Autism Diagnostic Criteria (DSM 5)

[@EcoHamletsUK]

I think it's Criteria D that disproves the "everyone is a bit autistic" thing. Everyone can't have a significant impairment, as if they did, it would be normal, not an impairment.

[@jasonexperience8970]

But that's why it's "a bit"

[@SpookymidnightKyanite7]

@@jasonexperience8970 no not everyone is autstic autistic people have neroudivse brains and the average person is neroutypical it is how the brain is wired

[@NIGHTBLOODUSAGI]

@@jasonexperience8970 wdym? could you elaborate?

[@violet2369]

@@jasonexperience8970 no. Lots of people have traits found in autism. that doesn’t mean they’re a little bit autistic.

[@champifemme]

Autism is a neurological disorder that means that their brains are different (neurodiverses) from a typical bran (neurotypical). So, in theory we can't say that everyone is a little bit autistic or anything related with a neurodiverses brain

[@katgoeswalking7942]

I can totally relate to the thing with thinking everyone is mad at me, when they are not obviouslly happy or sad (crying). I ask my partner at least once a day if everything is okay with him/ us :D

[@PurpleElla]

It might be worth watching this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6PcnmZ5m62gnsU it's about rejection sensitivity

[@rahbeeuh]

Same! It's so validating to see someone else does this too. I still have moments where I ask myself, *why am I like this*

[@Catlily5]

When I am in a certain vulnerable state I ask my partner if he still wants to be with me. But only every other day because it annoys him.

[@Ozubura]

Me literally today wanting to break up with my partner that’s been my best friend for over a decade because says 80% happy with the relationship but always feels that he’s mad at me when he has the frequently tell me that he’s just responding to me he’s not mad at me I’m doing fine I just saw you said you had like with my mom or dad saying something to me in a completely neutral tone and I take it as negative feedback when it really is not and I have to think it over and go back several minutes later with them

[@jimwilliams3816]

@katgoeswalking At least you ask! I tend to assume someone is unhappy with me, and yes it’s pretty clearly RSD. I’ve watched some videos by Sally Cat, and at one point she pointed out that she was not good at reading welcome or go away signals. I knew I usually figured out go away signals after the fact, if at all...but I swear that, at age 61, my first reaction was “you mean there are welcome signals?”

[@MyFisher2010]

A1. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity A2. Deficits in non-verbal communication behaviours used for social interaction A3. Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships B1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, or use of objects or speech. B2. Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualised patterns of verbal or nonverbal behaviour. B3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus. B4. Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment.

[@eclipse5759]

Thanks this was helpful 🙂

[@sevsev4078]

A friend of mine who's been diagnosed a couple years ago actually studied the language of the DSM5 over the past semester, holding an amazing presentation on this topic for her seminar on discourse analyses, and later going further to write a paper on it for the same course. I was astonished to say the least by how outdated the manual seemed (language wise) when we were discussing it for the first time. Our discussions were quite stirring, and her presentation made a couple of people from the class tear up hearing about the language and discourse, and all I can say is that I truly hope that the manual will be revised some time in the future to incorporate a better, more humanizing and dignifying language.

[@Julian7633S]

I was diagnosed with adult autism at 44 years old and I appreciate your channel

[@LemonPartII]

Recently, I discovered that…I do believe I’m autistic; I was diagnosed, but never told, and came to the conclusion on my own mire recently before asking about it with my mother and finding out. I’ve found that my method of social masking is more of just flat out ignoring the areas of socializing that I don’t do naturally. I never start a conversation with small talk, I go straight into a point, or sometimes use a question to ease into a point depending on person and situation. I tend to just overshare, infodump and stuff when talking to people, and combined with my ADHD I socialize a lot more than “typical for those with autism”, and I unconsciously mask - I wasn’t born with social cues and emotional display, I learned those subconsciously - it still happens that I sometimes mess up and convey the wrong emotion.

