Autism - what we know (and what we don't know yet) | Wendy Chung

[@thysdreyer6886]

I'm 31 years old , born autistic and life growing up was very hard , not uderstanding why i see the world differently and struggle to make friends . I am an engineer today and am my own biggest support framework , parents please support your children and help them cope . It's not easy and never will be but you can try to make it work .

[@jayd3337]

I'm REALLY close to the spectrum. Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder is what I have.

[@soroushhindjamshidi3945]

Thys Dreyer Thank you, I really appreciate your insight.

[@c_farther5208]

EVeryone is on their own; when you are an adult, you're not coddled in this world, you have to handle your own feelings.

[@anjelicasanders1271]

I was 30 before being diagnosed.

[@cutestkittensanimalrescuep8531]

Congrats!

[@kaiceecrane3884]

As an autistic person who sees a lot of misinformation about about autism, I wanted to write a short description of not only what autism is but what it is like to have it. This is based off of my own experiences as well as other autistic people I have talked to. Autism is a different way the brain can be "wired". Some observations may lead an outside observer to think one way, but without the rest of the context it can be very misleading. People with autism take in more information from their surroundings. While doing some activity the neurotypical person (not autistic) may take some time to process said activity and some of their surroundings, an autistic person takes in everything around them that is going on while doing an activity. Take eating lunch in cafeteria for example; while sitting with their friends a neurotypical person will be eating food, talking with their friends, and listening to what they are saying while an autistic person will be doing the same while taking in every sound difference in their friends voice, eye movement, body language, and doing all of these things with anything they also see and hear. Because of that a delay in time to respond may occur as they are taking in and processing more information before they can respond. A lot of autistic people also have Sensory Processing Disorder, which is a disorder that manifest itself in such a way that the individual with it processes their senses either more dramatically or less. Let’s use the cafeteria example again: the autistic may be hearing every noise and conversation at once in that room, and while the lights may be fine for some people, they may be so bright for an autistic person it is physically painful. This can get overwhelming as all of this stimulus can be too much. Stimulus is any information gathered by any of your 7 primary senses: sight, touch, hearing, smell, taste, proprioceptive (sense of where you are in space and movement), and vestibular (sense of balance). While these are external stimuli, internal stimuli can affect an autistic person in the same way; internal stimulus being things such as stress or anxiety to name a few. It is important to let an autistic person know how they live and process information is normal and fine, there is nothing wrong with them. They are perfectly normal people, just with a nerotype that isn't typical. Too much stimulus can cause a meltdown sometimes, or a shutdown. A shutdown is straightforward as they just shutdown like a computer and need to rebute away from all that stimulus. A meltdown is when the autistic person goes into a fight or flight response, where they will act accordingly as does anyone when their subconscious feels threatened. Keep in mind, too much stimulus is painful, and can be drastically so. You could say that a shutdown is when the fight or flight response goes so extreme they freeze. To combat all of this stimulus an autistic person needs to do one of two things, and may sometimes need help doing them: 1.) Remove the negative stimulus, say like going somewhere darker or quieter 2.) Stim. Stimming can be with any of the 7 primary senses as it replaces bad information, or stimulus, with good. This may be repeating some sound, rocking back or forth, touching some textured object, or hand flapping. These are just a tiny few examples of stimming. Stimming is good stimulus, so an autistic person may stim sometimes just because it feels good to do so with no other reason or maybe to express themselves as is natural and feels good to them. Sometimes when an autistic person has too much negative stimulus they may become nonverbal, or in other words may not be able to talk or use their words. Sometimes they may still be able to make sounds, write, or communicate in some other alternative fashion. Some autistic people take in more stimulus than other autistic people, and can be prone to experiencing more meltdowns and being nonverbal. Nonverbal occurs when the mind and body has to divert resources to dealing with other tasks. An autistic person may normally not be nonverbal but become so during a meltdown or when overwhelmed. Sometimes instead of being nonverbal, there might be a stutter instead. An autistic person has a certain amount of “spoons” they have for every day. Spoons are the resources (mentally, emotionally, physically) you can use to do some task. Some days you may have more spoons, and other days you may feel like you have none. Getting up out of bed cost spoons, dressing oneself cost spoons, brushing your teeth, showering, eating breakfast, going to work, going to class, anything you do cost some amount of spoons; with little resources of spoons available, you may only be able to accomplish only a few tasks, and that is perfectly okay. Sometimes a task can cost a lot of spoons, and sometimes the same task may cost more spoons than other times. Sometimes looking at a person's face or communicating with someone can be difficult. Communication is like a dance, and can be very difficult to follow. There are 3 ways of communication: what is said, how it is said, and body language. A person's face goes through a lot of changes over a short period of time to reflect how they are feeling, and looking at a person while talking can take a lot of spoons at time. It can be very overwhelming to try to pick up on a lot of cues people have in any form of communication. A lot of times an autistic person may only focus on one form of communication, if any, to be able to communicate. Communication in of itself (talking, listening, changes in subject) yet alone looking at some, taking in all the noise, and light, among some many things happening at once can be too much. If things feel that way, that everything is overwhelming, it is okay to remove yourself from that situation or choose not to be there in the first place. There is nothing wrong in taking care of yourself.

[@shawncrawford3146]

KaiCee Crane - Thank you for allowing people a glimpse into what daily life is like for someone with autism. I work with people all across the spectrum on a daily basis. I really appreciate your emphasis on communication, because I think that's what neurotypical people get wrong most often. I wish your comment could be read by more people for its insight and truth. I realize it is just a small piece to understanding your world, but it's invaluable information and I hope you'll continue to share your story. You're very brave and I respect your willingness to be so introspective. I wish you well. Peace

[@kaiceecrane3884]

Shawn Crawford Thank you ^-^ I don't remember what made want to write this in the first place, I just felt like one day it was something I should do. Ever since I've been trying to share it in the appropriate place so everyone can see it. Thank you for taking the time to read it and take time to understand people on the spectrum

[@edm3784]

KaiCee Crane - Thank you for taking the time to explain so clearly your experience of everyday communication, it's lovely to read such a lucid explanation and very helpful to me. I'm glad I bothered to keep scrolling down!

[@andreachristine2419]

I've never been diagnosed with autism but everything you described hit home for , since I was 5 I have always been in special education classes for some subjects in school, I didn't grasp information like everyone else, I also have severe anxiety and adhd.

[@melanieshepherd8443]

Thank you so much! I am a kindergarten teacher in New Zealand and we are becoming more educated in our sector about autism. We are trying to help tamariki ( children ) in our care to be able to form friends, but I know that we need to understand them and celebrate their differences. What you have written is absorbed priceless, coming from someone who knows how it feels. Thank you so much for this. Now myself and the other teachers will know how to work with our beautiful kids. They are so precious and beautiful. 💕💕💕

[@RRR-jd2oy]

I have a son who is 7 and diagnosed with autism spectrum. my biggest fears is leaving him alone in this cruel world.

[@techiebliss]

get him to DAN doctor to be tested for heavy metals and microbes. He still has a chance to get better. At the very least more independent and self-aware. And diet change helps tremendously. It's all about the gut!

[@alinaalexandra8812]

Tasha u are absolutely right!It s all about gut! Raul Rey try the gaps diet.👍🏻

[@MonsieurKonthaar]

@@techiebliss Oh for the love of god please don't spew out the heavy metals argument. I know you want to help but that has absolutely nothing to do with autism.

[@ParkieLi]

My cousin was diagnosed to be autism in kindergarten. He was good at math and very poor to communicate with others. He was curious about girls and did a lot of strange action to girls. Other people always took advantage on or laugh at him but he didn't care. He is extremely kind to elderly and able to initiate conversion with them. He is interested in watch ads in TV rather than normal program. He used to work as a messager, office clerk. He got pretty serious injury in the swimming pool around 10 years ago. He is 38 now and still living pretty well. I believe there is still love in our society and I wish your son can enjoy his life.

[@notareallifetiger4817]

Tasha Sparks no, autism cannot be ‘cured’ not has it got anything to do with metal. I have autism and I can 100% say, OP, your son will find ways of dealing with his condition and he will be fine. Einstein and Newton had autism, yet they were fine. He’ll get help.

[@luginewton9908]

I’ve just been diagnosed with Autism and I ‘ m a tender 72 years old.

[@MsDonttrythisathome]

That gives me hope that it's not too late for me.

[@sirigirl16]

Dang! I would be death right now!

[@ThePickledOnions]

a unicorn!

[@Maba111]

I'm sorry you had to go so long! I had an inner something with autism growing up but was too scared to say anything about it. 21 years old and get told by a psychiatrist to look into an autism diagnosis and changed my life! It wasn't just me thinking it!

[@gilajacobsen2881]

My father in law is probably on the spectrum and it's 78.

[@youngster396]

The love of my life has autism and she is the most amazing women I ever met

[@georgegabriel4933]

Same! ♥️

[@AutisticBrain]

@@jellydamasing1059 what do you mean when you said,but he was a good guy?

[@rihdatulaisy7951]

hy guys, Me too, sometime i amazed to my self why iam fall in love with the special men

[@BlackSnakeHQ]

I have autism myself so that’s inspiring

[@saintstorm7]

Lol you're dating a disabled person

[@User417_]

I also was diagnosed with this when I was a little little kid and now I’m proud to be who I am

[@bolinhong2598]

Doc Oyalo can reverse autism with herbs and it’s completely perfect. I used it for my son and so far his speech and behavior is normal and he can now also respond to everything positively on his own

[@cori8489]

We're wired differently, yes, but I don't so much agree with being re-wired or retrained or medicated. Maybe it's the terms I'm getting hung up on, but if I am, then the terms should be changed. Why do we have to conform like this? I have told my friends what I struggle with and I'm self aware and tell them, for example, I struggle with social cues and hints, so please be straight up/blunt with me. I don't pick up when someone is trying to end a conversation. So my friends they are gentle and kind and tell me that they need to go, etc. And it helps a lot. Maybe it's the rest of the world that needs to be trained on how to have empathy for people who lack in this stuff, because as someone who does, it's too complex to be trained. Human behaviours has too many variables, and no matter how you calculate you can be mistaken. I prefer just educating people about Autism and what my needs are and why I am the way I am. Also, of all the things to medicate, I don't agree this is one. And I have a ton of genetic conditions and a genetic mutation. And medical comorbidities. The world just needs to be taught to accommodate better.

