Differences Between Asperger's & High-Functioning Autism

[@paytonpryor]

Don't ever let anyone tell you to stop making videos. People will always have something negative to say, but you just shine through it. Thank you for this video. You are a very smart man.

[@armankhodaei]

Payton Pryor Thank you

[@recyclednew]

Not all aspies desire or want social interaction. Some of us get really good at acting but still feel very uncomfortable, can't wait to leave, and need a lot of alone time to recover from a social event. Also I know aspies who prefer to label themselves as high functioning autism so I think it's all personal preference. We are all on the spectrum, some are just better at "playing normal" than others.

[@WitchOfTheGlen]

My son was diagnosed as High Function Autism a little over a year ago. He's 8 now. I'd be very proud if he turned out as well as you. Regarding the bully, it probably had nothing to do with you at all nor anything you said. Some people are just so broken and full of rage that they attack people for no logical reason. I'm really sorry you had to go through that. I'm glad you're still making videos; you have a lot to share. Thank you

[@jtodaro]

Thanks so much for posting this. I recently found out I'm in the spectrum and thankfully brave people like you made personal videos like this that helped me understand my diagnosis. All these years I thought I was chemically unbalanced, awkward and alone, and it turns out I'm not alone. Thank You

[@jtodaro]

If you met 1 person with Autism you met 1 person with Autism. No 2 cases are the same. This is why its difficult to diagnose.

[@Dancestar1981]

Joseph Todaro and males and females present differently

[@thevampsyd7]

Pausing at 2 minutes just to add that high functioning as a term also implies we are, well, functionable, and I dunno about you guys but my life is still very much a mess at times as I try to learn about my brain and how to cope. I definitely support the idea that new definitions be worked on.

[@HannyCheung]

Please DO NOT STOP making your videos. Understand you are helping a lot of people, including my family. So what if high functioning autism is not an official diagnosis .... we need to make a distinction because the treatment, outcomes, effects, e.t.c. are different. Thanks for your explanations.

[@ITG2Kay]

You did a very good job describing the differences. No speech delay, desire for socialization and therefore social problems, major anxiety, intense emotions. I think the merge of ASD as a diagnosis is cool too. Having the classic "aspergers" people often say a "mild" form of autism but theres really nothing mild about it, its epic feels man haha.

[@jamesmercurio6000]

It is a Gift from God. Can't Solve The Return of Christ Michael Aton of Nebadon at University of Salvington global fellowship? I Have.

[@marycanary]

I also have an asberger’s diagnosis and I always thought that the term “high functioning autism” was just a way to explain how someone who has autism could seem so (for lack of a better word) Capable with some things but still have a hard time dealing with learning how to act appropriately and also have a hard time dealing with social situations and going places wear there’s a huge crowd of people. I guess you learn something new every day don’t you?

[@stevexie2705]

there is a saying that mild autism means that OTHER people experiences mildly, not the individual themselves.

[@DonDraperism]

My son is autistic and you're doing a good job. "high functioning autism" is a term that is fine. It's descriptive of the traits.. My son is considered "low to moderate" functioning as he gets good grades but he's non-verbal. He's a good boy.

[@armankhodaei]

I wish your son the best. Good luck to him. :)

[@DonDraperism]

Thank you. I highly suspect that I am either an aspie or high level autistic. Long story and many years of counseling but I think I should probably get tested at some point as it's not good to self diagnose. Have a good week.

[@derkaiser7968]

Ow shit you son is like me!

[@AdvanTuil]

...

[@derkaiser7968]

***** Do you mean lol as Laughing out loud or just lol like: what a coincident?

[@Dialoguedream]

So easy to related to your video. Found myself constantly shaking my head; yes, yes, yes! My 9 yr. old daughter has Aspergers but it is hidden and no one sees it except those closest to her. A long haul ahead of us. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@mariaadelapassini1755]

Thank you so much for this! I have run into so many people who are SO reactionary when someone uses HFA etc. I avoid it all. I also am SO glad for the Autism Spectrum Disorder category. As a female with Asperger's (or rather, former AS) who grew up as an expat in a multilingual environment from 9 months, etc. I was diagnosed in my mid-later twenties. I was given my last IQ test in my early 20s and I was at over 160. I don't feel an urge to have many friends, I don't have anxiety that high though apparently in girls, we sublimate it into EDs (anorexic for 12 years etc) and ok, I'll stop doing the typical ramble. I am truly glad to find someone who shares very similar POVs. I do wonder (years later now, I know) with all the recent research into females within the spetrum (toward the higher functioning end.) I am truly sorry you had to go through all that with such a bully. I've had to drop medical studies in favour of something easier on my body (ehlers danlos + gastroparesis) and have a love of linguistics too, so it helped. I don't understand how other people on the spectrum react so harshly to what is simply a way NOT of segregating (within a medical community at least) by saying disorder/disease (we're not saying you're not worth anything!) or hig, mid, low functioning (just applies to errr...say.....how many challenges one is faced with NOT that there is a superior type and an inferior. *sigh* I'll let you go. Sorry for going on.

[@armankhodaei]

Maria Adela Passini Thanks for your in-depth post Maria. It is appreciated

[@pavoljuraj7020]

Why so?

