Back to YouTube: an HONEST chat

It's my big KZbin comeback! I wanted to start with an honest discussion about what's been going on in my life, and how I've been coping with becoming a mum of two, increasing growth and visibility on KZbin, all the while dealing with my own autism/ADHD.
LINKS ✨
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Buy my Autistic Traits Workbook: mybook.to/thinkyoureautistic
Portuguese edition: loja.uiclap.com/titulo/ua32020/
Tip/crowdfund my next project: ko-fi.com/yosamdysam/

[@cat_tastic2311]

Welcome back, Sam! 🙂 Pace yourself in line with your boundaries and self care needs. This has to be priority for you and all neurodivergent people to avoid meltdowns / shutdowns / burnout. No one can be all things to all people - it’s not physically possible or healthy. It was so lovely to see you here again. Take care💜

[@paulrudd1063]

Hi Sam, I hope you read this comment!! I wanted to let you know that when we discovered your channel, a few years ago, we were searching for answers for the difficulties we were having. My daughter had started avoiding school, and had just been diagnosed with ASD. So it was a hard time, and heartbreaking to watch her struggling so much with so many aspects of her life. Your videos really helped us to contextualise what was going on. Ellie watched all of your video and it helped her to stop feeling like a complete social failure, and see herself as a valid human being with a few social challenges - that do not define her as a person. There are some professions where you only get feedback when something goes wrong, or if they can vent their inner demons upon you. Teaching can be like that. But you rarely get positive feedback, because everybody has these really high expectations of you, and therefore if you achieve that high benchmark, people see this as unremarkable. But your work is remarkable and I hope I’ve been able to communicate just how much you’ve helped us and that the positive impact will actually last for many years. 😊

[@wickedwest89]

Similar story her for our daughter and our family…more understanding through your wonderfully honest videos (and great sense of humor)! Don’t let 💩 people deter you - looking forward to more content from you!❤

[@bethanythatsme]

I can barely handle being perceived, which has kept me off social media apps (other than KZbin) for years now. Being on the recieving end of comments as a creator has always seemed like something that is so much to manage, even the positive intended ones. Love to see you back and wish you all the best from Oregon.

[@shapeofsoup]

You’ve done immeasurable good for the autistic community. You’re amazing. And that inevitably comes at a cost to you. Take care of yourself, Sam! You don’t have to be a martyr.

[@ellenfoster9764]

I found your videos very recently and find them the most useful of all the content out there. I’m an undiagnosed autistic woman in my 60’s and did not set limits as a young mother of 2 autistic kids with a non- helpful hubby. Nearly killed me, literally. Don’t do that! Take care of yourself!

[@emm1756]

I just want to say a big thank you! I am 43 and got my ADHD and autism diagnosis two months ago and your videos really helped me. You don’t need to apologise for taking care of yourself and your children’s needs - I wish we could normalise this and women didn’t feel like they need to apologise.

[@hannah51238]

Welcome back!! I used your book LITERALLY today in my autism assessment. Big big thank you! I'm a Mum of three kiddies 5 and under. I'm also a classical guitarist, or I was, am I still?? I used to play at weddings and such. I kept teaching but performing... absolutely not. There's no time to sit and play music right now. So I get it. I hope you're doing much better ❤ Absolutely would love self care when parenting content

[@cowsonzambonis6]

Oh my- I can’t deal with people saying such obnoxious things 😮 Seriously, it takes guts to share online, and I really hope that the vast majority of people are kind! Your videos have been HUGELY helpful in my self-diagnosis and my emotional journey around that. Whether you’re back consistently or not, THANK YOU for all your efforts!!! ❤

[@lalelouHH]

Sam is just an inspiration. She is brave and incredibly empowering 😇

[@noconnell874]

Your first couple of minutes really spoke to me as an autistic / ADHD mom myself, the overwhelm and “baby brain” is so real and so much more intense for us on the spectrum, thanks so much for sharing your experience xxx

[@blackberrymagpie]

