Asperger's, not what you think it is | Krister Palo | TEDxYouth@ISH

Krister Palo is a 15-year-old student at the International School of the Hague who just happens to have Asperger's syndrome. In his talk, he shares misconceptions about people with Asperger's syndrome, and breaks down some of these popular stereotypes and assumptions.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedxe

[@Yadeehoo]

That crowd was terrible he is brilliantly funny and witty

[@Yadeehoo]

***** I'm pretty typical, I still find him hilarious to the highest degree

[@Yadeehoo]

***** Oh, so it's wrong or offensive to find it funny? Idk, i get his point and find it fascinating, although laughing while learning seems fun.

[@Yadeehoo]

***** What am I then if I find this guy hilariously witty? I have no idea if I'm Aspie, i don't think so, but i'm kinda weird, that's for sure. I do tend to understand Aspie's humour and find it one of the best, if not the best. But like you say i have no idea how it works the other way around. Like if I say something funny, will an Aspie find it funny too or just look at me in consternation...? I've actually never met an Aspie in real life to try. I just came here cause some ppl in my family think I might be one, But you know family diagnostics... Kinda subjective, they see one documentary about something and become convinced it applies to them or some ppl they know. Tho Aspies seems to be peaceful innocent and creative ppl, and if the world would be a majority of that it would be nice :)

[@GamingAnomaly]

Rainbow Sam I was honestly cracking up his jokes. My friends just looked at me like I was dumb. especially the teeth joke.

[@Yadeehoo]

Dustin Murphy Well so ppl are just hilariously funny, the world is gonna have to deal with that.

[@Shindai]

I cringed at the silence. This guy is charming and his energy is a pleasure to see and hear. It felt like he was rehearsing in an empty room. He's awesome though

[@muurrarium9460]

So did the audience (empty room)... (and if you bothered to read the comments of the past year: it's all about microphone placement -> you are not supposed to hear the audience + his jokes did not fit into the flow of what he was telling, so not funny!) I am glad (and surprised) you liked him, I just wanted to punch him on the nose for being a loud and annoying brat selling everybody his personell experiences as 'the thruth'.

[@Shindai]

I try to avoid delving too deep into youtube comments, I've seen enough vile hateful stuff to make it less appealing to see what others say, generally, but thanks for the info. Interesting that you found him so loud and annoying and bratty, I didn't get any of that impression lol interesting how people can get different things from a person.

[@playbot136]

There's only a handful of people in the room.

[@angelablackthorne3026]

It makes you have to ask yourself, who has the worst problem? Is it all these stonewalling, judgmental cynics who no doubt think of themselves as "normal", or this brave, bright, intelligent boy? Autism isn't the only issue humans have to contend with, prejudice is far more destructive.

[@allafields7667]

He made me laugh. What is wrong with people?

[@eabaggins]

What is with this crowd, they could have at least courtesy laughed, even if they didn't get....the obvious humor.

[@catherinehart5949]

My son and I got it...for the obvious reason.

[@devonoved7]

Some people on the spectrum intentionally ask that no applause or loud noises be made during their presentations. It can interrupt their train of thought , tigger OCD or give rise to stage fright..

[@janupanicker1839]

I think asd prefer the audience listens and at last just a pat on his shoulder. Certain applause disturbs them

[@lifeonwheels5756]

Evren i think they all have asp Berger’s

[@Prottype]

Casey Salgado or it could be that they found the humour too shallow and try hard. Each to their own tastes in the regards of humour. I for certain won’t laugh if I don’t find something funny to me.

[@mariw8394]

His voice is incredible

[@alanwalsh1596]

Tank Kingdom I subscribed to you because I saw the guppy in your profile picture

[@jacobsprague6049]

Yea that accent do

[@juniormako6184]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it.

[@epicned3837]

I mean he looks 15 but sounds 21. That's crazy.

[@TheChimchariscool]

he sounds older than that sounding 21 means sounding drunk, high, stupid, or most likely all three

[@hubblebublumbubwub5215]

He is 15, looks 12 and sounds 28.

[@vocalsunleashed]

Exactly my thoughts

[@kentlarson5020]

I agree to that!

[@fifthavenuegirl]

he looks like Dewey, but has Malcolm's brain. And he got in trouble at school because he acted like Reece. LOL. I think I have ASP too

[@macruz1221]

Are those chairs empty? This kids awesome. No reactions at all.

[@Blueberryminty]

maybe a room full of aspergers?

[@autumngold86]

You can clearly see that most of them are empty....

[@MonaAhmed-du2sq]

i know right! im like give him a break...

[@MonaAhmed-du2sq]

lmao!!!!!

[@audreyneal6168]

PokaDeJoka no i think thats just you not getting the joke I thought he was hilarious, that was just a stupidly stubborn crowd

[@eirikmurito]

worst. crowd. ever.

[@janephyllis5224]

Disabler the background noises were muted

[@xochigonzalez8501]

Because of his Asperger's itd probably was best to have no crowd of people to trigger him

[@funnysillyclown]

I want to have a firm talk with that crowd on what makes a person funny and interesting. Because clearly, they don't have that information.

[@shelleypark]

he's bizarre so they were stunned

[@greaterJAY]

Tough crowd...

[@greaterJAY]

His presentation is fantastic and comedic timing is good.

[@DigitalYojimbo]

*they

[@wtblack5]

DigitalYojimbo TTTTTRRRRRIIIIIGGGGGGGGGGEEEEERRRRREEEEEDDDDD

[@whiteeagle8140]

You mean an audience with good manners and respect for him. What would you think if people would applaud or talk or shout through your conversation.

