Autism Trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) - What's The Overlap?

The symptoms of autism trauma and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) can look very similar.
So what's the overlap? And how are they different? Can childhood trauma cause autism? (Hint: No, there's a very important distinction)
In this video we'll explore complex trauma and how the polyvagal theory and principles of trauma informed care can help improve autistic mental health.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Blue Knot Foundation Guides to Trauma Informed Care: www.blueknot.org.au/resources...
ICD-11 Complex Trauma: icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en#/...
CHANNEL LINKS:
Patreon: / aspergersfromtheinside
Facebook: / aspergersfromtheinside
Twitter: / aspiefrominside
Written Blog: aspergersfromtheinside.com/
More Videos: / aspergersfromtheinside
Email: [e-mail]
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// WELCOME TO ASPERGERS FROM THE INSIDE!!
My name is Paul and I discovered I have Aspergers at age 30.
If you're new you can check out a playlist of some of my most popular videos here: / aspergersfromtheinside
Yes, I know, I don't look autistic. That's exactly why I started this blog, because if I didn't show you, you would never know.
As the name suggests, this channel is devoted to giving you insight into the world of Aspergers.
This blog started off being just my story, but I've learned SO MUCH about my own condition
from meeting others on the Autism Spectrum that now I make sure to feature their stories as well.
I've come a long way in my own personal journey.
Now I'm sharing what I've found so you don't have to learn it the hard way too.
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// WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS BLOG
You can expect me to get to the point with concise useful information.
I focus on what is most important and don't shy away from difficult topics.
The best way to learn about Autism is to see it in real life ( i.e. via the stories of many, many people on the spectrum).
In this channel I endeavour to show you what Autism and Aspergers look like in real people and to also give you some insight as to what's happening on the inside.
I upload a new video every weekend with some bonus content thrown in mid-week too.
There's always new stuff coming through so be sure to check back and see what you've missed. (Is this where I'm supposed to tell you to hit that subscribe button?)
Topics Include:
- What is Aspergers/Autism?
- Aspie Tips, coping strategies, and advice on common issues
- Learning Emotional Intelligence (this is my special interest!)
- Autism in real life: stories from special guests
Everything I do is and endeavour to go deeper and take you 'behind the scenes' to understand what may, at first glance, seem 'odd'.
oh, and I love busting stereotypes and turning preconceptions upsidedown :)
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// ABOUT ME
I discovered I have aspergers at the age of thrity.
It has been my life's mission to understand these funny creatures we call humans.
My special interest is a combination of emotional intelligence, psychology, neuroscience, thinking styles, behaviour, and motivation. (I.e. what makes people tick)
My background is in engineering and I see the world in systems to be analysed.
My passion is for taking the incredibly complex, deciphering the pattern, and explaining it very simply.
My philosophy is that blogging is an adventure best shared.
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// EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING
I also run autism friendly online emotional intelligence training. So if you like my direct, systematic style, and would like to improve your own emotional intelligence skills, check it out here:
emotionsexplained.com.au
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// CONTACT
Blogging is an adventure best shared which means I'd love to hear from you!
Feel free to leave me a comment or send me and email at any time and I'll do my best to respond promptly.
Email: [e-mail]
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this channel!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Peace,
~Paul

[@TarkMcCoy]

I had a shrink ask me if I'd been through any traumatic experiences and I told him that I generally found LIFE to be a traumatic experience.

[@Dezzyyx]

well put

[@reggiep75]

I have to be honest and admit I let out a massive snorty laughter and thought 'Yeah.. This sounds like my whole life too, where life = traumatic existence!' I'd also said this many a time to a doctor, consultant or other bods from the medical zone trying to decipher us! As for laughing and a bizarre sense of humour, if I didn't laugh at stuff (inappropriately at times) I don't think I'd be alive hear today typing this.

[@LunarFrequenciesHD]

Want

[@danicastein7660]

The thing with this question, at least as a female if you answer yes, typically they will then diagnose Borderline Personality Disorder without taking in any other information and subsequent answers to questions will be colored by that answer. There needs to be way more knowledge and research into personality and way less stigma and knee jerk responses to women and trauma. Also, trauma doesn't mean you're an idiot and it also doesn't mean you are a hurtful, spiteful person. Someone with Mensa level IQ could come from a traumatic background... it doesn't mean they are flawed or broken... but for whatever reason we seem to think people who went through trauma to be less than, regardless of evidence otherwise.

[@princesspikachu3915]

@@danicastein7660 Funny thing you mention this here. Back in 2005 when I was 17 I was diagnosed correctly with Asperger’s syndrome (ASD wasn’t a thing back then). But then I had a different therapist give me the dreaded Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis in 2008 because she said “Females can’t have Aspergers.” It then took me another few years to reclaim my correct diagnosis but even then it was back and forth. Now my medical shed has both. And it’s vague too. It says Autism Spectrum Disorder and Personality disorder (no specific one mentioned) mood disorder nos, generalized anxiety disorder and my personal favorite complex PTSD. I don’t think I have a personality disorder since I don’t think I have anything that goes with Borderline Personality aside from being a former self harm but it was head banging and not cutting and I have never felt suicidal and in fact I have thanatophobia.

[@fadista7063]

I was speaking with an advocate the other day and I explained to her how having autism as a child allowed my brain to survive years of abuse. I don't think I would have survived with my sanity if I had not been on the spectrum.

[@fadista7063]

@Dahl L I feel that the lack of "normal" emotional content and response when I was a child that accompanied the ASD actually helped preserved my core identity. I lacked emotional response in a lot of instances, and always seemed to be able to recuperate in my inner cognitive sanctum. It was still quite a difficult journey and lots of therapy, but I strongly feel if I'd had "standard" emotional function I would have been much more vulnerable to sociopathy, suicide, etc, the types of outcomes often seen with severe childhood abuse.

[@skyesaxon6423]

I agree with this and can relate to that- but I also think it made me more vulnerable. I did present with the "signs" of trauma growing up, outside of my standard behavior that was already regarded as "odd". Even though Autism may have brought me some resilience, I would have liked it if I could community something was wrong so an adult could intervene...

[@fadista7063]

@@skyesaxon6423 very much agree--my ASD vulnerabilities were running parallel to residual trauma issues like PTSD, and both are still a factor to a fair degree for me, though I have been enabled through much of the current focus on helping ASD individuals, esp as they become adults, where the social support seems to drop off in the past and is only really being addressed now. I made a path through to a semi normal life, can support myself, but a price was paid that might have been softened had social support been in place esp around the high school and college years to help ensure a good launch. I had a lot of misfires, as many of us do.

[@reylime2991]

I feel like if i was NT i would become extremely mean and resentful.

