Autistic person answers Google's most asked questions about autism

As you can tell I have been hyper focused on my youtube channel and I am very impulsive I can't just film a video and then wait to upload it. I need instant gratification of posting it lol. Anyway, I am answering Google's most searched questions about autism. Some I answer more broadly speaking for autism in general and others I answer more personally. I had fun filming this one so I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to leave a comment down below if you have autism questions you want me to answer!
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ABOUT ME
Hello, for those of you that dont know me my name is Morgan. I am a 22 year old late diagnosed autistic ADHDer from Massachusetts. I am sharing my life on social media in an effort to advocate for autism awareness and break down the stigma surrounding autism and ADHD. I mostly talk about neurodivergency but I also make lifestyle and travel content.

[@GoldenLatte.]

I just started watching you about 20 minutes ago! I was 100 percent sure I was autistic and now I'm 200 percent sure.

[@carllewis5891]

Then go get a diagnosis If you feel that sure

[@heedmydemands]

​@@carllewis5891might not b free

[@TheAutisticFrog]

@@carllewis5891they are expensive (and sometimes biased!) so i can see why someone might not get one

[@user-gt8xg3fk4e]

@@carllewis5891you say that like it’s just that easy

[@alorena_02]

​@@carllewis5891you do know that a LOT of time can pass until one gets an appontinment, right? Waiting lists are seemingly endless. Why are you assuming that you know where someone is in that whole process.

[@BishyGrungeFairy24th]

Hiii! I’m 14 and undiagnosed but I highly think I’m autistic and I’m trying to get diagnosed so I’m writing down to my psychologist why I think I’m autistic and you’re helping me a lot with my journey because I get most of the symptoms to write down from you and your long KZbin videos have also helped with sensory issues and understand a bit why I don’t like certain things and why I’m like that so thank you so so so much for existing and being you❤

[@Just_Mila]

Hey, I'm about your age and I'm also trying to get my neurodivergency diagnosis (not autism but ADHD). I also did the same thingy with writing down the reasons I think I have ADHD. For me personally it's been hard and I still didn't get it, but I know how it can feel, so I'm wishing you good luck with that, I hope you'll get diagnosed successfully :) (idk why I decided to comment that but why not)

[@BishyGrungeFairy24th]

@@Just_Mila Yeah it’s the same thing for me, it’s like super hard to explain to my psychologist why I think I’m autistic because I was masking all my life until like a year ago when I had a mental breakdown and plus in my country mental illnesses are kinda a taboo thing but same for you, I hope you get your diagnosis successfully :)

[@Just_Mila]

@@BishyGrungeFairy24th thank you so much!!

[@jasminvomwalde7497]

Hi guys, Not trying to be a killjoy but you should not state your age on the internet when you underage. Best wishes.

[@Junebuggly]

I'm 15, and just this year I found out what autism really was and that I probably have it. I'm so glad this cannel is helping you and you are going to get a diagnosis! I wish you luck!

[@c0niferal]

Ok hearing the somatic empathy definition is huge for me. I get this to such a strong extent & it makes it exhausting to interact with stressed people especially, or when there's underlying emotions that aren't being addressed. I live with my parents still & constantly have no energy until they go on holiday, because of this exact thing. Having language for this is so so validating, thank you :)

[@daeyangshi]

Yess yes yes yes this. I live with my parents + my grandma, and I notice that my production & motivation levels rise when my parents are gone and I’m just with my grandma lol

[@superrandomuser]

So relatable. Infact whenever I'm upset and I dont know why, I simply ask everyone around me if they're okay or not because my first instinct is just "are you upset because theyre upset?" so I try to eliminate that first and then go on to other possible reasons

[@Ficles81125]

Just figured out why I hate being near my dad who has a stress disorder

[@regig.9493]

I grew up with a mother who is narcissistic and bipolar. This explains why I was so exhausted all the time.

[@DerSim688]

This is the biggest problem between me and my Husband. When he is upset (or exhausted etc.), I mirror that (without actually realizing that he is upset or that I mirror it), even when I was happy before that. Then we are both miserable, I don’t manage to do what I planned on doing which means I have to reschedule stuff which stresses me out and it is a downward spiral from there. We get better at recognizing this early and preventing it, but it still happens from time to time.

[@mrssterk]

Thank you for making these videos and your shorts. My autistic 12 year old is struggling to figure himself out and although I'm trying my best to help him through, obviously I can't experiemce his life through his eyes so it's difficult. He discovered your channel and has been sending me the videos that resonate for him, including this one. It has really helped us both in our quest to make his environment and interactions less stressful and more filled with joy.

[@Nico_DiAngelo]

Im so glad he’s starting to figure himself out and its amazing that you’re trying to help. Some things you can do to help is if he has problems with sensory overload, get him stuff like headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, or even things t chew on when he’s nervous. If you mean he’s struggling to fit in socially, honestly I’m still figuring that out myself. (Im 13) so there’s not much advice i can give you there. But i hope he figures things out, and I’m sure you’re doing an amazing job helping him.