[@TheWilliamHoganExperience]

One major thing that's missing from the DSM criteria is ANXIETY. Anxiety is a universal feature of autism, and for many of us, it's the defining characteric or our emotional life. It's also the single most debilitating and horrible ongoing emotional experience we deal with. I believe it's what drives everything from meltdowns and shut-downs to social withdrawl and stimming and the need for routine and familiartiy. It baffles me that anxiety is not CENTRAL to the diagnostic criteria. In short, the psychiatric / psychological professions have a looooong way to go before they have a uselful grip on what autism actually is, much less what it's like from our perspective. How can they hope to help us if they don't clearly understand the core features of our experience of the world? How threatening the world not only feels to us, but how unsafe it actually IS for us. Might explain why we have average lifespans 20 or more years shorter than NTs. Most forms of cancer don't shorten lives by 20 years on average. I spent years in theraphy trying manage my anxiety, and felt like a failure for not being able to do so effectively. Well, the basis of standard CBT talk treatment is DENIAL of the LEGITAMACY of our anxious feelings and thoughts. Problem is, our anxiety is LEGITAMATE given how the NT world and the demands it places on us are dangerous to us. Unsafe. Going around pretending the world is safe when it ISNT dosen't end well for anyone. Invalidating our anxiety is a form of bullying and shaming - at least that's how it feels. Worse, we are encouraged to internalize these invalidating paradgyms, in effect gaslighting ourselfs, and becoming our own bullies! So for now, we are on our own. Together. Thanks to autistic people like you who share their expereinces here on KZbin, I know I'm not alone.

[@lindalincoln1652]

I cannot express how grateful I am that there are adult women talking about this. I am in the middle of getting my diagnosis and it has been a nightmare since this past year I have been quickly falling apart. Getting help at this age, undiagnosed and masking constantly, is my biggest challenge and it's terrifying thinking I won't make it to retirement before I fall to pieces. I appreciate the others who appear to have this managed - it gives me hope. Thank you, I appreciate you.

[@SergGirl]

Thank you for this. I get so into masking (and admittedly overdoing it) that I lose track of my real self and feel like I’m faking it. The AQ quiz that you said is good for masking really got to the core of how I feel vs how I act.

[@Catlily5]

They have a masking test too, called Cat Q or something.

[@becauseidontknow4134]

I‘ve been making notes about the DSM 5 for a week now. Would really love to see a video explaining the ICD 11 criteria! I‘m really struggling to validate my self diagnose, feeling like i‘m just making it all up

[@PurpleElla]

No problem, adding that to my video schedule and will do the same thing with the ICD11

[@Marie_bun]

How many check marks in each section are required to meet diagnosis?

[@dennycorsa5760]

What's ICD 11?

[@KANDI-]

@@dennycorsa5760the uk equivalent of the dsm5 (it’s also used in countries other than the uk)

[@rdklkje13]

@@dennycorsa5760 The DSM is a US book of mental illnesses also used in many other countries. The ICD is the WHO’s list of all sorts of diseases. Their classifications of mental illnesses differ somewhat from the DSM although there are many overlaps.

[@sanjayahlawat2826]

Thank u Purple Ella, I'm 57 and started first day of Behaviour assessment by Occupational Psychologist following repeated clashes with hospital drs. I have felt for many years that I'm on the Autistic spectrum. There is a lot of ignorance amongst doctors in the UK about Autism. I feel encouraged by your video. I will go through all of them, one by one.

[@beeatpeace]

I'm attending my first appointment for a diagnosis in a few weeks and was looking for a video to help me be more prepared for what I will need to explain. This was perfect timing! Thank you for your videos, Purple Ella, because they have helped my understanding and my processing so much.

[@Sky-Child]

Love your talking about overcompensating facial expressions and gestures (and the assumption that everyone else is mad at you for some reason because you just don't know) Also, I have no volume control 🤣

[@thatrunningirl]

it's even harder for people to understand when you are high-functioning. i've had my own successful business for over 10 years, i'm a creative writer, a competitive athlete and i guess what you would call 'high functioning'. yet people who don't know me seem to think i'm pretending that i was diagnosed with aspergers a few years ago. yet when i'm in a road race, why am i the only one covering my ears when the cars are going past? yes, i run a business, but it still freaks me out walking down a high street seeing all the mismatched signs, colours, fonts etc, and all the people walking in different ways, and not being able to read the expressions of everyone's faces. and the 'constant on' of sensory intensity overload. it's like if you're intelligent and look reasonably 'normal' most people think you're faking it. new subscriber here :) thanks for sharing your experiences xx

[@natalieedelstein]

The other thing I really despise in these criteria is the wording of deficits in nonverbal communication. There is such a thing as autistic nonverbal behavior. It is so hippocritical that allistics consider their nonverbal behavior (that we often struggle to understand because it is not natural to us) sophisticated "social cues" but they often refer to our nonverbal behavior as unintelligent just because they don't understand our nonverbal behavior because it is not their natural way of nonverbally communicating. Like fun fact, allistics: we don't get yours either for the same reason; your nonverbal communication is not superior in intelligence!!!