[@Michael-go9hm]

greaterJAY right ?! Bunch of A holes

[@jettstoyanovich8178]

That right there is an extremely intelligent young man

[@26rainydays]

__Niko__ That's the difference right there. People with aspergers are known to be precocious, meaning well-spoken from an unusually young age - so he's had as much practice speaking at 15 as any 21 year old non-aspie (neurotypical), because he probably started at age 1 and has had more conversations with adults than he has had with other kids/teens his age. It's one of the main things a doctor will look for when concluding a diagnosis of high functioning autism aka aspergers. The more you know :)

[@1967davidfitness]

Yes..watch while I scream in your face!!!!

[@peephisenergy335]

***** your just not smart enough to comprehend what your friend is saying because your not a genius

[@SpinDoc420]

mmm mmm that is where you are wrong. each one of us is a genius is our own right, with at least nugget that is ours to share. belittling someone's because they missed that nugget not only doesn't erase their genius but clouds your own genius..

[@peephisenergy335]

Roger Allan you just did the same exact thing so does that cloud your own genius?

[@epointerwinboie]

Why are they not laughing? I laughed at the Russia stereotype. This crowd is like Stonehenge.

[@Michael-io6ok]

Not validating, but as an aspie I appreciate his humor, however a lot of people on the spectrum, specifically with asperger's (perhaps the primary audience) have a difficult time interpreting and picking up on if something is a joke. I think some aspies have *great* thought logic process and as such make some really witty jokes. Either way, *I* found him interesting, humorous, and pleasant.

[@diamondluv1080]

I agree the crowd wasn’t the best but it makes the video better cuz u can hear his speech without annoying laughter.

[@marshmelows]

Most stale joke, I'm with the crowd. The jokes were ok but the way he told them

[@black_swanN]

I didn't saw/heard any difference. I laughed ... 4-5 times. Was cool ^-^

[@stebolian]

It's cut out of the sound

[@frankrigelwoodsr.5019]

My youngest son has Asperger syndrome. And he's correct that the definition does not fit. If the child is put into social situations that he's not prepared for, he's going to get picked on and there will be trouble sooner or later. My wife has home schooled him, we disiplined him, praised him and worked with him through out the years. Today, he's a wonderful, polite young man. Who we are very proud of.

[@williamsteele1296]

good on you your a inspiration to people im sure of that

[@fionamayfield4762]

It's alot of work parenting Aspies but gosh they are incredible human beings.

[@MagickCat1]

@@fionamayfield4762FYI it's a lot of work living with allistics from an Autistic point of view.

[@vincentwong1045]

​@@MagickCat1 You have a point, I prefer to be alone or with people like me. So many unnecessary norms and rules among neurotypicals that just seem very inefficient and time consuming, the play wears me out. Glad I'm not the only one. No insult to anyone else. 👍

[@juniormako6184]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it.

[@philipschuster6557]

So there is an audience. I wasn't so sure until the applause at the very end.

[@catholicspaniard8796]

right?lol

[@Cerph]

They were giving him space to communicate his ideas effectively- that, plus his intensity put them off.

[@juniormako6184]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it.

[@isaacg.1185]

Wow, tough crowd... this guy comes across as very intelligent and his comedy is very good. Perhaps the crowd was stereotyping him as crazy lol...

[@alexandraaspen5002]

Isaac G. Yeah he is really great, maybe they aren't reacting as much because normally with people that have Aspergers, people laughing at him offends him because many social queues can go out the window and I could be rude to an extent. I'm not saying he is like that though because Aspergers comes in many different forms and I don't know how he is

[@typeoneauthor]

I don't think that they aren't reacting, I think it's just hard to hear them. I think they didn't place enough sound equipment in ththe audience.

[@easyplease7381]

He came across as rather aggressive and a bit condescending which set my teeth on edge a bit. Also very well spoken and clear about what he wants: being included and to be seen for who he is. This is so natural. As he matures perhaps his delivery will soften and he will be a little more humble. His parents should have a big pat on the back for having a layer of difficulty that has no doubt stretched them to their edged many times.

[@Feber2001]

Probably intimidated.

[@skippersthepenguin3591]

ITs more of an empty crowd

[@BlueMooners]

I have aspergers and it’s very hard for me too. It’s hard hearing every day at school, “you’re weird” “creep” “no one likes you” “you need to be more social”. I do want to be social but it holds be back like being locked in a cage.

[@hannahgibson3833]

This is exactly what I am going through at the moment I'm so glad that you have experienced the same

[@hannahgibson3833]

Sorry I meant I'm not the only one who has had this issue

[@beckyf2845]

Can relate!

[@Thelittleclipstore]

What’s your myer briggs type ? I kind of relate to the aspergers symptoms but I also know that most people my type look like this so what is going on.. btw I’m a Intp type 5. I wonder if many people are being misdiagnosed

[@cantthinkheadempty5846]

Same.. I was diagnosed with Aspergers when I was 5 (I think I don’t fully remember my age, I was usually the outcast kid in a class because i never really would talk to people. It makes me so happy that people are actually speaking out about this.

[@sweetpeace5]

Befriend an Aspie, it’s life changing! I was a bit confused here as I wasn’t aware anyone purposely put Aspies on the sidelines; like identified & called them out..but I am abundantly aware they suffer in silence as they’re consistently rejected by a society that deems them “abnormal” or “weird.” It should be mandatory education starting in elementary (to capture the impressionable minds) about the subtle/peculiar ways of these fabulous people. Their amazing minds & incredible personalities should be accepted for their uniqueness not overlooked. They’re often inadvertently ostracized when they don’t fit the acceptable definition of “normal” or “neurotypical.” What an incredible loss for society & a sad & lonely existence for so many Aspies.

