Diagnosed with autism at 54: Part two - Replying to your questions and comments

My previous video on getting my autism diagnosis at the age of 54 got almost entirely positive, supportive feedback. Almost entirely... So in this video, I'll address some of the less positive comments, and hopefully correct a few common misunderstandings about autism.
If you haven't already watched it - the original video is at kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5-sXnqQn8d9aa8
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[@piccalillipit9211]

*PEOPLE TELL ME* I'm "high functioning" - yeah, you would not believe the vast amount of effort that goes into making YOU think I'm "high functioning" What I actually am is "very good at masking". Lets be real, I've been doing it for 53 years up to and including studying psychology and reading hundreds of books on human behaviour to perfect it, so the fact you think I'm "high functioning" is actually a complement to my dedication and acting skills... EDIT: I should write a book "How To Look Normal for Autistic People" [jk]

[@MatRicardo]

yes exactly!

[@stephenellefsen3866]

Wonderful to hear your story so far. You are giving a voice to thousands of late diagnosed Autistic folk, and it means a lot to all of us I'm sure. Self diagnosed at 50 and officially diagnosed last year at 59.

[@MatRicardo]

thanks! and good luck with it

[@mariohashiba1500]

"I got it from Starbucks" LMAO. Love the responses.

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Thank you. I was diagnosed two days ago aged 45 (female). I love your responses to the prats.

[@MatRicardo]

Thanks very much - good luck with it!

[@Violetta683]

I really hope you continue to share you experiences post diagnosis here - you expressed beautifully so much of what I have felt and that is very comforting. Don’t allow the ignorant arsehats to derail you. Just delete and block. It truly is pointless trying to explain anything to people who are incapable of seeing anything beyond their own narrow viewpoint - the ultimate irony really when it is us Autists who are supposed to be the ones with black and white thinking!

[@MatRicardo]

haha

[@OperaDivasBoudoir]

Off topic. That's a really nice outfit. Oh, and I so hear you when people don't understand a neurological condition. Sadly, many of those people are medical professionals.

[@MatRicardo]

haha thanks. Cant beat a nice grown up jumper.

[@DrumWild]

Those who had horrible things to say are predictable. I can accurately guess their religious and political affiliations, which is both telling and sad. They're also the type who don't believe doctors, don't believe in psychiatry, and who abhor things like learning and book reading. They're oh so confident in all they say. My own mother, who is a part of that horrible group, tells me, "Well, at least you have an official excuse now." The cold and uncaring these people bring to the world knows no boundaries. I got my diagnosis in late 2017 when I was 53, and it initially felt like a life wasted. Everything makes sense. Now my challenge is getting an interview and a job. I've not had work for 7.5 years now, so I'm hoping that I can turn something around. Thank you for this video, it leaves me hopeful.

[@Robutube1]

Hi Mat - I'm glad that you have posted this. I don't understand why some folk felt it necessary to post negative comments and would suggest that this is their problem not yours, but hey, this is the internet. Whoever posted the zebra comment did a great job of capturing the situation and I'm sure you'll get some comfort from the explanations to so many things that your diagnosis now provides - my own search continues🙄. You remain my favourite tablecloth fettler!

[@MatRicardo]

I love the zebra thing! and thanks :)

[@evans_the_bard9234]

Thank you so much for posting on this subject. I am also a performer and freshly diagnosed as autistic as well as ADHD at age 50. I look forward to checking out your other videos as a performer! Again, thank you.

[@Ed_Robson_1970]

Great explanations of some of the challenges that we face when dealing with opinionated asshats! Keep up the great work, you are making a difference!

[@MatRicardo]

Thanks so much

[@thedailymakermaking]

Thank you for making these videos about your autism diagnosis. The two people I love the most in this world are both on the spectrum and there is very little support where we live for adults diagnosed with it. In lieu of such, awareness videos seem to be lifting the veil and helping the cause. 🦓❤🦓❤🦓

[@MatRicardo]

Thanks!

[@chrisday9297]

Lovely stuff! Your patience at some of the questions is remarkable, frankly. Glad you made it back from Munich eventually, hope your luggage did too

[@MatRicardo]

haha thanks, and yes, me and my luggage made it home safely. amazingly!

[@nnylasoR]

Atta boy! YOU TELL’EM. I’m off to rewatch that original video that I adore so much … almost as much as you, friend. ✊😄

[@ThomasAndTheMachine]

Thank you for sharing these videos. My daughter is going through this right now, removing stigma around this is important.

