Autism is a difference, not a disorder | Katie Forbes | TEDxAberdeen

What is autism and how should we talk about it?
Katie Forbes discusses the detrimental impact of viewing autism as a disorder; something that needs to be fixed or cured. Katie invites viewers to look beyond such terminology and see autism for what it is, simply a difference. Not bad, nor less - just different. Katie highlights the harm of masking and the importance of working towards an inclusive future for all. Katie Forbes is a journalist, with a background in digital and social media marketing, based in Aberdeen, Scotland. Katie currently holds the role of Engagement Producer at Reach PLC and Creative Lead of the ReachAbility committee.
Katie received her autism diagnosis at the age of 11-years-old and is proud to be neurodivergent. Katie is Founder and Director of Autistic Flair, an online community and resource hub dedicated to amplifying autistic voices and working towards an inclusive future for all. Through her website and Instagram page, Katie is well-established as an advocate for the autistic community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Fru.Jacobsen]

It took me almost 32 years to get diagnosed, I finally love who I am and feel good enough.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

LOVE this. So happy for you ❤

[@Yadeehoo]

Got diagnosed in my 35's. No one I know accepted the diagnostic

[@Delhihousingagency]

There is permanent herbs to improve autism. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills

[@dhammaboy1203]

47 for me! And it was life changing!

[@emmalove5080]

I am autistic, and it’s who I am and I wouldn’t change a thing.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Love this 💗

[@TomWhalen-xj4dk]

Emma I have Autism too. I am a self advocate and love every second of it!

[@Dutchyman]

You are not autistic. You're just different from the norm. Living in a social media world.

[@gleelights9525]

You don't have any experience otherwise so you don't have the capacity to make that kind of decision

[@ryanhuong]

Me too and me neither

[@syedraza216]

Just graduated law school and finally realized I have had autism my whole life. Went through a terribly exhausting time in law school. Whew!

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Wow, I can only imagine. Thank you for sharing

[@671021748]

Embrace neurodiversity! I have had the same experiences. Great speech!

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thanks so much! Great to hear my talk resonated with you.

[@barbc7526]

I'm a mother of an autistic child, and I have ADHD. This is the best video I've ever watched describing how it feels to live with autism. Thanks for telling your story, and thanks for your strength. You are a gift to us all. ❤

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this comment 🥹 I’m so pleased you found this helpful

[@Delhihousingagency]

There is permanent herbs to improve autism. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills

[@auversoi]

My thoughts exactly. Autism is a difference not a disorder. I told my dad this same thing the other day when we were watching a TV show called 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' which is about a woman with Autism. In the show someone was defining Autism as a disorder. To me, it seems so obvious that it isn't a disorder yet society still sees it as one. We are in the dark ages of understanding it.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Great to hear my talk resonated with you ☺️ I delivered this talk to start a conversation around autism language and I’ve loved reading about so many different POVs.

[@leimaniax]

“We are in the dark ages of understanding this” 🏆 champion comment.

[@winterwithawhyknudsen5166]

A disorder needs to be accommodated. Autism needs to be accommodated. While autism does need to be embraced, that still doesn’t mean it’s just a difference. Differences need to be embraced and nothing more. Autism disables everyone on the spectrum. Autism is considered a disability by the ADA (Americans with disabilities act) and almost all autistic people use that label to describe themselves or their autism.

[@auversoi]

I actually agree with you now. You are right. My opinion has changed since I wrote that. I am more informed about the subject. There is a reason it is considered a disability in the DSM. @@winterwithawhyknudsen5166

[@IloveGardensandteaparties]

@@winterwithawhyknudsen5166 it became a disorder in the first place because neurotypical themselves decided that they are the baseline and the whole society should be formed around how they see it fit in their eyes (which is a very self-centred approach). We wouldn’t be facing such a hard time, if every difference was accepted in the first place and things were shaped keeping it in mind. We are not asking for much, we are just rightfully asking for something that was ours to begin with.

[@mozu305]

Thank you. That was great. Humanity comes in many flavors. We should accept and celebrate that--not in a special ceremony, but every day.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Couldn't agree more. Celebrate us by accepting us for exactly who we are 🥰 thank you for your kind words

[@RonanBunny]

I gotta say, just like Katie, I was worried about my autism at first, but then I learned along the way that it wasn’t a curse. It was a gift. And I’ve been given so many good gifts with autism, like a good memory, the ability to deal with my stress, Work harder and follow my passion for filmmaking.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Love this! 🥹🙌🏻

[@marshallgreen7815]

I have a complete recall photographic memory of my entire life,

[@Delhihousingagency]

There is permanent herbs to improve autism. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills

[@mathilda6763]

I had a similar experience as she did with home office during the pandemic. the job still was difficult for me because I had to do lots of phone calls, but working in a lower-noise environment and not having to spontaneously react to the chatter of my co-workers made me a lot more efficient and less stressed. When I had to go work on site again I realised even stronger how much effort it took to do my job compared to doing it at home where all these distractions and stressors weren't present. really wish society would learn from the pandemic, that when the work is doable in home office setting, there should be free choice for the employee if their presence isn't *actually* important (like for important meetings direct work with clients/patients).