[@danielnavarro2091]

That is quite interesting. I happen to find myself in the same situation and I’ve never thought in this way

[@reggiep75]

THIS!! THIS is what I've been waiting for as I grew up in a mentally & emotionally toxic environment where I was traumatised and yet victimised for another persons problems as well as my own autistic problems and made to feel ashamed for how I was hence the reason I suspect I also suffer with cPTSD. The shame and blame was enough to make me feel suicidal... even as a kid.

[@paulocl2]

I think autistic people are a very easy target for abusive people in general and abusive parents in particular. In my case I had a narcissistic mother and an alcoholic borderline father. As I was very gifted when I was a child I got much attention from my father and this caused my mother to be jealous and try to destroy everything I was and she was not.

[@jamika7590]

paulo c my dad was not like yours but the same patern here ! A narcissistic mom and a dad who gives me a lot of attention (at first) and the jalousie of my mom !

[@reggiep75]

@@paulocl2 - I, unfortunately, had two selfish and narcissistic parents who could barely look after themselves, or each other, never mind 3 kids and my parents divorced when I was 5 yo. Even back then I thought 'Ah so my Dad's leaving, at least the fighting and arguing will end and the doors and walls won't get kicked in after big fights!' Little did I realise that that was the beginning of the *REAL PROBLEMS* my life would endure - a bit like the calm before the storm that lasted for 20 years until I felt so crushed and destroyed that my only way ahead was suicide, so I pushed against so much and decided I'd rather be out and alone rather than with people who still hated me. My mother simply went off the rails, making my fragile young life even more terrifying with me thinking 'If she can't look after herself, how can she look after me!?' That's the type of thinking no 5-6 year old needs to be concerned with. So with her going off the rails, and cos I wasn't out playing like my older brothers (7 & 9 yo,) as I was 5 years old, a lot of my mother's anger and aggression was directed at me and I was called clingy, mocked & bullied for being shy, told to snap out of it, mocked over my behaviour, repeatedly told in a vile and aggressive manner that there was something wrong with me and the other usual things people say when they've ruined their own lives and seek to blame others. I went thru my whole life feeling and knowing something was wrong with me but my issues were always nullified by someone I felt hated me hence the reason I felt suicidal on and off from the age of 6-7. It's only in the last few years I have realised that my problems were a lot more than just depression and anxiety and a lot deeper. So I spent a lot of time combing my life and did a fair amount of reading, to ensure I wasn't barking up the wrong tree, and found my conditions closer to autism and complex PTSD. I'd even brushed off the concept of it as I felt other people had it a lot tougher than me but I thought that way cos I'd been programmed to think that way, from my mother, and then I decided to look deeper into all concepts of what was wrong with me. As for my mother, she died February 2020, and I have to say I felt little to nothing over her death and had not been it touch with her for over 7 years. I even tried to force myself to cry and feel emotion but I got no more that a few tears and then my mind would simply say 'Forget her!!' My girlfriend, at the time, cried more than me and even she knew how bad I'd had it. As for my Dad, he's still the oblivious boomer he's always been, still selfish and narcissistic, still happily tears strips off people but if you offer it back up to him he's whinging and saying 'But what have I done to you!?' I ask him for nothing and keep my distance and only give enough to satisfy his needs even tho it kills me to do it. Anyway, hopefully we're in better positions in life and not having to suffer any more!

[@gianniclaud]

I can absolutely relate, and we are def more vulnerable to narcissistic abuse (bullying) and then some

[@wholeartedly_studio6723]

One thing I would add (which isn't often touched on or mentioned) is that many autistic children are born to autistic parents. For me meeting other families, this is a very common experience - many of the dads are often what was referred to as 'Aspergers', and many of the mums are undiagnosed autistic (only because there is still little understanding on how autism presents in females). This being the case, it's more likely that autistic parents might feel overwhelmed and anxious. As a result, they could be more angry and frustrated or just strugge to cope generally with the additional responsibility (which is how their anxiety could present), potentially causing their child/ren trauma or cPTSD.

[@mikmik1855]

You probably already know you’re doing an objectively good thing, but I just have to thank you personally for your channel. It mayyyy have saved my life, and I doubt I’m the only one. Thank you. So much.

[@leonardocerqueiradias6168]

You are not at all the only one. I can easily say the same!

[@Earthether]

Yes I’m one

[@ianlopes7485]

me too

[@jaex7418]

Same. This is one of the very few calming spaces where I feel accepted. I am eternally grateful for Paul and this community.

[@Smith.S.sStocHasticSs]

WORD.

[@kathleenmaryparker8662]

I have tons of both - my father chose me as the scapegoat child - and signed me out for extra abuse - *because* I was autistic ... my hypersensitivity made tormenting me more "fun" for him ... However, in the years since his death, my C-PTSD symptoms have slowly receded - and a much more cheerful autistic personality has begun to emerge - though I still have anxiety about how I will fit in with the rest of the world ...

[@Stephie2007]

Same for me. I suspect my dad is a narcissist and has chosen my as a scapegoat due to my autism just because it doesn't fit his "ideal family" vision. I've heard from several family members that this was the reason he didn't and still doesn't like me. At least I know not to trust him anymore.

[@princekermit0]

my sympathies, to you Mary.

[@totesmagotes3688]

@@Stephie2007 well, there is a 50% chance the traits came from his genetics, so he doesn’t have a leg to stand on.

[@patriciastewart2537]

I was blessed with my two most abusive adult children abandoning me last month. They do not understand. Wanting me, begging me to be Normal. What a relief I can BE and grow unsupervised.

[@katedawson6654]

Autism really is a curse a life of so much abuse etc

[@Dezzyyx]

"Recognise that a person's "problematic" behaviors and responses may be their attempts to protect themselves and to cope with stress." Wow... how life could have been if this was recognized, and how much less "problematic" one would feel. Because that has always been the key word hasn't it, we're "problematic". I always thought, why am I problematic, I am just doing what I can to cope. It's so up-side down. You already struggle to cope, and then you have to go on and defend yourself for doing that, because it's problematic to most others in most situations.

[@patriciastewart2537]

@Pateck Aaron nobody here has that level. But I have been given superpowers by my Healing teacher, and I have developed an actual interest in others. Can converse somewhat better now. But maybe we will never be Normal. Would we want to e? Not me.

[@lisawhitehall1870]

Word❤

[@Maria-up2yv]

You seem to have such a sweet personality and are so generous to make these videos and inform people . And you do it so well.

[@cass8330]

I believe that as an autistic individual himself he shares from a place of empathy, maturity and intelligence. You don't see yourself as being super generous when it's something you genuinely want to do.

[@Maria-up2yv]

@@cass8330 I agree. Seeing yourself as generous is an ego thing. It's for other people to see and think of you. Although I admit, when people call me generous or kind, I don't necessarily enjoy that. It almost implies that I've done something for that reason. But in this case, I genuinely mean it. It's very giving for him to do this. But when you see something as your duty, you definitely don't see it that way. I'm just letting him know that his actions are very much appreciated and valuable.

