out of class I sounded like him for like a solid 3-5 sentances before I caught myself. The thing where someone habitually repeats sounds or words they hear is called echolalia its considered a rudimentary communication tool for language development. You see small children do it when they start learning how to talk but most autistic people continue it thru most of their lives to some degree.

[@AllThoseChickens]

@@viccolasvic9461 I feel like I'm not as intense as that, but I do often mirror things. I can tell you I don't remember ever speaking or smiling with a crooked mouth until I watched Heroes in middle school (I think it was my brain trying to mimic Milo Ventimiglia or however it's spelled) Or when I watched Troye Sivan's videos ages ago before he was super famous, I found myself randomly slipping in and out of his accent It's very subtle for me I think idk Edit: And also I use words like "ages," "rather (meaning really)," and "quite" despite being American (we don't really use those)

[@jahbundance8816]

WOW! I've learned so much about myself just watching this video...I always felt different...Always!...this helped a LOT. Thank You So Much! I'll be watching all your videos. WOW! I'm 43 and there's so much more to learn about me. Looking forward to getting to know myself even more this year! Happy 2023! 🎉❤️🙏

[@sceneryjay8791]

Thank you so much for this video and for your whole channel 🙏🏻💕

[@foolishkai1822]

“8. Do you go through cycles of hyperproductivity? And then burnout?” the other day i did every single assignment for a class that has been assigned in the past 10 weeks, in a single day. today and yesterday i havent been able to do anything for any class.

[@kipperthedog789]

Oh my god same! Last week I worked without a break from 8 to 5 and now I can’t make myself do any of the work

[@grendelsmama2302]

Umm happened to me today 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀

[@foolishkai1822]

woah i havent gotten notifications for this at all lol, its nice to see how some of you guys have had the same experiences! im glad im not alone in this

[@mishmosh_ml]

foolish kai felt this in my soul

[@caramelfrapz]

This happened to me with my art, I would draw about everyday for hours then suddenly I can’t draw anything for an entire week or two it’s like I’m unmotivated and burnt out, I still have ideas but I don’t have the energy to draw it,

[@felixmoore6781]

"17: Do you often notice things that others dont?" Things such as missing apostrophes?

[@BentReality.369]

Also forks on the right side of the plate instead of the left. Oppsie, there goes my autism again.

[@metalmick]

Ha ha!😊

[@alicia1636]

Yess!!!

[@heatherwebber9747]

Oh yes

[@WynandSchoonbee]

...or when people use incorrect grammar ;-)

[@juliasteinmetz1662]

Thank you for putting this out there! Your insights are resonating with a lot of people and I think you share the questions in a kind and non-judgmental way. I answered "no" to all 25 questions, by the way. I don't think these are universal experiences, I think they are mostly particular to people on the spectrum or, it seems, with ADHD.

[@syntaxzombie9450]

Half a year ago, I stumbled onto this video, and it really opened up a huge breakthrough for me. Now I am getting formally tested next month. Thank you for posting these videos.

[@wootteojin9392]

reply update thanks

[@syntaxzombie9450]

I got my official ASD diagnosis yesterday!

[@junatube260]

Focusing in this video is the hardest thing ever . I keep putting myself in situations and my mind gets focused on that

[@Rick-the-Swift]

Yep. They used to call us "space cadets", then it was adhd, then Asperger's and now we just go straight to being labeled Autistic. Hard to imagine that back in the day, when we thought it was only the one kid in the front of the class with boogers hanging from his nose, mumbling to himself, who was the "special" one. Turns out probably half the class who were struggling to maintain a C average all had it and just didn't realize it, as well as half the other kids who were getting straight A's...and they were just the Savants. Autism for life💪

[@JK-hd2zb]

The day dreaming during conversations or instruction has always gotten me

[@joep4224]

When someone tells a story and my mind is blowing up with imagery and taking me off on tangents. About the only thing it comes in handy for is making jokes that are a play on words, as my brain has already pestered me with 3 or 4 different meanings of something someone said (possibly a few sentences ago when I was meant to have continued listening).

[@WahidahCherazade]

Same here, so I'm happy that it's possible to pause it after the questions. For some of the questions my first thought was "No, that's not me!" but when I put myself in a situation where that could appear, I realized that I'm just masking to survive the situation. Yes, I CAN figure out how to behave in most situations in my daily life, but my life is very different to others (because I have been adjusting as much as possible in my enviroment) and even if I had things "made up to suit me" I get sooo tired by a lot of things people seem to do without putting much effort in it...