[@azulizachan7595]

First of all, I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt like she was talking about autism as an illness or similar. She didn't say a single positive thing about us. I get that she wants to help, but that specific kind of wording does not help. Secondly, Christine, were you paying attention? It was already stated in the TED Talk that there is no credible evidence that vaccines cause autism. And autism is not equivalent to brain damage. On top of that, this person has never said they have brain damage, so why did you mention it?

[@killicalgirl]

Christine P that person doesn’t have a brain injury, they have different brains

[@gendaextraordinaire8931]

I AGREE. If you Neyrotypical people can poke around with our bodies and minds because YOU thing you have the right to alter other humans because you don't like the way we are, we have the same right, theen? We Aspies can involve NT childre nand adults, remaking them in our mage, because the rule is "Humans can remake humans if they want to???? What scurrilous rubbish! Leave us alone!

[@digiscream]

For what it's worth, I think that *if* they can isolate and medicate for the more severe deficits that can occur with autism, like being completely nonverbal, then that's potentially a good idea because it can massively reduce the quality of life for the individual (not just in terms of interacting with the world, but also the frustration at _not_ being able to interact with the world). That's as opposed to the temporarily nonverbal (ie those who begin nonverbal, and then spontaneously develop language skills). Like you, I'm autistic; I have a large database of social cues in my head that I mostly manage to use, I struggle to understand many social subtleties until long after the fact, and sensory overload means there are many things I fundamentally cannot do. I'm also rather gifted in a number of areas that society finds really useful, with the result that people often "forgive" my social ineptitude out of practicality to begin with, and out of a slight understanding as the relationship develops. I'm under no illusions, though; I'm one of the luckier ones, because I have very little in the way of severe deficits that I can't work around, and I have no comorbidities that I know of.

[@mlh3604]

And get to know the values this world receives through autistic perception. So original and potent insights from other but very real perspectives on reality.

[@altar_girl]

After 24 painful years, I was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and it almost feels like closure. Now, I have an explanation for so many of my complicated thoughts, feelings, pain and my inability to effectively communicate with others. It's been awfully difficult to connect with humans and maintain friendships, so I've always shared a deeper connection with animals. You don't have to think about what to tell them or worry if you're boring them. Instead, you share a bond on an entirely different level. I hope, someday, we will take care of our beautiful and innocent companions. ANYWAYS, if I went 24 years without any treatment/therapy, I can do ANYTHING in the world!! You just have to believe in yourself :~)

[@jonmars9559]

I appreciate what you are saying. I was in my early 50s when I finally received enough information to understand the root of my difficulties, anxieties and depressions. Of course along the way, I'd developed ways to compensate, strategies, scripts, rehearsals that allowed me limited successful interactions with others. I didn't know why I needed to do these things, only that I had to do it. It was torture that was necessary to get along, make something of a living but never with great success. Animals have always proven truer friends than most any person in my life. I don't know that I'll ever have closer friends than my furry ones. With better understanding of what afflicts me, things have improved. I don't seek treatment per se. It's just easier knowing I'm not alone and that others experience some of the same difficulties that I do. There are patterns I can now make sense of. I still often times require conscious, rehearsed strategies to get things right in the right circumstances. I still require a great deal of time in isolation, my safe zone. I have a sense of hope for the future and that the time I have left in life will be meaningful. Thank you for your comment.

[@altar_girl]

​@@jonmars9559 Yes, I know exactly what you mean! I created a "formula" for meeting new people or even small talk. Thanks for sharing!

[@claudiaghiotto2094]

Thank you for your comment, I was feeling a little down and you made me feel included. I also just discovered that I have Asperger's syndrome, and I'm 26. It is such a relief to know why life has been so difficult for me, why I always felt like I am lacking some special, mysterious skill that everyone else has. I find difficult to create bonds with the majority of people, but on the other hand I have to say that I have a few friends who like me as I am and who don't judge me. Looking at the bright side of my life, I think it's also because I know such wonderful people that I discovered just now that my brain functions differently than theirs: when I am around them, I don't feel so different. It really doesn't make any difference to them. I feel extremely lucky. I can relax and be myself around them: it is so good to put down all the masks, tricks and strategies I have to use with everyone else and just be appreciated for who I really am. (sorry if my English isn't perfect, I'm from Italy :))

[@altar_girl]

@@claudiaghiotto2094 thanks so much for sharing :-) When I was diagnosed with AS, it was as if everything suddenly made sense--all my pain and hardships. You're right about that. My true friends love me or appreciate me because of my quirks and awkwardness. I'm really happy you feel better too!!

[@jeanclaudewellness8274]

@@claudiaghiotto2094 Ciao.....di dove sei? Sto creando un gruppo speciale di noi....sono di Milano. Hai veramente capito quali vantaggi abbiamo rispetto a loro? Hai compreso a pieno il superpotere Asperger?

[@Life_Quester]

For some with Autism, they are treated like specimens whose feelings and thoughts are not taken seriously because they are seen as lacking both. But you better believe they have meaningful things to say, even if they can't communicate them as you would expect.

[@meghname4005]

Tbh anything that's taken in the lab is treated as a specimen and that's just inhuman.

[@mariaf4702]

Oh my. You know! I could use your help with a fun fairy story about the superpowers of those on autism, but no labels used. I am learning so much. Only if you are interested, please connect on www.ladybugpublishinghouse.com. I could use your honest input. The last line of this book is from a nonverbal 25-year-old woman: "Nature is the most magical fairy of all."

[@dvchel]

That's what my dad says! Agreeing they're meaningful, because, he knows I'm genuine and not mean-spirited or with ill-intent.

[@bolinhong2598]

Doc Oyalo can reverse autism with herbs and it’s completely perfect. I used it for my son and so far his speech and behavior is normal and he can now also respond to everything positively on his own

[@ameliapeligro4947]

@@bolinhong2598 pls tell us where can we connect with your doctor.

[@shadi9951]

I don't want my personality to be changed, just because my Asperger Syndrome affects it. Please don't say that we need to be "rewired" or "fixed", because it makes me feel like I can't be my real self, and I need to change it just because i'm diffrent from other people.

[@anjelicasanders1271]

People do it out of jealousy often we are very intelligent and we don't apologize for it. So they like to remind us In suddle ways of our differences. Pretend It's a complement. I used to play dumb when I was a teenager. I'm to old for that mess.

[@sahelsabet8263]

Shadi kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJW0damCjbGkn68

[@josephinewinter]

autism for me has meant no friends, no work, no relationships, inability to hold conversations and constant suicidal feelings, so i hate it. I'm glad other people enjoy it. I kind of hate it when people go on about how great it is though, what it's like varies so much the diagnosis is worse than pointless as it tells you nothing. But it's helpful for children as they get help at school

[@StephanAltena]

+Josephine Winter ''autism for me has meant no friends, no work, no relationships, inability to hold conversations and constant suicidal feelings'' Same over here too. Don't have the suicidal thoughts anymore though. I don't really agree when people talk about autism in the comments in a positive way. I don't see alot of positives. One of the only positive things I can think about is that people with autism are more likely to be able to think objectively and critically. And less likely to go along with the way everyone else thinks. But when it comes to functioning in the real world, especially when it comes the the social aspect. It's just a curse.

[@turicaederynmab5343]

*Anime profile picture*

[@seatbelttruck]

***** I don't have all the answers, of course. There are some things you cannot change. I'd suggest seeing a psychologist for anyone with autism, whether they like their disorder or not. For those that don't, it may help them come to terms with their autism or even discover some of the positives. And cognitive/behavioral therapy can help people learn to deal with their symptoms, as well as any depression, anxiety or co-morbid conditions. I've heard that occupational therapy can help, too, in some cases, though more with lower-functioning autism. I apologize if I came across as brushing off anybody's feelings. I hate it when people do that to me, and it was not my intention. I was trying more to explain the reasoning behind "Autism Pride" type things, and to assure that liking who you are doesn't mean you can't get help for the things about you that make your life difficult.

[@seatbelttruck]

***** Um... I don't quite understand your last phrase, but therapy, or at least some kind of support is the only way I know of to work through that sort of thing. Refusing to see a professional is just shooting yourself in the foot. I would continue to encourage you, or anyone, to see a professional. If you really refuse to do that, you can try talking to other autistic people online about your specific problems and see if they have advice for dealing with them. You can learn to deal with some aspects of it on your own if you work at it and have a little luck. Since I've been getting help from a psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner (for my anxiety and depression) and family members who are in the medical field, I haven't looked into online communities much, but I have heard that the "Autistic Self-Advocacy Network" is a good place to check out. As for sensory issues, I have dealt with those. Mine sound different than yours (I experienced extreme discomfort, distress and dread rather than physical pain with mine), but I have experienced or heard of several ways to deal with them. I used desensitization (well, my parents did), which is where you expose yourself to sensory input that distresses you in small, but increasing amounts for small but increasing amounts of time so that you can learn to endure it for a short while, or, in some cases, stop being bothered by it all-together (I can wear my socks right-side-out now, for one). You can also protect yourself from unwanted sensory input: bringing earplugs or earphones with you to block loud noises, sunglasses in case of bright lights, wearing long sleeves and long pants to avoid contact with unpleasant sensations, etc. Both are really better supervised by somebody with experience.

[@seatbelttruck]

***** Earplugs or earphones do help some people. Not me, but then I have more tactile issues than auditory ones. It might not help you, but it will help some people. If you don't want to take steps to help yourself, that's your problem. Enjoy your misery. You can't help somebody who doesn't want to be helped.

[@austinsomogyi1437]

Im high functioning autism and im studying autism so i can help kids have an easier time then i did

[@tomholmes473]

So am I. Great work

[@MV-kk3nh]

That's awesome!!! God's speed!!! 🙏🏻👍🏻⚡💪🏻

[@JustNow42]

One of my worries is that the so called normal do not understand what talents these children have. Remember a very large percentage of scientists and engineers are somewhat autistic and we do not like to loose that.