Saw this notification and literally squealed, I've been binging your content a lot recently (neurodivergence has become a BIT of a special interest of mine, plus you have a really soothing voice, lol) and I'm so excited you're back. As someone with ADHD who's also, as you brilliantly phrased it, "on the suspectrum," thank you for all you do. I'm finally realizing that I'm not a 'weird' or 'broken' neurotypical, I'm a perfectly normal neurodivergent person, and I credit that self-acceptance mostly to you. Like everyone has already said, please take care of yourself; we'd all rather you go at a sustainable pace for your health and sanity than burn yourself out trying to appease the algorithm gods. Whether that pace is every other day or every other year, we'll be here. Love you so much

[@MisterBadgerlicious]

Nice to see you back. This year I was diagnosed, as an adult, with autism /ADHD and I wanted to thank you as your channel has been helpful not only to me but to others who had questions around my diagnoses. So big thank you. Now I am off to check on where I can buy a performing goldfish.

[@elyssiacook6913]

Just searched for your latest post yesterday! Your workbook is very helpful- I’m 14 months into a 2 year wait for assessment and am using it to get my copious notes organised! It’s a whole new language really, when you see a word or phrase and you realise ‘oh, that’s what that feeling is!’ Or something I thought was just a ‘me’ thing, now has a name, and that means others have experienced it too. Learning all the time, thanks to people like you, so thank you!

[@lrwiersum]

KZbin has been a lifesaver. New to my diagnosis. 65 year old female. It's a LOT to process !!

[@JanneGlass]

Please don’t beat yourself up about not creating content regularly for the last few years. Having children and caring for them is very hard work, especially in the first few years. And you did also create the workbook! So you have been busy AND learning how to take better care of yourself. That is A LOT. I’m glad to hear your KZbin spark seems to have returned. And I’m not a parent myself but I know a lot of neurodivergents are and I don’t encounter a lot of content on that topic. So I expect there’s an audience for it. Whatever you decide to do, I will be a subscriber to your channel as that is the least I can do to support you. I hope you will find your groove soon. Good luck!

[@karolinaska6836]

You are brave for even leaving the comments open. This is why I just can't convince myself to start a YT channel. I've gotten value added to my life from your videos, as obviously many others, so thank you for your vulnerability. It's actually quite selfless. 💕

[@someonerandom256]

1) You look lovely 2) Parenting with ADHD and/or ASD is a huge adjustment, especially when your children are neurodivergent as well 3) You are doing your part just by bringing us content and awareness, and you don't owe us anything 4)Sometimes you (as in all of us) need to let something slide and that's okay 5)You're doing a great job, keep prioritizing your personal life and mental health, and do what you can for KZbin when you can!

[@wolfhe-him4420]

Glad to see you back and YES on parenting!!! As an ND with a kiddo, I can use all the help available!

[@jasonorgan]

It is so good to see you back. Self care is so important so look after yourself first. It was your book which helped me through my diagnosis earlier in the year. Take care.

[@TimDoherty]

As a dad of two with neuro diversity diagnoses i got it as soon as you said you had another child! The whole thing takes so much out of anyone, let alone any challenges that crop up. Also as a small time KZbinr in my “spare time” I have some idea that you need to balance things, but it would need to give way as life gets interesting! Love your content and glad to see you are back!

[@MissMaryLu]

Oh Sam! It's so good to see you. Thank you for putting yourself and your children first. The world needs more mamas like you. I'll be here cheering you on at whatever your pace is.

[@AutumnsVeil.]

Sending you love!! We appreciate you so so much! You do you!!! 🩷🩷🩷

[@ArjanKop]

Glad to see you’re still around, and don’t worry. If you ever need some good stories on trying to be a parent to a couple of neurodivergent teens while you’re struggling to keep yourself going, just shout out.

[@flapdance]

I love your content Samdy. Your doing a lot right now. Making videos, having children, a family and taking time for yourself. That's a lot. I don't want to ask more of you because you are already doing so much. Im grateful for the content that you are making because it gives me better tools for myself. Take care.