[@a_diamond]

❤️

[@a_diamond]

@@cass8330 He may not see himself in that way, but for those of us struggling, this really does makes a difference, and I at least (as does the original poster) do see him that way. It isn't an ego thing. It's the choice to share your journey with others, rather than just getting through it yourself. ❤️

[@Maria-up2yv]

@@a_diamond exactly 💓💓

[@MCLamb1984]

I spent the first 36 years of my life thinking all my issues were due to trauma from growing up. But since my last breakdown in summer 2021 and the assessment I had with a mental health nurse, I am now on the pathway to diagnosis for autism. This mental health nurse was the first person in my entire life who looked at my history, looked at ME and revealed that he saw autism in me. Since then every piece of autistic information I have read is like a lightbulb going off in my brain. How many times my “weirdness” or character traits have been ignored or misunderstood. It makes me feel like I am finally beginning to understand who I am and that there was never anything “wrong” with me! That all my life feeling different, now means that I understand I am different! Not in a frustrating and scary way, but in a way that I now know wasn’t my fault. I was treated terribly by my father especially growing up. Really hatefully and terribly, so I’ve spent my life thinking it’s just the trauma from that. I now understand whilst yes that was traumatic, I was also grossly underestimated and misunderstood. It’s videos like these that make me feel like I’m not alone. Thank you ❤

[@artangel23]

wow i feel like you're describing my own life

[@RionFortran]

Same story, different person = me, but it was actually other "type-1" channels on youtube like this that made me take pause, say, "hey, that sounds eerily exactly like me," write out a big list of my lifetime of symptoms, and arrive at the conclusion that there's simply no way that I wasn't autistic; it's too off-the-charts.

[@Poniella81]

Same here - also realised in 2021. I was 40. My therapist was at a loss because we were working to neurotypical goals. Such a relief to know.

[@bluesky4574]

Same story.... 70 Intense years ! Age 50, finally treated for ADD/ADHD. Depression, anxiety. No good results Age 65, yes you have CPTSD, but can't seem to figure it out, maybe just due to Cult upbringing and escape with chronic pain at 19. Now 70, Yes you = HSP. So the sadness, anxiety, burnout, meltdowns, anorexic silent despair was not me just being 'hi-strung' an crazy !! Mother said I was like an alien, never Normal ... Now find out, WHAT 😮 Hello, it has a name, deal with facts, so put this label on it: AuTISM Yes, be GOB-SMAaacked

[@user-dj4yb8ur3j]

I helped my son reduce aggression and improve in speech and social skill with the help of Dr Oyalo herbal supplement I got from KZbin here. His herbs work perfectly

[@neurodimensions7509]

When you said “endless chain of broken relationships”, that sums up my life so far, unfortunately. I am really trying to break out of some of the unhealthy patterns I have developed over time through trauma. When I was a young kid, I was distant from other people but was so happy. Interpersonal and family trauma has burnt out my trust and emotion regulation. I never really learned to set boundaries or manage conflict so I feel like I have to build from the ground up :(

[@POOOOOOOO416]

We are on the same journey. Keep going we are going to make it

[@lilac9240]

I'm so bad with relationships that i had to cut my family out completely from my life. It was tough to do at first, full of shame and guilt, but necessary.

[@peye2500]

Me 2

[@favourjohn312]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect. I'm so glad and happy now

[@csharpe5787]

​@Pateck Aaron right, maybe he's just getting older and developing.

[@user-zv1fd6bc4v]

I was late diagnosed because I have c-ptsd and it was a lot more recognized than autism. I didn't get diagnosed until I had a total breakdown. The burnout was severe. I'm wondering now if autistic burnout could actually be the way ptsd shows up for us.

[@theautisticrabbi]

That's a very good question.

[@peterwynn2169]

I wasn't diagnosed until I was 35.

[@arasharfa]

i think they tend to follow each other, but would say from personal experience the trauma developed before the burnout. but then the burnout in itself has become a trauma in and of itself because it was left untreated and left me dysfunctional and isolated for so many years.

[@user-mj9tv5bz2b]

I also got my autism diagnosed after c-ptsd and burnout, which was treated as depression. I had depression before and knew that this was different. I believe that the biggest trauma was caused by myself as I was masking and pleasing people and just couldn’t take it anymore. If I knew how to stay away from the wrong people and set my boundaries, a lot could be saved. I just wanted to be accepted. I feel like burnout is a stage of ptsd. It is our body’s response to trauma.

[@thetruehustler1365]

It’s like you’re telling my story... wow

[@lesleymcneill1403]

This makes sense to me. I was diagnosed just before I turned 60. I had blamed my difficulties in life on my difficult upbringing, even though we appeared to be a model family without “problems”. But I never felt nurtured. Now I believe my mother was also autistic, but possibly she just suffered trauma herself as a child which impinged on her ability to mother. In hindsight I’d say her trauma and my autism affected how she mothered and today it is difficult to see where one starts and the other finishes, but the Venn diagram makes a lot of sense.

[@bubblegum_b]

Even though we are far apart in terms of age, I understand you very well. I’m 21, was very recently diagnosed with both autism and cPTSD, and my mother was abusive. While she might be autistic too, I know for sure that she suffered a lot of trauma herself, making it really hard to tell whether autism is actually in the picture. I feel you.

[@sandi-midnight-mueller6550]

My story is very close to yours but it was my father who was affected...

[@user-dj4yb8ur3j]

I helped my son reduce aggression and improve in speech and social skill with the help of Dr Oyalo herbal supplement I got from KZbin here. His herbs work perfectly

[@jenniferreisch478]