[@gailasprey7787]

Hey! I have some suggestions so you can help! Here’s some more suggestions: Get them stim toys! Try to understand what they like to use to calm them. If they likes smells get them some essential oils (research them first as proper knowledge first is very important) or some sort of smelly thing they like to carry around, if they enjoys listening to music over and over again to stim get them some wireless headphones which they can carry wherever and more. They really help and as a kid who blasted my headphones when we went on long trips so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed by my siblings constant bickering it absolutely is a great way to block out noise overstimulation. Anything like that from those jackets that add pressure and weighted blankets to smells and pop its and fidget necklaces. Don’t ignore overstimulation. If they are stressed out by noises, or sensory stimuli don’t ignore it. Take him out of the situation, try to alleviate it if it can be or help him find a way to cope (for me biting a pen works wonders to keep my stress from building up over time as it immediately stops the stress from building and let’s it out) Encourage him to try new things food but don’t force it! For some like me I didn’t eat many new foods till I was in year 5 in which I started being encouraged to try Chinese and now I can’t eat normal rice, only Chinese takeout rice. 😂 so I highly suggest trying to get him more accustomed to new stuff but not making him and eventually he might try it, he might hate it or like it but support him. His stimming or behaviours May slightly change over time. Whether sensory changes (I loved bananas from three but now they are my nemesis) or even changes that are very positive like him being able to cope with school better, being able to socialise better by just being his autistic self and be able to understand social cues better, not minding change as much etc. You should make sure he isn’t masking subtly by changing his stims to be less obvious but other than masking it is fine for his behaviours to change, good even because a small change is natural for any human. Recognise masking. Masking is when you try to hide autistic traits. Whether acting more extroverted, pretending not to be distressed, or stopping talking about special interests I highly suggest researching masking and if your grandson shows signs of this have a talk with him on if he is okay and that he doesn’t need to change himself for anybody else’s comfort.

[@PassionBuggie]

Could you maybe possibly make a video discussing the process you went through getting an autism diagnosis? ❤❤

[@jennierandomz]

I have been wondering how too?

[@morgaanfoley]

Yes! I am going to make a full in depth diagnosis story time!❤

[@HannahFields444]

Cool! I'm interested in seeing what your experience was. As an undiagnosed, employed, adult female in the south it feels impossible to find a doctor who will even see me for an evaluation. I gave up for a bit, but trying again. 🤞

[@Catlady1210]

​@HannahFields444 same. In Tennessee, it's apparently a joke for me to even think I could have autism and especially ridiculous to try to even dare get evaluated this late in life.. since 40 is ancient? I just turned 40 and I can't mentally take it much longer . I feel useless. My lupus,adhd, fibromyalgia and hashimotos do not help much either...

[@corvusheller328]

​@@morgaanfoleymay I say I think you are really cute

[@lazygeckowithtea]

Autism is so much more than stereotypes. I wasnt diagnosed until almost the end of high school and was totally gaslit by everyone into thinking my burnouts and meltdowns were me being lazy or overdramatic. I relate to you so much and you truly are a gem because I find it so hard to explain a lot of my symptoms and behaviors through words and you explain things so thoroughly. I hope it doesnt sound weird but I often use wording similar to yours to describe my feelings because they just fit so well and they really help me feel so understood. You are an awesome person and I hope you keep doing what you are doing

[@sleepingroses761]

I have (I suspect) several autistic family members, and grew up surrounded by neurodivergence, (diagnosed and undiagnosed) so most of my traits were never seen as abnormal. This also resulted in unconscious compensation and accommodation strategies that I learned by watching, or that already existed within our neurodivergent social structures!

[@sienna1005]

Could you specify some of your non "abnormal" traits I am genuinely interested

[@hannahk1306]

Same! My brother got an autism diagnosis at a young age and there's also a couple of other people in our family who we think are neurodivergent. Basically, the accommodations for my brother also helped me, so I only really started struggling when I went to uni. I'm now in my late twenties and realising that I'm so neurodivergent that somebody should have picked up on it!

[@TigerEgan]

Love this video, I love how it makes it easier for non autistic people to understand autism. I’m autistic and do is my daughter. This video helps those close to our family, including my wife whom is neurotypical. Thank you Morgan, as always you are awesome. Keep making awesome videos

[@Just_Mila]

Hey Morgan, you're probably not gonna see this comment but I hope you are. Anyways I have ADHD and that's why I'm interested in everything related to neurodivergencies, and I'd also like to study more about all of them, including autism. Your videos are great, they really help me with learning. Thank you so much

[@sarahedwards5766]

I am SO excited that you have been "hyperfocusing" on your youtube! I got so excited when I saw longer videos. I absolutely love your content you're such a wonderful young woman! Thank you for all your content, it helps me not feel alone

[@markprothero2666]

“Do autistic people have an extra chromosome”. I almost chocked on the air I’m breathing.

[@linalski]

I find your videos very interesting! I love to learn more about mental health!❤ I‘m still trying to figure out if I have autism or ADHD, your videos have been very helpful.