[@natalieedelstein]

@Hanley Townsend that's so sad

[@natalieedelstein]

@Custom BatchServices the sad thing is that clearly yours have not improved. Any socially skilled individual would get the hint that I'm not interested in neurotypical standards for social skills.

[@natalieedelstein]

@Custom BatchServices the sad thing is that your social skills have not, given the response you just provided

[@camellia8625]

I agree - you are probably aware of the double empathy problem by Damien Milton and studies of how autistic people often do not have social interaction difficulties when communicating with another autistic person at a similar level intellectual development wise and functional language wise.

[@caspen]

Thank you so much for this I’ve been doing so much research since October because I think that I’m undiagnosed autistic. I’ve been documenting my current experiences and behaviors and behaviors my parents have told me I exhibited as a child along with doing research on diagnostic criteria, and hearing other autistic people’s experiences. Although I live in the US so diagnosis is expensive and I am currently a minor and I don’t have my parents permission but I’m saving money for a diagnosis when I’m 18. This video made me feel more secure in my identity. Again thank you so much!

[@msmakos1]

The test in Texas is about $2,000 without insurance as far as I’m aware.

[@caspen]

@@msmakos1 Oh...well I live there right now so I’ll try and save up for it before I turn 18

[@msmakos1]

@@caspen I wish it was cheaper for sure

[@caspen]

@Hanley Townsend Autism is a neuro developmental disorder, it’s not curable. You can try and help us by explaining things more clearly, and going through therapy, but your son is still autistic. I hope you grow to accept that autism is a part of what makes him who he is and you and four weeks of herbal supplements can’t change that.

[@raapyna8544]

@@caspen It's not an inpossible saving target at all! Put the money away from your summer jobs. I got something like 3000 € one summer for working 8 weeks in a factory. As a minor you get less hours (if your country is ethical at all) but you could maybe save the same amount from 2 or 3 summers. If you can't reach the goal, and if the diagnosis gets more important as you get older, I'm sure your parents would like to help.

[@themindseyecmh]

At 5:00 you mentioned that unless someone is overly happy, you just assume a person is mad at you.... that struck a chord with me because every day of my life i live with the assumption that everyone is mad at me

[@eclipse5759]

Oop Same

[@MercyMburuNyakio]

Hello Ella you are literally such a warm and lovely teacher! Much appreciation from a Kenyan medical student!

[@r.w.bottorff7735]

Thank you for explaining the criteria! I also love your rainbow wall behind you lol.

[@darongw]

Thanks for the video! I'm in the process of trying to get a diagnosis at 36. Had my first evaluation and I have a couple more to go through. I'm in the States so DSM5 is what is being used. I know I'm autistic and I'm just hoping this process works out... So far seems good but really draining...

[@027-z7u]

You're 36 but when did you realize?

[@natalie8304]

Good luck!

[@darongw]

Got my diagnosis! Started down this path last summer after finding out my kids might be autistic. I always felt like I was different from most people around me but didn't have a clue about being autistic until I started learning about it from actually autistic adults.

[@jadesong_music]

Thank you so much for creating this content and reminding me how many things I am doing to mask and how exhausting it is. I’ve been invisible and wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until 48 and I’m pretty sure I’m also on the spectrum with autism. Your videos are so informative and comforting. Thank you so much I hope that you and your family are blessed and doing well and having some fun keeping it passionate keeping it purple -you take care!

[@SeveringArtfully]

X I'm 42, and my kids recently brought up something to me... M asked to be tested for ADHD, and J said that he and i need to get tested for ASD. I've been getting in trouble a lot at work for things that are normal for me through my entire life, and i talk to my kids about it since they're older and understand more. Also, they know how meticulous and methodical i am, as well as how bad my anxiety gets if anything disrupts the routine. Now that I've been doing research, i see that i don't notice things about my kids because we're so much alike. I thought we were normal, and have struggled my entire life to figure out the answer to why people say I'm so different...