[@nefelibata4190]

what I hate bout having autism at the moment is that when I try to get to know someone, they instantly have super high standards that they want me to follow and Im not able to keep up for long so when they notice I don't they just drop me completely, they don't give af. they don't even bother trying to tell me what I misunderstand and not .. like why is this so fucking hard for people? its annoying.

[@jamesdeegan7365]

+tardcakez same

[@AdolphusOfBlood]

+tardcakez Why do you want to hang out with morons that are like that is what i'd ask you if i cared. :-/

[@RisenOswald]

i feel ya dude.. story of my life.. +AdolphusOfBlood there is only so many people in teh local area that are like minded who are NTs.

[@AdolphusOfBlood]

TauHunter Ahh, i'm sorry to hear that.

[@MidnightAhri]

well it happened with my first partner, she even had autism herself, and she didnt want to tell what i did wrong, its pretty annoying because i want to know where i went wrong. like i explained my side to her but she just didnt do it in return, :c as for the its human nature to avoid someone. some of the best friends i have are the people with autism, they sometimes hurt your feelings unintentionally and i know that and its fine, i sometimes do the same, but since i think the social queues are totally not needed and they dont think it, we have an easier way of talking with eachother. and its not we that have the problem, its all the rest that has a problem with us.. i mean if you would accept people that have worse social skills instead of bullying them in school, you could have a lot of great extra friends. like you might meet a person 20 years later that you knew in school and they were awkward and you now talk again and you see how they got way better at it, still a bit awk but definitely were able to make things work. just takes time and acceptance and a little bit of help.

[@ingridfarming]

Many women on the spectrum believe that there is a problem of underdiagnosis for women... I did not figure it out till I was 30, and it helped me tremendously! Specifically with becoming aware of other people's feelings. Women have different expectations, social roles, and are allowed to express emotions with more social freedom then men, so women and girls on the spectrum blend in more! I was masking for years.

[@1GTX1]

Woman are also more social than man on average

[@emilyouimette2668]

agreed

[@a.b.n.5447]

I was diagnosed in 2020 going on 62 ... I can tell a story, too.

[@supergalaxyfist7730]

I agree with you here, My partner and my mother I believe are both on the spectrum however neither have been assessed. I was assessed at 35 and received a positive diagnosis of ASD. I believe women and girls mask more easily than men and boys and also believe boys mature slower than girls that also factors in in my mind.

[@thegreyman1575]

I have autism and it ruined my childhood due to my family actively telling everyone; "My son has Autsim", even though it's very subtle and slight. I was bullied to the point where I was in a fight almost weekly, and I almost got expelled from my elementary school. I have easy frustrations, but at the very least I can explain, see, and hear what I want to say, but I simply can't due to not upsetting others. I can feel, sense, and express myself in so many different ways and yet I've been told it's simply due to my Autism instead of it being ME and not what a doctor says. I've made it to where I DONOT WANT anyone to find out, cus I want people to see Me, not my diagnosis and im going to make it to where my family won't spread it any further BECAUSE of my history with humanity

[@unicornfarts8811]

Same here

[@Cacophony314]

Try not posting this globally if you would like to keep it private. I'm sorry you feel this way, you shouldn't have to suffer for other people's ignorance.

[@jravak487]

@@Cacophony314 it's not like he's using his full name here. Sure, someone *could* dox him, but who's really going to dox someone just to say "hey! he's autistic!"?

[@Cacophony314]

@@jravak487, the point is this person is pouring their heart out and KZbin is not the best place for it. People can still post nasty things about this post piling on more stress than what already exists. Getting professional help is a good option, years of research goes into helping us deal with our mental health. Don't feel bad about it either, we are a social species we rely on each other to deal with issues. You're not alone. In my opinion we all need some from time to time.

[@slayerpoint-dr1pn]

@@Cacophony314 , he found one platform where he felt comfortable in sharing what he had in him for years.. letting things out is not that easy, I know it cuz I travel on the same road. Can't keep things inside for a long time too without saying it. Better to tell it to strangers than sharing it with people we know who already judges you with your condition. It's hard to understand

[@AsktheSpirits]

My 3 year old son is Autistic and He is the sweetest lovable boy. 💚

[@saurabhgarg5g]

My 3 year old is autistic too. Can we connect to see how can we exchange best practise?

[@rishadar]

@@saurabhgarg5g how is he now

[@advancespark]

GMaria -Ask the Spirts Buy the book and fiercely stick to GAPS diet. You can heal him. It’s the guts leaking toxins. I have a 27 month old son who’s been on the diet for 3 months. It’s night and day!

[@MomOfBoys-uw1hj]

My 6 year old is.on the spectrum as well.. hes a sweetheart nonviolent!

[@Lifelines090]

hey there .. i'm doing research on language development of Autistic children ... can you help me in filling this questionnaire please .. it will help alot of children....thank you so much... forms.gle/xm3g7i4CZ4GiwVncA

[@planetjassi3131]

I was diagnosed with intellectual disability by aged 3 years and later autism.My parents were told I would never learn much I am now 23 years old and I have proven them wrong. For me autism is a way of being and I want parents and teachers to see the potential in kids with autism we are so much more than a label . A diagnosis is a way to get help what you do with the diagnosis is up to you. I encourage parents not to give up. My parents set on a pathway to prove them wrong it doesn't matter how long it takes as long as we keep trying. Thank you Wendy Chung your work is much appreciated.

[@laurencasey7203]

I hate it when people talk about autism in a negative way, my brother is autistic and he is the best-behaved child I know

[@sikandaranddominicbff4381]

Lauren Casey thank you

[@christinateresabrown]

Well that’s not the case for everyone.

[@C.C.4sho]

Hello, Listen to on youtube..(The Dr Goldberg Approach). But Onl if u Really want Ur kid Better

[@amybe3]

❤

[@RoLaAus-Robert]

but that is NOT the experience of EVERY person (and their loved ones) on the spectrum. Just do a simple KZbin search for "this is autism" and tell me that, for at least SOME people, they NEED a cure .. please, go ahead, do that right now, and come back here and tell me that THEY (those in the video) are perfectly fine how they are!?!?!

[@loganskiwyse7823]

Year 2019. It's scary how much of this is wrong and has been updated in the last 5 years. Her source numbers are accurate, her anti-vaccination information is accurate. But in the last year alone we have learned that Estrogen plays a significant part in Autism. And there is so much more to learn. The eye test for babies is at best only a indicator. Either infant could become autistic or not. Not everyone with autism has difficulty meeting someone in the eye. And the idea of drugging kids or adults scares the frack out of me. 53, diagnosed this year. And the lack of services or help has left me nearly incapable of taking care of myself. Society has a lot to learn.

[@loganskiwyse7823]

@Richard Carte sighs. Heavy metals. lol. A couple OLDER vaccinations had tiny amounts of heavy metals. None on the current market do. Also if you eat a normal diet including root vegetables, you consume more trace amounts in 1 month then all the vaccinations in your entire life. Finally it can be detected in babies prior to exposure to vaccinations. You are badly misinformed on this. NOT ONE aspie has Autism from vaccinations. The correlations is due to the average age autism is diagnosed and has no direct connection to vaccinations. My disabled adoptive father was the executive director of the Men's Garden Club of America for nearly a decade as well as an adviser to Crockett's Victory Garden. I was born in 1966 and was already in high school and still not diagnosed in early 1980s. Same time this vaccination stuff started. The vaccinations you are referring to were gone from the market already and had been used prior to the 1960s. So no, there is no connection. Only a correlation that has been pushed by fear tactics just due to people no longer trusting science. There is no profit margin in vaccinations. They are all generics. This means there is no financial motivation for drug companies to lie on these drugs. The research that proves this is multicultural and mixed funding sources. Again showing that the " big lie from big pharma " on this subject doesn't even exist. This is different from a new drug they can make billions off of. Overpriced and rushed to market with tons of advertisements. Any new drug like that I won't even consider taking because I don't trust greed either. Vaccinations just do not fit that model. Finally the current research shows a connection between Autism and Estrogen passing the placenta into the baby. So, if you have Autism, you got it long before you ever received a vaccination. And by the way, ADHD is connected to nicotine. Your great grandmother smoked, That affects every one of her daughters chance to have a baby with ADHD, and their daughters. Up to at least 4 generations out.

[@loganskiwyse7823]

@Richard Carte You are the one that is misinformed. Your information is not based on any peer reviewed documentation. It is based on fear tactics. Anytime you give into fear instead of actually investing the time to understand the research you drag down the intelligence of the entire species. Worse your lack of accurate information is going to get people killed. Everything I said above can be backed up by research. Everything you said has been proven false by that same research. You have no understanding of the scientific process or you would not be repeating this garbage. I am in the top 10% of IQs in the country. ( sorry I don't come close to the top 5% ). So thoroughly educated that I pass college on subjects I have never taken. PLEASE stop this misinformation and get a real education and degree in science. Because you really are going to get people killed with your ignorance on this subject. NOW. If you want to talk big pharma and drug abuse on anything else I will gladly find you studies that back that up. Yes they do lie to the public on many " new " drugs and have a vested interest in pushing drugs onto doctors and the unsuspecting public. But as I pointed out, vaccinations are generic. No profit margins. Studies are multi-cultural, multiple funding sources including some that were backed by the very anti-vaccination crowd. EVERY single one has shown no connection. Even those funded by the anti-vaccination crowd. But they don't even admit those studies exist. Instead they use the correlation of detection compared to when vaccinations are given. A correlations is NOT a proven connection but 2 different things happening in proximity. And the thing I said about root veggies is a fact. It is also a fact that if you ate even a tiny bit of mud as a child ( mud cakes anyone? ) you got more heavy metals that way as well. Are you going to blame mud for autism now? And the Estrogen connection is also now a established fact.

[@loganskiwyse7823]

@Richard Carte The root of this is your background + misinformation on peer reviewed science compared to drug trials. -- Drug Trials. Funded by a single company. Required by the FDA ( in the US ) before a drug can be brought to market. Independently reviewed but not peer reviewed. Meaning only the data not the trail is reviewed. Huge profit margins for new drugs create a incentive to falsify the data. -- Peer reviewed. Independently funded. Multi-cultural ( as in the tests have been done in by multiple research teams in multiple countries with independent resources). Alternative explanations explored. All such tests are in agreement regardless of who did them or who funded them. ------ Your childhood experience with drug pushing doctors is directly connected to the first, drug trials. I too went through this. And is part of the reason I do not agree with many doctors on pushing drugs on children. But vaccinations fall into the second category if they have been on the market for over 10 years. ( on average ). As such there is no connection.