Nothing like a good cry on a Sunday morning because someone finally describes and understands your experiences. One way that I feel alien is that I need to cry to release my intense feelings, whether from PTSD or just being Autistic. People are upset by tears and are always either raising the fire alarm or doing anything, including being harsh, to get you to stop. Crying makes people uncomfortable and I need to cry to release energy and emotions, whether they are mine or ones I feel from empathizing to intensely with another being--so I constantly make people uncomfortable. I have two stims that society views as symptoms of anxiety and depression: I need to bounce one of my legs or I need to cry or shake my body. Most of my adult and adolescent life, even before I felt "generalized anxiety" and the paralyzing effects of my PTSD, I was told I was "anxious" and "nervous" because of my bouncing and also "dramatic" or a "crybaby" and "too sensitive." Because I was so easily upset, I quickly became a scapegoat for a variety of bullies in my life, including my older brother, my boyfriends, my friends, my teachers. I don't know how many times people told me how much "fun" it was to give me a "hard time" and tease me because I got so upset. I have found pockets of relief when my "symptoms" can become superpowers, such as showing up for others who are in distress. I don't always get it right, but my ability to just hang out and let others feel negative feelings without trying to fix them has definitely helped others and made me feel like I was worth something. I also don't know how to give short comments, or not overshare! Oops. I was curious if you use any sort of mindfulness practice for working some of the symptoms or characteristics you describe in this video. More specifically, I have found the most healing from reading the works of American Buddhist nun Pema Chodron, starting with _When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times_. I am currently reading _The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times_ for the fifth time in six years I think. I appreciate her teachings because you can listen or read a short chapter or teaching and "chew" on it in your soul and mind for months, it doesn't have to be something you sit down and read in a few weeks, or "check mark done" learn it and "I am fixed." I am curious what other Autistic folks or folks with PTSD may find helpful or not about her work: I find that as the world grows ever stranger and more uncertain, learning to have compassion and unconditional kindness towards all my thoughts, feelings, and experiences, really has helped me to heal myself from the constant trauma of living in a world "not designed for me." I have to keep returning to the lessons I learn, but she offers that sort of "trauma-informed" teachings that you speak about in this video. I will stop this short novel on your comments section now and hope it isn't the end of the world because you understand.

[@zsofi113]

I love this. I love this. I love this so much.

[@rhuechantal6316]

I relate so much to your comment, its content, length and depth of sharing, which I personally value and see as your power of courage to be who you are in a world that devalues sincerity and vulnerability. I value those highly and find them so very rare, like hidden gems in a rough and caustic world. You shine. Don't let the bullies tell you anything less.

[@proudlyplural9506]

This is perhaps the most relatable comment we've ever come across! For real for real! Ironically enough, you said everything so well (and my bed meds are kicking in hehe) so I don't actually feel the need to write a sequel to your wonderful little "novel"! People have regularly commented on my comments just to say I wrote a whole book.... Which tends to be true, but it always seemed like such an odd thing to go out of their way to just state that I wrote a long comment! I know people judge me for it. A lot. And I just wanted to say that I really really enjoyed someone else on the interwebs saying so much relatable! It's funny, we have DID and EDS so we've been happy to find others like us online but kept feeling like we still hadn't found anyone else who loves to share like we do and writes long comments tehehes... We suspect now that we are autistic, it would make so much more sense of things, but yeah, it's just so refreshingly wonderful to stumble upon someone else online who writes seeking to share and otherwise relatable! It really makes us glad inside our soul to know we aren't the only human in existence who loves to share ;) Thanks so much for sharing your comment! :)

[@Secret_Soul_Survivor]

Thank you @Jennifer Reisch this was totally relatable... yeah bullied for being too sensitive and easily distressed when younger, especially by one of my brothers. My naivety a source of amusement and my empathy and compassion for others meant I was quick to defend and advocate for them but not myself. I just could never comprehend how people could have bad intentions because I didn't and if I'd done nothing to them why would they be mean to me? I've been confused my whole life. I've had a massive awakening the last few years and have learnt to very painfully face the truth about human beings, about my childhood and repeated traumas and wounds I carry; about the people I attract who deliberately set about taking advantage of me and just don't care about the consequences. I've woken up and it's been a bitter pill to swallow and I wonder if I could ever process, integrate and release these traumas I've experienced, I'm seeing a Psych but I've seen plenty before and no help really. I'm concerned I may never really step outside my door again beyond appointments and shopping and making friends, meeting someone like-minded, even having a relationship with someone genuine all seems like fantasies now... Thank you to Paul too, I appreciate your channel and I feel less alone reading the comments here🙏💜🌸

[@t3hsis324]

I feel about the comment about others finding my crying to be anxiety inducing. I finally had to tell someone close to me to please let go of any anxiety and/or feelings that they had to 'fix' me or the situation, and please let me cry as it can be so incredibly cathartic... all I wanted was them to be present with me. I apologized and asked them the best I could to just sit with me and listen, hug me, and just reassure me it's going to be OK. I know deep down that it will work out, but the emotions can be so incredibly overwhelming and intense it's so hard to see that light at the other end of the tunnel. I'm trying to find the right combination of things to make me not quite as sensitive/emotional, but the sensitivity has always been a part of me... I've learned to just feel it. Bottling it up, suppressing it... to me feels more severe long term than to acknowledge it and release it... and sometimes I just need someone there to validate me, as strange as it may sound to them. I need to feel heard and I need to feel seen. (I would of thought this was a given, but perhaps we are all conditioned on a very subconscious level to withhold it for fear of it damaging our reputation. I wish we all could feel free to be our authentic selves.)

[@sophieallan4129]

The part of the video that clicked for me was realising that the more I heal my trauma, and live in a way that is supportive of my anxiety and depression, the more I experience the ability and safety to have self-stimming behaviours, engage in my special interests, and communicate with others in a way that works for me. Thank you for this video.

[@user-dj4yb8ur3j]

I helped my son reduce aggression and improve in speech and social skill with the help of Dr Oyalo herbal supplement I got from KZbin here. His herbs work perfectly

[@DamienTronVlogs]

I thought I just had PTSD but looking back I've been realizing I was also autistic from birth with that PTSD compounded upon me. It's such a confusing path, but this channel has been helping me a lot, thank you.

[@katedawson6654]

@Pateck Aaron u should be banned 🌿 only cannabis helps

[@favourjohn312]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect. I'm so glad and happy now

[@stillnotstill]

Okay the two comments above me are awful by the way

[@mike-williams]

@@stillnotstill Report them as spam - their variants seem to target this channel.

[@jonmars9559]

A good topic. I remember a video with Tony Attwood speaking of what he called' "Autism Pure" and then how through stress and circumstances, various disorders can pile on. This can be particularly the case for those of us not diagnosed early.

[@melaniewarren8540]

Intriguing. At 57 I’m late learning, but not too late!

[@SuperLotus]

Yeah. My last therapist called my situation a "quagmire"

[@reggiep75]

@@SuperLotus - Definitely sounds like the perfect word to describe my life too, but the quagmire would be blamed on me and my brothers with neither of our selfish, narcissistic parents willing to take any of the blame for the war zone they created.

[@reggiep75]

@@melaniewarren8540 - Better late than never but more importantly, you are not alone.... there's many of us. Now we can see it and are standing side by side.

[@tracik1277]

@@SuperLotus I bet that made you feel great lol!

[@whoever6458]

Always remember that if the world treats you like you're weird, you can always treat them like they're the ones who are weird or we can all learn to accept that there are different people in the world.

[@acutechicken5798]

This is what I do, lol. I am fiesty now. I just shoot right back to them my criticisms of their method of socialization.

[@JDMimeTHEFIRST]

I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD before Aspergers (now ASD-1). So yes, having that my whole life definitely led to the others. Mostly, it’s how other (neurotypical) people react to you and treat you as less than because they can’t possibly try to meet you halfway even though you attempt to meet them all the way every time. I think schools need to start teaching neurotypical people empathy.