[@heedmydemands]

Never know could b both

[@verbfrombonsai8852]

Only way to really know for sure is a professional diagnosis, especially if your psychiatrist really knows what they are doing,

[@Nico_DiAngelo]

So idk if anyone else does this, but when I’m nervous, I sing while narrating everything I’m doing. Once i went into a Cinnabon and nobody noticed me and i was so nervous to call out to someone so i just walked back out, thought about going back to my mom and then just stood outside contemplating my life’s choices. And the whole time i was singing to myself about what i was doing like walking, looking, pacing, and thinkin

[@arsena5209]

I think that might be you stimming, which is something both autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people and neurotypical people alike can do! self soothing, repetitive behaviours a person may do when stressed, under pressure or upset, which I've heard includes singing to yourself

[@Nico_DiAngelo]

@@arsena5209 i think so too. I am autistic so probably

[@user-ob1zy8bw4i]

Hi I recently found your instagram account and I’m glad to have found your KZbin account. I was diagnosed with Autism at 15 and right now I’m currently 20. Love this video! Much love and support.

[@Layla.Gomess]

❤❤❤ I love your videos they’re so relatable , it’s nice to be able to connect with someone.

[@bbq_baggins9209]

A few weeks ago my mental health nurse told me she had a strong feeling that I may be autistic and has referred me for assessment. The idea had never crossed my mind before. But after watching ALOT of videos by yourself, and other late diagnosed women (I'm 30) I have never felt so comfortable, and I have never related to something so much in my entire life. You've helped me make some HUGE realisations about my childhood and early adulthood, I also now feel like less of a weirdo. But I'm now questioning how no one ever thought that SOMETHING (whether it comes back that i'm autistic or not) was different about me. Particularly when my younger brother was diagnosed as a child, and looking back we had similar struggles through childhood. I spent a week or so just angry at the world and everyone around me for not noticing me. But in the least creepy way possible, I feel at home watching your videos. Even though I am undiagnosed, I feel seen and understood. I am also on the path to understanding myself. So whether I am autistic or not, thankyou so incredibly much.

[@ang3likat]

It was also so eye-opening for myself to learn about what autism truly is and realize I most likely am autistic!! It's also so important to analyze these kinds of questions and answers and see how it can differ from person to person. I love this video so much

[@chrisho6874]

Thanks for sharing your experiences as an Autistic person Morgan. I'm 50 and didn't learn I was autistic until I was 30. I can relate a lot of what you shared. It was really frustrating as a teenager not knowing why I am different from the rest of my classmates so I did often mask my behaviors and was very quiet during my teenage years. I also have a learning disability called Dyscalculia which my brain takes longer than the average person in understanding arithmetic so I never passed the SATs; doctors didn't know what was wrong with me as a child so got no real help but was in special ed in classes in elementary school. Being Asian I get stereotyped into supposed to be great at math a lot but I don't reveal my learning disability or Autism to anyone outside of my family. The two Autistic stereotypes I hate the most that people may have is that Autistic people are either the "RainMan" type autistic person who can't take care of themselves and function in society or the other stereotype in being the super brilliant Autistic person that is a math genius or music genius but are always single because they are terrible at having a relationship with people and viewed as someone who has no empathy and can come across as an A-hole in their behavior; Elon Musk comes to mind on that category. Like you, I am more in the middle. I'm glad there is more awareness now thanks to you and other spreading on what it really means to be an Autistic person than what it was over 20 years ago. I actually do like trains but I am not obsessed with them. I am obsessed with Star Wars since I was 5 and still am but people think of me more as a geek in that regard but then again, are there a lot of Autistic people that are geeks?

[@vanessatool4346]

I wanted to know a bit more about autism, and you with your beautiful personality really help me understand my friends wih autism. Bless you and thank you! Your channel is amazing!

[@MorePranaGardens]

I'm 51 and I figured it out last year. The super funny thing is that when I coached I always worked best with the neurodivergent kids because I loved that they wanted to know why we were doing things and they loved the routine of workouts; should have been a big hint. But I do think that my age is a large part of the reason it went unnoticed. Autism was barely diagnosed back then and only to boys.

[@scottfw7169]

Yep, the lack of knowledge and consequent lack of awareness back then was a huge factor. I'm now 61 and got diagnosed at 43.

[@Cat.cath4]

We’re the exact same kind of person… i have been diagnosed with adhd and my doc believe i have autism… i am on a waiting list for a psychiatrist, but i just know i’m autistic.. i understand you 100%, you are my reality, we’re literally the same (and i did so many research and tests, but mostly i am just obsessed with my brain and why nobody understands me) i’ve been watching your videos on tiktok for some years now and just discovered your youtube. It feels so good to watch people like me talking about what i experienced. ‘’What is wrong with me’’ and ‘’ i wish i was normal ‘’ were my 2 best friends my whole life. It is so wrong! Because i do love you Morgan, a lot as a person, and most autistic people as well. And there’s nothing wrong with you, i’ll be sad to see you go ‘’normal’’… so it’s the same for me. We should always be proud of us and connect with the right people. We should never let allistic people make us question ourselves. I always secretly loved my brain and myself when i isolate in a good mood. The best people in the world will understand my struggles and i should make a mental barrier with the neurotypical. Also, ‘’ hi 👋 ’’ to the INFJ community.

[@grxniera]

Never better explained. Can’t wait for te next video! 🖤

[@alirak9261]

I think a lot of "genius autistic" folks stereotype also comes from autistic ppl with not just talent but also special interest in the topic. Bc no matter how smart you are, you need to make actual effort to study. And nothing beats effort of special focus, lmao. 😂 If you pair it with hyper focus, you'll probably get those "messy geniuses only caring about science and forgetting food, drink, hygiene and people".