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

💯 I couldn’t agree more! Enforcing office working for every employee is creating barriers to disabled/ND employees. Not only does this negatively impact employees, but also employers are losing out on a huge talent pool.

[@Delhihousingagency]

There is permanent herbs to improve autism. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills

[@dashinatorx1152]

I have seen many Ted Talks but this one connects to me in more ways than I can count. Thank you so much for this talk. This will really get an very important message across.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Wow, thank you ☺I really appreciate this

[@JoshSmithGamer]

@@katieforbesautisticflair Thank you so much for speaking out it really makes me a 20 year old diagnosed at a young age feel so much better about mysel Really appreciate it well done

[@Delhihousingagency]

There is permanent herbs to improve autism. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills

[@drinkbooks]

My differences don't make me broken. Other people tried to break me because of my differences. They tried to shave off my corners to make me fit in the round hole. They hit me because they could.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I'm so sorry that you haven't been treated fairly. Autism was never the problem - the problem is the way we are treated because of our autism.

[@Delhihousingagency]

There is permanent herbs to improve autism. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills

[@forestvanslyke]

I'm not crying, you're crying. Thank you for this beautiful speech, Katie.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

🥹 thank you so much

[@trucker-ham]

I am 45 male from Soth Carolina. I was just diagnosed 8 months ago. My life has change so much for the better. I now have a way to understand and deal with it.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Love to hear this 😍 thank you for sharing

[@khaulahafeez]

I am not autistic, nor are my kids. But I have this strong belief that autism is NOT a disorder. It’s ONLY being different. AND since ALL human beings are different, this shouldn’t be a problem at all ! More power to you! ♥️

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Couldn’t agree more 🥰

[@winterwithawhyknudsen5166]

@@katieforbesautisticflairwell, autism is a disorder because it needs to be accommodated and is even considered a disability by the ada (Americans with disabilities act). The difference between a disorder and a difference is that a difference needs to be embraced and nothing more. While that is true, autism still needs to be accommodated no matter what support needs they have or where they fall on the spectrum. Saying autism is a difference is sugarcoating and even ignoring the struggles that come with it. It’s harmful the to community.

[@dbeescoaching]

Thank you so much for sharing! You are awesome! I am an SLP and have several family members with different degrees of Autism. I am writing a Tedx Talk right now about how important it is for the rest of the world to take responsibility for understanding and being compassionate to the unique and marvelous aspects of individuals with Autism. You are an inspiration. I love how you love yourself and can champion the wonderfulness that is you! Good on you! Good on discovering and overcoming. I hope your video goes viral! Miss DB:)

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Wow, thanks so much Deborah 🥰 your comment has made my day. I now look forward to watching your talk one day!!

[@ASMRtists]

Katie, you're amazing. Indeed, you should be celebrated for your unique and strong abilities. It is a good thing we have many different kinds of people around. Let's celebrate the range of things we can accomplish together, as long as we all live TOGETHER and respect one another. We're looking into if my daughter is on the spectrum. Your story made me cry and helps to see this situation and journey as something more positive. I totally agree with you! I'm still scared of how the world will treat her and we still have a long way to go. It's hard to hear how difficult life can be, I see it in her already. From a young age. I hope I can help and support her to be as successful as you are. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@MrParadoxik]

I'm watching this while eating breakfast in a Hotel during a mandatory work trip to a different state. The experience at the beginning of the pandemic of working remotely (in an environment I could control) was SO eye opening. In many ways, shut down was the most comfortable I've ever been. Having that ripped away when the neurotypical world reasserted itself has been it's own sort of trauma. In some ways, I was better off not having a taste of a world that was designed for me.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I know what you mean! I was a lot less anxious and rarely experience burnout when the country was locked down. I made lots of meaningful connections online and felt almost relieved not having to see people face-to-face.

[@Garbageman28]

In tears over this. So much of my experience here. Thank you.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Lovely to hear my talk resonated with you ☺️

[@LudwigAppeltans]

Thank you for sharing your story. Resonates so much. Thank you for your courage to share it.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thank you ☺️ I really appreciate this

[@lauraluey]

Beautifully articulated, crying tears of recognition ❤

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

🥰 thanks so much

[@emmalove5080]

I was diagnosed with autism when I was 20, and my report says that I’m “unemployable” and that I wouldn’t understand the dating world, but that’s not true about me.