[@PeterParker-1984]

I totaly agree. I dont trust doctors at all..

[@PhilMante]

I'm an aspie and I drug myself with weed. Thank god for Canada's marijuana laws. That stuff helps immensely.

[@selahmami]

all I do is cry. I just want my 2yo daughter to live fully, independently and be able to talk. I cant imagine every leaving her side and knowing if she will be ok. this I wouldnt wish on anybody.

[@abbyflows1332]

My daughter is 3 she’s non verbal I have the same fear as you it’s very scary

[@claudiabarron7912]

I still cry and live in fear for my 5 yo daughter with autism. She’s doing so much better she is talking and she calls me mommy. 💙 I’ve waited years to hear her voice.

[@abbyflows1332]

Claudia Barron I cant wait until the day I hear my daughter talking to me it’s my biggest hope and dream that she is able to speak someday

[@henriettaoka]

Claudia Barron. May I know, at what age did your could start talking ? My son is 3years old already and still doesn't call mommy

[@claudiabarron7912]

okojie henrietta she started talking at 4 years old but it came with a lot of therapy and very slowly. Hope this helps :)

[@bellamy4325]

I am an autistic adult. Lots of autistics, including myself, prefer not to be referred to as disordered, disabled, or that we "have" autism. Being autistic is quite literally having different neurological makeup (having a different operating system), so we are neurodiverse. Research points toward autism being evolutionary, because of heightened senses, high intelligence, and/or abnormally strong amounts of empathy.

[@mohaklondhe]

my niece is diagnosed with Autism yesterday. She is 2.5. What can we do the best to get her out of it?

[@thilinibandara8767]

Thanks alot for commenting. Did you use digital screens alot when you were a kid ? Thanks

[@vanessaroper3028]

@@mohaklondhe I understand it's for life and depends on the severity if it's intellectual or just speech patterns difference

[@autumn.breann]

How Wendy described Gabriel was me. I used to have problems speaking and starting conversations but I'm getting to a point where I talk to people and feel comfortable talking to anyone. But I'm still have problems starting it and feel uncomfortable and awkward at the same time

[@FlorenciaVM1]

@@alegriart that's a fallacy. She explained clearly that sometimes it helps, for certain people, and others can be helped with education. Don't come here looking for fight.

[@FlorenciaVM1]

@@alegriart good for you and I agree a little bit, but that's not what she's saying. That's the thing I'm discussing. It's better just to say what you think and prefer insted of putting words in other's people mouth just to start a debate and get attention.

[@FlorenciaVM1]

@@alegriart but this girl never talked about meds and you came up with that and saying that the doctor is promoting pills. I think we're not discussing the same thing. I'm talking about form and you're talking about content. It doesn't make any sense for us to keep on talking.

[@FlorenciaVM1]

@@alegriart there's a difference between informing and promoting. And now you're discussing about calling Autumn Lee a girl or a woman? Sorry but I can describe myself as a girl and a woman, they're no exclusive. I'm getting tired of you.

[@mohaklondhe]

my niece is diagnosed with Autism yesterday. She is 2.5. What can we do the best to get her out of it?

[@chaosjacky]

My older brother has autism. One of the worst kinds and he will never be able to be educated, there's basically nothing he can do. There's no "ressource" that could help him. Not all autistics can be helped. A lot of people look down on parents who "give up" and let special state homes look after them instead. People think that with "love", and better understanding autistics can always evolve and improve. For some autistics like my brother, that totally isn't true. It's a shame Wendy Chung didn't address this matter in this speech.

[@wangyushina]

My nephew in China is the worst kind. Nothing his parents can do but draining all resources, trying all kinds of remedies, some of which sound like witchcraft. The poor boy of 21 years old age, often wipes his penis out and pees in public. He loves music! what to do?

[@sorrycantspeakfrench]

***** The thing is that they first told the parents that Jacob didn't have any potential, nor that there was any hope for his case. But look what happened. Autism is a really complex neurodivergence.

[@chaosjacky]

At a young age there's no telling how it will develop, but I think it's safe to say that my 35 year old brother who tries to bite himself to the bone non stop, bangs his head until he bleeds, can't say a word, lashes out at other people for no apparent reason, there's not really any potential... He's been living in a special state home since he was 7, with specialists who have tried all kinds of things..

[@falconheight1526]

I'm glad Im not alone :)

[@dylaniusaurelius8880]

well, not really impossible.... see I've got high functioning autism or Aspergers, and I've researched it a lot. I found that with low functioning autism, even the lowest functioning autistics can learn to be social to a degree with EXCESSIVE amounts of therapy, doc visits, and practice. it's possible, but really really hard.

[@joycem9053]

I have never understood why people want to "cure" autism. While it is hard to know that they are different, it's also amazing to know that they are. As a child of someone who has autism, I've always seen my parent and those who have autism as amazing people who are crazy,wicked smart and cool, but that may just be from growing up and being surrounded by those who are on the spectrum.

[@eugenemarkendico7173]

If we switch place, would u feel now that it's so difficult? It's a spectrum, that's why there's levels of support

[@corilittell8650]

How dare anybody try to change or eradicate what makes me and so many others incredible, kind, caring, loving, and compassionate people, I think the world should try to be the same. We work so hard and go above and beyond to be apart of this world, we deserve that same mutual respect and understanding, we deserve the basic human right of love and inclusivity just as much as every other human being on this planet. Stop trying to throw us away and instead please just put in a fraction of the effort the that we do and meet us half way.

[@susielee8101]

Miss Chung has given such a long lecture performed without script. She spoke with great clarity and provided valuable educational informations on autism. Thank you very much, Miss Chung 🙏

[@FlorenciaVM1]

And at the end you can see how she almost cracks. She really wants to help.

[@Stierenkloot]

@@FlorenciaVM1 you actually think people hold a presentation on this level without a script…

[@selenetran9636]

My son is 10 yrs old and has autism. I have had a hard time going to places and having someone tell me that my son is too old to be in the women's restroom. People that don't know about autism don't know the challenges we parents go through. It would be amazing if people were AWARE of it. For example, businesses should be able to allow kids with autism be themselves and have signs that they support autism

[@rudypurwono2776]

You are not alone. We have same problem here. Keep train him for toilet practice. He will get better

[@specialneedsmusic4610]

I would recommend that she refer to a person as currently non verbal as opposed to non verbal. Over the years, I have worked with students who have learned to speak. Also, it's been my experience that if one sees a person as currently non verbal, they will approach them in a much more open way.

[@fmsltd9502]

Preverbal. Not yet verbal.

[@thatmusicfan6907]

its 2018 and i have autism and im crying if wendy chung reads this i just whant to say thank you

[@ironyofthedead9581]

I have PTSD it sucks man I'm mentally abused and I have this flashback of my dad shoving me over and over

[@jacksonlampin3505]

Julia The suga bear it feels like a curse saying your not good enough to do something I need mine cured Now

[@kittyhatchsep1842]

Please don't cry! Surely You are a wonderful person. Have faith in yourself.

[@tHa1Rune]

I have high functioning autism. and it allows me yo do amazing things and communicate even more incredible things. its a higher state of consciousness and existence for some, but a truly brilliantly defined form of a mind, that can brilliantly do a few things. some can have worse diagnoses of autism, and that's the spectrum.

[@MiyahSundermeyer]

What I like about these kinds of talks is that you stamp out off the stigmatization

[@robertg9153]

I'm Autistic. Please never call me "higher functioning". Judging by my general skill set some would be tempted to, but I find it degrading to us. That term is a false dichotomy. Just because one of us may be nonverbal or unable to care for themselves in certain ways doesn't mean they aren't quite possibly brilliant in other ways. There are no better or worse cases of Autism. We're all Autistic just the same except all a little different just like anyone in any other neurotype. Thanks for reading. Autism is Ausome :)

[@MiyahSundermeyer]

Rachel Stillman you know what offends me? That you are work with these individuals and see nothing but a broken human that needs to be fixed. I am sorry but you are seeming to look at the person through a key hold lady. Did you know that you know you can teach them to use a foam board? Actually, there is a non verbal young woman named Carly Fleishman who learned to type using a key board? Also, some of them may not understand us because they can't hear the hard vowels or contestants. You have to speak slowly. So everything you say is wrong.

[@stillmaninmotion6081]

Hello World: with Miyah I work with these kids because I love them. You have no idea what I do, or how I feel from one comment. and a comment i stand by. I'm not feeling like they're worthless, but what I said is true. We use leap pads and equipment to try and teach them to show us their needs by pressing buttons or pictures. but some of them just can't. there's a huge range of autism. We seem to think that autism is cute and funny and we can work around it easily... but it's not THAT easy with some of them. I'm not in denial about the difficulty we face. There's blessings in disguise, yes, but my point is that saying "high functioning" is not a bad thing. If you have someone whose autistic be able to talk, dress themselves, feed themselves, or even use a leap pads or iPad to tell you their needs, that's fantastic! but it's not always the case. Don't take my comment like I hate these children. but i do want to help them and I do want them to learn. but the TRUTH is not all of them will be able to press a button to tell us they have to go to the bathroom. not all of them are able to do anything at all. idk your experience, but that's a fact. maybe I'm just more realistic than some people like. maybe that is offensive, but it's still true.

[@MiyahSundermeyer]

Rachel Stillman Very nice but you don't know everything honey.

[@meltingEyeballs]

The only thing that you know is that you don't know.

[@bullstag47]

Exactly. And this is 4 years ago. They still don’t know. The internet is full of opinions from professionals but apparently what they do know is quite a bit of this information is already outdated

[@seedplanter7173]

They do a piss poor job ruling out vaccines.