[@Thelittleclipstore]

Isn’t that what Intp and Intj are? It’s so funny cuz I wish it was mandatory to learn about types in depth . It was life changing for me and the people around me.

[@agatakornacka9843]

I was always a weird kid because I had no filter, so nobody liked me I always hid my interests because I knew they were childish even though I was a literal child I ended up being friends with an girl who's on the autism spectrum and I felt so much more accepted ever since, I found someone I can share my interests with and someone I can be weird around

[@fitmomma1966]

sweetpeace5 YES YES YES! We need educating in schools at a young age. My daughter is 18 and very high functioning but “different”. A LOT.of heartache for her and myself over her school years. For all the years she was in school I thought the schools needed educating!!!!!!!

[@w.h.m9163]

People with asperger's make great friends if you have the same interests! If you're aware of how they differ that is. They don't bother about trivial things and in the end they are loyal and honest!

[@justalpha9138]

My greatest differences are what's going to allow me to crush the industry I'm going into.

[@Juhimanral11]

As a fellow Aspie, I approve. Brilliant talk.

[@PawelSorinsky]

Where are you from?

[@PawelSorinsky]

Juhi Manral What place your are from? I have Asperger's too and I'm Swiss.

[@Juhimanral11]

I am from India.

[@abzparris8293]

Jeep Barnett that's not very nice

[@sophiestafford7814]

Pablo Nino Nathanael Stoop that sounds kind of degrading

[@gracebe235]

I have been diagnosed with Aspergers. I talk with much emphasis and emotion like this young lad does....which gets me into trouble with my husband and my sister. They always think I'm angry when I'm just being passionate about what I'm trying to convey. It's so frustrating when they always tell me to calm down and quit being angry when I'm not angry. When they do this, THEN I get angry! Sheesh!

[@muurrarium9460]

You pro'lly use the wrong bodylanguage. To me, he is just loud - no emotion and he is flapping about like he had too much to drink/ drugs. If you are trying to share emotion use eyecontact, relax your face a bit more (eyecontact is not the same as a staring contest) you don't lean backward like you are about to topple over (like he did) if you want to share you lean slightly (!!) towards that person and LOUD is not enthousiasm: vary the tone, impact (emphasis on certain words) is made bij going up or down with your voice (higher pitch/ lower pitch) not just through the soundbarier. Also most Aspies are akward- that means they move in a very stif way (fix that by doing lots of sports that requiere balance and stretch a lot -> great way to release muscle-tension and it wil improve your mood as well) Moving with too much tension translates in the natural world (the entire planet!) as agression and anger. And duh- of course you get angry/ frustrated when you are misunderstood (al humans do), but the only way you can do something about it is to do things differently. They react to what you present them- so use a different kind of giftwrapping ;) You have the power, you can do this!

[@gracebe235]

muurrarium .......I have tried 'differently! MANY times over! I'm beginning to feel that the human race just isn't worth the effort to communicate with anymore. I'll share my thoughts with those who appreciate them.......the rest can kiss my rear!

[@LemonSte]

Grace Be I totally understand, it can be so frustrating to deal with people who either don't get it or have got tired because I can be quite exhausting. All I can suggest is - and I struggle with this - maybe count to 5 in your head before launching into a rant or speech about something. Consider if the other person would really enjoy the topic, really understand, or whether you're going to make them feel kind of trapped in the conversation and they have no input. I find it really hard to control my volume but just checking in with yourself every now and then - physically, "am I so loud I actually can't really hear anything else? Am I too close to this person to be so loud? Am I short of breath?" - can be enough to improve it. It seems your family could also benefit from a bit of patience but you've got to make it easier for them, and tell them what you need too.

[@marcusray3408]

Grace Be same with me, fellow aspie

[@TheSuperbizzaro]

You have to work on staying calm. If it is common you have to identify the problem. Relax, don't show so much passion

[@notyourbusiness106]

I have Aspergers and loooove this video. His energy is amazing!!!

[@jedidiahdennis6966]

Found another aot fan. Big hugs

[@juniormako6184]

There is a herbal recommendations I got about dr Oyalo and his herbal remedy which work perfectly on my sons improvements and social skill till now

[@rebeccakahrs7290]

I think the audience being quiet was a sign of respect and showing their true interest. Interesting how so many people felt the opposite.

[@katejudson8907]

AGREE. I felt that the audience may have even been prepped not to distract him during his talk as an accommodation .

[@MsAnpassad]

Actually, it can be so simple as that he has the same problem as I do (I also have aspergers). My brain gets exhausted if there are to much noise, so the audience could have been told not to clap before he got on stage.

[@gailordroberts]

Yes. Possibly. But also, maybe there weren’t many mics set up

[@myishenhaines1706]

I heard faint laughter. I think clapping at the end is appropriate. Eh

[@kyebourne9607]

agreed, he's too interesting to not listen to, laughing would only block out his voice

[@richardt8604]

I have a son with aspergers ! he had a real battle socialising with others as a child, but absolutely gifted in music plays piano by ear , loves entertaining others ? holds down a job , his employers love him because he is so highly organized on the job, and is now happily married to a girl he adores ! God bless you Ryan !