[@scarecrowprowler]

It's the other way round for me. Everywhere is toxic positivity, but no one wants to employ nor pay. So that report fits me better. Wanna swap?

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Emma, I’m so frustrated for you! unemployable suggests we are the problem, when really it’s organisations who are unwilling to accommodate us.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

@@scarecrowprowler are you also constantly told autism is your ‘superpower’? 🙃

[@emmalove5080]

@@katieforbesautisticflair That is so true. I have been misunderstood and mistreated a lot as an autistic person and people can be so rude and not even realize it

[@TomWhalen-xj4dk]

@@emmalove5080 same here. We are stereotyped too often

[@TimothyHughes]

Great presentation, I saw it in Aberdeen and I wanted to watch it again, thank you.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Wow, thank you! I really appreciate this.

[@wolfdreams2000]

Katie, I know this is a long time since this was posted, but I had to say how brave you are. Thank you for sharing your experiences because its very helpful 🙏 I'm 61 and undiagnosed, but highly suspect that I'm autistic. I'm going to try to find you on Insta, etc and follow you. Thanks again 😊

[@VivekaAlaya]

wow. that made me cry. thank you for so much ressonance

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

and thank you for your kind words 🥰

[@thepurplepersons]

I’m going to use this link in my blog. Absolutely👍

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@myworldautistic670]

Right there with you girl. Love, love, love you so much. I relate to EVERYTHING so much!

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I love love love reading this 🥹 thank you

[@myworldautistic6839]

@@katieforbesautisticflair 💖

[@helpsparksflyforkids]

Very well said. Thank you very much for your talk.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

And thank you for listening 💗

[@CatholicOnTheSpectrum]

This one is powerful.

[@thankyu4themusic]

So many of us feel so alone. Thank you brave lady for sharing x

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thank you for commenting! 🥰

[@kathyborthwick6738]

This makes so much sense! Katie is wonderful and such an inspiration!

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thank you so much 🥹

[@danigirl6680]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are a blessing to our community.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Wow, thank you 🥹

[@georginashanti4605]

Thank you. 💛

[@a.b.n.5447]

I was diagnosed in 2020 at going on 62... To say the least, I'd love to have known earlier.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I can imagine ♥

[@dhammaboy1203]

As a fellow ASD'er - I can relate. I completely agree - I think Autism has lots of benefits. I wouldn't change anything except for the bullying & not getting a diagnosis until 47.

[@Raddiebaddie]

Such an important message, thank you for sharing ❤

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

And thank you! ❤

[@5sup2]

I went through the same, growing up. Hiding in toilet during recess time and scared of group projects. Then reading all these books "how to make friends " "how to talk to everyone" .... and learning from TV programme. Then I made friends, found love, and felt like "everything is fake". The insecurity never went away until I tried to kill myself and didn't die. After that I started telling everyone "I'm weird and I'm autistic". Now I finally feel like I'm having all the real things I want in life. Thank you so much for your speech, it's good to know someone else experienced the same and so glad you are living!

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing this 💗 it means the world knowing others share my experiences; that I’m not alone. I am so glad YOU are living.

[@muskettbliss4484]

You at least found some friends😸😸 my parents gave me those kinda books as a birthday present when I was an adolescent, and I remember good enough that I read the books back and forth, then was trying to imply that knowledge in the real life, and it seemed like it weirded people out even more. Almost everyone thought I was a weirdo anyway

[@jamestojoinujkkhpuddle1897]

J 1:10 8u​9😊😊😊😊😊😅😅😅😅😊@@muskettbliss4484😢

[@ericathompson-ts2jr]

Me as well.Ine I was in middle school playing with bugs looking for 4 leaf clovers had to stop , I wld go to the library anywhere I cld hide due to lack of friends and social skills. Safest time of my life.

[@CigdemS]

Oh my God! I love her attitude!

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Appreciate this 😊

[@Meghan3]

I feel it so often. And I am so alone with my feelings.

[@sophiebee_]

Yesss Katie 👏 Can't wait to watch this

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thanks Sophie 😄

[@TomWhalen-xj4dk]

@@katieforbesautisticflair I always love hearing different perspectives on Autism! Thank you!

[@LunaSanguine]

While I can relate to some of her experiences I think it is really important to keep in mind that autism is a vast spectrum and autists might have other marginalizations as well. Not all of us are high masking, low support needs, white and middle/upper class.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

💯 valid point.

[@willyghost2213]

Exactly! For some it may be a difference, for others it really is a disorder.