[@petermcgee2162]

Thanks for your information, helps more clearly understand the points of the diagnostic report by my neuropsychologist. Reading the DSM5 like much of my receptive language skills or lack of makes semantic and pragmatic translation into meaningful cognitive units very "thin" with at times mental gymnastics that can be exhausting for a less than satisfactory interaction though I have learned to accept what is "given" and move on with questions that "skim" the surface of the communication event(s) if energy reserves are present at the time. [ Very wordy I know but accurate description from my experience]. I much appreciate your work on site content, again much thanks!

[@amdzatam]

Excellent! I was preparing for my interview to work in autism lab, I came a cross your video. it is organized and well structured. I especially like the introduction and how you draw a clear lines between what some autistic behaviour that is seen in normal individuals and what autism is.

[@thestrugglingoptimist2541]

I appreciate this video. I am planning to pursue an autistic diagnosis soon. I have suspected for almost a year that I am probably autistic. Before now, I did not think I needed to be diagnosed. I have always been good enough at masking to be okay. However, recently I've been struggling a lot. It is affecting my ability to work. Thank you for all the videos you make. I enjoy watching them.

[@wonderwoman7304]

I have learned to "read" body language by learning "textbook" meanings behind body positions-(psychology is my special interests). I am right 90% of the time- maybe more if I really try. I have been call observant by my teachers/superiors and weird by my school mates/peers-(sometimes, I stare too much).

[@malindaeckert2300]

Excellent excellent video: thank you for the information and the examples

[@Impulsive_love]

Your video is excellent, Ella! It’s better than all the Ted Talks and other videos I’ve watched to learn more about the autism spectrum. You should really consider doing a Ted Talk! You would be fabulous!

[@Laurosim]

ICD11 has a few subtypes of autism regarding severity of communication and also doesn’t focus on the type of play a child part takes in, but rather if they put in place particular rules or restrictions whilst playing, and I believe I read it also now looks for possible co-morbidities as well.

[@harmonyhope1709]

Hair looks lovely Ella

[@PurpleElla]

TY 😊

[@Luv_brd]

This is so helpful for me and my sister who have just diagnosed ourselves with autism and and are looking to get officially diagnosed 💖 Thank you

[@prf76]

I’m in the UK and will be speaking to my GP about a diagnosis hopefully in next couple of weeks. My local diagnosis service use the DSM5 and your video has confirmed (to me anyway) my suspicions about myself. Thank you so much. Oh by the way, I also don’t see myself has having deficits, I have differences.

[@prf76]

@Hanley Townsend spot the spam comment. There’s no cure for autism, and quite frankly, I don’t want “fixing” I’m happy the way I am. I’ve struggled with neurotypical people my whole life, why would I want to become one!?

[@wolfdreams2000]

Thank you, Ella! I begin my assessment for possible diagnosis on the 21st and am kinda freaking out....😮😅

[@stupidsminkle]

I just had an assessment but most of the time was spent on filling out questionnaires and an IQ test. When I actually did speak with someone they did focus quite a lot on seeing if I had special interests. I'm not sure if they assessed me based on stereotypical ideas of autism or if they considered the different ways women and girls may express autistic traits. But i won't get any result for a month so fingers crossed...

[@rahbeeuh]

*Fingers crossed* I have an assessment coming up soon. Idk why they still give out IQ tests when they don't really mean much. Since I already took one years ago I probably won't have to take it again?

[@raapyna8544]

@@rahbeeuh Maybe if you have a high iq they need to look out for masking more?

[@kristina6715]

Hi. Can you share, what was your result?

[@JadeAislin]

I'm being assessed for autism right now, but I think my diabetes could have masked some signs of autism as a child. After being diabetes at age six, I was in and out of hospital because we couldn't get a handle on it no matter how hard I tried. Because of my diabetes, I had a strict routine for meals. I had to eat a certain amount of different food groups at specific times a day. For example (I don't member the exact time but I'm trying to explain how it was) I would take an insulin shot for the breakfast I was about to eat. Every day I ate one starch (cup of cereal), a fruit 9cup of orange juice), and a dairy food (cup of milk). I had that routine through most of my child hood. One time my parents didn't anticipate how long of a wait it would be to get into the restaurant. S they had me give insulin before we left the. Consequently, my blood sugar went low before we got our table. I had to drink my sister's drink since it had the most sugar. Unfortunately this made the staff think it was my birthday and not my sister's. sorry for the rambling. I tend to go on and on when I'm in a good mood. Suffice to say, I think any autism traits I may have had were masked by the strict routine my diabetes required.