[@acutechicken5798]

Neurotypicals have little empathy. Wehn they accuse autistic people of having none, they are merely projecting. Any empathy they have is usually superficial.

[@arasharfa]

I grew up in an abusive household, I was bullied in school, I developed narcissistic personality traits that I mostly healed through finding good friends where I learned how to take care of relationships, . during my upbringing I had recurring depressions and I began to think I might be bipolar. It wasn't until I had nervous breakdown a few years ago my difficulties became so many and my coping skills vanished completely that I began searching for serious help. After many years of misdiagnosis (bipolarism, borderline, mentalization based therapy that didn't help and loads of different medications that didn't help we finally arrived at autism and ADHD, but I have been questioning it's accuracy because of how some of my issues became visible because of the serious trauma I experienced, and it took a long time for me to see the internal problems I had before my breakdown. So I have often thought maybe I was sub threshold autistic during my upbringing, but because of my severe burnout I entered diagnosable autism territory. either way I finally have the hope I might be able to live a bearable life, and maybe even might be able to thrive. Life is still not easy, I'm still struggling with the most basic things and I seem fully normal and functioning to most people I know, even my closest friends, masking is a grey area where I'm not sure I'm even fully aware at what level I mask. i'm at home alone 95% of the time, I just had my mother over and I felt physically ill while she was here, but after a while of engaging in my interests in hyperfocus I was back to baseline.

[@KosmicKitchen]

Try spiritual work, our intellect can only take us so far. I'd recommend the work of a Trappist monk Fr. Thomas Keating.

[@lenaspiro6446]

Thank you for sharing, I can relate to a lot of what you said. But what kind of narcissistic traits are you talking about? I'm curious because they're usually very contrary to autistic traits. .

[@mrboobiesrider9212]

Damn. I have lived a very similar story. The different thing is i went with the bipolar diagnosis and take lithium since

[@Catlily5]

@@mrboobiesrider9212 I am bipolar and take lithium also.

[@mrboobiesrider9212]

@@Catlily5 and how is it this far?

[@tiiaj7589]

We’re looking into this now too. Pretty sure I have cPTSD issues. Besides the fact that autistic people can feel traumatized by even “lesser” events, I’ve had a few actual traumatic events in my life, and along with the late diagnosis AND I am very likely ADHD TOO, I figure I’m pretty much a shoe-in for the PTSD stuff. I’m thinking I’m going to start adding all the acronyms I’ve accumulated after my name in emails etc. Maybe people will confuse them with with accreditation initials and think I’m just insanely intelligent and educated. 🤪

[@Maybe.Its_You]

Lol

[@Sky-Child]

You totally should

[@proudlyplural9506]

Hahahaha that's great! Thanks for the giggle... We could look very impressive if we started doing that HAHAHA! :)

[@laurenl3474]

🤣 Omigoodness I love you & this sooo much! This is EXACTLY my experience & situation too & I mean, man, the acronyms...LOL Thank you for making me smile-You have not idea how much I needed that right now...💕

[@sveadezember403]

That's a good idea! And I feel you. You are non alone.

[@carolineloomis2103]

My mother has undiagnosed ASD and ADHD and I wish I could to talk to her, but she isn't comforting. I have been officially diagnosed with both. I feel so sad and frustrated because I live where trauma has happened and can't move away because it's too expensive. I feel so trapped and helpless.

[@Steph1]

What do you do for a living?

[@bridgetbirchem272]

Keep going!! Find friends t9 share with, new or existing friends. You will get there. I know how you feel about living there and relationship with your mom. Its tough but you can do it.

[@favourjohn312]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect. I'm so glad and happy now

[@camellia8625]

I hope things are a bit better for you now

[@eme.261]

Due to varied and extreme trauma during childhood, I struggled with CPTSD to such an extent that I tried to kill myself in my teens. I felt incredibly disconnected from my body and was perpetually exhausted emotionally from having to constantly mask how little I understood or was understood by my peers. I've grown fascinated by the shocking similarities between my character traits and those of Aspies.

[@eme.261]

@Pateck Aaron - That's wonderful news! So happy for your son and for you.

[@dominiqueb3539]

What helped you through CPTSD?

[@eme.261]

@@shitukabir1635-- That's wonderful. I'm very glad for your child. Luckily, the majority of my CPTSD symptoms have resolved and those that haven't, fully, are in the process of doing so.

[@duviz7630]

I also think if parents expect and put pressure on their child to be and act in Neurotypical ways, it is very traumatizing . There can be so many issues that overlay an individual such as sensory integration issues, ADHD, asd, trauma, bipolar, bpd etc

[@brittneyshawnee]

There really is something relieving about hearing "you're the expert of your own life". That sentiment is rarely affirmed in my experience. I've seen first hand the lack of knowledge and consideration of others, including "professionals". Some are great but so many of them don't take the time to really understand our inner workings. I appreciate the person who told you that and you for sharing it 🙏🏽

[@superaarthi]

I loved this. Especially the part about what a happy and healthy autistic person could look like where I felt like maybe I could imagine a future for myself where *I* am happy and confident while still being as weird and wacky as I am now! Plus, as someone who has been through trauma it was a wonderful reminder that trauma can be healed.

[@kalonicamcquesten692]

Cant wait! If we can add the epigenetics, cluster-b and autoimmune paradigm/models, my work here is done. It’s all simultaneously true and mythological. We humans love making patterns. But I’m trying not to get trapped in a definition. Spiral growth, everyone!!! We are doing this!! Whoohoo!

[@bakerfritz4681]

That was a lot to digest. Is there some suggested reading that could save me (and maybe other commenters) scouring Google for accurate answers?

[@aniokay]

This is such an important topic. Being a person that has been raised with lots of trauma I questioned for several years whether or not I had autism.

[@thesullivanstreetproject]

I hear you. I’ve had friends tell me they were pretty sure I was an Aspie, and I thought maybe I was, too. But I asked my therapist (an MD) about it, and he said I’m not…it’s just that I have a lot of the same symptoms because of constant childhood trauma.

[@favourjohn312]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect. I'm so glad and happy now

[@Jenn11111]

I have been diagnosed with depression & anxiety, then bipolar, then BPD, then a year later complex PTSD. Last Saturday I met with a mental health person I hadn’t seen before and she suggested I get tested for autism, if I felt comfortable doing so. I’m a 37 year old woman and for the first time ever I feel like I finally have answers for why I’ve spent my life feeling the way I feel…it’s as shocking to me as being told told I’m adopted and that’s not to make light of people in that situation…that’s how shocked I feel.