[@gervasebarnes]

Appalling bias. Aluminum is a fact it causes alzheimers and now being linked to autism..this has NEVER BEEN STUDIED

[@gervasebarnes]

Thiomersal..HAS NOT BEEN REMOVED from vaccines it's still used in multi dose vaccines like the MMR vaccine. She is plain lying

[@gervasebarnes]

@@bullstag47 only 1 INGREDIENT in 1 vaccine the MMR vaccine has EVER been tested..ALUMINUM HAS NOT. Aluminum is linked to causing alzheimers, & recent research is making more connection that aluminum is responsible to causing Autism they have NEVER EVER TESTED aluminum

[@JohnDoe-lz3oo]

From my experience with the subject people with autism on the higher part of the spectrum have brain superhighways and slow zones. Each one is different, and each one has something they are really good at and interested in. The key to integrating them into society is to find what they're really good at, put them in that kind of job, and let them figure it out. May be rough at first but if you let that person figure things out it increases the efficiency in a lot of ways.

[@bolinhong2598]

Doc Oyalo can reverse autism with herbs and it’s completely perfect. I used it for my son and so far his speech and behavior is normal and he can now also respond to everything positively on his own

[@BugSplat]

We Love More and we Feel Stronger Feelings than most people... We just don't know how to SHOW it. Just sayin....

[@sallyho3000]

BugSplat again and again I encounter this. We are the easiest empathy to abuse also, probably because we see the good in people as a default as well...

[@nickmagrick7702]

well, I think that might be true but theres no way of actually measuring who feels more.

[@TheDoobidoob]

12:19 My mum says that I didn’t give eye contact as an infant and was slow to reach developmental milestones. She blamed herself for it, thinking that she just didn’t try hard enough with me. Then I was diagnosed a few years later. Now my mum is pretty much an expert on spotting autism in infants and even correctly predicted that my younger cousin was on the spectrum pretty much days after he was born (as he also didn’t give eye contact).

[@zenatube7829]

@PRISTINE JOEL Can you stop this nonsense please. you must be a trouble person trying to sell your product on this site

[@AbsoluteLad9785]

I feel like I have been somewhat relieved of it, I used to be very socially awkward but now I talk to a LOT of people with ease. I used to avoid everyone and have some pretty bad OCD but I'm fine now. Anyway have a great day if you read this

[@tubester4567]

Good for you.

[@mohaklondhe]

my niece is diagnosed with Autism yesterday. She is 2.5. What can we do the best to get her out of it?

[@lovelyswimmer1]

As a biologist I appreciate the science being emphasised, as opposed to the preachiness of other talks I have seen.

[@annaeverette8960]

Was just thinking the same thing, finally a decent ted talk without any moralistic BS.

[@zjean3417]

Thank you for your service. I was Very Lucky To be diagonsed with autism at 5 years old I am now 14 luckly I have a Kind of Autism Less Severe. God bless.

[@nickmagrick7702]

yeah hate the preachy bullshit. Even when people mean well and are technically correct about w/e they are speaking about too, generally. Its nice to have something concrete to hold onto when you conceptualize something to talk about.

[@sallyho3000]

Nick MaGrick fair. Recent studies in neurology have shed more light on the subject, fortunately... the ideas in this talk have not aged well... Interesting stuff. In utero the brains of developing babies go through a process of synaptic ‘pruning’. This pruning is (hypothetically) what enables the brain to filter out “nonessential” input. If you have any of the common sensory issues associated with autism (SPD, synesthesia, etc.) you can probably crunch these numbers pretty well... anyway, a high percentage of allistic children experience synesthesia (basically multiple sensory regions of the brain responding to a single input) but the tendency is to grow out of it because this process of pruning continues after birth and through early childhood. I’m intuitively certain that this is influenced by socialization as well and that the better tools we develop for measuring and observing the brain, the more this will become clear. The neurological perspective sheds a lot of light on how these genes (at least 15,000 years old) may have been, and are highly adaptive. We are the night watch.

[@gerardjones7881]

Biologists can't spell.

[@haarvey919]

While the science in this talk is mostly good (sans the metaphor about DNA "missing"), it's still loaded with the false pretext that autism is a pathology that somehow makes people less than equal. Chung's language throughout sounds like a clinician that's talking about reduced function in a group of people, without recognizing that there is a *different* function observable in this group (which can, in some ways and in some contexts, be superior). We'll never make headway until the value of these differences and the fundamental human equality is established and presumed at the outset.

[@luvdayssafe]

I think that can be applied to all disabilities in general. Excellent point.

[@AmbulantBoxer]

+haarvey919 Also, she perpetuates the misunderstanding that it affects hugely more males than females, whereas we now understand that the presentation in girls and women is different and often harder to spot.

[@Davidpianist-ge5et]

I tend to agree with you. Whilst she speaks very well and knowledgeably there is this implication that autistic people function in a reduced way and, consequently need (some) help. I am on the autistic spectrum myself. I think there are still more autistic males than females, but the presentation in girls and women is harder to spot (as Andrew Philip has said).

[@sekainiheiwa3650]

Yes, we don't have any more stupid-mental-weirdos we have autistic children. Somehow nobody talks about autistic adults only I can hear the children-children sound much better. My child is not a weirdo -he is autistic What a release :D LMAO

[@no_peace]

I'm autistic, independent, extremely high IQ, etc., and I do need help. Not because of neurotypical people or fitting in or whatever. I just can't reliably take good care of myself and some of my responsibilities. Like if I had to tend a garden to survive I world die. I lack important skills, and accommodations for that shortfall are not available. The best assistant so far has been my phone. But because I'm autistic and avoidant, I often end up arguing on KZbin instead of doing something worthwhile. There is a lot of nuance to all of this.

[@shinzantetsu]

I'm on the spectrum, i like having to see everything different and not follow the crowd. Neurotypicals and people on the spectrum grow up differently. NT's imitate alot and don't question the things they learn, we on the spectrum have to run it through a filter and question it.

[@sallyho3000]

It’s very much like the difference between automatic and manual transmission cars...

[@taniesro]

can you please explain that point of view, on how NT don't question what is taught?

[@jenm.8673]

We need more access for testing for the spectrum because I have found very few options in this are. Schools fight you and don't want to offer services. My oldest wasn't diagnosed until high school and suffered through it with school..bullies etc. There has to be easier access..

[@Hiswordandme]

One thing I don't like is how neurotypicals although they mean well are constantly trying to find ways to encourage and help us be more like them.... I don't want to like them. I like being me, what I don't like is being pressured to be someone I'm not. I think people with Autism just need to be accepted and cared and catered for more rather then creating programs to help them be more "normal" and less "difficult". I wasn't one to throw tantrums or hit my parents as a kid, I just cried a lot from being bullied by my sisters and being overstimulated. My mum just yelled at me and never comforted me. It left me with a lot of trauma and growing up teachers yelled at me, told me I'm not a baby and I can talk, other kids called me weird and not many people wanted to hang out with me. I was non verbal for many years til I felt there was no other choice as I was left to basically fend for myself so I started talking and pushed myself to try be "normal". Society doesn't understand autism or other people in general... So many people are just self absorbed and inconsiderate. The world is loud and chaotic and kids and adults with ASD aren't being sensitive, it's just this world really doesn't accommodate our needs as being highly sensitive. Many Neurotypicals can handle the changing world around them yet we cannot. I'm glad I live in New Zealand where I get some room to breathe here unlike many places in the US but it is still overwhelming. I spend most days at home but try to get out for a walk regularly. It's not that we don't want connection with others or to do "normal" things... It's just hard to connect and enjoy an outing without being overwhelmed. I want to connect with people but people are weird and confusing to me, I always end up being trampled on and then called the bad guy when I don't even know what I did. A woman blew up at me because apparently I gave her an "ugly look" and she took that to an extreme that I hate her and her whole family. I just don't understand people and often they're just plain mean to us so we withdraw and shutdown in order to stay safe as many things already overwhelm us. We're not weird, just extremely misunderstood people. Personally, I feel things deeply and sometimes I hate it. I am highly affectionate and loving toward people I trust and feel safe with but don't expect me to open my arms to a stranger who I don't feel safe with. I'm not rude, but I can be blunt but at least I'm going to be honest with you opposed to telling lies for your convenience.

[@catcat8022]

My son is on the spectrum he is 2 going to be 3. Through early invention and ABA therapy he is doing really well and more verbal then before. I love him and I'm glad I was blessed with such a special, sweet, and loving boy..

[@Olivia-W]

ABA therapy? That's something he's going to remember with hate. ABA is abuse. Some therapies called ABA aren't, because of insurance only covering ABA, but therapies that work in similar ways are still abuse.

[@Missy720]

How is your son doing now ? My daughter is 3 and non verbal and has been in therapy forever

[@AlRubyx]

Can there be a ted talk like this about schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder?

[@velvetindigonight]

There are several TED talks about this.

[@dOtgirL5D]

can someone share us the link pls ..if they did .ty.

[@Cam-gk4dk]

Maybe look it up?

[@wadell19]

Please investigate the Nemechek Protocol for Autism. It helps with your concern too. The problem with autism is that it's in the gut. Same with your concern. Please research it. It's all natural, unless you need an antibiotic. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LOOK INTO IT.

[@nickmagrick7702]

why? What do people not already understand about the condition? Schitz is something thats pretty well understood compared to something like autism, not that they both don't have stigmas.

[@lightningstar6668]

I have two beautiful children with autism and they are an absolute joy to me

[@angelinafee8245]

As a mother of an autistic son, I cannot fathom why anyone would perpetuate the notion that autism requires remediation or causation. Why can neurodiversity not just simply exist as a natural part of human variation? My son has taught me how to appreciate the simple movement of a tree in the wind, the intricate details on a leaf that I wouldn't see if it weren't for his innate sensitivity to nature. Everyday presents different challenges but what chance does he have in a world where everyone thinks he is broken?? It's a hurtful, offensive and beyond damaging mindset. PRESUME COMPETENCE.

[@lilyrosedepplover]

You are lucky. My autistic brother has abused me physically and sexually. So good for you, but yeah it needs a cure or a way to be prevented. It’s absolutely horrible. You don’t know what it’s like to have chairs thrown at you or to be hit by your older autistic sibling.

[@QWithoutTheU]

Thanks for getting this information to the masses :) I have Autism and have supressed it almost completely so people can't tell, most people have no idea about it and i didn't want them to get involved in my struggle. Your information and the way you put it, can help these people know how to understand. Thank-you x

[@dvchel]

Be free and proud of who you are.

