Dear Society… Signed, Autism | Daniel Share-Strom | TEDxYorkUSalon

Daniel writes, “Thank you for your awareness, eagerly awaiting understanding and acceptance” on behalf of those on the autism spectrum. Enjoy this uplifting talk and understand more about what it’s like to live on the autism spectrum as an adult.
Daniel Share-Strom is a popular professional public speaker who stages his own speaking events to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Greater Toronto Area. Daniel is a sought-after Asperger’s educator and advocate who has been moving audiences with his self-awareness, poignant insight and humour for the past 11 years. “I talk about stuff that really matters-things your doctor doesn’t tell you and teachers don’t know,” says Daniel, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age 10. ‘Autism is not a defect or a mental illness, and it is not a catastrophe. It is simply another way of experiencing the world.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@Karma-zx8qe]

And when we get broken and our self esteem goes in the toilet we are ripe for being targeted by predators and taken advantage of and abused...

[@sharonjensen3016]

AND we, the autistic, are the ones who get blamed for that abuse. Typical.

[@stefanieallen4645]

I wasn't really "aware" of autism until I found out I had it. I accidentally found this out. And unless you really go out and actively research and LISTEN to people who are on the spectrum, there's really not much out there to be aware of.

[@anonymouschange287]

Stefanie Allen I have quite literally watched every ted talk about autism on KZbin and now im trying to get my parents to get me tested Opposite order!

[@heathwilder]

@@anonymouschange287 that's often the autistic way when we start becoming aware. Full immersion :D

[@max06de]

Forwarding this to my boss, my coworkers and the other 500 people in my company - so often I tried to make them understand what it is like being autistic, with no success... It will be my last message to them before I quit. What a great talk, well done!

[@mariarubinstein581]

That's how I'm feeling right now with my job, I want to quit, but I want them to realize why I feel that way. I feel so extremely misunderstood and unappreciated, even though I pour so much of myself into doing my job, probably more so than most of my co-workers.

[@corentinc.948]

People don't care, unless they gain from it.

[@joriskemper5392]

@@corentinc.948 *Unless they REALIZE they would gain from it.

[@corentinc.948]

@@joriskemper5392 Your name seems Flemish/ Dutch. You speak it, right?

[@venetianskies]

If i may ask, what was your proffesion?

[@alexandramcginnis8872]

This is probably one of the most underrated Ted Talks ever. It make such an important point that so few understand or see.

[@xiphocostal]

I agree. And his delivery was great, too.

[@AutisticBrain]

I agree also

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank you so much.

[@peteracton2246]

Interesting in that we are supposed to fly in the face of "Theory of Mind" and have also been branded mind-blind. I observe "neurotypicals" and they do not always set such a great example themselves. Maybe they just "think" that they do! Great Vid Daniel.

[@heathwilder]

SBC's Theory of Mind is an egotistic joke. He ironically fails to understand that his knowledge of our mind is worse than ours of his. Of course we are going to be somewhat naïve to each others widely divergent understanding but Autistic people are not by any means unaware, nor do we have seem to have issues with other autistic people. It's not a hive mind but it makes more sense. I think Theory of Mind must talk about the need to fit into the social hierarchy, and generalise their thoughts accepting a party line that NTs seem to have.

[@peteracton2246]

Agreed Heath. Hierarchy is incomprehensible to me. A "fault" of which I am glad of.

[@mjcronin430]

ASD understanding & acceptance is sorely needed. That is why we need YOU Daniel! I really enjoyed your talk. My son is 17 with ASD, anxiety & depression. Hope, understanding and acceptance is on the horizon! Thank you Daniel. Keep up the awesome work. :)

[@sharonjensen3016]

That is exactly why I boycott school reunions. I refuse to associate with former bullies and bystanders.

[@dtaylor2017]

Great idea about changing curriculum for teachers to learn about autism. Society still needs so much change and education about these smart human beings. They have so much to give the work force.

[@Tchernobog]

that's a pretty terrifying audience, I mean the way they positioned the people all around him instead of right in front.

[@ElisaAlvarezarcodedios]

I just want to hug him😊 God bless him.

[@DOUGMCKIBBIN]

Wonderful!! Congrats on a first TED Talk. Well done!

[@aguilasfan96]

It's true, I didn't know what autism was until my baby brother was diagnosed. I want my brother to have the same opportunities in life as me. Hell the kid is smarter than me! As he starts kindergarten I know he can do it. He just needs the teachers who can understand him. And I'll make sure they understand him.

[@autismgoggles5356]

Supportive siblings can make all the difference in the world. I have three older sibs and they have all been amazing.