[@EllaStone]

I recently started working this job with my aunt. It's a very small business, about 10 people in the office-max-at all times. I could go on and on about all the "autistic" experiences I've had in pretty much only a month of working there, but I'm not gonna. Point is, I've been getting closer to my aunt, and one day during lunch (we always eat together, just the both of us) I felt comfortable enough to say "do you remember what I was like when I was little?", to which she replied "yes, you used to smile a lot up until you were two or three. Then you started retracting. But I suppose you were still happy nonetheless." I felt... emotions when she said that, which made me share that I'd been considering the possibility of being on the spectrum. Her reply was eerily brilliant. She didn't move a muscle on her face, she just looked up and said, "yeah... we all are. It's this side of the family. I've known for about 4 years now, after I read a book that deeply resonated with me." I had a gaping mouth face expression at that point. I'd been struggling to find out where "I" came from, and it makes so much sense. My father, my uncle, my aunt, my grandpa, my cousin... we're all a bit odd, to be honest. But it'd never occurred to me. Why me-I'm such an observer! Anyway, we had lunch and she was telling me all about some of her experiences. Being willingly locked in a bathroom stall because she'd noticed a group of a few women coming into the restroom after her, and just desperately waiting for them to leave so she wouldn't have to make eye contact. Masking most of the time during work and everyday social affairs. Her awkward, sometimes lovingly nonsensical approach to some situations-she showed me a picture of myself from a few years ago, it was Christmas. I wasn't even looking at the camera. I just asked "do you always take pictures of your family members when they aren't looking?" to which she grinned really innocently and said "yeah, I love it, I love you guys." and I just felt like laughing. I'd been looking for someone like me to share some of my struggles with, since it's so hard feeling like an outsider all the time. It was soothing to realise that it was so close to me all along, and such an easily reachable person, and the awkwardness makes the interaction... comfortable. Does it make any sense? Anyway, this is the good bit that 2020 has brought into my life so far.

[@mousegrey6747]

This makes perfect sense and I’m so happy for you

[@youtubingbabs]

@71SgtMom that's an asperger's thing to say?

[@youtubingbabs]

@71SgtMom matter of fact.. Like really wondering? Yeah... I get it. Making it seem like some kind objective truth. I think I get it. That makes sense. He had a shallow understanding of people and love so he made a shallow comment. It was his shortcoming shining through. Still kind of painful. It's like I told my old BF when there was like a bunch of models on tv... "I could never look like that. I'm sorry." And instead of, "I think you're beautiful as you are. That's why I picked you." I get, "I know that. I don't expect you to. I'm not going for looks. You don't have to be a model. I love you anyway." Lol. Thanks. Preciate it. 😒

[@youtubingbabs]

@71SgtMom so glad you can see the humor! ❤😁

[@youtubingbabs]

@71SgtMom no. Sadly... he really didn't think I was beautiful. That was the truth shining through. He slowly revealed his sense of superiority and called me horrible names. He thought I should know my place that I wasn't hot enough to demand respect etc. He told me what to eat, tired to make me do all the cleaning and called me a fat slob...he beat me and choked and shot video of me in humiliating situations. No. He was shallow. He meant he wasn't looking for someone beautiful. He really didn't find me beautiful or worthy of respect. He doesn't look through a lense of love and didn't want a model but was looking for someone to take his sadistic anti-social behaviour out on. Its sad but it's a thing.

[@BlackHermit]

I answered "True" to 24 out of the 25 questions. It was very interesting, thank you for sharing those questions with us!

[@kimmcallister4992]

I'm 55 years old and just now learning that I am on the Autism spectrum and also have ADHD. Now I understand myself in a new way and it's quite liberating. I'm excellent at masking...so much so that I didn't even know that's what I've been doing all my life. It is exhausting by the way. I've been diagnosed with PTSD from childhood trauma, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue syndrome, and depression. I am currently seeing these diagnoses in a new light - and all of it can be easily understood by me now that I understand Autistic burnout. I appreciate your insight and the videos you have shared. Thank you!

