Autism, Anxiety & Addiction: What You NEED To Know

Professor Tony Attwood is viewed and respected as an autism expert. He has authored many books on the subject of autism and Asperger's syndrome.
As the understanding of autism evolves, professionals have found better ways to connect, relate to, and support individuals on the autism spectrum. Professor Tony is an example of how professionals should always strive to grow with their clients instead of teaching growth. He shares moments of gratitude from the "notebook of wisdom" he keeps with everything he learns from his clients.
Professor Tony also shares the importance of focusing on anxiety, instead of shying away from these topics and emotions. He speaks of his own son, Will, that was diagnosed late in life. Professor Tony opens up about an emotional journey his family is on and provides practical ways for parents to provide support in their younger years.
"Personally, this was an extremely emotional interview for me. I have and will continue to be an admirer of Professor Tony Attwood's work. The way in which he clearly shows his appreciation for individuals on the autism spectrum is not only inspirational but in a sense raw, which makes it extremely authentic" - Karla Pretorius
To read more about Prof. Tony Attwood, have a look at his website below:
tonyattwood.com.au/
Behavior and Emotion Management Course:
attwoodandgarnettevents.com/o...
Succeeding with Autism in the Teens Course:
attwoodandgarnettevents.com/o...
Fun with Feelings Course:
attwoodandgarnettevents.com/o...
You can also order his books by clicking on this link (especially the "Been there, done that. TRY THIS" book he spoke of):
www.amazon.com/Tony-Attwood/e...
For a copy of Will Attwood's book, click here:
www.amazon.com/Aspergers-Synd...
From AIMS Global:
Intensive Parenting Course:
im-possible-parenting.teachab...
Mentorship Course:
im-possible-parenting.teachab...
#interview
Timestamps:
14:04 Autism and Anxiety!
37:02 Drugs are his special interest (autism)
38:08 1 in 4 addicts are autistic

[@megansnead4539]

Oh my, I found this at THE right time. I've been battling trying to be "normal" while also trying to be "enough" and worthy, as well as feeling SO much, yet seemingly unable to effectively communicate real feeling at all. I only recently (within the last year or so) began to research what ASD can look like, and feel more I've finally found "my people". However, because I live in a very rural town lacking in many human resources, access to professionals who are knowledgeable in this realm seems really just impossible. I try to be perfect-- for my parents, etc. But the only thing I've seemed to perfect is continuing to disappoint them (and myself). "I know who I'm supposed to be. I know who my parents want me to be. But that's not who I am." Wow, that was powerful. Also, I've learned to mask by drinking/using. I hate this about myself. It's another area in my life I fall short. My parents seem to think that because I went to treatment a decade ago, that I should just be "fixed" or "better" now. I have difficulty in social situations, relationships, at jobs, and in my own mind. I would love to have a formal ASD diagnostic exam, but the people around me don't understand what that matters. A diagnosis is just a name, it doesn't change who I am (they say). But to know who I am, means EVERYTHING to me.

[@AIMSGlobal]

Thank you for your heartfelt comment. We hope you receive support on this journey! We are always here xx

[@spde]

The idea that we as autistics are strong in the face of adversity is SO incredible 😍

[@turtleanton6539]

Agreed 😊

[@williamoarlock8634]

It's a clearly bullshit idea.

[@PotatoWisdom]

@@williamoarlock8634sorry you’re hurting

[@williamoarlock8634]

@@PotatoWisdom I've had a lifetime being patronised by middle-aged potato women.

[@notavipjustap]

< --- Autistic Alcoholic Addict. Will get my 10-year chip this winter.

[@celinahuezo5518]

I'm having trouble with my husband because I drink a lot and I don't know when I had enough so I over drink. he's starting to see the autism in me and I have a eating disorder too. I do eat once a day and I'm obsessed with numbers.

[@notavipjustap]

@@celinahuezo5518 Go to AA...But understand some AA groups are not very inclusive.

[@celinahuezo5518]

@@notavipjustap I've went to some aa groups. Nothing is working for me. I have 2 therapist and a psyshtraist but I still don't stop drinking. They don't even believe I have autism smh.

[@ian_occultist]

I'm 50 and recently diagnosed as ASP cheese burger , can you imagine half of your life drowning in anxiety with no explanation ...videos like this are very helpful, I made the connection myself, now I'm trying to justify it, lol. Thanks

[@VivekaAlaya]

I love to hear prof Tony. Thank you for the interview. One suggestion tough.. for an ASD person, the music on the background is really distracting, maybe a suggestion for next video..