[@wolfiethehedgehog3900]

That's wonderful! As an autistic (aspergers) "baby" of the family, it is wonderful to have older supportive family members to look out for you and help you thrive and succeed. I still get anxiety about my work despite my grades being good, so being supported by my family (and friends) are super helpful.

[@nataliegist2014]

I was told the same thing about modifications when I was going to college.

[@cheriehalkett4458]

Thank you so much Daniel for your courage and excellent presentation. I hope you got a date mate :)……… I’m so inspired and after a late Aspie diagnosis (48), and trying to stay centred and empowered around what that means ……. I can’t wait to do my first Ted talk …… I hope it’s as awesome as yours is ….. congrats to you and thank you for your work. I know at least my kids are going to benefit from a world more aware and accepting, and I Finally know what I want to do. ‘When I grow up’ ….😬

[@AlfFieldArt]

To date of writing this video has been on TEDx for over five years with 1.4k views. The talker presents very well and makes excellent points. He has my full support. Now. But for five years his words have not reached a large enough audience. That's a shame. I wish I'd been aware earlier so I could have been diagnosed sooner. The level of ignorance in the general public is astonishingly low, and I was one of that number. I thought Autism was either Rainman or Learning Difficulties. No one told me it could be literally any one out there in the world. Who knew? Not me. We cannot expect the public to educate themselves about a subject they know very little about - what is known is often learnt through the distorted lens of fictional Hollywood movies and sensational news reporting. We are told that many high achieving and successful individuals are on the spectrum, yet they are practically invisible. Its called the Autistic community, but sadly its a community that is not understood. Who's fault is that? I'm still coming to terms with my diagnosis. I didn't know what the heck was wrong with me. How can I expect others to understand if I cannot share my experiences and feelings with them. It is on us isn't it?

[@jonipalita4768]

Thank you, Daniel, for your advocacy work, and this great talk! I have ASD and you literally brought me to tears. We need more people like you in the world!

[@autismgoggles5356]

So kind of you. Thank you.

[@TheGoofyMoth]

I'm a teacher for autistic kids and looking for some new views. This was great way of putting it in perspective of autism being pointed out.

[@alexandramcginnis8872]

My Kindergarten/1st grade teacher actually took a class learning to know how to teach Autistic children. And she taught my little brother who is lower on the Autism spectrum, and my brother is doing amazing! I suggest that you try to find a class to take to teach you about Autism and teaching such children to improve how you are teaching your kids in your future classes!

[@bradsmith9118]

Great job Daniel, may God keep blessing you. You are a gifted speaker sir.

[@StartoonCanadaCreators]

Fantastic talk!!! Daniel Share-Strom is eloquent, poignant and hilarious! We especially love the part about advocating for non-verbal folks as well. #onpoint

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank you, Startoon Creators! That point is very important to our goal of changing the way society perceives all autistic people. What is Startoon Creators??

[@amandaromine8]

I love him. Such a powerful message. We need to change the system. He has some great ideas.

[@Chierushi]

Fantastic! Well written and well delivered. I learned a lot, thank you

[@lazygamergirl962]

I think that Daniel s speaking honest and true about AUTISM because he tells the audience facts and I know about the autism spectrum disorder and I know what the ups/downs are to having autism. I know what the autism troubles are because I have AUTISM and I am on the autism spectrum disorder. I am proud of this young man because he speaks the truth. Well said Daniel!

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated! It means so much coming from a person on the autism spectrum.

[@anthonyzaita6451]

This is one of the better Ted Talks I have viewed. What an intelligent, humorous and eloquent person Daniel is. You deserve all the good things that come to you. I would love to meet you one day. Cheers buddy

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank you so much!

[@juicyparsons]

My peeeeeps!! My brother is autistic and I grew up with many autistic folks 💖 Thanks for sharing 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@AutisticBrain]

Love it. This guy is amazing. I don't have children but I'm only 18 so I have a few years. But I'm hopeful if I do have autistic children that the world will be better, and more accommodating by then. BTW I’m watching this in 2022 so five years later. At the time of this being uploaded I was 13 years old which was 5Years ago.

[@luciarojas9195]

I love this!! so much amazing insight and important information delivered with humor and honesty. Thank you!

[@alining7260]

Lucia Rojas unsweetened gaw💄👶🏿🤜🤜🤘🖖🏼⛸🤼‍♂️🤼‍♂️🤼‍♀️⛷⛷🤼‍♀️🤼‍♀️🤼‍♂️🎗🏵c

[@allisonk.222]

Thank you for doing this video. I like the idea of a customized education plan (I think they are currently called IEPs). I would like to see this customized approach applied to workplace and living environments.

[@alexandramcginnis8872]

Yes, in Iowa they have a Individual Learning plan for me. Which had change over time base on my needs.

[@erinhollow773]

This guy is so funny. It makes me feel like I could successfully do stand-up comedy, because I'm autistic too.