[@sylviak824]

I am very grateful for your videos. Your video "5 signs you have ADHD and autism" was an eye opener for me and helped me to finally understand myself. Glad to hear you are feeling better!

[@UnaLichtlein]

❤❤❤ Your channel was one of the first I found and instantly loved, on my path of learning about my own neurodivergence! So you have a very special place in my heart, because I had massive lightbulb moments listening to you. ❤💡🎉 Take care and take your time. 🙏

[@dreamers2246]

I have my assessment in less than two weeks and I am so happy to see you back on KZbin Sam 🥰 it’s a big comfort to me. Sorry you have struggled with overwhelm - hope you do feel able to come back more regularly. Love your videos ❤

[@burns_o_matic]

Your work is great, Sam. Keep it up, but certainly never be afraid to take these mental health/reassessment breaks! You're a wonderful content creator, and your supporters want to see you do what's right for you.

[@B-B-B-]

I’m so glad to see you’re back! You’re doing so well! I have always dreamed of making a KZbin channel but my body dysmorphia and RSD stops me dead in my tracks. You have no idea how much I admire the level of strength, determination and vulnerability it takes to put yourself out there in this way and it doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated 💕 Keep fighting, and keep creating! You’re giving us all such a wonderful gift 💕

[@carolinejames7257]

Thank you, Sam, for content past and present. You've provided information, spoken with a voice that I can relate to, helped me to see myself in a more positive way, and been someone that I referred others to. Your intelligence, your kindness, your warmth are all an important part of that, but it's been your honesty, your authenticity that has been most valued. Whether making yourself vulnerable by revealing yourself to us, openly changing your stance on something after reflection, or whatever, it's that that speaks most to me. So human, so real, so not 'perfect' and therefore unrelatable. Again, thank you. Take care of yourself and your family first, always. Blessed be.

[@MartinKPettersson]

Happy to have you back again!

[@lanamaceachern3097]

Welcome back Sam! You were the first autistic content creator I discovered a year ago when I realized I was autistic. Your videos opened up a wealth of information, self-awareness and self-acceptance for me. Thank you for providing this service. ❤

[@kind_of_willow3193]

Love your chin, your sparkeling background and your content! And i understand that selfcare is the most important thing(and the children, for sure!) Nice to see you again!

[@laceweisbrod3166]

Hello Sam, I am so glad that you are back! My name is Lace, I am an autistic blind viewer of your channel. I absolutely love your work. Please ignore the negative comments. They are no reflection on you. Please keep up the great work. Lace.

[@peterburrows4824]

I just want to say thank you. When I was first diagnosed as autistic as an adult and was searching for content, it was your videos that were there and helped me feel less alone and helped me start to understand myself better. Thank you.

[@9crutnacker985]

I have been & still am recommending your channel to other auties. It is good content. I relate about who, when & how much to respond to people, I struggle with that just on the few FB groups I'm in so can only imagine how much of an issue this would be when you're actively putting yourself out there so publicly as you do. It's much appreciated.

[@nightfalldust]

The backgrounds are always so interesting to look at that its sometimes hard to concentrate lol.

[@jerichoburg7065]

I am so glad to see you again! I love your work and it's helped me so much. And your sense of humor is just the best. I'll watch whatever videos you make, honestly. Looking forward to them!

[@Anne-cs3bx]

Welcome back Sam! We have missed you so much! Your videos have been so helpful to me as an AuDHD mom to two AuDHD kids with very different sensory needs! You’ve been a big part of helping me help them. So thank you! And looking forward to more of your content!

[@YoSamdySam]

I'm so glad!

[@Warspite03]

Welcome back Sam, even in your absence you have been a great shepherd for my journey!

[@Catlily5]

You were one of the first autistic creators I saw. You and Purple Ella! I did your workbook! I am diagnosed with autism now! Good to see you again! I figured that you were busy with small babies/children! Take care of yourself first.

[@Aneva]

Hi Sam!! I just wanted to let you know that you have contributed so much to my life and I've been inspired by you for going on three years now. Take good care and thank you for all you do!