[@delaneyalfieri9993]

As someone who is diagnosed with high functioning autism (Aspergers) I felt inspired to share some of my experiences. These are very strange and specific but I guess this just goes to show you that everyone’s experiences and differ completely • in terms of sensory issues, one thing that I can’t physically stand is the “s” sound through headphones or earbuds, idk why and I know I sound crazy saying that, but it sounds like such a strong grinding sound that I can’t take •I’m really sensitive to the sun in the summer, I get sick from the heat really easily and the light is almost as if there’s pressure on my eyes, and i can only look down, this is very uncomfortable for me and also makes me feel like i can’t see where I’m going and I’m going to bump into something •I often stutter so hard that it doesn’t even sound like English and I have to start all over again, if I’m embarrassed or anxious my words will just mesh together because I just wanna stop talking •if I don’t know what to say I’ll just repeat what someone else just said if I agree with them…this confuses a lot of people •if I get reminded of something really embarrassing when I’m alone, I tick, i usually jerk my head or hum really loud as if I’m trying to ignore the thought •I’m very weird with routines, during covid I developed a routine of doing each step of washing my hands for 5 seconds each so that the whole process adds up to 20 seconds, 5 seconds rubbing soap on my hands, 5 seconds rinsing, and then 5 seconds drying off each hand, I also have to apply my deodorant for 7 seconds •I create routines for everything and anything that I’m repeating, I create and revise these routines while I’m doing them so that I can get things done as efficiently as possible, if I mess it up I have to try to fix it or readjust my routine •if there are multiple colors of anything, I have to sort it into rainbow order, I did this with my clothes, the apps on my phone, all of my colored pencils and even when I eat m&m’s or skittles •a very specific stim that I do, which I also believe happened over quarantine, is that I will trace my finger down my arm or leg and count to 5 (or 10 it depends) then I go in the other direction and count to 4 and I keep going back and fourth until I get to 1, I may even do that pattern within the pattern, and then after I get to one I start again but then start at 4 instead of 5 •I have a terrible habit of talking over people, for the life of me I can never tell when someone is done talking, it’s either that I cut someone off just for them to apologize just for me to say “it’s okay go ahead I always interrupt people” or I wait in a few seconds of silence to make sure their done, and then when I try to speak I realize I’ve waited to long and they start speaking again, this is especially harder in groups so I just don’t say much I hope that others can relate a little, I have so many more things that I realize as I was writing but this is already a lot so I’ll just leave it there lmfaooo

[@laynel4355]

I was unsure about a few of the questions in the video itself, but I PROFOUNDLY related to almost all of these

[@heatherwebber9747]

Oh yes I cannot find the flow of the conversation. It’s terribly embarrassing.

[@christinanielson8985]

I do the rainbow order thing too! With everything like you said! And I get really surprised/upset when people don't know the order that colors are supposed to be in the rainbow because it's such a simple thing to know for me.

[@putgodfirst1192]

Aww! I'm trying to learn about asperger's because people have hinted to me that I am! Came across your comment and I feel somewhat like this! Anyways thank you and have a wonderful night!

[@CeciliaLJonasson]

This is me.

[@antoniabaker7770]

Please remember that just because "some of these questions may relate to you, does not make you autistic.

[@420memer3]

True. c: But if I relate to nearly all of these besides a few, am I autistic?

[@toomanymondays5988]

What if you answered yes to all of them?

[@alicebelloo]

It works the other way around too... Autism is a spectrum so some of the answers might not hit as hard as the others

[@pinkmilkshake1971]

well, i got 22 and i have not been formally diagnosed, and i’m under 18, my mother doesn’t believe my speculation that i may be autistic, so for now im going to self diagnose. i just want to know why i am the way i am.

[@davethompson3252]

Be careful not to jump to any conclusions. A lot of these are good indicators, but overlap with other disorders. The “spectrum” also dips well into the very broad range of “normal”. While it is really nice to learn about one’s self, and find new ways to conceptualize our struggles, be careful not to view these traits as a disability unless they rise to the level that they have a significant disruptive impact on your life and happiness. Their diagnosis really must come from a well trained and experienced mental health professional who is able to provide an objective and knowledgeable third party perspective. Ideally, there should be cognitive testing and a good exploration of your emotional functioning and history.