[@froginthemoss]

exactly. For many of us it is a disability.

[@LunaSanguine]

@@froginthemoss Sure. But I still think many people such as myself differ between disorder and disability. I consider myself disabled (because I am not capable of some skills considered normal) but I wouldn't say I have a disorder. Disorder sounds to me like I am a broken object, disability feels more human to me.

[@froginthemoss]

@@LunaSanguine I don’t see it as a disorder either, I see it as my neurotype / the way my brain’s wired. But its most definitely debilitating at times.

[@jcloewe8692]

Thank you. This means a lot to me.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Your kind words mean a lot to me 🥰

[@EspeonaSparkle]

Very important video!!!

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Really appreciate you saying so!

[@nicktelindert1687]

I agree that acceptance is the key when dealing with autism. That being said, this does not stop it from being a disorder. I have changed my environment a lot that is including my work environment. The result is i can work 28 hours a week and be relatively stable on a mental level. In other words just by accepting and changing the environment i cannot even earn a full time salary. This is not my fault and not the fault of my employer, in fact we have no one to blame. I cannot expect to be paid a full time salary without being capable to do a full-time job. Accepting my autism helped to cope better but in the end it did not fix the problem at all. In fact if i could get rid of my autism i would do it without any hesitation.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thanks for sharing! I always love hearing our autistic lived experiences, even if they differ from my own 🙂

[@splabbity]

Unusual, and therefore unacceptable. That's the common public attitude.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

The attitude I'm trying to change 🙌

[@stephenbrown8018]

Don’t underestimate what standing on that stage would have taken out of Katie. Well done Katie

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thank you so much! It was a nerve-wracking experience, but totally worth it.

[@stephenbrown8018]

Hey Katie, my son who is 4 has already received a diagnosis at what is a very young age, he has multiple profound challenges including AS(D). We are working hard to support his needs with lots of love and a calm and safe environment. Your talk was a great inspiration to our family, from a fellow Scot thanks again for sharing your experiences with the world and good on you for being so brave and standing on the stage.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

@@stephenbrown8018thank you for sharing your heartwarming story. Your son is truly fortunate to have such a supportive and caring dad by his side. I hope you’re all getting the support you need.

[@elainecheetham2312]

🥳🌟always shine!☀️always change environment and circumstances if necessary, never yourself. Totally fabulous, just the way you are!!🥰your teachers didn't understand that's sad😪 always believe anything is possible 🤩 most people struggle they are just not as honest as you. Kindness and understanding changes lives💝💛

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

"always change environment and circumstances if necessary, never yourself" - love this! Thank you for your kind words, couldn't agree more.

[@silicon212]

I wish more people would see this.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Me too💗

[@crzywmnssoul]

Im on my healing journey, I’m an INFJ and HSP, which says we can be neurodiverse. I thought I just had dyslexia comprehension. Now more and more I think I have autism. I’m going to get tested. Thank you Katie for sharing.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

And thank you for sharing!

[@angielittlewood-ib9mb]

You are amazing

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

😭🫶 🥹

[@dinoworld112]

I've said this before only autism people truly understand it and can explain it, people that are not tend to shame it with out realising they're shaming the person and not treating people normal just because they have autism and they don't even realise they do it

[@MrMooAndMoonSquirrelToo]

It was so confusing without a diagnosis growing up, because other kids just KNEW. They might not have known it was autism, but kids are so observant and know when something's different. All I wanted as a kid was to be understood and fit in. It's taken a long time to come to accept that it's probably never going to happen. Even my neurotypical father doesn't seem to want to even begin to try and understand me and would rather place the "blame" entirely on me instead of working with me towards a better relationship.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

And it’s not only children that bully autistic people, adults do as well! Bullying sadly continues in workplaces 😕

[@CRiSPOP.]

It’s dangerous when you try to fix autism. People under this autism spectrum have this unique mind and the world is too usual for such an amazing ability.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

100%

[@pankaj29904]

I am 65. My grandson is autistic. We diagnosed his condition to be autism only by exploring internet. But during this exploration I found myself to be autistic and having ADHD. Had I known this fact earlier in my life,my life would have been different. During all these years I kept on wondering why am I so wierd and not confirming to the standards set by the society. I feel my life wasted and now I can do nothing at this age. My grandson is now undergoing therapy and I have advised my son never to leave it half way. Because he gets frustrated sometimes.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thank you for opening up about this. Discovering you're autistic can be both a relief and source of reflection on the past. Sometimes I wish I had made the effort to understand my autistic identity sooner, but from speaking to people of all ages in the autistic community I've realised it's never too late to embrace your true self. Self discovering is a lifelong journey and I believe you still have the ability to explore new sources of joy and fulfilment at every point in life. All the best to you and your grandson.