[@SkeindeerKnits]

It's so good to see you again! And I cannot express just how relatable this video is (apart from the having kids-bit). I do NOT have thick enough skin to be this visible online... and yet. And getting messages always has a sense of demand - especially about what *tone* to reply in. And I have no idea how to WRITE in tone!? And then I let people down. The struggle is real.

[@cisjedegeus4939]

So lovely to see you pop up on my home page! Welcome back! Take the breaks you need, but we'll be very excited to see anything you choose to share with us! :)

[@KingDoug]

Just want to say that, as someone who only realised I was autistic a few months ago, your videos have been by far the most helpful of all the autism content on KZbin. So thanks for that.

[@spiicyliime22]

You’re fantastic and welcome back! Whatever you can manage we will be here! 😊

[@MDari557]

I’m so glad I found your channel and LOVE your content! ❤😊

[@shiny6123]

😂I like your humor at the end! Good to hear that you’ve been busy caring for your children and yourself and it will be good to see you whenever you can film.

[@AileenDaw]

I'm glad you're back! I know that creating for KZbin sometimes is a lot... but you helped me so much in my discovery of my own neurodivergence! You're an autistic/ADHD mom, as me, and having someone to relate and understand more of what we go through every day makes all the difference. All the best!

[@TesriaT]

It's always wonderful to see videos from you pop up! You were such a help to me when I was realising I was autistic and trying to understand it, and you give such lovely vibes in your videos they became a comfort as well as a source of information. Raising two young neurodivergent kids can't be easy, so I don't blame you at all for taking a break from here to look after yourself and your family. It is lovely to hear you're back and full of new ideas though!

[@LePinkPony]

Between discovering your channel and today's upload I was assessed and confirmed AuDHD. Thank you for the kickstart!

[@YoSamdySam]

Congratulations!

[@yrdjuret]

Nice hearing you again. Isn't having to be unpresent a necessary part of your presentation of our situation? I believe that if you just scatter out what you feel like presenting, the content will keep being very watchworthy. (More AuDhd and PDA and new perspectives is what I wish for)

[@rachaelhudson219]

Yes parent things 🎉 Strategies would be the most helpful, for things like balancing your needs with your kids

[@jmaessen3531]

Okay, thank you for taking the time you need for your self and your various other endeavors. And thank you for your workbook. I used it as one of my prep tools prior to my assessment. And thank you for saying "not that the quality reflects that... It's just one of those projects that's dragging on forever." 😂 I may have a few of those nagging at my pda brain lately. It gave me a good laugh when I heard you share that. You rock! Excited to check out the ND business owner newsletters 🎉 ❤ 👏🏻

[@davepot9021]

Great to see you back. Thanks for being someone I can direct people towards for seeing themselves reflected, normalised, and to get some lived experience advice.

[@fishinabox]

Welcome back. Your content has been helpful to me. I have also come across others who have said how good Yo Samdy Sam’s stuff is without me referring to your name.

[@spherelance72]

Welcome back Sam, health and family first always IMHO

[@PinkFaline]

I’m an AuDHD first time parent to a now 14 month old. I really appreciate this video. I knew motherhood was going to be challenging but nothing could have prepared me for the trauma that could come with it as a neurodivergent person. I love my son more than anyone and I constantly feel like I’m failing him even if logically I know that I’m probably not. I have severely let myself go and I don’t know how to come back from it. I had/have grand dreams to post my art and music and try to do something with that but my rejection sensitive dysphoria and paranoia just keep preventing me from doing so even though I have everything lined up. Nevermind the chronic executive dysfunction. I’ve been trying to do this since even before my son was born so the challenge has been doubled and then some. It doesn’t help that I’m an elder first time parent at 37 years old. I hope you talk more about this and I look forward to seeing more videos from you 💕.

[@elizabethaucoin6290]

Just keep doing the best you can! Your son being a witness to your own struggles as he gets older will give him the example of grace under pressure. You are acquiring the wisdom to advise him while your example teaches him how to live. Close up, warts and all, the two of you will have a special bond, even in the times you think you are failing....