[@illgillbates9561]

Where my current source of therapy keeps falling short, you're here always to pick up the pieces! I feel very lucky for the parts in my journey to acceptance that you have been able to help me fill in, and made me help bridge this period of coming to terms with my conditions, especially where my therapists had nothing to offer me. Thank you immensely.

[@BarbaraMerryGeng]

Best of luck / keep moving forward We are the solution to our challenges 👁🧚🏻👁

[@reggiep75]

I have to be honest and say I laughed at Ill Gill Bates, if it was a reference to Bill Gates. There's one thing *NOT WRONG WITH US* and it's our sense of humour that is unique, different, a little broken (mine) and probably been leant on to survive thru the times.

[@advocatesagainstabuse3556]

@@reggiep75 Amen to that quirky sense of humor helping a lot!!

[@memenazi7078]

@@reggiep75 ay bro lemme teach u da truth about autism

[@favourjohn312]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect. I'm so glad and happy now

[@reggyreptinall9598]

I really only found my autism to be a problem when it was undiagnosed. That took 30+ years but it is what it is. Oddly, I had to figure it out for myself. I personally have little faith in modern day medicine. Especially, with the behavioral sciences.

[@NoOneEvermore]

I’m a 54 year old veteran and I’m listening to you describe aspects of my life like you were there.

[@basedokadaizo]

there's a link between us. you are more than twice my age, and yet we have a connection despite so little else in common. we don't need to explain ourselves, and can be ourselves openly here where we are understood where it matters most. thank you for your service, sir-- in MORE than the military. you have been a warrior your whole life, sir.

[@radneurodivergent4035]

I have CPTSD and got misdiagnosed through mental health services for years, then just recently had my autism assessment and got abused as part of it. I was dismissed based on ignorance and pseudoscience because the services in my area are underfunded and under investigation for extremely low diagnosis rates. So frustrated but going to keep fighting (sadly) to get what I deserve. This dynamic is reflective of the abuse I've experienced for being autistic - i.e. not believed, not listened to, dismissed. I'm so sick of fighting. I'm documenting the journey on my channel anyway so I just hope it can help others in the future who will inevitably end up in the same position. Thanks for your content Paul.

[@a_diamond]

Hi, I also have CPTSD, but since my kids got diagnosed with ASD, I've wondered if I could be dealing with both.. I realize neither of us are experts, but since you also deal with this kind of stuff, what do you think?

[@radneurodivergent4035]

@@a_diamond It’s my understanding that many parents get diagnosed after realising their child has ASC (ASC = Autism Spectrum Condition - I made the distinction because disorder pathologises it). Have a look at the diagnostic criteria and take some online tests. It’s certainly a strong possibility that the trauma you experienced was because you were different. There’s nothing wrong with being autistic. If that’s the case, you can understand yourself better and your children. Hope that helps!

[@favourjohn312]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect. I'm so glad and happy now

[@tomwaters8409]

As a child I was quiet and disconnected, had a tendacy to wander off. Wandering off got me into a serious traumatic incident, afterwhich I completely went into a shell, did not speak and I remember feeling lost and having difficulting processing what was going on around me. I have dealt with this the rest of my life slowly emerging out of it but as you can imagine I have struggled with all aspects of life. I have learned to hide my disconnection with my surroudings but sense that people perceive that something is wrong.

[@neridafarrer4633]

I've been diagnosed with c-ptsd, but not autism and ADHD, which I've now come to realise, I fit the bill for. This came about after years of trauma recovery therapy and following the clues through other family members getting diagnosed with Autism and/or identifying with the symptoms of ADHD. I'm going to pursue diagnosis. Although I had a chaotic, frightening and neglected childhood and grew up with parents with disordered attachment (which I inherited), I have worked so hard to mask, (which I got severe burnout from, and yet helped me develop socially, as well) to get my frontal lobes online ( books are probably how I survived my childhood and how I ended up as sane as I am) and to create a life that isn't so overloading that I cannot function. I now have a fullfilling relationship with another neurodiverse and trauma-recovering person. I I love your channel. Very comforting and informative. Thank you.

[@user-zg6tn7ji1k]

I think I might be autistic and am feeling very overwhelmed by the possible symptoms stacking up so I could really use this video! Great topic; just what I need!

[@Steph1]

Hope you’ll have more good than bad days my friend, take care 🙂

[@favourjohn312]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect. I'm so glad and happy now

[@4311Angel]

This video is extremely well done. You've done your research. Thank you for putting this out there!

[@bitterapple]

This is such a great topic. And one that I've been obsessing about a little, too. Having read Pete Walker's CTPSD. From Surviving to Thriving, I started having doubts whether I was autistic at all. Maybe I'm just traumatized, and a huge nerd, but otherwise typical? Not that it makes any difference, but I just looove to know stuff, just for the sake of it. And you are absolutely right, traumatic experiences we may have had as children, whether we are autistic or not, are not always connected to a clear memory of one, particular, "big T" traumatic event (one reason being, like you said, people may not remember the "big T", and the other that they underwent a series of micro-traumas, i.e. exposure to some adverse circumstances). Thence the concepts of "cPTSD" and "emotional flashbacks", not very academic but pretty handy! Somehow, I find it hard to imagine an autistic person without a level of complex trauma baggage. All humans have had traumatic experiences, even ones that seem small from the adult perspective, like falling of a bike or your pet dying, and all the more so sensitive individuals, which would include people on the spectrum. For example, as a kid I was bullied because of my quirks, disregularion and poor communication skills, which was a huge stressor for me because I yearned to be accepted - so was the issue here autism- or trauma-related? Could be both, intertwined.

[@reinas9666]

Im so confused i don't know whether i just have cptsd or both cptsd and autistic or both cptsd and highly sensitive person. Cptsd Autism and HSP kind of similar. What im sure i have cptsd due to childhood sexual abuse.

[@patriciastewart2537]

@@reinas9666 it's better to be Undiagnosed. The NIHI people will take our BRAINS for study after we die....for "research's..."to help us, and peoe like us" No! Thanks! It's a law.

[@favourjohn312]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect. I'm so glad and happy now

[@AutomaticDuck300]

I don’t even remember a lot of my childhood. It’s all a blur with flashes of some things here and there, mostly in 3rd person as if I was dissociated the whole time. There was trauma, but I only remember generalities and not specifics.

[@rhiannondavies4741]

Love Pete Walker's book, saved me

[@sleepyzgoats7347]

My sister and I are identical twins and we are perfect personifications of this diagram. She's had life long trauma, not autistic. I've had trauma too, but I've healed (mostly) and cope fairly well as an autistic/aspie. Excellent presentation! Thank you.

[@sarahkelly4026]

Thank you for helping me imagine my authentic autistic self.

[@eleonorelee267]

"When I read those words" I burst into heavy tears. Wishing so hard that the world was indeed full of people like this. It is so fXXking heavy!