[@Stitchxavi]

I don’t have an illness. I have a gift.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

♥♥♥

[@SK-iq4qe]

Beautiful

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

🥰

[@SpicyCheeseAltHistory]

I’m autistic and I’m very happy I’m like 8 inches taller than everyone at my school so I can’t get bullied for who I am

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Haha love this!

[@deanbean9227]

Fantastic wow

[@TR-zu8zd]

Yes maybe for people with former “ Asperger’s” it is a neurodiversity, but for people with moderate and severe autism- and if combined with an intellectually disability- it is not a difference , it is a disability and a tragedy for the parents/ caregivers let’s face it . There are quite a lot of KZbin bloggers who have autism and advocate / educate, but they are all mostly have Asperger’s, they are high functioning and very intelligent. But they only represent a quite small very mildly affected portion of people with autism 😢 I have a son on the spectrum

[@littlegraysparrow]

Exactly. Of course everyone should be loved, accepted and cherished as they are but when your child is still non-verbal, violent, and in diapers at 18 years old with severe daily headaches and stomach aches, it's downright cruel to deny them medical research and assistance. This entire "just accept them as they are" campaign ignores these poor suffering souls that truly need help. They are part of the ASD family too and people need to stop sweeping them under the rug.

[@beccafranklin6683]

You completely put my feelings in to words. My son is autistic and only just starting to use simple language aged 5 1/2. We had to fight so hard for his diagnosis just to get him the education he deserves. The spectrum is so vast and people one the moderate to more severe end can’t advocate for themselves. I find it quite hard hearing it’s not a disability, it’s a difference. Not being able to speak feels like a disability to me.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I never said autism isn’t a disability, I said I don’t view autism as a disorder - something that needs to be ‘fixed’ or ‘cured’. I want all autistic people to get the help and support they deserve, but I don’t think changing the autistic person is the answer, changing society’s view and attitude towards autism is. My views align with the social model of disability.

[@TR-zu8zd]

@@katieforbesautisticflair I agree with you! Thank you

[@NJGuy1973]

4:56 "Just a little bit autistic" "Needs more confidence" "Lower your expectations" Could those school officials have been any worse at their jobs?

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Their comments devastated me - they still do to this day. But it just makes me even more determined to create a better future for autistic people 🧠💗

[@NJGuy1973]

@@katieforbesautisticflair In my area there's a farm run by autistic persons. They grow vegetables, make goat's milk soap, and sell those and other products at local markets. They also volunteer at a local soup kitchen whole learning skills which they can take to jobs elsewhere.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

@@NJGuy1973love this!!

[@ohkaygoplay]

Aside from the "just a little bit autistic" one - as I was considered the 'normal' kid in the family and no one knew I struggled with ADHD and autism, the rest of that is spot on for my life.

[@Garbageman28]

Yeah heard all of that. Teachers understanding of autism is woefully underdeveloped.

[@richardphieler7737]

Im self Autistic people, i need everyday help I have a burnout from masking 🤯🤒🙏

[@kerstinklenovsky239]

I am a high-functioning Aspie. When I turned 50 I decided to stop play-acting and to just celebrate my autistic self. It has been quite hilarious but mostly wonderful. 😎

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Love this! 💗

[@kerstinklenovsky239]

If we refrain from telling the non-autistic people around us just how weird we think they are behaving, we also have the right to expect them to accept us the way we are.

[@forestvanslyke]

High functioning doesn't exist. You're just autistic.

[@kristenherndon8250]

Our one and only child is 10. He uses lots of words and short phrases, but can't have a conversation. I would love to know his thoughts.😢

[@forestvanslyke]

Get him to write them down.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I can only imagine how much you’re craving to communicate with your child. Please know autistic people have their own unique ways to connecting with loved ones. It may not look like what you see on TV or with friends, but it can still be meaningful. Art and music can be helpful tools to communicate our thoughts. All the best x

[@1907jdee]

While I understand why the presenter would say that autism isn’t a disorder it actually just undermines the crippling effects of autism that my daughter has suffered alongside with its affects on mental health and anxiety.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I understand where you're coming from. Although I say I don't see autism as a disorder, that doesn't mean I don't describe it as a disability. My main point was autism wasn't the cause of my poor mental health and the challenges I faced on a daily basis - exclusion, ignorance and unwillingness to accommodate me ultimately led to this. I feel like autism doesn't *always* disable me, rather the environments I live, learn and work in does.

[@winterwithawhyknudsen5166]

5:37 it did. It’s a disorder that needed to be accommodated. It doesn’t mean you’re abnormal. Neurodivergence is normal.