[@Gydjulind]

YES to all questions… It still makes me so sad to realise a big part of my life has been one big struggle and a waste of time, since I was only diagnosed 4 years ago at age 57. Only then could I slowly start unraveling all the pieces of the puzzle and overlooking my life through a new ‘set of glasses’. It totally turned me upside down. Masking has been my middle name all those decades and it’s a very tough task to unmask and grow to be the REAL ME. But having said that, I’m incredibly grateful to have found out that I’m autistic, as it has given me a feeling of who I am at last. But yet the struggle is hard, very hard…

[@kimberleyedwards833]

Complete unambiguous YES to every single question. And yes to responding to known autistic people recounting their inner experience. The first time I heard Dr Temple Grandin speak, probably 15 years ago, I started sobbing driving down the freeway. I honestly felt as if she was naming everything in my head that I just took for granted. I felt like I was hearing someone from the home planet for the first time.

[@kalijohnston561]

its so interesting how autism, adhd and anxiety overlap quite a bit. i've got anxiety, and strongly relate to about half of these (liking routine/having routines others might find odd, hating certain forms of communication, having trouble maintaining friendships, behaviors at home that you wouldn't do in public, being both overwhelmed by others emotions and under-reacting to certain things, etc)

[@lif6737]

We tend to separate neuro-typical and neuro-atypical as two distinct minds, but I’ve long thought that plenty of people fall somewhat inbetween. I’m pretty confident that I’m not autistic, but I’ve had quite a few friends on the spectrum and have often related significantly to aspects of their experiences, especially when I reflect on my childhood and my anxiety. I’ve often wondered that, even if I’m not on the spectrum, could my brain wiring still share some similarities?

[@brickTopia-stopmotion]

I myself don’t know id I have adhd or autism since they both have symptoms that are similar . I feel like that autism fits more with my symptoms and my mom thinks that adhd fits my symptoms more. I want to have one of those test but my mom says it isn’t necessary, so I use these vids to kinda find out. Hopefully when I’m an adult I can finally get a test

[@nicok8203]

@@brickTopia-stopmotion I can't judge your situation but people who love you sometimes seem to think that superficially claiming you're normal makes you more normal. It doesn't. I think if you state your wish clearly and don't play it down, she should support you. I want to suggest not just asking for a test, but having a talk with an experienced psychologist. In my experience it doesn't matter if you have more autism than adhd, but having someone actually listen to your doubts and tell you why that works as it does, helps a lot.

[@karens8633]

Misdiagnosis is common too, especially in Women. Too many “professionals” still think Autism is just a male problem.

[@karens8633]

@@lif6737 I’m on the spectrum, but it was my sister that frequently eloped and had a rocking stim! She is not on the spectrum.

[@scaredyfish]

A lot of these resonate, but a lot of them don’t. I have quite severe social anxiety, and it’s quite hard to know whether that’s the only problem or if there’s more to it.

[@Tattzz]

Yeah I feel very similar to this comment, I also just feel like I'm not normal but I don't have an actual reason why

[@poochiekitty8062]

Tattzz Same here.....😔

[@danilomariano1726]

I honestly to myself identified with 9 of the mentioned patterns. I dont know If that indicates me into the espectrum but I certainly wonder If my extreme shyness is something normal. Since childhood I have difficults of socialization and now as adult I am suffering into Workplace, always anxious and thinking why I am always pointed as the quiet and unproductive weird guy.

[@dinkledankle]

I've been diagnosed with GSAD, and nearly, if not all of them essentially describe me. But like you, there are a lot of things about me that are connected to my anxiety, but seem to go deeper than that. I can't tell if I'm highly neurotic, autistic, and/or have APD. It's really confusing trying to just figure myself out so I can get past it all. I'm almost 28 and my life still has gone nowhere 😕 I've tried seeing psychiatrists and psychoanalysts, but I could never really convey who I am to them, so I never felt like they _really_ understood. It's a really long road, going alone, but I'm figuring it out.

[@soridosuneku]

@@dinkledankle What is GSAD? I tried searching and the results were not what I was expecting

[@TeoMagnus47]

From all of the research I have done and this video, I know I am autistic. The biggest difficulty seems to be one getting a diagnosis, and two convincing anyone in my life that actually matters to me that this is actually me. Thank you for the video.