[@AIMSGlobal]

Thank you for your feedback - we will definitely try and work on the background. The editor asked for advice on types of music from viewers, and many (majority) mentioned needing some type of music to keep their attention. But we will definitely keep asking and taking in all comments xx thank you again!

[@spde]

@@AIMSGlobal Love that you respond to feedback like this! I think the music is just a bit too upbeat, but am coming back to this after months and I am sure this gets tweaked. You definitely can't make everyone happy, but the interview is SOLID ❤️ That's why we stay either way!! Am working my way through some of the talks I missed 😁

[@AIMSGlobal]

@@spde thank you! Such a beautiful reply. We really appreciate this. Have a great rest of the week 🙌🏽

[@AIMSGlobal]

Absolutely loved this conversation!

[@charrogate]

An excellent synopsis to help those with modern day issues from ASD & NT perspectives 👍

[@truman3.0]

Tony Attwood’s understanding of Autism spectrum is fantastic, he will help so many people on the spectrum including teaching the parents of Autistic children on how to better / properly raise, educate & help them through there often very challenging times ahead (mostly due to other non-accepting neurotypical people). Times & the majorities perception of any people that are randomly born different from a majority seriously need to change.

[@reinaequina6588]

This hit home thank you ❤️

[@My_right_is_your_left]

I am 50 and all my life full of anxiety ocd perfectionism ect. Being told I have anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression. Among other things. I began self medicating with alcohol successfully until it wasn’t successful (bad choices) I have 3 kids on the spectrum and I know now I am autistic! I’ve always been but wasn’t allowed to be growing up in the 70’s this has resulted in me believing everyone else knows better than I and I get abused emotionally and mentally because I don’t feel I’m worthy enough to have any opinions? I can’t explain it. I haven’t been diagnosed though. I’m sober since 2006 though after drinking for20+ years. I just decided that it wasn’t something I wanted to do and stopped.

[@yukisanderson6907]

Do you think their perfectionism and poor emotional regulations contribute to anxiety?

[@buttercxpdraws8101]

Yep. It does in my case anyway.

[@deborahwandel6690]

Thankyou for this presentation - are there any other resources like books or seminars or groups who can help the person with ASD level 1/what was formerly named Asperger's Syndrome who is also an addict? I get the impression that the services in my own country Australia are geared to help only neurotypical addicts recover. I am watching my friend, who probably is on the Autism Spectrum, literally kill himself with alcohol. He goes to rehab programs and self discharges saying "I don't fit in".

[@ChocolateSarahPinkLove]

I don’t know If I’m autistic myself, but I was brought here by a netflix series called Atypical. By getting to know Sam’s behaviour (the autistic teenager) I feel some kind of understanding of myself. His parents understood him, and it was something new for me to see. Wow! 💜✨🌸 and after some videos and an online test, seems like I might be on the spectrum. Who knows, I will learn more about the condition, I’l stick here with you guys, thank you for the amazing content 🪴

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes😊

[@Naida1977]

If I may say so, the popping (subscribe like) is really disturbing too! But as usual, Mr. Atwood is always so pertinent! Thanks for sharing this contenu!

[@henkvandermeulen1825]

I agree and AIMS Global should know better. I love hearing Tony Attwood but after the sixt pop I was out. I could not concentrate to listen anymore. I was only waiting for the next pop.

[@kariannefimland1475]

agreed. the pop was jarring. and played no positive part.

[@user-hu6ep2zg4s]

Thank you very much for this excellent video. As an autistic person I would just say it's difficulté to watch because of the music and the sound "pop" of the "subscribe"...

[@Will-hr1qq]

Yes, it was a completely unnecessary distraction from what was a very informative interview

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes😊

[@lohelenve]

Awesome video!

[@AIMSGlobal]

Thank you x

[@josephwurzer4366]

Staff turnover is KEY. Yes the state of California has good help but l have experienced high turnover in my help. -3-4 folks in 2 years.

[@brentmistretta4553]

i cant cope without cigerettes im autistic and been probly numbing myself sence i was undiagnosed with aspergers and almost went to jail for meltdown rage i had on friends i had i also struggle with a lust problem and could never beat it i hate myself feeling stuck like this and far from my God if I dont ever quit i get afraid ill burn in that place they call hell I was raised catholic then i had to leave home because rages live in my apt i stay at im very isolated and been through trauma mugged and been robbed at one point im scared to even ride the bus anymore and get out much one thing that scares me is quiting and being like when i was young having rages again

[@AIMSGlobal]

Thanks for your message. Are you receiving support, Brent?