[@cupofteawithpoetry]

That makes so much sense! I think you might be on to something there 👍

[@WeltschmerzPiano]

Facts tho! I’m autistic (diagnosed) and I have an iq of 134 (WISK V), i do about high average in school but my special interests are aviation and piano, I never fit in, I don’t have too many friends, I am trash socially, but I’m already collaborating with some semi- professional musicians on a cover for a company (I’m 12) and flying a Cessna 152, autism is a real love hate relationship, it really takes away from you in many ways but you can extend yourself so far! It’s like someone cut off half of one of your arms and attached it to your other arm, you can reach so far in one way, and have so much potential! But you are really limited in the reach of the other arm, it’s also totally painful (mentally) mwahahahahahahahahahaha

[@catherinecaseri5228]

I just started watching your Videos. I have an Autistic child and I’m trying to learn all I can so that I understand them better. Thank you for doing these.

[@josephmartin1540]

Great job explaining. It helps us when we have people who can explain these things!

[@DaGuys470]

Hello. I'm autistic. I like trains. Nice to meet you lol

[@richard1493]

Autism or not, a dislike of trains is a red flag.

[@leannewith3]

My son was diagnosed at age 6(11 years ago) We have learnt so much about autism since then. Myself and my husband are both definitely autistic but not diagnosed. My daughter, 19, just got herself diagnosed and my son,12, wants to get diagnosed too. I love your videos!

[@KarenDUlrich]

I would love to hear more on somatic empathy. This is a great video!

[@theiasadventures6920]

Hi I just got diagnosed and it’s really hard but watching someone who has autism as well really helps me you are amazing and have made me happy 😊and all these things you are saying I can relate to

[@jasminvomwalde7497]

Hi, Not trying to be a killjoy but you should not state your age on the internet when you underage. Best wishes.

[@kat.oliveira]

hey morgan, nice to see you here as well!!! unsourced information but I've read somewhere that it was really common for young autistic boys to be really into trains. this has become a huge stereotype, but it was decades ago

[@laurenalexhooper]

I was diagnosed autistic at twenty and ADHD at twenty seven and I definitely agree that the lack of knowledge beyond the stereotypes is infuriating and a big part of why so many autistic people get missed at younger ages. I don’t think it’s accurate to say that most autistic people don’t understand sarcasm (personally, I’ve never had a problem with it, which I’m pretty sure contributed to my late diagnosis) but a high proportion do, which is obviously a part of difficulty with communication. Also I recently discovered some of the statistics of ADHD and driving which are really interesting (I doubt being autistic would affect my driving my ADHD definitely does then, but then I can’t take ADHD medication).

[@zeliha8113]

Omg I’ve been playing with my tangle the whole time watching the video and it kinda made me laugh seeing you do the same at the end lol

[@fairygodmotherflowerEternal221]

❤❤❤Love you so much. Thank you for sharing . I find you very relatable.

[@leoniekemm16]

Hi ! Love you so much ❤ I found you recently and am so grateful I did

[@dordly]

FINALLY HOLY SHIT 8:19 I normally sorta relate to everything you and others have said, but this one takes the cake. I'm constantly misunderstood because I'm trying to joke or be sarcastic way and NOBODY EVER GETS IT! I also recently learned that I have a great poker face because the reason people never laughed at my jokes is because they thought I was serious. people actually thought I was a serious person that never joked and I had to explain that I'm actually almost always joking, I'm just always consuming comedy media that inspires me to try different styles.

[@giralarv]

I'm so glad you're posting full-length videos now, keep it up! :D

[@BlueTheCrew]

Ok, I LOVE trains, I talk to myself, I think my face is ugly, and I have 1 friend. How likely is it that I'm autistic?

[@Wangsheng77]

I am 14 and I was diagnosed with autism a few months ago. I never would have thought that I had it unless my doctor suggested for me to get tested when my mum took me there for anxiety issues. It’s crazy how little I knew about it until I got diagnosed. There should definitely be more education about it so society doesn’t think all autistic people are little boys who like trains. I love your content so thank you 🫶

[@JamesMaynardMoreland]

I have been diagnosed for some time and hopefully in a future video you can speak to the growing autism community and how the internet has helped foster that growth thank you

[@nathenewendzel7806]

Autism doesn't equal trouble with empathy people. Seriously. A lot of people with Autism actually have a strong sense of empathy. Some have an abnormally strong sense of empathy. Yes there are a few with empathy problems, but Autism does not automatically give people that issue.

[@britneygriffin6704]

I knew almost nothing about autism until my toddler was diagnosed. I was very surprised at some of the things connected to autism. It's making me a lot more understanding of certain behaviors I see in public. It also helps me be less judgmental of people who have signs of autism. Also, the more I learn about autism for my daughter, the more I start wondering about myself. I feel like there's no way I'm autistic and over reacting, but also, i feel like my whole life is being explained as I learn what it is.

[@LylaStott-ig4de]

love your videos!

[@jeanettecastle7916]

Hey, I understand your sarcasm completely. My sarcasm is like your sarcasm. I don't think I'm autistic, though. I enjoy your videos. Thanks for helping others understand what autism is and what it isn't. :)

[@nathenewendzel7806]

I usually call my self talk, "thinking out loud." A lot of people do it at least sometimes to process their thoughts, but won't admit to it.