[@pataki2666]

I was referred to a psychologist for further evaluation after discussing the the possibility of misdiagnosis with a psychiatrist. I think this video was great to bounce things around in my head. Thank you. Edit: I apparently hadn’t watched the full video and a lot of gaps were filled.

[@FillerOfTheVoid]

Is KZbin trying to telling me something by putting it in my feed?

[@lyricsvaultla]

I don't remember when it happened :'v

[@A_Bowl_Cut]

I ask the same question too. Just know that you gotta have right diagnosis from a professional in order to really know whether this is you or not. Self diagnosis is bs and sad because people struggle to the point where they got the WebMD effect.

[@ViniLdCff]

I wonder that too. I answered yes to just one question. The sensitive one. My nose is crazy sensitive. But never stopped me from doing things...

[@ringdingersworldwide741]

Filler of the Void KZbin has diagnosed all of us with Aspergers

[@user-ow9ub8gj6b]

KZbin promoted the most pro-trans videos that existed, and I still had no fucking clue for years., KZbin knows everything, trust no one, choose one, the red or the blue pill?

[@dante340]

I was beginning to overcome a lot of these issues and then the effing pandemic screwed up everything and all of my typical social gatherings were removed from my life.. Now I feel more awkward, isolated, and socially inept than ever before, I feel like a 12 year old trapped in a 27 year old's body, it's absolute torture. I hate it.

[@thaeasy]

When you say "overcome issues", do you maybe mean you were learning to mask your natural traits? Because, if that's the case, maybe the real torture is dissociating from who you really is and the the best way to overcome these "issues" is by accepting them

[@carlodave9]

Don't panic. Don't despair. You're way out of practice is all. Even highly socially skilled people are feeling distanced and clumsy these days because of COVID. Keep seeking out social practice as you were before, but know that you'll struggle and probably make mistakes, but also know the skills will return IF you avoid isolating. Mostly I'm just talking to myself because your comment was like hearing myself. Now that things are "opening up" I have my work cut out for me rebuilding neglected relationships and social contacts.

[@TwelvetreeZ]

Same here, all my social anxiety is now snowballed into pandemic anxiety and I feel stuck

[@polingJames12]

mood my dude. i just watched this video and i connected with every question

[@minecraftersworld3473]

same.

[@facecy1427]

I'm 50yrs old and can't believe I'm just now realizing my life. Wow. Just wow. I feel exhausted now. Thank you soooo very much for this video.

[@monsterparty5324]

I answered yes to 23 of the questions and "maybe? sometimes? I can't tell if I'm just coping" to the other two. And then I cried for a good ten minutes. Things make sense now. Thank you.

[@VolksdeutscheSS]

The issues he's mentioning here probably have been felt a little by everyone at some time or another. What will define autism is how severe you experience these things and how often. A small example: We all have felt misunderstood at one time or another. Very few of us would say we're "always misunderstood". We have all felt anxiety at some time in public; however, for most of us these were isolated circumstances. We don't always feel this way. Autism doesn't suddenly "begin": it fades in. It's a matter of degrees.

[@jakerod3411]

Well stated.

[@SherrifOfNottingham]

"I feel misunderstood but I have friends" Not really a tick in the box for whether you're autistic. "I feel misunderstood and have few or no friends" That's when that question indicates autism.

[@lilia3944]

@@SherrifOfNottingham That's also difficult tho. I feel misunderstood but I have friends. Almost all of those friends are "weird" in one way or the other (ocd, adhd, autism, you name it), so we understand each others issues fairly well. Most of us are terrible at keeping in contact, I'm autistic and adhd so I suck at communicating with people in general. I would say "I feel misunderstood by everyone except my closest friends" would also fit to autism, since most people dislike autistic people for what feels like no reason, but you can still find friends.

[@trendydelquendy]

No, it's much more basic than that, and it's why neurodivergence isn't accepted. Everyone's felt "a bit left out" or misunderstood. To feel like you don't belong in the actual world is quite different.

[@GrandTheftChris]

Nazi ideology doesn't suddenly "begin": it fades in.