[@calumbrooknicolson]

The girl in the center of the image at 2:45 reminds me of the singer KT Tunstall for some reason.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Haha she does a bit! However, I can confirm it sadly wasn't her.

[@calumbrooknicolson]

That’s not the point, I was just saying that she reminded me of her.

[@themadrasispices6899]

Autism in each individual is unique, so she might bewith less than mild, my son do pottty and urine on the floor, he is almost 4 years, he is non verbal still, he creates wierd noises at times, and adamend. Pls tell is at what age u diagnosed, and at what age you started speaking, etc

[@sharoncowart2206]

It took me 65 years.

[@plantfan668]

There is debate about whether autism is a neurological difference or a neurological disorder, and whether there are causative factors… Gabor Maté (whose work is amazing) has established a correlation between trauma and disease (including differences in gene expression) between autism and trauma, and between maternal stress during pregnancy and autism in the child. It’s easy to see that trauma and autism correlation could indicate causality in either or both directions, but maternal stress looked morę likę a contributory factor. This morning I thought of something else that might explain this correlation - if being autistic makes it more likely to experience trauma, stress, social injustice and social isolation, then it follows that an autistic woman would be more likely to experience these during pregnancy. Autism is shockingly under diagnosed in women in particular. A woman of colour is more likely to experience social injustice and associated stress than a white woman in life in general and also during pregnancy, due to society, and is also more likely to give birth to a POC. So perhaps Dr Maté could be wrong on that one. Autism has long been considered a disorder in the medical model, and even the most brilliant minds can be mistaken. Another thing, there may or may not be a correlation between immunisation (particularly MMR) and subsequent autism diagnosis (I thought that had been ruled out but I read something lately about it that put some doubt in my mind) but even if there is, being autistic and being diagnosed autistic are highly correlated but certainly not the same thing. It seems reasonable to think that an autistic child might be more likely to suffer adverse physical and mental effects from medical procedures in general (which tend to be stressful for anyone) and might therefore be more likely to be traumatised and subsequently experience behavioural changes (such as increased stimming, more extreme meltdowns, and in some cases mutism) which could lead to a previously undiagnosed child being identified as autistic. Not sure how well I expressed all that, but hopefully it makes some sense.

[@sarahblack8913]

So much of what you said resonated and made me feel seen. Thank you

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

And thank you ❤

[@Fern_Yaz_Fun_Cute_Pets]

Hard to live around other people being so much clever and more advanced than most people. That is not an illness but can be made by other people into one, not being the same as most. They treat you so bad because they know you are cleverer. Knock you down so they can be the known as cleverer and better. Can he distressing and end up confused and mentally ill. You have turned out so well in this society. To fit in lower your showing of cleverness. Or do better like you have done to explain to the world and take the knockdowns and be proud of yourself. What yourself matters we come into this world alone and go out alone. Your parents and people round obviously are clever and understand and have fitted into society in their own way. No one is made exactly the same. A brain is an exceptional unique thing with every person. Its your concious and kindness and what you feel about yourself that matters. Dont let other people turn it into mental illness through jealousy or whatever. Hard to when other people might make you feel odd. The people who understand you would pretend not to or would be classed as mentally ill as well. Pity they havent got the strength to he themselves and open like you. I just see a very clever open person telling the world who you are.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

😭beautifully said, thanks so much

[@kennavoy_]

❤❤❤❤

[@iamgoo]

Anyone else looking for Willne?

[@suesmith4360]

Call it whatever you like. Autism is a problem that causes misery to sufferers and their families. Dismissing a problem doesn’t make it go away.

[@TomGhoulerie]

As an autistic person with a loving family and a great relationship with my autism, It makes me incredibly sad you’d think of me that way. Autistic people only “suffer” because non autistics refuse to adapt or accommodate their needs. Your words are very hurtful.

[@suesmith4360]

@@TomGhoulerie Just stating a general opinion, as everyone is doing on here. People are always going to have different opinions to you. Why would you expect the world to adapt to or accommodate YOUR needs? The world does not revolve around autistic people's selfishness. You're only confirming that my opinion is correct - autism is a problem.

[@joyce5292]

​​@@TomGhoulerie I am autistic too he's right autism is a problem it's not normal and not easy.