[@Futurevenomzone]

Regarding the late diagnosis thing, I was diagnosed in 2012 I believe (so I would've been 10/11) and it's only since I've come across pages on social media the past few years that I feel I truly understand what autism is

[@ToCoSo]

Thanks for being so honest and brilliant. Question what could neuro typicals do to make life easier, I know the reliance on non verbal and not telling the truth seems to be a neuro typical standard!!

[@user-rx3us4md8o]

I am in the process of getting my diagnosis. You are completely correct about the childhood stories. When I look at any of the stories my parents tell about me as a kid it's so obvious! Speaking in complete sentences from 10 months, getting harassed at school by adults for my lack of affect, total avoidance of eye contact, aversions to certain kinds of sensory input, etc.

[@TheRealJBFilms]

I honestly had no idea that somatic empathy was a part of autism until watching this video, and I'm just like THATS APART OF AUTSIM???!!! I thought I was just weird I had no idea. got diagnosed with autism about a year ago and don't really fully understand all of my symptoms. Your videos are definitely helping me make sense of my autism

[@verbfrombonsai8852]

During my very first checkup with my psychiatrist, she asked me if I can read expressions. I said that of course I can, smile = happy then frown = sad. She then asked me what I think her assistant is feeling at the moment, and he had a blank expression on his face. I thought it was a trick question but then I talked about it to my neurotypical friend and she said she would have answered "tired". My world view of neurotypicals changed forever

[@RemizZ]

I don't think those questions really come out of nowhere. For the longest time autism was the thing that made people unable to live alone, become proficient at playing the piano at age 3 and unable to talk to people. Those *are* also legit autistic people, but it being a spectrum is a pretty new thing.

[@cfng34]

This was an amazing video!

[@Dopevibesx]

Hiii ! I am late diagnosed at 23 after getting medically retired from the military!! I served overseas and traveled alot and the routine and clear expectations were great but the world is still ran by neurotypicals . Being autistic isn’t the problem.. it is always the unaccommodating world that causes us problems. After my deployment in the middle east I came back with PTSD and lost my ability to mask. I got medical discharged and retired with a bunch of accomplishments and after two years of trying too figure out what the f was wrong with me I finally found out I was autistic and had Adhd.

[@c____832]

Hi! I loved your video so much:)) My question as an ADHDer is that “how much do you or people you know that are fellow autistic(&also adhder)people relate to people with just adhd?? And do you see which is playing the role in certain issues you would encounter in life?”

[@HumanOfficiaI]

I wanted to ask if you’re an introvert, oh and By the way you are my favorite KZbinr and I love your KZbin shorts ❤

[@CDgyioyfuiiuhh]

I feel as if my son perpetuates some of these stereotypes. He likes trains and is excellent at math. Haha However, he’s an 8 year old and I feel as if liking vehicles and “things that go,” is common with kids his age and a bit younger. And his father/my husband has a double major and one major is math. So….. I had one person insist my son didn’t have autism because he could “ride a bike.” It seemed like such and unrelated thing. He also likes lemonade and can whistle. Thanks for doing what you do. I stumbled upon your shorts and you do an excellent job.

[@DerSim688]

From my experience: Though the exact interest often changed, every autist I met who was into technical/ physics stuff in their youth also loves technical/ physics stuff as an adult. I personly liked trains and electricity and was great at math and logic back then. All of that is still true (I am 30 now)

[@autisticgirlmelissal628]

I really enjoyed this video :) and btw I think that you are so right because a lot people do ask the stupidest questions. I also have a learning disability as well since I was a kid in IEP classes for so many years in school honestly school like was like hell because of the constant bullying etc. I also like your curly hair ^-^ I also have curly hair.

[@Ximoc]

I'm newly diagnosed but I've been diagnosed with SPD basically my whole life. My entire family is autistic so it wasn't that much of a shock. I'm very in the autistic community. One question, do you prefer: I have Autism I am Autistic

[@boxkid32]

my friend and her sister introduced me to her sister's friend by calling me and the other person their "weird friends". my friend said "well, yeah, but MY weird friend is different" and when we stepped away i said to her "yeah the difference between me and (other person) is that i have autism" as a joke (im pretty sure i have it, im not diagnosed though) and she said "HMMMMMMMMMM nah i don't think you have autism" and i was like "eh i was joking but how so?" and she said "well, wouldn't you look a bit..... different?" she confused autism with down syndrome

[@TulipFeild]

The sarcasm situation is my situation ❤

[@zodiac-roses498]

I mainly just want to know more about autism like signs of autism and anything really because I’m just starting to learn about it but I don’t know what to search but then I found your channel and so far has been useful ❤ also I feel like I may be autistic so that is why I’m searching into it but also started thinking abt it when I found out a bunch of my friends (including my girlfriend) are autistic

[@mikko.g]

So much of society 'thinks' they know what autism looks like... as if autism looked like something they could specifically categorize... and those people are more then happy to tell minimize your experience by saying cruel things like "You don't look autistic", "Everybody is a little autistic", "Everybody has difficulties in 'this' situation"... or my personal top of the list peeve ... "I know you don't like to be interrupted but..." ... that last one is an allistic person saying they understand enough about autism to know this is going to make your day worse, but not enough empathy to care about it.