[@edgelordultimate4210]

Me being diagnosed with autism: still follows along answering questions

[@lastbornrelic3430]

Same

[@aaditya1046]

Same

[@untrustfulsoldchannel9238]

Same

[@hanaasako5983]

Same

[@lastbornrelic3430]

@@hanaasako5983 lol

[@spontaneoustree4873]

Question 21: Do you feel like it's YOUR job to fit in? I've been looking into autism for quite awhile now, and of everything I relate with and have experience with, I think this is the one that opened my eyes the most. All throughout my life I've been asking myself and professionals how I can better fit in, and until now I did not connect those dots. Along with that, an inability to communicate with others when there is no common interest (Q.19) and what I've realised is quite a dull emotional reaction to some things but a very strong over-reaction to others being the strongest for me really stands out to me as what I relate to the most. I've always just called it being an introvert, or antisocial. I was coping, until I wasn't. I think it's time to get support. Thank you.

[@MichelleGarcia-fg2xq]

I resonated with 18 of these. 😢 I'm 55 and in many ways this explains my life and who I am and why I've been different me while life. IQ of 140.... but I see the world sssoooo different then most anybody I know. It's been a struggle to fit in my whole life yet I eventually learned to love myself and who I am. 😊 and I'm happy. Until recently it never occurred to me I could be in this category until seeing these videos. Thank you, truly for making them. It's opened my eyes to the possibility that I may be autistic. This wasn't a thing when I was growing up. It's nice to have a possible answer and u plan to look more into it. Again..... THANK YOU ❤ Namaste

[@felixsfriendthatgavehimthe2108]

My dad said one of the weirdest things that happened was when one of his clients at his job diagnosed him with autism (she’s a phycologist). It was weird to him because he’s in his 50s, and has never thought about it because he learned to assimilate to society as he got older. He was definitely called all sorts of things as a kid, but lived in a time and place where mental health was extremely taboo.

[@felixsfriendthatgavehimthe2108]

@SADIQ IBRAHIM🇬🇧 what the actual hell is wrong with you… do you not understand how the human mind works? There’s nothing that needs to be fixed about your child, you need to learn how to help him.

[@occamsrazor1285]

@@felixsfriendthatgavehimthe2108 My comment is going to be anecdotal, so maybe take it with a grain of salt (and it includes a healthy dose of appeal to authrotiy too); my sister happens to have a masters in psychology AND specializes in autism. Some what coincidental ( wink ) that I have a "high liklihood of being on the spectrum" (and most probably with what used to be called Asperger's. She can't officially diagnose me. As part of her liceses ethics standards, the most she can do is suggest that I get tested ;) ). One of the thnigs I hear her talk about is that all too often the parents of the children she works with are looking to "fix" their child so they'll be "normal." "There's nothing to fix. Different doesn't mean broken."

[@Nobody-mz5no]

love the pei ming pfp ✨✨

[@felixsfriendthatgavehimthe2108]

@@Nobody-mz5no lol thanks, I love MXTX more than I love my grandma

[@Nobody-mz5no]

@@felixsfriendthatgavehimthe2108 Yah i mean who doesnt still out here suffering and diving for fandom content to appease my pain till she releases her fourth novel about grim reapers or smth mxtx's writing style really stayed with me now i cant read anything except for historical fictions that are atleast a bit similar im currently trying to finish 2ha so that i can now dive into more danmei fandoms lololol

[@oliver1616]

Am I the only one who has never seen the need to fit in??? I find myself absolutely hilarious and interesting, while most other people are so boring and confusing that I just don't care. It would take too much effort to try and be like them when I think my interests are way more fun and take less energy, even if I'm left with less friends. I wouldn't want any new friends if we're not going to understand eachother. Is that just me???

[@chromberries7329]

Kinda sorta. I'm pretty good at entertaining myself, however I still feel lonely. I wish I could just have friends, any friends, even if they don't like what I like. I figure if I could just develop some social skills that wouldn't be as big of an issue. But realistically that just isn't gonna work. I'd still feel lonely, heck, I've been in that situation before.

[@55locketstreet]

i remember deliberately choosing to do things that most other people didn't choose because i took pride in being different, mostly because my parents praised me for my uniqueness

[@Liesbeth22]

I feel the same way

[@viktoriahobek9873]

No, I can relate, but I am really looking for good friend. Because three are jsut.. Yeah I Mena one is always busy with school, the other one does better with her other friends and the third one... Yeah kinda the same as the second one. I am always worrying if I can find someone new or what I did wrong. Last time I was so scared to not call my friend because I thought she would never ever call me one day and I would loose her.