[@juniormako6184]

There is a herbal recommendations I got about dr Oyalo and his herbal remedy which work perfectly on my sons improvements and social skill till now

[@alinan4320]

I would like to be friends with that kid) he is cool, fun, witty , much better person then most 'normal' people I know.

[@jefferyford5309]

Many of us with Asperger's make great friends because we are statistically more loyal, honest and dependable than the average citizen. I've mentioned that in some of my videos.

[@Meme-if2cv]

Jeffery Ford Then the whole autism exclusion is nonsense if they behave better than normal people when they know the social norms...

[@Americansikkunt]

k k When you are aware of the norms, you also see the "Un-norms" , and that can be overwhelming.

[@26rainydays]

Jo Jo People with aspergers can generally see that they make people uncomfortable and try to hide their quirks in order to fit in, which is why many people do not get a diagnosis until they hook up with another aspie who is quirky but learned to fit in and then their combined genetics mean their child has low or medium functioning autism. Often they try to encourage their kid to "just fit in", but their kid lacks the ability to do what they did. That's part of the difference in high functioning autism aka aspergers and low functioning autism, first of all your executive functioning, your brain organization, works better, hence the name - but a symptom of both high and low functioning is that you don't have a concept of what is inside other people's minds until they outright tell you. High functioning means being able to pick up the body language clues and empathize with the person so that you can meet their expectations. Low functioning have a lot more difficulty reading facial expressions and body language and therefore discerning what is inside of other people's minds unless it is presented to them in words that have literal meaning. Figurative things like sayings give people on the autism spectrum difficulty because they don't know if you meant to say it that way (do you know that saying?) or if it's a cosmic coincidence. People with aspergers just have more ability to organize their brains (higher executive functioning) so that they can guess as to whether it is reasonable that you as a person in this time period with these experiences would logically know that saying and choose to use it just now, and also discerning from your tone and facial expression did you mean to be making a reference or was that a chance wording? It leads them to be good and bad communicators in that they leave no detail unmentioned but tend to overexplain things. Lol see above.

[@26rainydays]

Americansikkunt Yes, the odd norms that people follow without understanding why they do it, or understanding why, but still choosing to act in a way that is ineffective/illogical/harmful/nonsensical.

[@amberrichards2778]

Someone: "why are you mad?" Me, working hard to manage my face so nobody reads false information from it: "I'm not mad! I'm having a great time, actually. How are you?" Them: "you're mad. I can tell."

[@aceconcept]

The movement of the dancers behind the glass appeared mad to the crowd standing some distance away who could not hear the music.

[@jacktyrell8496]

I am autistic, too. At the end of a party where I had intense interaction with several people who seemed to hate me, my friend said he was sorry I had such a rotten time. I said. "What are you talking about?! I had a great time!"

[@gaialaselva8052]

@@jacktyrell8496 Felt that.

[@Tpoer]

All. The. Time.

[@yetravellingsonc8372]

As an aspy, I have always made a mental note to keep at least a slight smirk on one side of my face during gatherings to avoid this issue. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and sometimes I just evoke an energy of No Thoughts Head Empty.

[@jcloud2928]

What an amazing young man to do a Ted Talk at 15 Asperger's or not. His willingness to champion the cause of mislabeling at his own expense is heroic.

[@Cat94683]

Great speech! My son has high functioning Autism. His previous school would not allow him to participate in anything. School plays, performances, sports days etc. After we moved schools they encouraged him to do everything. The first school play/musical I saw him in; I saw so much joy on his face I was in tears. So I agree with this speech. Yes getting a diagnosis gives you a direction to go in for any therapies/support needed, but it shouldn't define what we are capable of.

[@juniormako6184]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it.

[@rmason8954]

Great kid, beautiful mind, and so brave! Does not not miss a beat, despite lack of reaction from the crowd until the end.

[@juniormako6184]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it.

[@chelseasbusyhands]

Teaching others how to treat you, not deal with you, you’re brilliant. Expect acceptance not tolerance. Thank you so much for this.

[@juniormako6184]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it.

[@apothecurio]

That disconnect between him and the crowd. That awkwardness is exactly how I feel with myself with most other people. Just this really baseline and fundamental feeling of disconnect.

[@juniormako6184]

There is a herbal recommendations I got about dr Oyalo and his herbal remedy which work perfectly on my sons improvements and social skill till now

[@juliaskagfjord6207]

I like this kid. Great public speaker.

[@jiznimore]

He is.

[@ghuttsmckenzie4269]

He has great potential.

[@juniormako6184]

There is a herbal recommendations I got about dr Oyalo and his herbal remedy which work perfectly on my sons improvements and social skill till now

[@jcost0099]

My son is an Aspy and amazing! As a patient and loving parents, my wife and I are there for him. This young man was courageous and a wonderful speaker, shame the audience seemed flat and lacking affirmative feedback during pauses.

[@yoyo-fv9pp]

TOUGH CROWD I laughed at ALL his jokes and EVERYONE WAS JUST SITTING THERE SILENT COME ON

[@markoboredguy6911]

THE CROWD IS LAUGHING THE MIC IS ONLY PICKING UP THE GUYS VOICE

[@carrikartes1403]

Auditorium looks pretty bare.

[@fitmomma1966]

thatboredguy really?