[@bolinhong2598]

Doc Oyalo can reverse autism with herbs and it’s completely perfect. I used it for my son and so far his speech and behavior is normal and he can now also respond to everything positively on his own

[@zenatube7829]

@NEW HOPE INSURANCE LTD Can you stop this nonesense. This is not a place to advertise your Dr. herbs. i check the channel. it doesn't have any thing that can help Autism

[@toniavila837]

My older brother has been diagnosed with autism (he is a non-verbal type). I hated him because I was annoyed by his sudden yells and tantrums, and he also took my personal items, but I am beginning to regret my hatred for him because he is always reaching out to and hugging me as if he was still loving me despite the fact that I had done so many cruel things to him... I was touched by a piece of art he created for me in which he wrote my name with his name inside a heart and beside it canceled the word "hate." I just want everyone reading this to know that these people are having difficulty expressing themselves, but they are doing their best; we need to give them our understanding and patience because they deserve it.

[@veggiechip]

aw this was a really touching story, thank you for sharing your experiences. that must be very tough to deal with, but i’m glad you are very nice and understanding. thanks again for sharing your perspective : )

[@pizzatime9196]

My parents were patient with my little brother, but they were a little TOO patient. They decided to get my brother checked out when he was almost 4 years old and he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 4. He’s 8 now and has made some improvements with communication. He wasn’t able to speak coherently in our language and this is still the case for him now, but thanks to the help of his amazing teachers and specialists, he’s able to communicate with us through hand gestures and understand and go through with some commands such as putting his shoes on or throwing trash away. Sometimes I wonder if we had got him checked out earlier, maybe he would have made bigger improvements. Despite his situation, he is my brother and I love him more than anything in the world ❤️

[@Silvery_jassy]

Oh wow! How much has changed in 9 years!!! It’s actually very enlightening how much they didn’t know back then and scary how they treated it. I’m sure in another 9 years, what we know now will be also worlds away… I hope!

[@butteheadbuttrack4728]

I would never argue with a parent about what caused their child's autism, I would just give them support and empathy.

[@nickmagrick7702]

I know someone with autism who committed suicide last week. I barely met the person one time, and ended up in a bit of an argument with a friend because I had nothing nice to say about the person. Hardly anyone knew them. And im autistic too. Its not other peoples problem, but we are in a state where our problems are invisible. Or simply deemed unimportant or something we should have be able to fix ourselves if we were just more responsible people... the attention and attitude towards people with autism shifts as they become adults. Well the same could be said for much of the problems we face, while being overly protective and overly focused on kids

[@jmzsil]

Nick MaGrick the worst part of autism (I was diagnosed with a few more) to this one I agree and then some supervisors think we are making excuses. 🙄

[@casualintrovert207]

Autism is good and bad in many ways, it just depends what part of the spectrum you're on. I have Aspergers, so it is slightly more mild than normal autism, but that brings about many of its own challenges as well. For me it feels like living in the grey area between being normal and being quintessentially "weird". I often find that it is hard to fit in with anyone, even the people one would expect someone with autism/ASD to fit into, because I just don't relate to them, or anyone for that matter. For this reason I spend most of my days, if not all, by myself in my room as my room and my PC in that room are the two places where I can find solace and comfort in. Its easier when you have full on autism, in a sense, because at least most people will know it. Having Aspergers is like being unintentionally awkward almost all the time, weirding and in cases creeping people out because of how you act. They don't know you have it, they just see you as "weird", a term I hate so much.

[@verzeda]

yeah I feel you man

[@bolinhong2598]

Doc Oyalo can reverse autism with herbs and it’s completely perfect. I used it for my son and so far his speech and behavior is normal and he can now also respond to everything positively on his own

[@LK-vo7je]

@PRISTINE JOEL please can you share how you helped your child Coz my son has outism

[@no22sill]

don't worry we're all mad here

[@emilyouimette2668]

Aspergers is not the DSM5 you have autism

[@henburg1709]

wendy chung you are great and intelligent woman with a very clear english diction like a genuine Philippine lady i appreciate it, indeed you made a very good research about autism spectrum . i do hope that TED will help more kids worldwide having this handicap God bless your organization

[@drewharris7785]

She had me until she started talking about eye contact. I'm terrible at eye contact, but I don't have autism. Then again I suppose she's not saying that eye contact is the only determining factor.

[@Thelittleclipstore]

I suppose many many people misdiagnose themselves and really their just introvert intuitives types .. or some other not popular personality type

[@m88_overwatch]

I was thinking the same thing. I mean an infant is definitely going to be curious and distracted from focusing on the eye balls of a person on a screen... just because that one baby developed autism later on does not mean this is proof

[@xnadave]

It's not about maintaining eye contact so much as it is about *avoiding* it. And, this is a technique used to identify candidates for early intervention, not a one-stop diagnostic tool. Lots of people have issues with eye contact that aren't on the spectrum. That said, a baby that actively avoids it deserves some extra attention and consideration. That behavior isn't typical. That doesn't make it *wrong*, just not the *norm*. Treatment has made a world of difference to my five year old. I wish we had her diagnosed sooner, as much as I wish we'd known what options were available when my now-10-year-old was younger. As you say, it's not the only determining factor - but it is a big red flag in one so young. (When we grow up, we get all kinds of new reasons to avoid eye contact. But, that's a whole other bag of bananas.)

[@titaniumquarrion9838]

Drew Harris - Made a stupid point and then applied logic correcting yourself. Why not just delete the stupid comment?

[@asdme3950]

As a person with ASD, it does limit my spoken communication, but I am able to think my way through things a lot of people cant. Still comes with the meltdowns though, its like a trade off.

[@nickmagrick7702]

totally, its a trade off. Not better or worse but a trade off. Better at some, worse at others.

[@tundepizzle7255]

I am autistic and I just found out from my family because my son who was born in Europe was diagnosed with the spectrum. I remember everything I did as a child just by looking at my son repetitive behaviors. The only thing I didn't remember was CAS disorder my son has. I said all of this to say, I see myself as a normal and successful human even now knowing some of my intelligence in Mathematics may have been associated to autism. However, I hate when she said we are an epidemic. That was mean.

[@MsLizziebeth1]

NO! You have misinterpreted the speaker (I assume NOT for the first time in your life as an autistic 😁😁). The geneticist said AND ONLY MEANT THAT the diagnoses lately of "autism" seem to suddenly appear like an epidemic of the condition. It's just the diagnostic labelling she's talking about. How ridiculous that you took immediate umbridge, regardless.(!!) You see? You DO CAUSE most of the trouble and hurt feelings by not socially understanding what's actually going on. Be more careful. Give others the benefit of the doubt until it's clear that in fact, they were being mean. I know, that happens to you a lot, but it DISBENEFITS YOU to guess wrongly like this....

[@moonshade99]

Wow, she is the most intelligent person i jave heard in a while, that's what world's most intelligent person should do, solves problems that makes human life easy, rather than mindless pursue of money and power, because any average person can have power and money but only intelligent guys like her will be able to solve such a problems

[@AveryMilieu]

As a high function autistic adult I can assure you that "joining" any group is about like pulling teeth. You focus on what can be done for children - but there are many adults who have developed coping techniques (without assistance or support) and languish on the fringes of society because there is no program, no support or even acknowledgment that we exist. What do you have to offer US??

[@boliussa]

+Avery what do you want? i think often there are individuals that can help people, and people with autism often have trouble finding work, in which case some money to help pay for such people could help eg pay a person that can help in some day to day problem or help you help yourself. But what do you suggest ?

[@jaclynscalaro2222]

I wish I didnt vaccinate! Never again!!!!!!!

[@boliussa]

+JG looks like none of the replies to avery are showing up except yours,. I would say that if you go to a "group", sometimes it's not for the group, it's to speak to the one individual that runs it, to ask them whatever. So you could go 5min before the thing finishes.

[@hannahscott6604]

Avery Milieu they need to put Aspergers back in the DSM. There’s a difference between us and the adults wearing diapers, rocking in chairs, who can’t have seams from clothes touch them or they Bang their head on a wall, who watch Elmo, who have no friends and need a babysitter

[@hannahscott6604]

jasmine scalaro same My parents wish they didn’t vaccinate me

[@12344567ist]

I have 2 grandsons with autism, they are fine and don't need to be "fixed". they see and do things differently from most kids, but they are very smart. I think now that it is the rest of society as a whole that needs additional education on how we all live together

[@Dmw9903]

If Autism has been around forever why are there still important things they don't know? I had never heard of it until the past 15 years or so. Where did it come from?

[@Lucy-cy4kw]

I have autism. I love this woman, she's great. I'm only 13, but that's fine.

[@notverysur3rightnow145]

If my family wasn’t as supportive, I’d be a mess. Luckily my family are incredibly loving and understanding

[@jungkookie9755]

I’m not diagnosed with Autism and I can’t make eye contact with anybody and always feel awkward making a conversation with someone

[@jungkookie9755]

DMI maybe

[@margueritewright9013]

Good video. I used to bang my head against the wall and sometimes tear at myself when overwhelmed. I also had issues with communication, reception of spoken language, and hypersensitivity to touch and smells. It got a lot milder as I got older, to the point that the behaviors are not noticeable unless you really know me.

[@bakingwithmegan3028]

Wondering Marguerite... have you heard of CD (Chlorine Dioxide), specifically for treating Autism spectrum symptoms? How about parasite cleansing/protocols? Here's author, Kerri Rivera (also mother of an Autistic son - nearly healed) presenting her healing protocol at the 2014 Autism One conference (at that time, this prototcol had already 100% completely reversed/healed 133 individuals with Autism - some as old as 30yrs!!! Amazing stuff. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pma6kJ6vZbd7bqMm10s I only days ago came across Kerri Rivera's work (originally published back in 2013), but now that the second publishing of her work just came out in recent weeks, Amazon banned sale of it 4days ago (giving it lots of notoriety), after a concerted effort by certain factions who don't want truth to be shared. www.change.org/.../amazon-remove-the-book-healing... In response to the banning, the author has now made it available for FREE on her website, since all the banning by some major US sellers like Amazon: bookriot.com/.../amazon-pulls-two-books-claiming.../ But if you want a copy for your personal library (and support the author), I'm finding that most sellers that are selling it are from UK, but I did find this one from NV - I have a copy on the way: www.alibris.com/booksearch.detail...