[@viktoriahobek9873]

*just,mean

[@kimdennis3259]

Thank you. I know I’m not suppose to use this for another person but most of this helps me understand my child better. The Autism specialists told me to learn all I can on Autism and Neurodiversity as my child has trouble explaining it to me but to remember just because you have met one autistic person you not met them all you have only met one autistic person. Thank you again a lot of these questions fit with my child.

[@lrwiersum]

The insane amount of effort it takes to appear normal !! Basic stuff takes everything I’ve got. I push myself relentlessly to barely keep up with the demands of life. I’m done with intimate relationships ! Never again, just too hard.

[@Kitthecatgod]

This feels so validating, having someone list things I struggle with but can’t put into words, thank you

[@LuminousKugelblitz]

same ! highly relatable !

[@lolarin1309]

Same omg

[@worldatworm]

I’ve never been diagnosed but have always related strongly to autistic traits, to me it’s obvious I’m on the spectrum. But I’ve been hesitant to talk about it with anyone as I’ve had a therapist flat out tell me I do not have it.. all of the questions in your video I relate strongly to. The second question especially, I’m afraid I won’t be taken seriously by a therapist

[@LadyDoomsinger]

Ask a different therapist. I've been dealing with psychologists and therapists for over 15 years (half my life), and the only conclusion I've reached in that time, is that whatever diagnosis you get or don't get is entirely dependent on which psychologist you ask. Try 5 different "experts" and you'll get 5 different answers - almost as if people and their personalities don't actually fit neatly into nice, neat, labeled boxes, and describing a person's unique personality requires a lot more words than you'll find in any one single diagnosis.

[@disgustof-riley8338]

@@LadyDoomsinger Autism is not an entire personality dude

[@LadyDoomsinger]

@@disgustof-riley8338 It's part of the personality.

[@lisajohnson4744]

@@disgustof-riley8338 um, yes, it is, dude.

[@ksmyler100]

I relate to that! Therapists - so many of them seem they should NOT be therapists. My whole family seems to be on the spectrum. I recognize it immediately, but therapists may only have a bit of training. They don't understand it from the inside!

[@alexamassey7851]

I'm like you and smart but can't read. And I have misophonia really bad and can't stand hardly anyone's speaking voice. And your speaking voice is LOVELY and your set up for your mic and recording is PERFECT so thank you for making a resource that is accessible to me!!

[@jenisadorawinter1472]

I find listening to your videos extremely calming and soothing. I don't know if I'm on the spectrum, but I relate and appreciate.

[@EternitySoundDesign]

I have been eating the same thing for breakfast for the last 8 years, by choice. That's normal right? Overly sensitive to light, noise and smell. I hear things no one else hears. I can't stand talking on a phone. I don't know when to talk. Other people chit chat so easily, but I simply don't understand how they do it. More, importantly, I don't see the point. I reply with scripted responses, regardless of what the initial input conversation starter was: "Hi!"... me "Good thanks"... fuck :| My hobbies turn into extreme interests (complete and utter devotion of time, research and practice to one topic at a time... I've decided to push that into a new career, took up programming, and I'm really enjoying it), to the point where I talk about nothing else. My work approached me to pay for my diagnosis. That's good right?

[@thebobthebobanite6287]

Everything you’ve stated is 100% accurate for me as well. “More importantly, I don’t see the point” perfect.

[@auversoi]

Omg I think you're me, lol

[@milenkasiforija4947]

Im sensitive to light, smell and noise as well as repetitive movement in my peripheral vision. I have above average hearing and am sensitive to all manner of signals. We have social dispersion signals that only teenagers can hear in our towns, to stop them for gathering (in the UK). Iam 47 and I can hear them. and they are distressing. likewise with hobbies and interests ...

[@fattyMcGee97]

This is one of the most autistic comments I have read in a while. No, it's not a bad thing. It's not bad at all

[@asazr5987]

@The Cløwn you are asd?

[@Haleyh629]

Think about it like anxiety. Everyone has moments of anxiousness, but if it’s a constant, repeated behavior, something you notice often, or of higher than normal severity, then it’s likely you have an anxiety disorder and don’t just experience moments of anxiety. It’s the same thing here. Everyone has had MOMENTS like these, but if you experience these on a regular basis and find that they seem to be happening outside the normal severity of other people, then there’s likely something more going on.