[@rogerfarrow8650]

As soon as you mentioned having a child and that you now have 2 I completely understood. Take your time and your prior content is amazing and really helpful.

[@mrnakatomi3078]

Boundaries are vital and do your self care. Love your content!

[@arasharfa]

im so happy for your contribution to mankind Sam. youve changed my life.

[@CollinDEvans]

I just wanted to say thank you for making your videos. You were one of the first people I saw giving their perspective of autism after my late discovery of my autism and were a big influence on me.

[@Steph-zo5zk]

Really happy to see this and always looking forward to more content when you're ready. Parenting and family / relationship stuff sounds interesting if you're happy to share your experiences or even just a more general look at those topics would be great. Congrats on the book and the course!

[@LaCafedora]

It's good to see you alive and well! I do rewatch your videos from time to time, and you are the place I send people when I want to offer them Autism education resources. So good to hear that your absence was because you were caring for yourself and your family. I look forward to whatever it is you are ready to show us next!

[@Elmarilla]

Glad to see you here again! Your videos helped me a great deal and I'm sure you have a lot more to share, but please take care of yourself. You're amazing.

[@renefeijen5916]

Do not apologize. We do not even pay for your amazing and supporting content, so we have no right to claim even 1 second of your time! Keep up the good work- on you one pace, and to your own needs.

[@georgebates172]

It's good to hear from you, Sam! Your videos were a great help to me as I began learning more about my autism a couple of years ago. I look forward to whatever you have to share in future. God bless.

[@TheWillHadcroft]

Sam, just do what you can when you can. You don't owe us an explanation for producing fewer videos. Your projects going forward sound intriguing. Laughed out loud at the 'plane' bit at the end. 😊

[@BrodieChree]

Glad to see you back! So proud you are taking care of yourself AND continuing to make so much progress HELPING people with autism. I hope you realize how much progress that takes, all while becoming a mother? Fantastic work.

[@SimoneEppler]

Whoop whoop ❤❤❤🎉Glad you are back. 😊

[@yodizzle]

Thinking of you. I'm glad you are finding ways to take care of yourself!!

[@chillwinstonuk]

Welcome back Sam. Your content is fab and so relatable. Keep up the good work

[@BabyBeepBeep]

So good to see you back! Don't let the a**holes get you down! 🎉🤗

[@mikelennon577]

I'm so happy you're making videos again. I began with your videos when I first learned I have autism last month and they have helped make my understanding and experience so much better. So thank you!

[@brianford78]

i'm glad you gave us this video - appreciate every bit of it - i did notice your absence on here and emails and was hoping you were well - glad you're feeling well enough to even make this message for us

[@bodacioushealer]

Welcome back Sam. Ur amazing! ❤❤❤ Thanku

[@wolfdreams2000]

💜 Welcome back 💜

[@clairerandall5742]

So glad you’re ok and have taken time to recharge and re-evaluate things. Very happy to have you back 😊 Love all your content You’re honest, insightful and hugely helpful in me understanding my new autism diagnoses - I’m 47 and found out last year I also have adhd and hearing your content is like a mirror being reflected back Thank you 🙏 for showing up and sharing your life with us

[@jessatlife]

Yes yes yes, to parenting content. Welcome back!

[@MaiseNow]

Sam, your videos were what got me to consider I might be autistic, and get tested in 2021 at age 28. Turns out I was right! Thank you for doing what you do and sharing yourself with us all, and I'm so sorry the comments have been so nitpicky and weird in the past. The internet loves being needlessly shouty about women/femme presenting people on the internet and it's obnoxious. You're right, the first like 3 years or so of a new kid are kind of survival years for parents in Western society since we don't have much family help. I'm glad you're through it and that you're able to be more present for yourself again.

[@aliciasizov5467]

Good to see you again! Your content was a key part of my autism discovery journey a few years ago, and I really appreciate what you’ve been doing here. I would love to see more about neurodivergent parenting if that’s something you’re considering! Take care!

[@frealafgb]

Welcome back!