[@thenobleone-3384]

I'm an introvert and I don't like people that look down on me. I feel like I can live on my own maybe I don't like talking to certain people who I don't like. It's not meant for everyone to like u or understand u. Very important to get around people that understand your problems.

[@jayaree3727]

I think I have autism. I appreciate this video because it points out that not all people operate the same way. "People with autism learn and behave differently". What I don't appreciate about this video is the implicit policing of autism. Although we are developing "solutions" for the "diagnosis" of autism, a concept of "deficiency", "abnormality", and "correction" starts to linger...just putting it out there

[@l-jay3425]

There is no cure and it is cute listening to NTs talk about others thoughts. The best part about accepting your spectral difference is you have one leg up on all boring normal folk in identity disparity

[@emsai123]

my son is 6 and has autism, but he is the sweetest ❣️

[@carlosvelasquez2625]

"Diet, excersize, stress,,, can turn genes on or off" so it means in identical twins in different situations can express their identical genes in a different way, Im not a twin but have Asperger, and thanks to my condition I done enough research to know that, period

[@nickmagrick7702]

right, but what does gene expression have to do with autism/aspergers? Your not very clear about what your arguing or if your upset with the presentation or anything like that. And its not like the presenter dismissed the idea of gene expression, she didn't even talk about it.

[@teaartist6455]

@@nickmagrick7702 In about 23% of cases one identical twin can be autistic while the other isn't, that's what it has to do with autism. It's also one way of explaining autistic children born to parents that only have a few traits or appear totally allistic, along with random mutations.

[@no_peace]

If you get your genome sequenced and upload it to Promethease you'll get a sense of genetics. It predicts i have blue eyes (they're brown), i have several deadly diseases (i don't have any of them) and I'm thin (I'm not). As a rule they are risk factors not edicts.

[@discvoorteams]

this is exactly why I am so doubting to have my sons tested. "This baby is going to be in the clear". I'm afraid of stigmatizing them. Any ideas? Reactions?

[@foullily8325]

I hate how she talked about autism, like it was a disease that needs to be cured...I agree we need better education systems and maybe even work systems to help those with autism have an easier life, but its not a zit that needs to be popped... I personally hate my autism and want it gone, however, I also don't want it gone. Its hard to explain what I mean by that, but Autism isn't an epidemic, we aren't sick. We just need help, Autism is taken care of better then it used to be, of course, but we still need more help then what we are being given.

[@gyropollo8520]

Well,true so... do you draw or write stories.

[@techiebliss]

it is an impairment that needs to be corrected, not a disease. Where there is an effect, there is a cause. Find the cause and correct it. It's that simple. But they make it hard for us to care for ourselves and our children. We don't proper diagnostics or treatment today. There is no biomedical diagnostic or treatment protocol for autism today except for holistic practitioners. Allopathic medicine is keeping us from being healthy because we will figure out why we're UNhealthy: the food and drug industries.

[@esk8jaimes]

That child eyesight test at the end was really intriguing, never heard of that approach before.

[@janacerna4860]

If Thimerosal was discontinued years ago how come I saw it as an ingredient in one of the vaccine slips I requested from my pediatrician??

[@wilburdbrewer2409]

Jana Cerna it was taken out of mmr in 1993 and taken out of a few others later. You can ask for vaccines without it as well. I am autistic, my son is autistic , my half brother is autistic. We all showed signs very early, like before a year old. This woman is full of 💩

[@generalhorse493]

Because it doesn't do anything to increase autism, anti-vaxxers are just being paranoid enough for it's removal to be considered a thing.

[@niconico7213]

in which one? the big question is: why they hve it removed if it was in a so good tested vaccine?

[@generalhorse493]

@@niconico7213 Massive peer pressure from a bunch of idiots

[@vaccinefraud5570]

Sunglasses! You must remove the sunglasses and then you won't see those disturbing images of the Truth! (the movie: They Live! in case you've never seen it). Even if thimerosal wasn't on the list of ingredients it is in the manufacturing process so the FDA doesn't even require that to be labeled since it was not ADDED to the final product. Dog and Pony show.

[@energy.poleriser]

I feel like this video needs a disclaimer that it was filmed in 2013/14 and a lot of the information is now incorrect. We know autism affects girls just as much as boy, they just mask better and get overlooked because of the prevailing “wisdom” that it’s only boys who have it. We also don’t need coaches in our ears telling us how to associate better, or need training to be more ‘normal’; we need everyone else to accept us. We need to build a more inclusive society and stop expecting everyone to be exactly like each other.

[@mansoorkemal7588]

I am nineteen and I have autism. Although I still have some problems handling frustration it’s nothing compared to the old days. In elementary school I used to scream in class almost every day and I would get a note from my school saying what I did. In middle school this was less often but still prelevant. In high school I was constantly distracting the class when I thought of bad things and would make a screeching sound. I graduated now but I still need to work on what to do when I get upset Or frustrated or stressed. Because screaming and hitting my head is not the way to do it.

[@felixphiamphu3180]

We don't have to fear Autism and a person with Autism, it is that they are just enjoying and having their own world. It can't be cure, but we can make their life better by helping them.

[@jgardness7407]

We do need to fear Autism and fight it...you obviously don't know severe autism. These kids aren't enjoying their own world. They are in torture every day of their life. It's a horrible condition that our environment has helped create. That's not OK. And in about 10 years we'll have a very hard time taking care of the half of our child population with autism with any type of quality care. Let's get our heads out of the clouds and sand here.

[@felixphiamphu3180]

@@jgardness7407 there is no point in fearing Autism, instead we help them live a better life. I work with them everyday, got kicked, bitten, scratched but we have to understand that's their way to communicate way to express their feeling. It cannot be cure so whats the point in fearing them, instead i tried my best to help them out to live a better life.

[@jgardness7407]

@@felixphiamphu3180 Great. I watched my 6 year old regress suddenly into Autism, her doctors were baffled, she had NO signs of autism like symptoms EVER noted with NO concern for it prior. It stole her future, her dreams, her life. Don't feed me a line. I, as a parent, am not OK with that. We live in a pie in the sky time where we just need to "accept everything" and you're dead wrong. I love and fight for and protect and accept my daughter (more than anyone else in her world) with my life. That means fighting Autism and raising awareness of the need to FIGURE OUT why this is happening. There is a reason, but nobody cares.

[@Jbonha100]

As far as that little video thing goes my son used to make eye contact and then All of a sudden at about 16/18 months he started to regress. My sister and mom even have mentioned it. Thanks for this video it was good

[@tessamellas6869]

You can tell that this TED talk is ten years old. It’s all about how disordered the autistic brain is. And you can tell the speaker isn’t autistic. I am glad I was diagnosed with autism at a moment in history when we are talking about it as a different neurology, not a faulty one. We struggle because our environment is hostile to us not because we are disordered.

[@MsLizziebeth1]

@tessamellas6869 - disabled, NOT "disordered". Disordered would probably be schizo instead. In fact, I say that by the time an ASDer has a personality REVOLVING AROUND (and wallowing in) their autism, their brains have become very MALADAPTIVE to the world in which they must live. The less one actually tries to learn about EVERYTHING they don't already understand of the world, the more maladaptive they're getting. PS I am not a professional either. I am an "incomplete(d)" ex-student of Cognitive Science, that's all. I raised an autistic young man.

[@user-tf3on1vk8k]

If you don't know then quit and give the job to someone new who wants to know from where comes autism and how to cure it, eventually someone new will get to give us results not just talk

[@bravestraven4650]

I actually have autism too. But unlike most people. I never really found out about until later in life. I was 11 to 12 by the time I knew about it. My parents didn’t even tell anyone I had autism other than doctors. But they did not tell me so that I did not feel like there would be a limit to how successful I can be in life. And it did actually work. But it took an incredibly long time. But even today I still experience the same problems. But I’m doing better.

[@bahrainsociety]

The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.

[@JoeNoshow27]

I think there'd be a lot of value in diagnostically differentiating between those who are healthy with autism, (high functioning to the point of independence and relative contentment), versus those who are debilitated by it, so that those requiring aid can be governmentally assisted for having a medical disability. For those who are suffering due to their autism, we need to be there for them beyond calling them 'just different' and walking away. Edit: I fully agree with the critical comments and I acknowledge that autism is a very complicated condition. I believe anyone with autism, regardless of their supposed tier of functioning, should get all the assistance they need. My point is more saliently related to the notion that autistic individuals, across the board, aren't ill, but instead special in a kind of romantic way. I had a family member who worked with severely ill (and entirely dependent) autistic individuals who required full aid, by two hired care givers, around the clock. The condition gets very, very, very ugly for some people on the spectrum and I'm abhorred when people try to glamorize the condition for everyone with it. It's for many a sickness, and there's nothing wrong with admitting that. Being ill shouldn't be a point of shame.

[@sallyho3000]

JoeNoshow27 yea and no... unfortunately the term “high functioning” means only that one has verbal capacity... it has been incredibly damaging to those of us who are verbal and mostly “seem normal” but in fact, have severe sensory issues...

[@sallyho3000]

JoeNoshow27 perhaps ‘with’ or ‘without’ intellectual disability... but then you discount non verbal people who do not, in fact, have intellectual disabilities... it is a complicated issue.

[@paulagap2222]

That's why he rightly said we need more research & better diagnostic !

[@ゆううとちゃんねる]

I strongly hope. To become a world where autistic sons can live with smiles.

[@DetournementArc]

If Autism is such a wide spectrum involving so many causes and symptoms, isn't it a little inappropriate to consider all of it to fit under one umbrella?

[@gardenboundbylove2193]

[@sallyho3000]

It is, indeed.

[@nickmagrick7702]

yes, but explicitly states there are multiple causes. Did like 90% of the people in the comments not even watch the full fucking video?!