[@Beanssss_]

Thank you I love this so much

[@emma_m0]

That’s a really interesting/clear way of putting it.

[@juanmanuelmoramontes3883]

Exactly, that's why these questions start with "do you often?".

[@acciousername6776]

Never have I ever felt THIS seen..! I can't believe I actually have tears coming out of my eyes lol

[@helgaherbstreit5102]

Thank you so much. Your videos are giving me a better understanding of my son who is diagnosed with Aspergers and two of my pupils.

[@ynntari2775]

I feel more understood by this video than I've ever been by any human being or institution ever.

[@KAHHHH8548]

Me too

[@KFoxtheGreat]

I don't know how to express how much I feel these questions in my soul without sounding completely cliche. I cried three times while watching this

[@bazi8347]

so did I

[@mgd6087]

Welcome home to both of you.

[@foxclower]

One of the hardest part of evaluating myself is not having enough social interaction or people around me to compare myself. I don't know my "peers" enough to really know if I am different from them.

[@mariayoung7659]

I have been questioning if I should get tested or not. I ended up watching this video and would strongly agree with 20 out of 25 of the questions. It's interesting that I only started to wonder if I had autism when I started working with kids who have autism. I've been working as a behavior technician for three years now and as more time passes it makes me want to get tested even more. Especially being a 22 year old struggling to have friends and a social life.

[@MayPhoenix]

Everyone tells me "so what if you get told yes, you are autistic -- how does that change anything?" I said it doesn't, really, other than to validate what's going on with me and why I am the way I am. My half-sister was diagnosed with Asperger's, two of my cousins have kids who were diagnosed as being on the spectrum. All on the same side of the family (paternal). I am almost 56 and have struggled all my life with these issues and have been told I'm "crazy" or "looking for attention" (which is the exact opposite, I've always hated being in the spotlight, and tend to mask when I'm in public situations just to cope with interacting with strangers).

[@jackstorm1014]

I really relate to most of this things, specially being "gullible" or having a hard time realizing when something is a joke or if it is serious. Also, I've been asked if I "even have feelings" just because it really hard for me to understand other emotions and how to respond properly to them I've always knew I had autistic tendencies But, wow, maybe I'm a bit more than just "sorta Asperger's" I'm going to ask my psychiatrist about it, thanks man

[@darnielladd6131]

Oof that always hurts. I'm kind of cold to people because I'm just not a good communicator and it's not like I'm trying to be cold or mean but anyways I have definitely gotten a comment along the lines of "do you have feelings". I've also been asked "who hurt you?!" because I wasn't as talkative and outgoing as some people. I actually got yelled that from across the hall at work from a coworker and it was hard to continue my shift like everything was normal.

[@hourglassrewrite]

I speak English and Japanese, and I used to joke with my peers in high school that "sarcasm with a third language I simply can't understand." So this point among others in the video really spoke to me o-o I also found that when people are sad it's easy to sympathize and help out, but when someone becomes angry or furious I quickly shut down thinking "isn't that a waste of time and energy to get angry over (insert reason here)" It's had people question me as well for being psychopathic because I couldn't understand their rage.

[@andrewswanson4819]

Same, sarcasm is like my mother tongue yet in conversation with others I get "whooshed" sometimes and have to ask whether or not something someone said was serious or not

[@josueperalta321]

I've had this issue since I can remember. My two siblings always say 'it's a joke' when they say one because they noticed that I always seem confused when they joke.

[@sleepisnice8969]

I feel this deeply, ive been told im a robot and mysterious because i dont know how to respond so i just dont

[@alecrobbins3989]

That’s it. I’m taking it seriously now, I think I’m on the spectrum. Every single one of these questions except maybe 2 or 3 were hits. No misses.

[@WebkinzLiker264]

You could have a lot of the symptoms and still not have autism but it is good to look into it! Everyone experiences autism differently so you could have it your whole life without really realizing it.

[@pierre-rose7783]

Whoa !! I guess almost everyone is on the spectrum in one way or another ! None the less, this is a good video, and the details are fairly well covered.

[@CeruleanBikeShop]

I was recently told by my doctor that I have autism. It hit me like a ton of bricks to finally find out while being in my mid-20s. Always knew I was different in specific ways, but the patterns and signs went entirely over my head. As it does for me, I'm sure these videos help others learn how we operate