[@daphniefarkas5703]

I go to a college with an amazing disabilities department, unfortunately, when I hand my accommodations letters to the professor I'm told that they have to be fair to everyone and that my accommodations give me an unfair advantage over my peers. It's not possible for me to have an advantage over anyone because I am naturally at a disadvantage which is why I need the accommodations. That's like telling a guy without legs that it would be unfair to give him prosthetics to run a 5k with people who still have their legs.

[@ivylangdon93]

Especially when you dont realise you dont have legs so you just have to get on with it

[@autismgoggles5356]

That is a human rights issue there. Equity is giving everyone what they need, not giving everyone the same thing. I know how hard it is for us to advocate for ourselves (we tend to avoid conflict), but if you can tie your accommodation requests to your documentated needs, they have to find a way to make a level playing field for you. Best of luck and thank you from Daniel.

[@ARasputinaFan]

Hi, I'm Daniel. I hate washing my hair, loud noises and... ::Audience at end:: Loud clapping and shouting. Clearly you are right, people listen but don't comprehend.

[@Naturegirl1976]

We'll never be accepted or understood by others who aren't autistic. The 1 thing I've learned the hard way is to become my own advocate for the things I need.

[@autismgoggles5356]

It is hard getting through to people who aren't interested in having an open mind. The school system is especially rigid. They think they've got autism all sorted out but they are overwhelmed with issues caused by their lack of true understanding. They need to provide better training and resources for teaching staff.

[@BackPack87]

THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!!

[@ianaiana454]

Daniel, you are stunning ! Making speach in a witty way, you made It so easy to feel what It is. Thank you, one mummy of one great person like you.

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank you!

[@ringostarrs3rdwifeyxoxo869]

Love love love this and him!

[@PearlHiemstra]

Thank you for making this as it needs to be said and isn't that funny if you are going through these issues!! But love the humor delivery!

[@joellenhair6877]

Inspiring. Thankyou

[@jim6130]

Daniel - it’s been some time since your Ted talk now, I am watching it for the first today and am very impressed and sad. I am proud of you for standing up for human rights and presenting from the heart. It clearly shows your passion for helping people. Never lose that, it is a gift. I am sad because what you are asking for is basic human rights that are being denied in a covert way that society excepts. I love somebody that is beautifully unique, as a matter of fact, we all are. My question to you is, have you continued to advocate and use your talent in the years that followed this?

[@autismgoggles5356]

Daniel is now a social worker with a neurodiversity affirming agency, and a children’s diversity and inclusion content creator. He played a key role in creating the first Autistic train on Thomas and Friends. He has published an autism-positive childrens book, and continues to be a strong self- Advocate.

[@michaelcraig2450]

This is the best KZbin video I’ve ever seen. You are a great advocate! Thank you.🙏

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@lordfarquaads_mom3683]

this guy is a really good speaker. great opening

[@carnivalcruiserbill]

Bravo Daniel! Your talk was an inspiration.

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thanks you, sir.

[@wheresmybonejuice5524]

I love this so much

[@JasmineTribeX]

So good! Thank you Daniel

[@Rebeccacell]

That was awesome! I'm a parent of two (maybe 3) autistic children. I've worked with your mom in the past through Kerry's Place. I love your 6 goals especially the ones related to teachers and schooling. I've always missed your talks before so I'm very glad this is available to everyone now. Thank you

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thanks, Rebecca. I hope my mom took good care of you, and that your children are doing well. Parents who care enough to educate themselves are the difference between us being stuck in a basement playing video games all day and carving out a meaningful, fulfilling life.

[@mariarubinstein581]

Love it!!!

[@hyatlnbimas6270]

😎 thanks a lot!

[@MOJORAPSCALLION]

Awesome sauce! Nail..Head..Hammer brilliant ted talk and so critical to the ASC community

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank you!

[@nicolematero8942]

Bravo.

[@meredithslack850]

Awesome.

[@vslifeofcycles5415]

Brilliant.

[@george12go]

Thank you!

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank YOU for viewing and commenting. We really appreciate it!