[@Coolgirl_ig_]

I’m kinda happy people are looking these things up, it helps wash out stereotypes.

[@nathenewendzel7806]

A lot of these questions were dumb. At the same time, I'm impressed on how much you know about Autism for somebody more recently diagnosed. A lot of people recently diagnosed in their adult years I've noticed have a tendency to assume their Autism is an explanation for everything when it isn't. I was diagnosed as a kid and a lot of these assumptions of some people more recently diagnosed are very surprising as if the crazy assumptions of people without aren't crazy enough.

[@KillerCat03]

ADHDer here who is currently being evaluated for ASD because of your videos! I'm really struggling with the whole black and white thinking of "I can't be autistic because my burnout looks like being tired and quiet after one college class and not being able to focus the rest of the day instead of having a more noticeable meltdown". How do you personally separate/identify which symptoms come from ADHD vs autism or possibly both?

[@Immotallowedhere]

Morgannnnnn I love your shorts they’re so funny 😂😂😂😂 and your tiktokkkkssss I have a friend that saw your vids and he said “she doesn’t act like she’s autistic” idk if he understands js because they’re autistic doesn’t mean that they have to act different ❤

[@jaybrock2595]

I am reluctant to say anything about medication, but I am concerned for people that take medication for adhd as I am convinced its the wrong approach and comes along with many negative effects, including dependency also it interferes with emotional and cognitive regulation . That being said thank you for another awesome unique video about autism, it was very enlightening, I loved your reaction to talking ti ones self haha, could you be any more adorable!

[@niekambinuj]

I have a question. Is it okay for me to say that I am autistic if I don't have the official diagnosis but I am sure I am autistic? Also, I love your channel :-)

[@morgaanfoley]

Self diagnosis is valid as long as it has been done properly. You must meet all of the diagnostic criteria in the DSM5. Id also suggest researching other disorders and not have a narrow focus on autism because traits of autism can overlap with other disorders. Self diagnosis is meant to be a place holder until you can get a formal diagnosis. Self diagnosis has become widely accepted in the autism community bc a formal diagnosis can take years and thousands of dollars therefore they aren’t accessible to everyone. Self diagnosis is great for finding ways to accommodate yourself and understanding yourself better❤️❤️

[@thenewmodelworkshop5743]

Thank you for the insight about the two different types of empathy, I totally align with that, I feel other's emotions as if they are my own if they are circumstances that I can relate to. As for trains, I don't have a special interest, but do love Steam trains and tracing disused railroad routes on satellite photos. I'm also ex-military, and in the UK, Autism is not a barrier to service.

[@Sarcasmarkus]

Asking your search browser dumb questions doesn't mean the person asking it is dumb, its quite the opposite. Dumb people don't actively try and fill in the gaps in their knowledge. If a person has heard abilist ideas and don't think they're right their internet browser is the safe space to ask "dumb questions" with out being judged.

[@user-vh7jr4nm3x]

I love all of your crochet sweater's. Pls do a tutorial on some of them.

[@kearstinnekenerson6676]

I grew up with several autistic people growing up and got to see a bit of the spectrum so I knew it didn’t look the same person to person. My son is autistic and I’m getting tested for it in February we both are also diagnosed with adhd and I just couldn’t relate harder to your content so I’m looking forward to getting tested and maybe actually getting some help with my finer motor skills and maybe learn how to do things a little better so my day to day isn’t so hard. And my son loves trains but just in videos not in person they are too loud in person and he loves his toy trains we have 4 totes of different types of toy trains and anything that wasn’t trains got a I just wanted trains from him to everyone. Everyone has their own interests but with how loud trains are not surprised most people are not obsessed.

[@anonymous-yk9sz]

Hey Morgan! I am Alex, I’m 18 years old and have been wondering for a few years if I am autistic since pretty much everything I’ve heard about it I relate to so much; And that journey has been very hard for me since I think I have very interesting symptoms, when compared to most conditions (was diagnosed bipolar in the past but I don’t think I am) and when compared to how most people think of autism (including my mom who I live with - only her - who is kinda ableist and not understanding of mental conditions as a whole really). When I was in high school (dropped out right before senior year due to anxiety), I never was able or really wanted to make any friends or be in an intimate relationship with anyone - and even nowadays I have a hard time with the idea of getting a job because of that! (never had one and idk how to drive). I was wondering how you feel, and what your experiences are, with trying to have friends and/or have an intimate relationship with someone!! thank you sm!! your content has helped me a lot through this process of figuring myself out and such. 💗

[@taZZZkitty]

I have only recently found out I am autistic. I was in the Army long before I figured this out and I too can say that it was actually good for me. The routine and lack of choices just made things easier for me. I did what I was told and it freed up a lot of my brain to actually manage being more social than I had before or since. I had no idea until recently why that part of my life was actually easier when it seems like it should be harder for most people.

[@Mazygolucky]

Oh god I do the thing with taking on other people’s emotions!!!!

[@Ducklet15]

Question for the video you mentioned:what are the signs that a person might be going through autistic burnout? I have as recently diagnosed (at 15 )and feel I may be going through it but don’t know enough about it to know for sure. It would be super helpful ❤

[@EveAurelia]

I’m currently experiencing burnout as an autistic person, and some ways you know you are can vary but some other ones include having meltdowns much more often, having a tough time getting good sleep, crying more often, possibly eating much less than usual, and often times you may have increased levels of anxiety. My problem is I don’t know what to do to solve this problem, but I know when I’m experiencing it.