[@markoboredguy6911]

@@fitmomma1966 yes! Its really annoying I cant understand why they dont include the audience sound

[@autisticbluesloth5244]

what about the clapping

[@frida5680]

@@elegantname I had internships in places like this one (and open air concerts) and I would say that when recording anything live, we always set up mics that would capture the sound of entire surrounding and then checked beforehand if it sound good. It’s impossible that someone didn’t set up mics incorrectly, as we can hear the audience at the end and that sound is fine

[@insakolby]

This guy is amazing

[@jefferyford5309]

Krister has an interesting perspective and I congratulate him for adding his voice to the discussion. I hope he will always share of himself so freely. He's a terrific speaker! Earlier this year in March I gave a TED Talk titled - An Autistic Genius Discusses How Differences Make Us Special. I also started my own KZbin channel to help others with autism. It's important that people with Asperger's (who desire) share their knowledge and perspectives with others. No two people with Asperger's are the same and the more people who share with the public the better it will be for us all.

[@extrausapi2941]

Jeffery Ford I've got Aspergers. Perhaps we could do an interview and help spread awareness.

[@MartenFerret]

I have Asperger's. ^^

[@kristinabaker4433]

Very well put

[@peterbelanger4094]

The stereotype that autism is some "childhood" condition needs to be broken down. having some kids do a 'talk' only re-enforces that one. Where are the autistic adults? Why does society not care about older people with autism? Why so much attention and praise on the kids?

[@joshmcintyre5868]

I do hope to see your channel expand, more people need to see those on the spectrum as people, not problems

[@noneya7910]

He’s so adorable. I think I have aspergers but I’m not passionate about anything. I’m just very passive and depressed most of the time.

[@rivkyw.9753]

Hi , just curious do you know your myer briggs type or ennegram? I thought maybe I have asd and now since learning about types in depth for many months I came to realize I’m just a rare type a Intp and it changed my life tremendously

[@nivkejk7303]

@@rivkyw.9753 I've just received the same result - could you share on how exactly it changed your life? Do you have any helpful tips, especially about overcoming insecurity associated to this type?

[@omokok1877]

@@rivkyw.9753 I'm an INTP and I'm autistic

[@elevenelevenoracle8251]

It manifests differently in women. Women don't necessarily have one thing they like the most ;)

[@kpzcbttp]

What an astounding young man, I could listen to him all day.

[@juniormako6184]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it.

[@1967davidfitness]

Who wrote the explanation to the video? Aspergers is NOT a learning disability! It is a neurological development disability....atotally different condition!. Please correct it.

[@smnl0192]

it's a disadvantage subjective to society not a disability. Sciene has never proved aspergers as a disability. Psychiatrists only claim that so they can sell drugs. if you are going to correct the description you should do it the right way

[@1967davidfitness]

+SMNL019 WOW! You can't even explain Aspergers either. Let me teach you...Aspergers is high functioning Autism, but without speech delay. Autism is a life long neurological developmental disability/condition/disorder. Science has proven that it is a disability.A person with Aspergers/Autism really struggles and will need support all their life. This degree of support differs, depending on where on the Autism Spectrum that person is. I hope you learnt something just now.

[@smnl0192]

David J Aspergers is an extreme version of the male brain caused by a high amount of testosterone in the womb when the person was still an embryo. Aspergers causes obsession with logic, the tendency to focus on 1 thing for a very long time and a lack of understanding of non-verbal communication among other things. The most recent research on aspergers strongly suggest that aspergers works very differently then originally thought. "A person with Aspergers/Autism really struggles and will need support all their life." that is just bullshit, yes it's a struggle but how can you NEED support all your life. I never wanted support. All that unwanted support of people who wanted to change me into something that I'm not and I would never want to be never did any good. Give people with aspergers the right amount of isolation an a subject to focus on, like math for example, and they will function way better than the average person. That you NEED support is bullshit, of coarse people who make a living giving that "support" are gonna claim that but they will loose a costumer if you will actually function well in society so do you really think those fuckers will do you any good?

[@1967davidfitness]

+SMNL019 SO you just copied and pasted something that has not been PROVEN! It's a new train of thought that testosterone in the womb during pregnancy 'might' cause Autism .It's Autism, and not just Aspergers. Are you really Aspergic? Who diagnosed you? I am referring to support and not bullshit therapy. Of course we need support all our life. Now we will not function better than typical people, you are wrong. Maybe you are in denial? I wish I had been diagnosed as a child, but I am 48 and in those days there were no clinics to diagnose for Aspergers. I know realise I will always stuggle and it will worsen as I get older. DO NOT PRETEND OTHERWISE.

[@smnl0192]

David J That research is almost finished and is more than likely to have that conclusion.There are a lot of things that people with aspergers do better than the average person (50 examples: www.myaspergerschild.com/2010/12/50-positive-characteristics-of.html) If you focus on the right things you can make the best of it. Yes you need support, any person needs some kind of support but the kind of professional support psychiatrists talk about doesn't have a great record in terms of results. the way you function has a lot to do with the environment you create. If you deal with your aspergers the right way you will function better than average on many levels you will also underperform in other area's which is why it's still a struggle in general but it's not a pointless struggle. That's just pessimism.

[@magicalboystudios9]

As someone with Asperger's: Thank you.

[@peter_isaak]

One of the best ted talks I've heard. He speaks very sincerely, I love that. Also I'm now convinced that everybody has Asperger's

[@Thelittleclipstore]

I believe that aspergers is a rare type personality , i relate to all of what he’s saying and I never thought of myself as aspie but I know I’m a intp which looks pretty much the same and I’ve learned some amazing stuff through learning myer briggs in depth . One great website is personality hacker I wish the world would start learning about types in depth

[@juniormako6184]

There is a herbal recommendations I got about dr Oyalo and his herbal remedy which work perfectly on my sons improvements and social skill till now

[@TheOracleCafe]

Wow he has an amazing voice.