[@debrafuller5693]

Your idea's Daniel are super! Teachers would be more dynamic with autistic recognition of others! Unfortunately most cases are undiagnosed unless extreme incidents are projected! Early child detection isn't always accurate! Misdiagnosed with ADHD or health issue like glasses,hearing problems! Mental Health Is Futuristic Care that seems too only exist for those that can afford it! Most public schools push kids ahead for attendance and fail them on a diploma! Stigmatized, Hurt because eccentric and smart don't participate with peers! Failing to do the work in class or homework! Teachers get 😠 Yet,good test results! School counselors would be a good assertion for Autistic and Asbergers training!Counselors get lazy and wait for teachers to speak up about these students! Teachers have 150 to 200 kids per day on one subject! There are 7 separate subject classes! No Mental Health Support HURTS! Misdiagnosed is harmful also! Love is strong when we never stop caring! And make effort too be kind and never give up! That's what we do that is priceless! Our Gifts may be simple but can be powerful! I like too sing too children! I have no specific talent! But years of practice is pretty good and Enough! I play guitar and a lil piano! I can do alot of things! Alot of self worth is a great gift for me too appreciate! Your magnificent in the gift you have Daniel! I think your wonderful! So glad I watched this video! Your message is inspiring and helpful! Your humor tickled me as best part! And I learned from you something like motor skills! Making a salad would not be a good idea with cut up fingers in it! LOL🤣Your awesome🤗

[@marcusrayrosales1]

Man I wish I had a chance to let my gifts shine growing up rather than feel I was broken:( Feel robbed of life...

[@brucewayne3074]

Same, I feel like I got no life with this.

[@autismgoggles5356]

It is a sad commentary on our society that we continue to discriminate against autistic people. Fortunately, there are more autism champions and companies.that support us than ever before. We continue to try to change understanding so that non autistics can change their actions. Thanks for commenting!

[@debrafuller5693]

I had too learn the hard way about appreciation! Nobody seemed to Care,or appreciate! But I do! I appreciate that I'am the way I'am! There aren't many that are like me! I'am Unique and what I do might seem like alot of work,waste of time, and it is sometimes! Or it might be simple,but nobody else does it the way I do it! I sing my own songs! I sing others people songs my way! I appreciate me,even if I mess up!😋 I appreciate Mr.Daniel and his unique! You are unique also! Love You and your unique, It's powerful!

[@autismgoggles5356]

I'm really sorry to hear that.

[@jimplummer4879]

This is where there is a BIG DICONNECT between understanding and acceptance.

[@KG-ek6kn]

🙌🏼

[@Cavilla69]

I love this!

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank you, sir!

[@xiphocostal]

Well done Daniel, I think you're cool.

[@glowluz1]

So awesome! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@autismgoggles5356]

Such a wonderful comment! Thank you so much!

[@jenns.5791]

that was awesome!! 👍

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank you very much for your supportive comment. We appreciate it!

[@graysthenewblonde177]

This is a great Ted talk!...I am Autistic and definitely misunderstood!...but I am trying!

[@autismgoggles5356]

The onus shouldn’t only be on us. No -Autistics could be less rigid and demandi g that everyone be just like them: vague in their communications, and insistent that it's their way or the highway.

[@eddgloss2435]

Hi Daniel, i hope your day is going well. u are so cool

[@autismgoggles5356]

Thank you!

[@yvonnesudarshan4865]

I enjoyed and appreciated your TED Talk. I have a question- during college, did you inform all your professors of your autism diagnosis, or only on a case by case basis if problems arose?

[@autismgoggles5356]

Hi Yvonne. This is Daniel responding via my social media, Autism Goggles. Informed them all with a Letter of Accommodation. I also made appointments with most professors so that they could meet me and understand that my needs are not so daunting.

[@peteranderson7676]

I am studying in a Master of Education program for second career teachers. One of the courses includes content about teaching autistic students.

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

Normal exists. It doesn't matter what is or isn't normal though and I wish that people would realise this.

[@autismgoggles5356]

Society does have it's standard, that's for sure. So called 'normal' varies from society to society, so I am not sure that one 'normal' exists. Having said that, I don;t want to be ordinary...but extra-ordinary is very tough on children and teens. Our society is so intolerant of difference. Thank you for commenting!

[@Meghan3]

Wow 😎👍🏼 Sec 40 - like me. 😅

[@anthonystars8933]

There's a book called Butterfly in the Water you might like.

[@lidu6363]

I really want to know if some girls gave him their number after this talk.

[@autismgoggles5356]

Nope :)

[@MS2020Official]

I have autism and I am proud of it 😝😝😀

[@NeSsA994]

A bit off topic but what does he say at 0:35? I can't figure that out. "It's not that different from ?"

[@autismgoggles5356]

It's not that different from an eHarmony ad.

[@DDMHLab]

see #TEDxYorkUSpectrum for full playlist of the Salon event

[@stevenporter7065]

Video game loving women!

[@anonymouschange287]

Toddy Kwest me

[@oleonard7319]

in the past 6 years it hasn't gotten any better It now become learn how to mask or else

[@ivylangdon93]

This is so true and so sad, if you don't mask your either a freak or over enthusiastic and dramatic. Its great *Sarcastic*

[@autismgoggles5356]

Masking can lead to Autistic burnout. What can be helpful is to find some guidance to build a strength- based life.