[@comesahorseman]

Complex PTSD, in my understanding, isn't due to one event. It's the result of repeated small traumas.

[@Jessie_Helms]

The more I learn about PTSD the more I’m sure I’ve been through it. I had a traumatic injury had flashbacks for years. I’m talking suddenly gasping back into reality after spending 10 seconds just hearing my screams and _feeling_ the snow start to burn my skin from over exposure. I’ve pretty much recovered from what I can tell but it feels good to have a label for it other than just “thinking about an injury too much.”

[@blackdiopside5261]

Can't wait for this!

[@indisands4478]

Watching this made me cry, I have long believed I have Asperger's but know one believes me. For the last year I have been seeing a councellor and found out that I also suffer complex trauma, I thought my childhood was different but it was normal for me!?!? I know that may not make sense to some of you.... I really really would like an official diagnosis but here in the UK it is proving to be extremely difficult and being a femal of 55yrs its vertual impossible but if I could get one it would help me accept myself for who I am and not just a hypochondriac that some doctors think I am?!?!? Thank you for your video

[@JavieraDeLaTierra]

I love the way your channel has improved! You have been such a great help through these past couple months and I really appreciate you!! 🙏

[@NoiseDay]

This is the kind of information that is exactly what someone needs, but impossible to find. Thank you for putting it out there in a very digestible format on a very accessible site.

[@Claudiese]

I´ve really been waiting for a video about this subject. Paul, congrats...can´t wait...woooowww

[@christopherdodson4300]

What an absolutely beautifully produced video. You’re getting better and better with each one. Look forward to following your journey.

[@brandonheald9624]

The editing your doing is looking good. Nice touch!

[@emmettobrian1874]

I really like the last two videos, it's clear that you're honing your craft at communicating complex concepts. Keep up the good work!

[@9crutnacker985]

You've really been putting out some outstanding video's lately. This was a particularly good one. Thank you.

[@snazzy2151]

Well done, Paul! Thank you for everything you're doing here. It's very much needed!

[@zirusoxemus5546]

Thank you that video helped a lot. Keep up the good work

[@dtanya5619]

Dang, Paul. You executed that perfectly. Thank you so much 🙏🏼✌🏼

[@ava-chan235]

You've just describe my whole life... I've been looking for a video to explain what I am dealing with. Well I think I found it. Thank you!

[@coltrm85]

Nice production. Can tell you put the work in on this one. Keep it up Paul

[@TheKatCalledMikey]

This was so good and polished! I liked all the animations and colors. Thank you for making this video

[@Mara-of-the-Acoma]

thank you for speaking so eloquently and assertively on our behalf. I'm 51 and a failure in the eyes of my family and long gone friends. Your channel is helping me find myself after a lifetime of feeling misunderstood and bullied.

[@EternalBeingOfLight]

This was a great video, Paul. Thank you so much for analyzing this subject so thoroughly. As someone who has been profoundly affected by PTSD since childhood and also unaware of my autism until later in life, this journey has been extremely tough. But watching videos like yours certainly helps put things into some sort of perspective and I would anticipate that this video can also be of good value to many other autistic people too. I watch your videos every week and you are doing a fine job. People like your good self do not grow on trees and are invaluable to the autistic community. As I'm sure you are fully aware, it is wonderful to discover someone who really gets it with regards to autistic related difficulties. Keep up the good work and thanks again!

[@Princess_0f_Trees]

I just found your channel, and I’m already adoring every episode and can’t get enough. Thanks for making such informative, and compassionate content. We all appreciate it.

[@kaitlinmontgomery2750]

Your channel has really come a long way over the years!

[@Undercover_Pineapple]

This came a day after I spoke with my Doctor about trauma. This video was extremely informative and helpful. Thank you!

[@josephmartin1540]

Very helpful, Paul, from both standpoints separately as well as together. I also work with a lot of traumatized people, ASD or not. The trauma as well as the autism explanations are probably the most clear I've seen. This was much more clear than most trauma training. As someone also having ADHD, I had no trouble [well, I paused a couple of times] watching this long. The graphics helped, rather than overwhelmed me, which is usually a big issue. Your timing in speaking and in the visuals was also good, not at all overwhelming. I hope that some day you re-visit the ASD-ADHD comparison video after this same format!!! Thanks!

[@dainazoc6862]

Whoa, Paul, your videos keep getting better and better. Thanks for taking time to improve them!

[@theamici]

Your videos are so good I'm literally crying at how good they are

[@BlackMagnolia]

I'm so grateful for this video! I am not on the spectrum however you said trauma can lead to autism like symptoms and that explains everything! THANK YOU!

[@icesoda4202]

Same, thought i had asd til i learnt about cptsd.. its definitely cptsd lol.

[@freakshow74]

Just starting my journey of re-organizing my life filters and wanted to let you know that you're really threading the needle here and I want to commend you and encourage you on this path. You will save SO MANY lives, metaphorically and literally.

[@--ACCEPT--]

I want to add that with CPTSD, the individual traumatic evend doesn't have to be usually traumatizing. It's the frequency and their compunding effects, that traumatize the person. For example, a parent losing their cool and yelling at their child is something most people experience once or twice growing up, but a parent yelling at their child daily or even multiple times per day can add up to become CPTSD.

[@midniytegregg5307]

Glad you got this one up AND that I found it. Thank you.

[@maryannscott5567]

Huge thank you. You've saved lives. ❤

[@peterwynn2169]

Thank you, Paul. Before I started school, I was happy, but then, once I started school, my life became very different. I was bullied by so many kids and I became quite anxious and upset by so many things. I remember, in my first week at school, kids would come up to me and roar like lions. I have complex PTSD issues, as well as autism and I find that engaging in my autistic special interests helps me.

[@theupholderable]

This is your best one yet! Thanks so much.

[@formation1now517]

Outstanding video! Very clear and helpful content! So much appreciation for all your videos!

[@robertvanderpol5744]

Wooow! This is amazing. Thank you so much for this video.

[@tonytorro1]

It all makes so much sense now, It feels like you are speaking of everything I have not been able to explain for myself or others in a comprehensive summary way before. It feels like I finally realize that I might have Autism, Adhd, Autism Trauma, and PTSD in a very complex way that I haven't been able to fully explain or understand and know for sure until now. Since I started to watch your videos it feels like I can relate to at least 99% of all the content I've seen so far on your channel. Your sharing brings so much clarity and understanding and helps me (and hopefully a lot of others as well) to recognize, understand, accept, and heal deeper parts of my childhood, adolescence, and puberty that needed more attention, understanding, love, and healing. Thank you for sharing this valuable helpful content and I wish that everyone that feels incapable, misunderstood, hurt, and traumatized in any way finds the best way possible to function properly, finds their optimal way to complete healing, and finds deeper understanding about themselves and others and finally be able to create and receive true love and acceptance in their lives. Wish you all the best and thanks once again for sharing this mind-opening content!