[@alicelucy1333]

wow he's amazing for getting up there and talking, I have Aspergers and would never be able to do that

[@LemonSte]

Alice Lucy I'd talk at a million miles and hour. And I wouldn't know where to look. And I'd probably stand too still

[@noneya7910]

Same here. I guess that just shows how different we all are just like neurotypicals.

[@italianchriswilko100]

I probably could but it would not be as myself. It would be more of an impression of what I deemed the perfect speaker to be; Being worked out and thought through as it's being done. (With the actual speech being made acting as more of a byproduct of my thought rather than being the purpose of said thought)

[@soulz2003]

I have Asperger's as well. He has probably practiced for several years. Someday I want to be on that stage to help others.

[@nancykaydudek2129]

yeah...really...I was amazed at that myself...I could not.

[@bigtub1101]

"He doesn't want to join in so we aren't going to let him join in" really stood out to me. I have struggled with teachers who recently found out I have aspergers automatically assuming that I hate all group work and never want to talk out during class and eventually they force me to become a stereotype until i find the courage to tell them how to help me. Also this dude is not only really good at getting his point across but also funny! There weren't nearly enough laughs for his jokes.

[@aurora_boketto7746]

His way of speaking and humor is really charismatic, love this guy

[@AndreasMki]

i was friends with him back in like 2010, nice to see hes doing good in life

[@Mornemorkelfan22]

wow i love this guy he is so good he is now my idol

[@joshxd7495]

truly a stunning speech .

[@rodcy2008]

What a brave kid! Way to go - you are awesome to get up at 15 years old and speak to the public with such a great message.

[@Novasky2007]

People oft think we are backwards because of the way we phrase sentences is different, when in reality we are just ahead of you so far that you can't quite follow our train of thought. 3:05 Allow me to translate for those without asperger's. What you have done, you have taken something that does not belong to you and you have left something behind in the person. = You as a society are stealing our fullest potential from us and by doing have left us to fall behind!

[@losonsrenoster]

Well said. I have it all, the clumsiness, communication problems, being excluded from peer groups, the obsession with certain subjects, and still I am a happy person, simply because people like him helped me understand.

[@charleylee9681]

I was diagnosed with Asperger's but I don't even think I have it. I think I'm just traumatised from my adoptive parents abusing me, which made me lose confidence in dealing with people and withdrawn. I never had any problems with pretend play and I'm sensitive to the feelings of others. I'm happy to accept the diagnosis though because it takes the pressure off having to keep going through cognitive therapy for anxiety which makes me feel worse, where they just get annoyed with me because I ask questions that are different than that's on their list, and I'm not cured of anxiety after a few sessions where they tell me it's my fault I'm anxious because I can't help having flashback of abuse etc.

[@eliarenas2098]

+Charley Lee Hi Charley, I wonder how old you are? My heart jumped when I read your post. Have you talked to others adults or peers around you about the abuse? I hope you can find a more supportive environment, but you do seem to have more confidence than you give yourself credit for, you know exactly why the therapy isn't working and it is not your fault, you need a different support network. Talk to others, please, we all need networks of friends and family. all the best

[@macguy14]

I have a similar experience, and found in a couple books that children of abuse, neglect can have hyper sensitivity and brain wiring that results in symptoms similar to aspergers. I'm hyper sensitive to feelings of others and not obsessed or a genius in one aspect of interest, but have other traits similar. So was helpful for me to know the root of the problem. Something less scientific, but also interesting, i took the meyers-briggs personality test multiple times and get INFJ, which is the rarest and bit paradoxical type, that is a mix of withdrawn and anxiety but sensitive and caring.

[@charleylee9681]

Not really, nobody cares. They were adoptive parents and that's why I'm against adoption and for abortion, as if a woman knows she can't give a child a good life, she shouldn't rely on thinking others will instead, because most of the time nobody cares about abandoned children. Lots of children are abused in care and everybody pretends they care after something awful happens, but not while it's happening.

[@rhyothemisprinceps1617]

You're right, they don't care, or at least 95% don't. They prefer victim-blaming.

[@TheVilivan]

Charley Lee Lots of children are also abused by their own parents, that's not good reasoning against adoption. Also, adoption is often necessary because parents just die.

[@nirvanasanctuary7691]

Bet his family are just bursting with pride, he's an amazing young man.

[@romanroberts7686]

Kristin Palo be like

[@Wahosken]

Note about the crowd seeming unfazed: They have crowd microphones but usually turn them off when the presenter is speaking to make sure the audio quality is good. It's very possible that all the crowd noise during the talk was coming from the bleed from the mic on his face alone. Then at the end they crank up the crowd mics for claps... Sincerely, A Sound Engineer

[@brunoboaz7656]

Bully for that young man! His presentation was flawless but more so, it was MEANINGFUL!

[@jeanpaulobeid2500]

He's like the textbook definition of brilliant! Love this guy!

[@MiyahSundermeyer]

I was reading yesterday that our schools today often get the idea that everyone student learns the same. It's when they learn that those with Asperger's struggle with algebra or history that there is something wrong with them. So they don't bother to focus on their areas of strengths like geometry because the teachers often frown upon that.

[@christinechesser6448]

yes

[@muurrarium9460]

Schools are supposed to give you a well rounded education, so catering to the strong points only is not an option. So yes a lot of people (within or without the spectrum) will fail at some subjects.