[@kim15742]

I love your humor and I'm sorry you had to deal with those comments. I'm in the middle of getting diagnoses right now and I look forward to hearing more about your path forward

[@jdxx59]

Greetings from Australia. Those negative and stupid comments from people on your last video - just ignorance and arrogance that you would even be interested in their opinion. Could be that they actually have a mental illness or they just feel better when they write nasty stuff. Who knows why but they are irrelevant. You are extremely articulate and I’ve just come across your channel as I want to listen to people who actually have autism as opposed to ‘professionals’ who just talk about it. My 37 year old son will hopefully get to have an assessment done for ASD soon. He has been diagnosed with ADHD but has traits beyond that, although I believe there is an overlap with some things. It’s been a difficult journey for him and and us over the years and his seeking to self medicate has not helped at all. Thankyou for your videos. Ignore the ignorant and just plain rude comments. Some people just don’t have any manners. 🇦🇺🦘😊

[@MatRicardo]

some people are so confident with their mistakes, right? thanks!

[@annab9220]

Hi Mat, so glad I found your videos - both these and your creative work. Sending massive appreciation, support and respect. The importance of a diagnosis is real for so many. Appreciate filming this can’t have been easy, particularly because some people have some very misinformed ideas. ❤

[@MatRicardo]

Thanks so much anna!

[@Rellek91]

😂i choked on my tea when you aaid " someone can break their leg and also get poked in the eye" i mean... that was superb 👏

[@Rellek91]

Said*

[@MatRicardo]

haha thanks

[@rayondelune69]

I read a POV recently that said humans are here to learn one of two lessons: compassion for others, or self compassion. It helps me to think of it in this way. The negative nay sayers are on their journey of learning compassion for others, while we are on our journey of learning self compassion. Love the zebra and horse analogy, reminds me a bit of a favourite childhood song 'The Ugly Duckling' (used to make me cry).

[@MichaelM_2323]

Thank you Mat😂. I love it❤. From Starbuck...on😅. You really have to find ways to cope with these reactions/comments in a positive way, and not internalise it, as we so often can. Happy you are good🙏🏼. Thank you for making my afternoon!

[@lemonladyYT]

Thank you. I shared both videos on my FB wall. Articulating 'me' is one of my big weaknesses, even post dx. ❤

[@MatRicardo]

I hear that!

[@theautisticrabbi]

Mat, thank you for sharing these! They are encouraging. I too was diagnosed at 54. I'm trying to start a vlog to document things but have only uploaded 1 video so far, two years ago. 🙄 I'm going through what I found out is called autistic inertia, brought on by some horrible events in my life, and have shut down. So things I enjoy doing have been on hold. "Assclowns," that was funny! I was going to comment on the prayer suggestion someone made to "fix" autism. But why bother right?

[@MatRicardo]

ooh maybe I need to read up on autistic inertia.. hope you're doing ok

[@helencampbell]

Hi Mat - thank you for sharing - this totally resonated with me as I was diagnosed Audadhd last year at 58 so I get it

[@MatRicardo]

aww thanks

[@CyberBlaed]

*hugs* :D Like all of use who have to deal with these ... how shall we say... ill-informed, your answers are succint and if i dare say, amused me :) Keep up the grand work and continue to be awesome!

[@MatRicardo]

Thanks!

[@ebattershill445]

Thank you sooo much for being funny with regard to the nasty comments I hope I remember some of your responses when such comments come my way , and I totally get the view with the feel like your acting from your first vid😊😊

[@TheTelekon]

Your doing a brilliant job.

[@MatRicardo]

aww thanks!

[@Fester_Adams]

Very helpful video mate, thank you.

[@thebradc]

Nice video and well said.

[@MatRicardo]

Thank you

[@anne.christine]

It's helped me thank you 🙂

[@MatRicardo]

so glad it helped

[@DBialy]

Am I the only one distracted by the Colonial Viper just over his right shoulder? Anyway, great video, Sir.

[@MatRicardo]

OG battlestar galactica 4 life! ;)

[@LeeTanczos]

😂 love it well done

[@MatRicardo]

cheers!

[@pardalote]

🌼

[@Cikameness]

❤❤❤

[@Tomsolomon111]

I have one thing to say about anybody who thinks the pharmaceutical industry has no part in this and thing is "anti depressants. What do you get when you are undiagnosed and on the spectrum? Anti depressants, and what is the composition of antii'depressants? Fluoride. Yes, ADHD Autism go the doctor get anti depressants. Fluoride is a neuro inhibitor, and is describe as such in the litteratur. It's what they used in the concentration camps during the great wars and is one of the biggest income sources for big pharma. And if you think that big pharma isn't capable of evil doings, just look at the past three years....

[@MatRicardo]

I mean, you're wrong on all counts. I have clinical depression, for which I take an antidepressant, in which there is zero fluoride. And I was diagnosed with autism, not depression, when I had my autism assessment. So, for all the spectacular confidence with which you communicate your opinions, they're entirely factually incorrect. You're spouting misinformation, and if people were to listen to you, your mistakes could impact them on a very damaging level. Your final statement, though, tells me all I need to know. You're a vaccine conspiracy theorist. Grow up.