[@idontreadorreply]

2:54 THIS IS SO MEEEE!!! It became a huge issue when my friends were depressed…

[@shadowstitan]

If it isn't too personal I would like to know your experience with different medications. I am diagnosed Autism and ADHD as well, but before I got those I was only being treated for anxiety and depression. So I was put on a SSRI (specifically Celexa). After a year I couldn't take the side effects anymore and came off of it. I am currently on an ADHD medication which has drastically changed my life for the better. I was recently put on Wellbutrin for anxiety and depression (since it is a non SSRI) and having mixed results. My psychiatrist wants to put me on a different form of a SSRI for my autistic meltdowns but I just don't know. I am loving your videos, I feel so seen. Thank you!

[@Jeffsharkcove]

Hi Morgan, On another video of yours you speculated that I'm "left-leaning." I laughed. Now you can laugh. I love trains. I watch train channels here and always notice or stop to watch them live. I'm also heavily into model railroading. Toy trains since 1962 or something. I've spent man-months designing and printing all kinds of miniatures for a model layout I'm building. So at least you know one ND that's into trains.

[@nathenewendzel7806]

Sarcasm. Depends on the individual and the type of sarcasm. If you don't use a sarcastic tone, it's harder for me to pick up on and some people just assume I don't because of my responses and some people just suck at speaking sarcasm and blaim the Autism.

[@melodywillson]

Yeah I'm the same, i also feel like i need to isolate myself because I get so overwhelmed by other peoples emotions, that then become mine. I describe it as being like a sponge for others emotions, same idea with sensory overload. I think autistic people, myself included, just absorb too much information and emotion at once sometimes

[@heedmydemands]

I can already tell that you're awesome

[@crispyorangetowel9230]

So, I am currently in the doing of getting diagnosed for ADHD and ASD, and I struggle a lot with miscommunication. I often obliviously make things about myself in conversation. If someone were to say 'on holiday, I went to Italy', I would immediately start talking about times when *I've* been to Italy and what *I* thought of it. But the thing is, this is in no means to talk about me and make things about myself but rather to make others feel related to. No one has ever said that they've felt I'm egotistical but I always feel like I am for portraying that *'me, me, me'* behaviour. So does anyone else struggle with this? Or am I just narcissistic? Like, am I egotistical or do I carry neuro divergent traits?

[@Just_Mila]

For me it's kinda complicated too. I'm also trying to finally get my ADHD diagnosis. Except I'm the other way around, even tho I think the exact same thing - I just say "Wow, cool! Italy sounds fun, tell me about it!" And thn I listen, and in my head I have A LOT to say about me being in Italy, but I don't because I'm afraid to "pull the blanket", to make everything about myself, to appear rude, even tho some people told me that's how you talk to people - They tell you something, you tell them about your simillar experience, boom! Conversation. But in reality, I'm too scared, so I just quietly listen and never really talk about myself, until someone SPECIFICALLY asks me, and even when somebody asks I have no idea which of my thoughts are related to the topic and which are random. So I feel you (I think). It's painful :(

[@crispyorangetowel9230]

@@Just_MilaYes! I relate to that a lot because after I realized my behavior I completely distanced myself from conversation so I assume you must feel quite isolated? Actually that fear of others thinking you're making things about yourself seems to link with ASD and could even be a sign of masking. The reason I mentioned my ADHD (yet-to-be) diagnosis, is because I saw a video (by someone with ADHD) explaining a similar behavior. I'll link it if I can find it!

[@nathenewendzel7806]

An extra chromosome has nothing to do with Autism, but there can be people with Autism with Down syndrome. Not all people with Autism have Down syndrome. Not all people with Down syndrome have Autism. They are two separate things.

[@princesscrystalofthejewelw9178]

I was diagnosed pretty young(six) but what autism is was never explained to me because everyone just assumed I would know by now(I grew up with devoiced parents and in spilt custody so that's probably why). I was 14 when I went to my mum to ask about it all and she was shocked that all I knew was that I couldn't focus well. I have both autism and ADHD and didn't know what was caused by which, I didn't know which one caused the lack of focus, not wanting to talk sometimes, or even which one I took medication for.

[@mariannewilloughby395]

I have ASD/ADHD, my son has the same. My son has loved trains since a baby, he is now a train conductor. A very qualified train conductor.

[@thetonytaye]

6:22 I’m legit that weirdo that gets a concerned glare or two at a stoplight every now and then because I’m rocking back and forth to some rock-adjacent type shit.

[@agonyofawitch]

i was literally diagnosed with autism 4 days ago, after sooo long of me thinking i might be and trying to find someone who could help😅 i would love to hear about your reaction when you found out and maybe any tips on learning to unmask?

[@kitkatKatietheoriginal]

WHOOHOO MORE VIDEOS

[@matthewmcgee4053]

Morgan the magnificent!!!

[@XViGames0]

I got diagnosed a few years ago. Im glad it was figured out, but theres a part of me that wishes I wasnt. Since i was diagnosed, ive been put on a special ed bus with people with much more severe hardships than i do. I feel like everyone seems to treat me like a child, but noone is saying it to my face.