[@suzibuki9464]

Hello World: with Miyah algebra is an area that is easy for aspergers. Historical facts and dates also. I'm not sure where you got your info from

[@magnusb9783]

oromiyan oduduwa there is no certain subject all Aspies are good at , but I will say as an Aspie taking algebra is actually fun for me. I also really like History/social studies and pretty much all my subjects I’m good in . It used to be different though I struggled in math , until Algebra and I started to get into it.

[@Umamaahoe]

Hello World: with Miyah People with asperger's are not the only ones who do better in some subjects compared to others.

[@dws49]

He's just one year older than me how is he so expressive and confident

[@RedCloudBeechWaveAhh]

This young man is a great example of someone having A. His communication is different than many people's so people in the audience are unsure about how to react sometimes, but he is also sophisticated and brilliant. Amazing - people in their differences are a treasure. Thank you so much for this.... Krister, you are fantastic

[@robingibson3270]

Maybe the crowd was silent because they were mesmerized by him. He was explaining EXACTLY what my 27 year old son has been dealing with his entire life. He was so SPOT ON

[@jackibear]

THANK YOU FOR THIS. from someone who was diagnosed at 6. thank you.

[@aairaandfriends]

Woah! This guy’s energy and humour got me laughing hard. I am an aspie and no, I am not organized. Look at my room for proof. I am skilled in certain types of math but im not an A+ student. I started trying to read at age 2, and ended up being bored kindergarten-grade 3 because the “normal people” were levels behind me. Im always cast to the side and even teachers think I am weird. One even yelled at me for not being able to make eye contact(he realized I was looking at his nose lol). Im glad there are people out there like this guy who become the voice for many of us.

[@kristinazich5982]

lol I read your comment as “no, I’m not an aspie…” and after I read the whole post I was like….are you sure? lmao

[@angecynthia347]

😂😂😂 don't tell me i am always watching people's lips and nose😂😂😂

[@goldenswananna8781]

he speaks so brilliant, can't believe he is just 15

[@behbass7186]

For all those wondering about the audience: We can't hear the audience's reactions because the microphone he has on is a unidirectional mic. It really only picks up close sounds and from mostly one direction. But technically it was also because the videographer didn't include (or didn't have access to?) any other mics during editing, for hearing the audience.

[@jennymullins593]

Well done Krister, I found you to be articulate, funny & very down to earth. Really enjoyed what you had to say. I'm also impressed by your ability to deliver your talk with needing any response from the audience the way some tele-evangelists or preachers do! I wish you the very best for your future!

[@eaglehawk3536]

Very talented. Wish to hear more from him about Aspergers. We are so misunderstood. I hated the silence. He is so funny and smart.

[@emmyv5679]

❤ I hope my Aspie grows up to be just like you.

[@jacobkostka31]

His accent is amazing !!!

[@kanedNunable]

that takes some balls. well done Krister

[@I_AM_NUM_3]

I have Asperger's, and I experienced almost every single thing that he said. I'm good at math but I'm not genius-level, as well, I'm terrible at English but I'm trying to make it better, but the one thing I do know that I am great at is that I want to become a doctor and help people with heart conditions and different things like that. People need to understand that the definitions are wrong, and that we, I mean us, we are awesome and that we are ready to become normal if that is such a thing. Normal for us is watching from the outside in looking into the crowd and seeing that people can go to extraordinary lengths as normal people. As long as you include us and all that, we can help each other we can make the world a better place.

[@Cinderbloom]

I hope that he keeps talking publicly. We need more people to show with humour and confidence, that people with autism aren't scary.

[@kellyberry4173]

Krister you are a breath of fresh air!!! Thank you so much!!! 😉

[@Nursemidratz]

Laugh!! The crowd is so afraid of insulting him that it is lol. He has comedy to his speech...geeeez This guy is great!

[@Antpeople1]

I have just realised, he is only 15! He is has the courage and intelligence of an experienced young man.

[@mikaylaweitzenecker2830]

Little Man! The line about taking something that doesn't belong to you a d crushed it, really hit me hard, resonated deep.

[@lerij9570]

Great speech for a young guy. Love it. Speaks very clearly, like that.

[@yms4355]

Is he from Finland as his last name means a "spark"/"flame"? :0 I have aspergers too. What a delightful and brilliant young man he is.

[@taraqueen58]

Brilliant talk. It's all well and good having so called 'experts' telling us about Asperger's but so much betterment to hear it from a person who experiences it themselves. Thanks for upload.

[@belleb1467]

I hope Krister goes through these comments. The audience was simply brutal. I don't find anything wrong at all with Krister and I think his talk was simply wonderful. Great job! :D

[@emmywillow6599]

as a person who knows someone with aspergers. this guy reminds me of him.

[@melody_gofy2456]

I really love the way this guy talks. It's nice to listen at

[@chromberries7329]

literally no one is laughing at his jokes, how? literally just energy radiating off him. seems like such a nice person to hang out with.

[@Lieuna]

Just watched Krister Palo and was wonderfully entertained while also being informed. At the end, the audience clapped, cheered and whistled - loved that!

[@samsongabriel4087]

Good job young man. Great presentation. Thank you for sharing.

[@Michael-ih2hl]

That is one articulate young man. I hope he isn't marginalized and can quickly share the fruits of knowledge.

[@angelawoods5829]

I’m soo Thankful you are putting that out there, I watch a kid grow up his parents included him like everyone else he played sports. Was great at it always said he needed to run track, by the time he was in high school they had it. The kid was amazing...got scholarship from schools, he has been in college going on his 3rd.. year he’s becoming a wonderful man. So proud of him..& you. Thank you for sharing

[@killerbash45]

I have aspergers and I currently motivate people with disabilities and use my accomplishments as being a bodybuilder and a dancer as examples, our abilities are limitless, I see aspergers as a more clearer way of seeing your goals and challenges in your life.