[@Catlily5]

You would think they could work around that but who knows?

[@sentientsphere]

i relate to all of these in one way or another and every time i talk to my psychiatrist about getting a diagnosis she wont give me one because she said that even though the symptoms were there before age 8, they weren’t ‘drastic’ enough. Like okay sis you weren’t there how are you telling me that??

[@petermcgee2162]

Interesting effects of your presentation on diagnostic criteria. I am assuming most of us have " Ah Ha!" moments were complexities become clear or clearer. For example communication results laying bare assumptions, inferences, counter examples, alternatives, mistakes and the like are put into relief by someone more knowledgeable than oneself. As this varies from person to person reliance on self- diagnosis compared of a professional diagnosis of ASD, personal testimony and experience, the dynamic of diagnostic range and criteria, disparagement of one or the other needs to be handled with tact an empathy understanding the personal foundations of neurological activities and the interpretation of said activities when the base of consideration is one individual. The phrase "When you meet one autistic person you met one autistic person" and " Not without me..." moves from catchy to ethically basic.

[@msmakos1]

I have been tested for Asperger’s syndrome and ADHD twice and about to be three times soon in my whole life. I’m 23 years old. My symptoms for ADHD is severe but also, if you know autism very well, you might think I’m autistic instead. I’ve had a clear yes for ADHD. But for Asperger’s syndrome if wasn’t a yes or a no. It was either my first test “possible autism” my second and most recent test “autism- look at patient history.” One thing that is clear, is that I can immediately tell if someone is autistic or not just within a few minutes of meeting that person and knowing absolutely nothing about that person. I’ve done this with about 5 individuals one including Dr. Murphy from the Good Doctor. The first commercial I watched within the first couple seconds before they said he was autistic I could tell. Also, growing up I struggled with social and communication skills. I had to go to therapy to be able to speak and I don’t have the common sense that people naturally have. I have to be told what is and isn’t ok to say out loud. I also can’t read emotions. I’ve just recently started learning how to read tone and body language only through customer service class when I was going through my associates degree. I also struggle with multitasking while many excel. Some of my friends even said I act autistic.

[@Hope20249]

Very helpful. Many thanks Ella.

[@mojomojo2091]

I have a ADHD assessment in 2 days and every symptom of that has always been apparent right from a early age and I'm now 38 then my wife showed me this video because everything she knows about me and every emotion I have ever told her about from my childhood to the way I react to change and everything else you discus in your video is also me. I have no idea what I am meant to do, I know people can have both. That not being about to read people so you just assume they are mad at you, panicking when you can't stick to your routine and treating people all the same no matter who they are (even though I do believe everyone should kinda do) really hits me hard noto to mention there is something about eye contact that I just can't do unless I get really emotional and this also includes my wife and family. I really just want to feel that I fit in when Im with people But I talk weird say inappropriate things and don't know how to " body language" I just have always felt different.

[@mojomojo2091]

@Custom BatchServices you see my story and you push a product?

[@staciebanks7935]

Recently diagnosed along with my son and now my daughter is being tested

[@ednafernandesyi]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@gordy3714]

Hello Ella can you do a similar one for Adhd. Cheers 👍

[@PurpleElla]

And as if by magic, here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGbQhqSje9ZnpNE 😉

[@gordy3714]

@@PurpleElla Cheers you might want to do a follow up on the ASD video. Why do they use the word "Borderline" surely that just adds more confusion, and what do the scores mean in a Autism diagnosis, as well as the Raads R14 score which I think is something to do with Asperberger's but unsure of that. Keep up the great work. 👍

[@Fallen88T]

I’m in the uk and was diagnosed on the DMS5

[@Lulusnotreadyforthis]

I'm 39 and have masked all my life. I'm delighted to have finally reached the point when I no longer give a shit. The mask is gone and it's great 👍

[@lrwiersum]

I’m deceptively agile socially. But actual friendships that aren’t oriented to a certain activity, I am LOST !! Hang out ?? Why ?? I prefer to be alone.