[@TomGhoulerie]

@@joyce5292I never said it was normal or easy. But it isn’t a problem. My point still stands, the suffering that autistic people face isn’t because of their autism, but of a non autistic society’s refusal to accept them/accommodate them/make life easier for them

[@joyce5292]

​@@TomGhoulerieit's not the society problem autism is not the norm neurotypical is the norm and you don't unterstand this

[@haroldgifford852]

👍

[@BetheChange80]

From many reliable websites , one of them is Raising children network Autistic children have communication difficulties, narrow interests and repetitive behaviour. Early signs of autism might include lack of interest in other people, including lack of eye contact. Autism can be diagnosed in some children from around 18 months of age. Early autism diagnosis means children can have early intervention, which can make a big difference.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I would advise to stay away from any website or organisation that is encouraging people to put autistic children through ‘early intervention’. As I mentioned in my talk, we don’t need to be taught how to be neurotypical, we need to be accepted for the awesomely autistic people we are and given accommodations to overcome challenges in neurotypical-led environments.

[@francoisleveille409]

The best way to make sure autistic people don't get the help and support they need. Autism is a difference but it IS also a handicap and people abuse them.

[@AngelaRyanXX]

The vast majority of whom will never be doing any 'TED talks'.

[@francoisleveille409]

@@AngelaRyanXX As if doing a TED talk gives you the knowledge and competence of a psychiatrist or neurologist. A REAL one ... try Simon Baron-Cohen instead. He knows what he's talking about. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin tell lies no matter how large their reputation is.

[@francoisleveille409]

@@ericabbott4864 Your comment acknowledges the fact there are limitations and vulnerabilities inherent to autism. Everyone knows ABA is not helping but trying to impose normalcy. At the same time, denying there is a handicap condition is also the best way for society to demand normalcy from an autistic person, it's the best excuse not to show any understanding, to deny abuse and to deny access to necessary services. This is the treacherous path on which the neurodiversity movement has evolved. It has horrible and terrifying consequences.

[@AngelaRyanXX]

@@francoisleveille409 Meaningless romanticised terms like 'neurodiversity' and 'gender diversity' are part of the Pharma scam to deny research, deny etiology, deny baseline health and create dependents for life. There is nothing empowering about it.

[@francoisleveille409]

@@AngelaRyanXX I see people like Simon Baron-Cohen doing absolutely amazing research and then parents of autistic kids and other social network warriors reject it all because 'their guts tell them they know better' !! DUH!

[@andelenethysse81]

This is a story of achievement that can happen but the thing is the spectrum is so vast that when children achieve like this other parents felt so low because their children on the severe end will never be even be close to this. They are medicated and a stigma like mad can be attached. Anyway I am glad she made it thus far and create awareness.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thanks for watching and sharing your views. Some autistic people won’t achieve what I have, but that doesn’t necessarily make their life any less fulfilling and joyful. If parents of autistic people feel ‘so low’ because their children won’t live up to their expectations, they’re mourning the loss of the life they dreamed of for their child. But that’s not to say their autistic child is not having and cannot have a great life - success may just look different from the norm.

[@AngelaRyanXX]

@@ericabbott4864 They can certainly regress into it, coincidentally, following adverse reactions to certain toxic pharmaceutical products.

[@AngelaRyanXX]

@@ericabbott4864 You don't speak for me.

[@adrianopper9472]

The spectrum is vast and layered with other neuro challenges and differences. When we learn to see others as valuable no matter what, it won't matter.

[@TessaCoker]

I am 70, recently found out I am autistic (Aspie) and I guess with my phychologist (who is also self-diagnosed Aspie) I will learn who I really am and how to unmask...

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Amazing ❤ I hope you get the support you deserve while on this journey

[@calumbrooknicolson]

People with autism are not a homogeneous group, and not all behaviors that people with autism do should be prohibited, for example, acting on your special interests (depending on the situation), self-stimulating (for example, rocking back and for, jumping around, shaking, etcetera) (depending on the situation), etcetera, should not be prohibited.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

totally. Each person's experience is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

[@DD-co1zn]

I am autistic, and I am sick of videos & individuals like this. They spent the first 2/3's of the video describing how disabling their condition is, and then the last 3rd gaslighting the audience into believing it *ISN'T* a disorder. Make your mind up. I also find it extremely galling when one of these 'high functioning' individuals with privileged backgrounds (in the context of autism: i.e loving families, spouses, friend network, etc) take it upon themselves to speak for the whole community when they start evangelising that it isn't a disorder ... they are literally advocating against the other 'high functioning' autistic individuals who find it completely disabling and require government financial assistance just to keep food in the fridge, the lights on, etc. There's a reason the spotlight is put on individuals like this, and it's *NOT* to serve the community ... it's to work against the community, particularly those who might be considered 'high functioning' - but nevertheless finding themselves much worse off than married, successful individuals like this. I am sickened.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I’m sorry my talk upset you. To be clear, I never said autism isn’t a disability, I said I don’t view autism as a disorder - something that needs to be ‘fixed’ or ‘cured’. I see disabilities and disorders as very different things. I want all autistic people to get the help and support they deserve, but I wanted to point out that changing the autistic person isn’t the answer, changing society’s view and attitude towards autism is. My views align with the social model of disability.