[@hartandsoul8]

I'm happy that you're figuring out how to get the self-care you need and set boundaries for yourself. That is really hard to do, especially when you're the parent of young children. Also, thank you for creating this channel. You have been an important part of my learning process since I realized at 38 years of age that I'm Autistic. Try to do what keeps you happy and well. You deserve it.

[@helenayamez]

Good to see you again Sam. Understand why you needed time away & glad you want to continue making content. You have reminded me how I love your style & sense of humour 😊

[@HalfGodHalfBeast]

glad you're back. Missed this 🙂

[@HalfGodHalfBeast]

missed you, sorry

[@poxyfairy]

I'm so sorry people have made you feel like that. I am happy you are back, I love your content. I understand the demanding aspect, especially after having kids. I can't imagine how much work is put into videos. It's so hard to balance and not to rage at everybody. Your new coaching venture sounds amazing, congrats!

[@DawnDavidson]

Glad to see you back, Sam. A lot of things you have shared are part of why I struggle with content creation in any platform. I haven’t tried KZbin, and I’m not sure I ever will. It’s awfully exposed, and people are very cruel. Thank you for sharing yourself to the degree that you are able. And thank you for working on yourself, holding boundaries, and modeling all of that for all of us. It’s super important. Your coaching program sounds interesting! I hope it goes well for you. It’s certainly needed. (Saying this as someone both neurodivergent, and a coach for many years, now working towards a therapy license.) Good luck with everything!

[@gretes8949]

Hi Sam❤Your well being matters most. Your channel is so helpful. 🙏

[@joshuahutchings558]

Hi Sam! I started watching you this year after my therapist said i might be autistic. I just got diagnosed a month ago at 36. Your videos have helped me a lot. I didnt even realize you weren't making regular videos.

[@lisokaaaa]

I'm eternally grateful for all your help Sam, and especially after seeing this video and understanding your struggles! You've helped me so much with your videos and also with your direct messages to help me get a diagnosis here in NL. You're a superstar, thank you! Keep taking care of yourself :)

[@jamiereel2578]

Hi, Sam 🙂 I'm so happy you're back 🌼 🩵🩵🩵

[@OccupySchagen]

Welcome back Sam !

[@Yuffie13]

Don't apologize for taking a break! You're allowed to look out for yourself, and you don't owe anything to the people in the comments ❤

[@lidu6363]

I am SO happy to see you back! You are one of the first people who ever helped me realize that I can really relate to autistic people. I am looking forward to the content you decide to put out 💕

[@Gilgwathir]

Hello and welcome back! 🙂 Welcome back to ad-driven hamster wheel that is KZbin. Great to see you. I told you, I'll be here, when you come back and so here I am 🙂I wish you all the best for your channel reboot. Thanks for everything you did and do for me through your content. I totally forgot about the work book. Let's see if I can get that here.

[@rosea570]

I'll always watch your content Sam, no matter how infrequent your uploads may be! In terms if topics or 'finding your niche', personally I like watching an autistic KZbin similar to my own age as I feel like there is more to relate to you on. I am not a parent and don't plan to be, but I think we will likely have similar responsibilities and experiences that will still be relatable just because we are at a similar life stage. I'd probably watch your parenting videos anyway as I have adhd/ autistic friends with kids.

[@brendalevesque6384]

Hi Sam. Lovely to see you back. I’m glad things are easier for you with your daughter. I don’t expect covid helped much either. I love your sparkly background. I’m looking forward to more videos.

[@kalt1976]

So so so glad you're back

[@stacy3876]

I wanted to say, I am sorry that people can be hard. I get that online criticism is really hard. I really get that and can relate. However, wnated to just say - you have helped us and many. Just Thanks!

[@JazfromAustralia]

Yay! You’re back! 💙🧡 I’m keen for Neurodivergent content creation content as I’m slowly growing my audience and honestly enjoying every moment of making videos. ❤ Just keep doing you. The haters can go get eep’d. They’re not worth your or anyone’s time

[@annesprung1266]

Awwwww so happy you are back!! ❤