[@bjasshjaskjdhkasj]

Aaa thanks so much

[@abbysworld05]

When I was 9 my parents went to check me for autism and I noticed what they were doing so I said I wasn’t autistic and I wasn’t happy about it and so the doctor knew I wasn’t autistic and they said that I have ADHD, I also have a language impairment and anxiety, things I did when I was younger is that even tho I’m talkative, I wanted to play with my Barbie’s alone and I wanted people to play my way so I played alone so I could play the way I wanted and I was obsessed with Barbie’s and I’ve always had sensory issues with both food and certain clothing

[@MyFisher2010]

im male 48 and diagnosed in oct 2021 as being on the spectrum

[@Sky-Child]

My partner is the same age and is not officially diagnosed but I am certain he is on the spectrum. My assessment will hhopefully be this year.

[@Nero-was-Right]

Hi Ella this is useful

[@charlottestandage2765]

This was so very helpful! Thank you. I have a provisional dx of ASD from pain management in Bath as they noticed my unusual behaviours such as treating them with too much familiarity (i huged them when i met them😂), the fact that i stimned, the significant difficulties i had with communication (they helped je a bit with this by recording our conversations and setting up scenarios), and my sensitivity to noises etc. they wrote to ky GP asking him to refer me for official assessment but he refused. So they wrote another letter detailing the evidence and my specific difficulties but he still refused to refer me. I have now been struggling for years with no help and have become isolated. So i did an econsult to a different GP snd he is seeing me tomorrow. I am praying he will help me and refer me. Can i ask if you know what the right to choose psychiatrists are like. Have you heard any good things about them as otherwise ill hsbe to wait years for assessment. Thanks agsin for all you do spreading awareness! Xxx

[@MyASDJourney]

My Dx was about 4 years ago age 59. I don't know if it is trauma causing denial or even some sort of dissociation, my alexithymia or what?... but I have a very hard time recognizing when I'm struggling and why. I'm fortunate my clinician was able to assess and ASD diagnosis without my ability to recognize things within and about myself. I'm suspecting that things might be a lot more obvious to others, than to myself.

[@rheanstatements]

i always score very high. so i finally (at 41) went to my GP. she did assert that i needed some kind of psych help, and so the rollercoaster begins :P

[@sjzara]

Really helpful. Thank you.

[@NoSleepFromBrooklynAdventures]

thank you for clarifying this...i used to make the same uneducated comment!

[@agnetebutk]

The criteria seem clear but it's not when you are trying to figure out if you are autistic or not. Like, what is abnormal when it comes to sensory issues? Because I don't minds most fabrics and shampoos and body washes (things I've heard autistics online struggle with) so maybe I don't have sensory issues and i'm not autistic. I cannot bare standing on tights seam or touching something oily and use little parfume because the smell is too strong for me. Are that sensory issues?? Are they strong enough to be a part of autism? I just don't know what's normal. What's the threshold at which thing turn from "normal" to "sensory issues"??? And it's like that with every single criterion

[@helenm1085]

Smells being strong and finding the feeling of something to be uncomfortable are definitely both sensory issues. Whether that makes you autistic or not I can't say. I didn't notice I even had sensory issues until I got a diagnosis and then realised that the combination of masking and alexithymia had meant that I didn't notice how stressed I was by lots of sensory input, before that I just had one or two things that I noticed like you (for me it was the texture of bananas and flashing lights). I guess my advice is to pay attention to different experiences and see if adding or taking away a sensory input (for example wearing earplugs in loud places) make you feel better or worse.

[@vmcintosh8956]

I relate to this and what helen has said! Since researching autism, i have found so many instances of sensory input causing stress! I thought i had issues with a certain noise or 2 but actually, when it's loud i struggle just to think, and i always hear electronics and appliances running, cars outside etc. I tried earplugs (loop) and the feeling of them made things worse 🤦‍♀️😅 but headphones are a godsend for me when i feel anxious/stressed etc. Ive also discovered touch is a big problem for me, (lack of physical affection has been a sore spot in past relationships but i get 'touched out' easily) Some light pressure can be near painful, tugs on my clothes and grips on my neck/shoulder make me furious! Layered clothing drives me insane, as do low waist trousers/underwear, oversized polo necks..i could go on 😂

[@Danuxsy]

I've noticed that what I'm wearing have a great impact on how I react to certain foods, most noticably if the food is cold or warm (steaming), if I wear a jacket on and parts of it touch my neck and the food is hot and steamy that make me feel incredibly uncomfortable to the extent I have to take of the jacket and eat in a t-shirt instead, stuff like that.