[@j.divine2463]

BRILLIANT Presentation!!!! Thank you for stepping out of the circle.

[@Thrivebeyond65]

Well done, Krister! Wonderful enlightening heartfelt and humorous speech. You're going places in this world. RE comments about lack of laughter of the crowd, the place appears pretty empty.

[@VampyreBarbie]

I absolutely LOVE listening to people with ASD speak. They provide such insight into the world I am just peering into with my own two children who are on spectrum. This young man is extremely articulate, funny, and quite brilliant. I enjoyed this very much.

[@johnnysparkleface3096]

I thrive on thinking out of the box. It's too hard to be creative inside the box. Find your strengths young man, and exploit your abilities.

[@andreias5564]

The most amazing explanation I've seen. God bless you! The seed of genius is crushed by society because everyone thinks there's something wrong with those people. He is a funny young man yet nobody laughs because he sounds too much of a witty smart ass lol. The huge trait of Aspergers is social awkwardness. Many people have it and they don't know their entire life. They are always diagnosed with Social Anxiety or Depression, etc

[@elbrew2223]

Really loved the camera metaphor, awesome thinking on his part.

[@aussiespringbok8504]

Why did it take a 15 year old boy to tell and explain to this world and for them to listen finally... exactly how I am..Thank you.

[@theresedignard4267]

Powerfully conveyed and centered on target. Well done. Standing Ovation in my world. Thanks for sharing.

[@jononipinchbeck2531]

One of my personal greivances of having Asperger's is how some immediately gaslight all of us in to some form of incapacity. However, I don't neglect the fact that many do. We're not all functional. Just don"t pidgeon hole us (yes, some of us can use conjuctions, regular turns of phrase and sarcasm). It's like being silently patted on the head, given a propeller beanie cap and called, "Skip". Luckily some of us have humor too. Many of us are inebriated and intoxicated by our senses. Some of us are trapped in tunnel vision. Some of us just freak on a specific color, and can write 15 page treatise on the subject to vent on imposed aesthetics without hesitation. Some of us are punk rock, others are classical music. Some can't be touched, others still love mosh pits as adults (I'm nearin' 40 and been fighting for sport 9 yrs b!tches). Some of us want non-touchy moshpits to randomly manifest in public places, some kind of new Harlem Shake. Taxing the word "some" in this text can be infuriating to read for a certain quota, especially those of a more literary penchant. Others love slang, redundancy and vulgarity in language. Those in to trap can, "F' up some commas" (see artist: Future). I used to torture myself with trying to understand the Neurotypical world, then grew to accept much of the nonsense and trite that builds it. I'm not a narcissisist, just these alien forms of perpetual public self worship, desperate for some kind of approval, is kind of off. Also, the narrative in mainstream media is obviously manufactured. We often only get depressed and reclusive when we try to force ourselves to follow common codes of conduct and rehearsed groupthink practices. It's draining. We still try, just to be people. What we have in common is being ruled by logic, fascination and tantrums. As for empathy? Not an issue with my own kind. We're Atypical. #Atypicalforlife

[@makispariva1651]

I am autistic too and I LOVED your comment. Thanks so much for sharing it =)

[@maryqueenofsax757]

You are an amazing young man. Love your sense of humour.

[@JedF2010]

Excellent talk on the problems that aspies face daily. A very eloquent talk.

[@shanlynwebb]

How braves of him to stand up and explain. Well done. My son also has autism and I know how difficult it can be.

[@breakyourstory]

I would’ve been in the crowd laughing at his jokes by myself. Such an interesting presentation from a very self-aware young man.

[@juniormako6184]

There is a herbal recommendations I got about dr Oyalo and his herbal remedy which work perfectly on my sons improvements and social skill till now

[@HollyOak]

People are asking why no one laughs at his jokes. It's because he's rehearsed them so much, he's doing what he rehearsed and not picking up on the subtle cues of the audience. The jokes come off as slightly 'off' to neurotypicals when this happens and they don't laugh. He's a bright young man with much to share and a great personality. This is a good example of where aspergers can be a limitation. Not picking up on social cues, reading people's body language or behaviour, it's a tell for those who know it.

[@muurrarium9460]

Well said!

[@teigh-anneshave7210]

Also symptoms of aspergers...

[@LemonSte]

Michelle Abrahmz yeah I'm aspie and I find my more improvised jokes (even if they're ones I've had on the back burner for a while, that I just threw into a conversation without thinking too much) tend to go across the best. I love making people laugh and so this audience would be my worst nightmare

[@AURESHION]

having aspergers does not necessarily impair your social capabilities. I have aspergers and I am perfectly capable of reading body language, picking up social cues, etc. the issue lies with the stigma that people with aspergers (and also autism in general) are unable to develop and/or find workarounds for their initial problems. heck, most people don't believe me when I tell them I have autism.

[@Umamaahoe]

AURESHION then thats not aspergers, as one of the symptoms is literally poor social skills..

[@agnes8477]

I have aspergers and honestly, he is so right on so many things!

[@lynnebash2278]

This young man is a very special gift, I am grateful for his talk, because I believe that although each person is unique we are all fundamentally the same. We all want to be loved and cared for and accepted. This young man comforted me that I am correct, and for that I am grateful. I wish that this very articulate young man goes very far in life and continues to do so very well.