[@youtuberperson]

Thank you so very much! This is exactly what I have been looking for.

[@theresarosa5038]

Great video! I feel so relieved when ever I watch your videos. It makes me feel like someone understands. Thank you

[@carollewis725]

You are a wonderful ambassador for autistic community, with excellent resources and information. Thanks for your empathy and compassion. So appreciate it.

[@greggeverman5578]

On such a great video as this one my comments seem pathetic. The usual "good video, buddy" seems like an injuctice. This channel is helping me unravel the lifelong mystery of it all and is giving me the spunk to share all this with my family. Well, I'm not quite there, but...in time, I hope. So a big "thank you" to the creator who put so much time and effort into a channel that deserves so much more love. Aspees Eternum! 😁

[@SublimeStim]

thanks, so much for making this video! I wish that you had been around when I was younger and I am so happy that you are doing so much to make life better for ppl like us and I hope I can do positive work like you one-day x

[@christinabrown7308]

Great job, Paul. Your choice of words always resonates with me.

[@sophievaleix8786]

Thank you so much for this! Recently discovered I was autistic after burn out 7 years ago, yet I found out on my own after I was told I 'just' had anxiety/depression/PTSD for no reason...

[@Itri_Vega]

Excellent video. I started suspecting I was on the spectrum when I felt I had worked through complex trauma sustained in early childhood and again in my teenage years, and then again as a young adult yet to this day, at 31, I still run into problems with relating to people, maintaining friendships and the drain from what I have identified as masking. I still shut down in certain situations, I still feel overwhelmed at times, I still obsess over ultra niche stuff that brings me joy or stimulates me intellectually, I still do the happy heel bounce and hand flutter or can't seem to stop whistling/singing. But at the same time, I am worried that therapists will blame it all on trauma and won't take me seriously - as a trans man I am often seen as a tomboy and the "autism is a boy disorder" is still going strong.

[@soyboybrin]

I just stumbled across your channel, and I am so overwhelmingly happy that I did. Your videos are giving more solace and support in minutes than interpersonal communication (with non-autistics) has given me in my 23 years. I am so beyond grateful for what you do and how informative, simplified, understandable, validating, and emotionally giving your content is. Thank you so much!!!!!❤

[@thewindchimesystem]

This is an amazing video! Thank you so much for creating this for us. It is concise, well-explained and totally resonates with us! We're going to share this with all our friends! 🎶☕

[@minagica]

Who dislikes this video, wtf??? What is there to dislike???

[@Dezzyyx]

I ask myself that every time I see dislikes on a video like this.

[@shibolinemress8913]

For years I've felt a strong affinity to people on the Spectrum, even though I've never been officially diagnosed. My parents refused to see the positive aspects you mentioned here. To them, my issues were just personality quirks that I should be able to overcome. When I tried to tell them otherwise, they told me not to be defeatist, and to just try harder. Toward the end of his life, my dad finally admitted that I'd had these traits since early childhood, but they never got me tested because they hoped I'd just outgrow them. Most probably they were also afraid of what a diagnosis would have meant for me, growing up in the 1960's when ASD wasn't nearly as well understood. I can't say I blame them for not having me tested, but constantly invalidating my attempts to share how I felt left me with very low self esteem that I still struggle with to this day. I know they meant well, but I wish they had simply taken me seriously and had my back as parents should. Anyway, thanks so much for another excellent video!

[@virtueisdead6673]

Wow, the animation has brought this all to the next level, thank you so much for all the awesome info you share!!! Best wishes from Switzerland

[@shivanshtomar8596]

Very well put together 🖤

[@iwersonsch5131]

I grew up in a loving environment and was diagnosed very early, but even then there were moments where I just wasn't respected and moments where I just couldn't function, especially on long journeys. It's really surprising to see a comparison made to trauma, and I hope I don't have any lasting issues from it, just life experience. I'm just generally a happy person.

[@sadhbh4652]

I think I might have trauma as a result of speaking out against ableism years ago and all of my friends dismissing me. I feel very humiliated and let down. Often very angry. Sometimes suicidal about it. I just think of their smug declarations of "This isn't a big deal." As if I didn't research for years before even opening my mouth and I need them to tell me what's a big deal and what's not. I feel villified and awful. And they think they are right and I am just having a tantrum out of nowhere. It's so isolating.

[@bronwyncampbell7129]

Wonderful video, I love how you've laid out the information. Thanks for your channel 😊

[@Theprotectivechallenger]

Thank you for this video. It’s like my feelings were turned into words by you. I really appreciate your work.

[@rhuechantal6316]

Thank you for your excellent synthesis of two complex topics and their interrelarionships. I appreciate how you have integrated polyvagal theory, and clearly defined your terms. As a clinician who has complex trauma on the spectrum, I find that the current offerings in the mental health community often further traumatize those on the spectrum because they deny or are unaware of the needs of autistic patients. My goal is to make constructive change, and that change begins by awareness of the issues involved. Showing us a glimpse of healthy thriving autistic people is a start. We can not only thrive, but go on to be valuable assets to our communities. I thank you for your insight, and for your courage to share your experience. It echoes my own.

[@ShintogaDeathAngel]

@Pateck Aaron BS. There’s no illness or condition on earth that can be reversed with herbs. The only good use for herbs is seasoning food.

[@poromega6698]

Thank you for this video! My best friend has autism and some trauma as well, and this video helped me to understand him and his behaviour more. I got some tips as well, how to support him on this complex world with full of injustice towards autistic people. Thank you!

[@poromega6698]

@@shitukabir1635 tf

[@neurohealthfocus]

What an extraordinarily frank, warm, genuine & insightful video. It must take such courage to make these films but I am so glad you do. We are all with you.

[@mauralombardi9634]

Paul, this video thrilled me, thank you!

[@yourmom2189]

Yes, trauma doesn’t cause autism, but my undiagnosed autism was a huge factor in all of my lifetime of traumatic experiences.

[@beatricesong72]

This was so interesting and informative. I suffer from complex ptsd and I didn’t know the correlation to autistic symptoms. I was an occupational therapist working with children on the spectrum for many years and it was always so apparent that we just understood each other. Parents could not understand why their child felt more comfortable with me than themselves. I wish I had known this information then, it would have broken less hearts...I think. I have been watching many of your videos and I think this is such important work. Perhaps you will help the world accept differences and treat each other with love and kindness.💜

[@favourjohn312]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect. I'm so glad and happy now

[@midnightcat6116]

Hi Paul!! Oh wow!! I’m really enjoying the redesign of your site! Much 💗 from NYC!

[@DeborahAnnsuperversatile]

I was going down a rabbit hole like my mind does, even worse at night, and your videos genuinely help me. Thank you.