[@cheyennepetersen3417]

I actually think it's more helpful to have an umbrella term because, as you said, it is a spectrum. so a spectrum isn't going to have a limited amount of traits to define it. I think it's better than having a collection of seemingly unrelated syndromes and disorders that could cause someone to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because they didn't meet such a narrow qualification. I'm definitely autistic but I don't meet every single criteria, especially the ones that tend to present in boys more

[@jefferyford5309]

So much is not yet known or perhaps not even knowable (at least for now) about autism. I just try to embrace my differences and that's why my TED Talk is titled, "An Autistic Genius Discusses How Differences Make Us Special." I'll leave the genetics of it to you and embrace my differences with a spirit of gratitude! All my best to you and your work.

[@MartenFerret]

Aspie here!

[@fabiovrocha1]

Damn right

[@Jake5537t]

Same 😜

[@person6962]

NIR VANA really hard to answer such a vague question in under 100 000 letters. I can help you understand, but you have to ask a bit more specific questions.

[@Dancestar1981]

MartenFerret and here a female aspie age 37 diagnosed at 24

[@onetoughchick78]

Hi, aspie-sib! Aspies rock. :)

[@adamhartmann4714]

guys autism is a uniqueness and people with autism are often quiet gifted

[@TheScritzCure]

Chinang Krayzee I used my nose a few seconds ago and smelled some smelly bullshit.

[@maytriks4215]

Adam Hartmann nah

[@adamhartmann4714]

Maytriks co you have it ????

[@VonSteiner1]

Adam Hartmann "gifted"

[@amandajay666]

Thank you, I am on the spectrum and I have a love for music, I am also a toe-walker, and I am glad that people can see it is a gift, my amazing mother calls it a different ability not a disability

[@crimsonking2908]

I bang my head even though I am high functioning, and my talant is art and writing.

[@Catlily5]

I banged my head on concrete walls until they told me it could give me brain damage. Then I stopped.

[@matthewclarke5008]

I could be wrong, but I don't think we're autistic, I think everyone else is autistic. My hearing is normal, everyone else is deaf and they think I have overly sensitive autistic ears.

[@dragonlips2005]

Sadly, there is so much we don't know about Autism, and whole lot of misinformation out there. The infant eye test is not a reliable predictor of ASD, as it has been shown in recent studies that this behavior can change in babies. Studies show an infant at 6 months with poor eye contact, but having improved eye contact at 14 months or even 18 months. There is great risk with mass labeling of children on such a wide spectrum. Up until the early 80's, there was a classic definition of Autism as defined by Kanner. It was clear and concise. The medical community started to associate a spectrum of behaviors as Autism, which has clouded the waters for both the parent and the child and resulted in the drastic increase in "autism" diagnosis that we see today. When 1 in 40 boys are labeled with a condition, your criteria are far too general or misunderstood, or you need to reconsider your definition of "normal." Misdiagnosing a child as autistic can sometimes do more damage than withholding treatment.

[@PrinceZappa]

Thank you. Your post made so much sense. They keep moving the goalposts!

[@sydniedesjarlais7917]

As someone who is in the process of getting a diagnosis, and someone born female, its very difficult to even talk about getting assessed. Females on the spectrum are a bit better at passing as neurotyipical. So its hard to get people to even believe your concerns. Also, i would be considered high functioning. But the stereotype for high functioning kiddos is that they might have something similar to savant syndrome, which is where they are extreemly skilled in things like maths or science. As for me, i dont have those abilities. Sure, i have hyperfixations that allow me to be interested enough in a subject to do extremely well in them. But that only counts for one type of science in my case. I struggle in math, and some parts of science. And yeah, the main assumption for that stereotype is that all high functioning kiddos are amazing at math, and thats my worst subject. I do also show a lot of other symptoms though. But they are lesser known. Things like spd, or social awkwardness (which again, i have learned to hide, because i have scripted all my interactions) and even self harm behaviors. So its very difficult for me, obviously not as much as others, they might not even have parents or doctirs who will listen to them. Oh, and another tidbit of information. I am a trans guy. So i was born female. And there are many studies going on right now about the high rates of autism in the transgender community. There may be a link between autism and gender dysphoria disorder. Anyway, i would love to hear anybody who could relate in some way. (Sorry this was long)

[@elsiejayne2264]

I relate with you a lot! i have been trying to just even be assessed for over a year now and it has been the most difficult process. I have only been laughed at or misdiagnosed. I would also be considered high functioning and am also not skilled in math or science. In fact I just barely passed all my classes in school( cheated and copied a lot). Learning is actually very challenging for me unless it is music or my other interests. I am extremely socially awkward and HATE eye contact but no one can tell because I am very good at acting "normal". I always have a script for everything and if I am not prepared I panic. I basically relate to everything you are saying minus the trans part BUT I do feel more masculine then feminine. Idk if that relates to you/helps you at all. I hope that didn't offend you in anyway! I also have seen articles about high rates of autism in the trans community as well which is truly interesting and wish there was more people who would open up / talk about it. Thanks for being here!

[@sallyho3000]

Curious re your age. Gender dysphoria appears to be something that has been subtly superimposed in the case of autism... especially notable in girls.

[@sallyho3000]

Stigma Productions it isn’t less common in girls. What are you on about?

[@ebperformance8436]

I suffer from this.....back in the 80s there were no options, to help me. At the age of 6, I started drawing pictures of people burning to death....It got so bad the teacher called my parents “out of concern” I was taken to a counselor and received many speech doctors but it didn’t help.....I was behind in school, and failed many grades. I’m also fascinated with death and dead people”I used it as a tool, to feel empathy” Unfortunately it doesn’t work.....Autism has given me a painful life. I have had a couple suicide attempts”resulting in failure” autism has giving me a life with no friends.... My father used to beat me regularly”Because I had trouble counting” This didn’t help my case and made me worse. If your kid shows, any signs of autism.....Please get help!

[@my2cents49]

Same issue here. When I was growing up they still believed thqt girls couldn't have Autism or Asperger's. My brother got a diagnosis, helps, etc, but I didn't. By the time the first paper about girls and Autism came out in 2012/13, I had already aged out of my parents insurance system and was trying to start independent life in the world with young kids. The differences that lack of treatment equality has made in our lives is obvious.

[@nadinepaar4748]

According to the USFDA, thimerosol was not completely removed in 1992. Vaccines became available without it but you had to ask for those and most parents do not know to ask for it.

[@TheJohnnyPatriot]

I have Autism Spectrum Disorder which makes it hard for me to understand others and for them to understand me. Communication is extremely difficult for me.

[@BrandtD]

3 years later... How have you been? it's hard for me to communicate with others too and people feel awkward around me. life is a struggle

[@dsuzee1]

jonathan how are you doing now.. after 4 years of the time?

[@clem-1917]

i understand that autism can be very extreme and debilitating. however i fear this early intervention destroying some great minds, with only mild autism, in favor of "fitting in."

[@angelic8632002]

#squealpig I understand your fear. But I don't thing people who get intervention early in life, necessarily loose what makes people on the spectrum "unique". It depends on the treatment though. And the attitude of "normal" people. As someone diagnosed with asperger's, i can testify that i wouldn't want to be *completely* cured. Personally, all i want is a bit less problems with social interactions.

[@clem-1917]

i remember a documentary that followed many autistic teens over a number of years. those that chose to work hard at improving their social skills also found a regression in their mathematical abilities. This is due to the logical processing area of the brain being larger or more active than the social area in people with autism. After some quick searching i am unable to find any sources for study on this. However if this is true, i fear society's desire to support only a single social archetype and forcing this on people may regress a great natural gift in favor of greater social skills.

[@angelic8632002]

squealpig If that was the case, then yes there would be a tradeoff. And considering you have to make this choice when you are around the age of four... yeah its a moral dilemma. What i *can* say is that a lot of individuals on the spectrum suffer a *lot*, being outside of social norms. The feeling of isolation can cause severe depression and anxiety. What is clear is that we need to have this discussion, with all parties involved. Right now its *all* seen as a decease, when in reality the deviation from the norms is what gives many individuals on the spectrum their uniqueness. All things in moderation i guess.

[@angelic8632002]

***** That is a good point. The language center/social reasoning and spatial reasoning(dominant in mathematics) are highly specialized regions of the brain. They shouldn't overlap normally... Unless the brain uses its neuroplastic ability to adapt other regions of the brain to compensate for the underdeveloped regions. Instead of training them to function normally. Its an interesting thought experiment.

[@fludblud]

squealpig But merely favouring possible gifted mathematics instead of socialisation neglects the fact that we as humans are a social species who depend on each other for survival, well being and general happiness. What use is being a mathematics genius if you cant communicate with others? If you cant express needs and desires? If you lack the social skills to fall in love? What becomes of that child's life if all you want to do is focus on his strengths? I would rather be a well rounded individual with multiples strengths than an unhappy and unsociable glorified computer. To not intervene in favour of focusing on known strengths is to basically dictate that child's future life without allowing him the skills and ability to choose for him/herself, that would be morally repugnant.

[@afellowhuman8944]

Thank you, I have a friend online, she had this abusive father who abuses her mentally, and many bad things happens to her

[@popmasteralan5594]

So what happened after

[@afellowhuman8944]

@@popmasteralan5594 currently not doing well, had her online twitch 'friends' steal her work ( one of them accused her for faking her autism) and had a lot of family issues to deal with. I haven't created much but I drew drawings for her to cheer her up

[@xPlaguefearx]

I have no goals, no aspirations and no drive, i know i can do so much but society never really embraced me and i feel like an outsider.

[@mnewby82]

It's a major struggle. I was diagnosed with it at 25

[@reukoji9520]

22 here

[@mohaklondhe]

@@reukoji9520 my niece is diagnosed with Autism yesterday. She is 2.5. What can we do the best to get her out of it?

[@meep2605]

well it's strange how it has increased all of a sudden so many children have that gene mutation

[@nancyryba1793]

i don't agree my son was fine until he had his mmr and he changed .stopped talking ,having eye contact etc . you will never convince me there is not something in those shots .

[@lolipopPrincess]

Nancy Ryba My heart goes out to you, im so sorry.

[@castlenovelist97BOOKS]

Has anyone ever taken the time to actually learn about people with these struggles in their lives? It's really interesting to read about and I've been looking up information to read regarding these conversations.

[@ProdByZetro100]

To me I kinda feel like my autism is a blessing.. Life is just what it is everybody has an disability somehow