[@aiscute812]

Agreed

[@Goody_Deids]

58 years of self loathing.😢

[@winterwithawhyknudsen5166]

Autism is a disorder. A difference is something that people embrace. A disorder is something that people accommodate because autism disables everyone on the spectrum.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I disagree, but I appreciate you joining the conversation.

[@winterwithawhyknudsen5166]

@@katieforbesautisticflair it shouldn’t be controversial. It has to be diagnosed. Medically. It is a medical disorder. Doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing. Most autistic people can’t talk (wether it’s forever or for certain amounts of time). We can’t socialize. Some even have poor motor skills. We need to be accommodated and that’s just facts. I’m not saying opinions. This isn’t a debate. Autism is a disability and that’s final- an autistic person

[@negar7695]

Just felt like I was listening to my own life story:)... painful u know

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Apologies if this was a painful watch ❤ I just wanted to create something younger me would have appreciated and related to.

[@negar7695]

Well, I have:) thank you... I've started trying not to mask my own personality and that's hard but... possible:)@@katieforbesautisticflair

[@gleelights9525]

Monitor 😢😢😢😢;)

[@CRegister-wt8vz]

Never mask. Be yourself.❤

[@gleelights9525]

See how far that gets you. Be real

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I really hope one day it's safe to unmask and truly be yourself in every corner of the globe, but sadly I think this is unrealistic 🥺

[@redredred8408]

Bad idea

[@user-hz9ip8pg9g]

👏🤗

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

💗💗

[@berthaantoinettamason9207]

But what is the solution for how normal people will accommodate us? This diagnoses a problem but doesn't say what to do. There needs to be examples for neurotypicals to follow.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

There is no one solution - I could have spent the whole 11 minutes discussing different accommodations 😂 learning to be more accepting and willing to learn about different ways of being is the first step people can take. Every autistic person is unique and therefore has unique support needs. If a non-autistic person wants to support their autistic friend/family member/employee, they should a conversation about accommodations/support with that individual and come up with a solution to fit that individual. Accommodations and support shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thank you for watching and reaching out 😊

[@HarryPotter-kb7we]

Autism is much more complex and ample than people believe. The medical model defines it as a set of dificits, but that's just it's perspective of what autism looks like, it is not what autism is. So, is autism a disorder, a difference or a disability? Autism isn't a single thing - it has positive elements, neutral elements, and negative elements. Some of these elements can be disabling, yet, generalizing that autism is a disabiltiy is to imply all of it's elements are a disability, which is false.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

Thank you for sharing your perspective! Super interesting

[@JamesVestal-dz5qm]

I go to bed at 6 o clock. Maybe thats autism?

[@Ottophil]

That doesnt sound like anything autistic you need more details than that

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I wasn't trying to imply an early bedtime is an autistic trait😆 it's more so I was so exhausted from masking all day that I HAD to have an early bedtime

[@Jo-ds3xv]

I’m here because I tried to explain this to my mother and she told me I need diversity training. I sometimes wonder if this world is a comedy show or skit.

[@mattsmith1318]

This is exactly my story in female version😢❤ I'm just now beginning my unmasking journey.. ❤😳😭😢😊😁😜😎🤞

[@kxnguyen3942]

In my experience , autism is bunch of bullies act like victim of narcissism . They insult people and feel good about that

[@d.s.dathaniel7552]

Being inclusive doesn't mean dodging the truth, it's okay to have a disorder, many people do with many different disorders and each needs to be treated differently, understand that and get along is inclusivity. Rebranding it and calling it just a "difference" helps no one.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

I respectively disagree. I may face more challenges because I'm autistic, but autism has given me many traits that I cherish. The relationship I have with music, my ability to problem solve and hyperfocus - the list goes on. Calling autism a disorder just doesn't sit right with me as I wouldn't want to 'fix' or 'cure' it. But, as ever, everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

[@AngelaRyanXX]

@@ericabbott4864 Interacting with others who are able to interact with others means you are looking at autism through a very narrow, privileged social model lens.

[@katieforbesautisticflair]

@@ericabbott4864💯

[@thatpandaz6094]

It is a difference, it's called a neurodivergency for a reason, and science backs this. There is nothing wrong with our brains, they are literally just structured differently compared to neurotypical or other neurodivergent people. I am disabled for other reasons, but I would never call my autism a disablity just because I am different from most people.

[@AngelaRyanXX]

@@thatpandaz6094 Pharma propaganda backs pretending you were born special, rather than examining root causes of the autism epidemic.