[@alainad6364]

What does diagnosis look like? Is it more like a therapist asking you questions or does it involve physical tests to look for something physical going on in your brain? I've always been so curious about this!

[@EveAurelia]

When I got diagnosed, I just got asked a bunch of questions from a therapist. I found it quite weird, because the questions were very yes or no rather than something more specific. They gave me a book too with no words, and tried to get me to explain a story with it (which I couldn’t do, as an fyi) but I was allowed to point out this details in the pictures that she said no one has ever noticed before after working there for years. The person also asked me to explain a habit that I do every day which was brushing my teeth (which I also failed at). It’s quite ridiculous to be honest, but at least I got diagnosed with autism and anxiety in the end.

[@Alexandria665]

Well when she was answering the question about "can autistic people drive" it depends on how bad you have autism some autistic people like me are well functioning people and some have severe autism and can't speak or has very bad sensory issues like a certain sounds vibrations vocals and textures, I have and autistic cousin and she is sensitive to almost everything she can only wear swimming suits and you have to talk in a soft tone with her because she will freak out if you don't talk calmly. So not all autistic people can drive but most can it just regulates of how bad your autism is.

[@General_Otter]

what are some things adults (parents/teachers) should know how to help an autistic child in the best way that most don’t know (for example when a shutdown happens)? like I want to become a teacher and if I ever get an autistic student I want them to be able to feel safe and know that I want to help them. also a more personal question: how would you convince someone who doesn’t believe in diagnosis? my parents don’t want me to get a diagnosis, now I don’t live at home anymore so I finally (after 1.5 years of living by myself) took the time to call my health center about wanting to test myself also (sorry for the amount of questions 😅) what is your opinion on undiagnosed neurodivergent people? I have seen it’s quite a controversial topic. personally I think that you maybe shouldn’t go around screaming to the world that you have something if you may not have it but i also think that neurodivergency is something you have or you don’t (even though it’s a spectrum) and a diagnosis doesn’t change that like you don’t become neurodivergent because of the diagnosis. Like if you have symptoms that are problematic you should be able to tell someone that you have a problem with it without being told you don’t because you don’t have a piece of paper to prove it. also even though it’s much better now there are still many doctors who don’t give diagnosis because of wrong stereotypes. (also i do understand the benefits of a diagnosis, i just believe you shouldn’t hate on someone who may actually be neurodivergent for not having that piece of paper to prove it, most neurodivergent people are more sensitive to hate as it is)

[@DerSim688]

Talking about differences between autists: I love trains (which is good, since my job is planning timetables). I also can’t drive, it’s just too much input, I can’t process it fast enough. What makes it worse is that sound is my most sensitive sense. If someone honks while I am already overwhelmed, I basically can’t see anymore.

[@Elianalivinglife]

I have too much empathy and I have somatic empathy too, I was told by the diagnostician that it is often a little empathic understanding or extreme empathy. I understand body language to an extent that I don't even need to see people's faces to recognize what state of mind others are in, therefore it is way too sensory triggering to look people in the eyes. Sarcasm I learnt through my special interest in studying human behaviour, since I was a child. I wish we could go back to the 40s and 50s the way people behaved was much simpler than it is today. And now no one have any respect for others, and it is extremely difficult for neurodivergent people to get a job as applying for a job you need to be a tech nerd in my country, everything has to be done online filling out forms and sending them through a data security system provider by the government. Due to personal data laws. And in my country they are only allowed to hire for full-time positions for adults, so not a fit for most neurodivergent people, else you have to be approved for less than full time by the government, and it takes years to get approved because of several work abilities tests to be approved for less than full time here. And through that process they often violate the service law in my country that states that they may not make our functionality level worse through this process, which is almost impossible to avoid working with disabled people.

[@historylover8815]

3:56 I’ve been told autistic people talk to themselves more than neurotypical people as part of masking (like practicing conversations) but I agree this is probably a universal thing. I’m autistic, and I talk to myself all the time.

[@miaknight2818]

Hi Morgan, I know I’m late and this is an old video but if that offer to answer questions is still open (or anyone sees this and has a suggestion) I’ve got one. I’m actually in the process of becoming a licensed mental health counselor. Is there anything that you advise or guidance you wish you had when you were younger? Like if you had been diagnosed early on, what would’ve been the most helpful thing to know? Is there anything you wish someone could’ve told you when you were a kid that you recognize now?

[@wolfgangbudde2737]

Here's a question: is there anything I can do or pay attention to in order to recognize an autistic person? I would not find it appropriate to ask just because I see behaviors I would associate with autism. Thank you for the video, it was interesting and you made it also fun to watch, I really enjoyed it.

[@IsabelaisCRINGE]

I love how she is fidgeting with a toy in the vid

[@gt7105.]

I think these videos are curing my imposter syndrome 🎉

[@minimal3734]

I have never been diagnosed with a specific disorder, but I think I am autistic. I am now 56 years old and have managed to settle into a life in which I accept myself and cope with the demands quite well. But it was difficult. I think the solution for me was that I determinedly explored this man and his world to the core. Exploring under the influence of the drug MDMA played a big part in this. This journey ultimately led to the disappearance of any social anxiety and feelings of pressure. I wonder if anyone else on the autistic spectrum has experience with MDMA and how they view it in this context.