[@agnetebutk]

@Hanley Townsenda person cannot become "free from autism". When you are autistic, you are autistic and that's it. What you did is you made your son cover his autistic traits so it could be more comfortable to you. Disregarding *his* needs and comfort.

[@eclipse5759]

Thanks this was very helpful I’m going for my assessment soon and I thought I’d try the AQ test, got a 37 (basically it says I’m probably autistic the average is 32 and up) so we’ll see ig 🤷🏽‍♀

[@eleseclarke6038]

I've just been diagnosed this week at the age of 30 awaiting my report

[@rnunezc.4575]

Excellent..!

[@StevenPhillips-g9n]

I'm hopefully beginning my assessment process on the 30th and I'm really worried I'm going to classed as "normal" event y test I've done I've scored hight for Autistic traits and masking. I'm 40 and can't even make eye contact with a stranger or make a phone call. Yet when I was a school it wasn't really know about I was just odd. I've got my memories and experiences I can talk about but no real proof from my childhood

[@tuvoca825]

Echo in the background makes the voice sound slappy to me. Can you hang some blankets on the walls to reduce the echo somehow?

[@Dimensionalalteration]

Lol ,I'm the opposite with the social approach, instead of being informal, I'm either like a victorian lady who's all please ,thank you,Sir/Madam and quite formal ,or I completely switch and swear like a sailor,but that's when I'm overloaded and stressed .Oh ,I already have my diagnosis but from another European country who do things slightly differently, but I'm still autistic and all of those boxes ticked ,plus most of my kids are aspies too....we are a funny lot.

[@petermcgee2162]

Formal and analytic expressive language and "Street Smart " with its range into "unacceptable" or marginally OK expressive language presentations that kick-in-and-function with ease and apparent developed competency in use with or without functioning presentation or underlying of "polite society standards" seems so natural one might wonder are theses examples of masking? It is the exhaustion that pops up in and after and the inability to sustain the presentation and recognition in the limits of such presentations when inconsistent or contradictory useages are remarked on by others and the generation of "show stopping" silencing of stumbling that the realization that this is not a base you are working from.

[@thatrunningirl]

i guess by people saying 'everyone is a bit autistic' they are isolating ONE of the criteria requirements, not seeing them as a whole. we all know, to be diagnosed with autism / aspergers then you have to meet ALL of the criteria. while some of us are 'more / less' on the spectrum, we have all met those vital elements that make us autistic.

[@dantheman92317]

I get the part about masking. It wasnt until I did the full assessment for myself I got the diagnosis. I still wonder if 10 years ago I would have got the diagnosis. Criteria looks to have broadened?

[@lilly.x1]

i’m having my first autism assessment in 3 weeks (i’m watching hundreds of videos about it so i know what’s going to happen)

[@krissyk9767]

My issue is I seem to have many of the autistic traits but I don't feel I meet enough of the criteria to be diagnosed with autism. I am very sensitive to sounds, bright lights etc (shopping centres are the worst) and my social skills are not great. I can cope ok at work though by sort of faking it, but parties and those kind of things I never know what to say to people. I don't have any friends and don't think I even know how to have a romantic relationship. But I feel like I don't really have some of the autistic criteria like special interests. I engaged in alot of imaginary play as a child and know how to adjust my behavour for different social settings etc... So yeah I don't know. I don't want to waste my time and money trying to get an official diagnosis since I'm probably not autistic. But having alot of the traits does make my life difficult sometimes and makes me suffer alot of anxiety

[@robokill387]

"I engaged in alot of imaginary play as a child and know how to adjust my behavour for different social settings etc..." well, actually, those two things are actually pretty common for autistic people. Thing is, these psychiatrists make assumptions about us all the time, just like how they claimed for years that we didn't have empathy because we didn't express it the way they thought it should be expressed. I was diagnosed autistic as a child, and I have an extremely vivid imagination and did lots of imaginary play as a kid and can adjust my behaviour depending on the social context. For me, the social difficulties are on an individual level, i.e, understanding how a person will react depending on their personality and reading their emotional states, I understand the social rules of different contexts and situations fine. (interestingly, I love parties and can deal with them fine as long as accommodations are made for me, such as being able to leave early if I get overloaded, and being able to take a break occasionally from the load music and lights to recover. I wouldn't get up on a dance floor and dance in front of people or anything, but I can chat and have fun with people.)