[@brentmistretta4553]

​@@AIMSGlobal i live by myself have my parents still go to psychologist to get my meds and social worker once a month

[@AIMSGlobal]

@@brentmistretta4553 I am happy to hear you have some support in your life! -Karla

[@sheri549]

My grandson was diagnosed with autism and he gets angry when he can’t figure out something throwing things, kicking, biting, hitting individuals. Also having to have something someone else has or takes, if food is not what he wants he throws it. What advice do you have for these issues. He is very smart, but gets very upset or angry easily. Kindest Regards.

[@annealbert9490]

HELP! I’m in Ontario. My son just turned 17 . He was diagnosed with Tourette’s, ADHD and oCD .During Covid his sleep schedule went reverse and he became addicted to Cannabis. After a broken arm gone wrong many medical professionals finally decided he’s Autistic but he’s so messed up and we have no real help . I can’t even get him up in the day . I don’t know what to do?

[@soozanc]

I'm not in Ontario but I'd start with a meeting with just you and the counselor at his school to find out what resources, medical, or mental health professionals are available. Don't stop til you get the help you need. If he turns 18 and you still don't have the help you need, then you can look for services for kids that have a "failure to launch". Prayers for you and he! Good luck!

[@carlpanzram7081]

He probably uses cannabis because it reliefs some of his symptoms. I'm autistic and I used to smoke weed every day for years. Tho the side effects from a cannabis addiction are comparatively minor, it is very much still potentially harmful, especially for a 17 year old. So, in the beginning what cannabis does is that it relaxes you. It makes things appear novel, food tastes better, things are funnier. It sedates you, calms you down, but for many people this effect eventually starts being less intense, and the negative side effects of cannabis will move to the foreground. For this reason alone I would advice against daily use. Now, the good news is, that the effects of cannabis are not something that can't be achieved naturally. Being stoned is nice, but what you seek when you smoke weed is not some euphoric high, or a energizing stimulant effect, you seek a comparatively mild effect that doesn't create any strong dependency, nor any intense withdrawals. So, the thing I would recommend as a great replacement to cannabis use, or additionally to less frequent cannabis use, is physical exercise. I have done many drugs, and nothing has been as positive and nice as the anti anxiety and calming effects of physical exercise. It automatically builds confidence, increases appetite, improves your sleep, and it's perfectly healthy and thoroughly positive. It sounds a little silly, but working out has pretty much changed my life, if not even safed it. Before I was anxious, had low confidence, low apetite, racing thoughts, bad sleep, low energy, no structure to my life, and no productive hobby that gave me a sense of purpose or improvement. I tried to self medicate with weed amongst other things, but what ended up helping me the most was physical exercise, and because it helped me with so many of my issues, I didn't feel like I needed to smoke weed anymore. Now, I want to mention that I kept smoking weed for quit some time even after starting to work out, but eventually I realized that it wasn't serving me anymore, and that I could and should do without, which I could then do without much issue. So, i would definitely try to convince your son to start doing a sport. Weightlifting, martial arts like kickboxing, boxing, BJJ, or swimming, gymnastics, climbing, cycling, running etc anything. It really helped me tremendously, and it basically replaced what I was trying to do with drugs. Even if it won't immediately cause him to drop the weed, it will be a definite improvement of his life in all regards. It also promotes discipline and a healthy lifestyle.

[@mandranmagelan9430]

thanks :'-)

[@zacharycadman8226]

Unrelated, but why do you need that pop-up sound every minute? It makes a interesting conversation almost unwatchable.

[@chloefoster9903]

Mr kipping cant provide a cherry bake well tart but can provide a cherry bakewell slice

[@turtleanton6539]

😊

[@dragonmusic_editedtoperfection]

Pllleeaassee stop with the irritating pop sound

[@dragonmusic_editedtoperfection]

The video and conversations are great BUT THE POP SOUND MY GOD STOOOPPP

[@tommyperez2373]

That bottle popping sound has made this video nearly unbearable to watch/ listen to

[@l1ncs]

Seriously, who destroys great content with moronic and useless background noises!?

[@xepic665]

bad interviewer