[@solenej7023]

I just got my diagnosis this week, overwhelmed but that is silly cos I knew I was anyway 😂 but validation affects you eh

[@HarrietFitzgerald580]

It is so odd, I relate to the first two sections, they loophole in my assessment was a lack of data on my early childhood, from my parents, but I remember a lot of ''odd'' traits I had even as a young child, but that worked against me, in that they told me that I wouldn't be able to self-narrate/remember properly if I was on the spectrum, which I thought was so odd and rubbish...since when do autistic people not remember their own childhood??

[@robokill387]

it's based on the (incorrect) theory that we lack theory of mind and have no self awareness.

[@Catlily5]

That sounds weird. I remember parts of my childhood. I remember that I didn't get along with many kids in preschool and they bullied me.

[@raapyna8544]

@@robokill387 Aren't those acquired at like 2 years old on average?

[@seededsoul]

I don't have a lot of routines, but the most autistic thing I do, is if there is a plan in place, I get upset or lose all motivation if some little part of the plan changes. What does this mean? I definitely have ADD(Inattentive).

[@susanraj3560]

Ma'am What are the types of Autism or which all disorders comes under ASD according to DSM5?Is CDD included under ASD? Pls answer😊

[@Everythingtotteham]

Iam got 44 on the Aq test what are the results

[@Monkeymanager2005]

#3 "abnormal intensity is normal for autistic people" yes, but not for folks without autism. Which is why it's part of the criteria.

[@LS-ei7xk]

I don't understand. Is one supposed to display every item from each section, or 4 out of 5, or what? What if one has one item from each section?

[@sapphicvampire8504]

Ik this video is several months old but i wonder if the DSM-5 can be used in an Asian lens of sort? Bc im worried that i might be inaccurate with my research or anything like that bc im South east asian and not white. (Ik the answer is yes but i just wanna know:’>)

[@ziggypip2938]

What about when they don’t respond at all to people who care about and love them?

[@janandbrian]

What is the best test for adult hetro women

[@Hobonewsnetwork]

Ella! Yay, I’ve missed you lady! ☮️♾

[@PurpleElla]

Hey, I've been uploading as usual, but glad you found me again 😊

[@beckacheckaenterprises7294]

Have you seen the new diagnosis criteria ?

[@TheCerealluvr]

I’m definitely over expressive. And it’s exhausting.

[@lisawillis3]

Oh my goodness! THIS!!! Why do people say that? Everyone is not a little autistic!

[@ThatPrettyBMF]

If one should not acknowledge any subset of autism but instead "get to know the person" based on their specific needs, then why should one acknowledge any diagnosis of autism at all? The point of receiving a diagnosis of autism is to understand for oneself and to convey to the world that you have special needs, and the point of acknowledging a more specific type of autism (a subset thereof) is to understand more specifically what those special needs are. I truly, *truly* find your rationale inconsistent in this regard. If recognizing subsets of autism is not beneficial, then recognizing autism more generally is likewise *not* beneficial.

[@katiepaine]

I just don't know, I think I'm like borderline autistic. Or some kind of neuro-divergent...or I'm just broken :(

[@doyouhearthepeoplesing2]

You need to make it clear in the title that this is USA only

[@wonderwoman7304]

*called*

[@tips4400]

I personally like being labeled high functioning because i don't need any aids at all

[@billie7745]

Probably don't have autism. I'm just disfunctional to a normal human being degree

[@ryanforresterrenaissancesa4204]

The word criteria is plural. Criterium is singular. It should be Criterium C, Criterium D, Criterium E.

[@WhatsMyNameAgain93]

Criteria D is daft as well. “Other important areas of current functioning”.. such as? Important to who? What quantifies as clinically significant? Why does it sound like it needs to be life threatening? The wording is awful, the lack of context and explanation is even worse

[@sarahsartori3651]

I got tested for aspergers which is much easier to grasp with than autism. It's also what fits my situation than autism. People have soo many questions if I say I have autism but if I mention it's aspergers they're more like "oh I didn't know that. That's interesting" and there more likely to help me out and understand my struggles. So I still will say aspergers. Autism is just too broad of a term.