[@juntus89]

+jack darrell I second that. This guy is absolutely full of shit hahaha he doesn't have HFA or any form of autism. He is completely normal but he just wants an excuse not to work 👍

[@pavoljuraj7020]

Juntus89 Who said he doesn't work? And are you any kind of studied professional? You would be pretty good to be able to determine a state of mind of person just by watching 15 minutes long video, never even seeing him in person.

[@andreainzaghi7373]

sei italiana??? conosci marco ripà;? ha un canale youtube sulle alte intelligenze dove lui fa dei quiz, lo trovi anche su wikipedia.. è; un ASPERGER's. Peccato che ci sono siti e pagine su facebook tipo asperger pride italia che confondono asperger e autismo solo per avere piu iscritti.... e poi mi chiedo che qualifica abbiano e quale diritto di aprire una pagina su questi argomenti.

[@Eurafrican]

You remind me of myself. I have just been diagnosed as HFA at the age of 32! I'm am enjoying learning more because of people like you. Well done, you represent our community proudly :)

[@ytcarol]

My 5-year old grandson has a "high functioning" autism diagnosis, just coming into speech. I am picturing him as a fine young man like you, able to express himself fully. Thanks for sharing yourself.

[@DawgGirl2]

arman, you have done a great job of fleshing out what I concur are differences which can become labels. I appreciate your honesty, maturity, and intelligence. I am a 67 year old late-life diagnosed Aspergers/HF Autistism female and would like to contribute to your understanding and perhaps stimulate further study and research on your part, so you can broaden your teaching role for us all. There are many co-existing, related, and (delayed) tag-on neurological conditions, symptoms, traits, and injuries which manifest alongside and confuse the presentation, diagnosis, response to, and understanding of a given person on the spectrum. For example, I recently did a google for each of the possible related syndromes and conditions listed at the bottom of the google aspergers entry and was astounded to see in black and white print, several other conditions I have always dealt with, but which NO ONE correctly labeled or understood....I blur colors with sounds, have multiple perceptial-cognitive inabilities in time, space, senses, and these "minor" deficits are probably more the cause of the many problems I have had in life (relationships, employment, health, safety, etc.) than the fact and deficits caused by Autism. The other thing to consider, and this is a really big one for me, and I believe MANY Americans with and without Autism Spectrum or any Neurological Disorders is this.....PTSD is a major unrecognized contributing factor to the human-social experience. PTSD is rampant of course, among returning soldiers, but there are also millions of people with sub-clinical versions (non-war related) of PTSD, often after experiences which were caused by their Autism, or which were exacerbated by the presence of Autism in the person experiencing. To be even more precise, Autistic females are extremely likely to have been sexual assault victims, domestic violence victims, and how many people do you know who have witnessed / been involved in some kind of violence? There are plenty of us walking around with PTSD, and the probability is extremely high among elder single females, currently the single largest population group in America, and that is why so many elder females are "coming out" and/or realizing their lifetime of problems were in fact, unrecognized Autism. One last point to make is this: MBI / TBI, etc. - (minimal) Traumatic Brain Injury is another grossly unrecognized/overlooked condition which can distort the picture with someone who has underlying Autism. Just think about the recent flurry of educational reports on the effects of soccer/ball-head hitting/sports injuries not being attended to which turn into early dementias. Well, this is my last point of information to you and readers, there are several generations of Americans who sustained TBI's which were not recognized as such, but which again, greatly confused the picture in terms of how to help this person (who was also an unrecognized Autistic). A mint was spent on me for symptoms which were essentially TBI, because they knew I had brain injury, but no one thought to notice I was screaming for help with my Autism symptoms of miserable social isolation, insanity-causing sensory distortions, and debilitating anxiety which eventually caused me to commit suicide (age 19 - I was brought back). So, I have just laid out a lot of points: 1) Co-existing conditions need to be looked at because they can distort and distract the picture; 2) Many older women are finding themselves on the spectrum at this time, because of the changes that go on in the human brain during our 60's (inability to suppress memory), and because self-understanding is the developmental life stage hallmark of the passage from 60 to 70 and because we are so huge in numbers and percentage of the population; 3) PTSD is common in America, mostly unrecognized and untreated and confuses the correct treatment approach for everything else; 4) TBI is a hugely unrecognized condition which is progressive in its incidiousness...my autism symptoms get "worse" with time because of the degenerative changes which are inevitable due to the TBI; having a TBI along with PTSD (EXTREMELY likely they will come hand-in-hand) is like taking all the "negative" unpleasant, unwanted Autism Spectrum symptoms and turning the pain volume up to the max. So, now that I have likely made a few people angry in saying all this, I will tell the other side of the story.....If you choose Pharmaceuticals to ameliorate your symptoms for any of this, it will be a dead end path and you will speed up your decline. However, if you focus on diet, food-as-medicine, alternative healing strategies, you will come as close to "curing" yourself in every area, as can be accomplish with the body you have to work with. For example, although each person must lead their own search and rescue to find the correct ingredients and lifestyle choices which will turn their degenerative (aging, cancer, symptoms, etc.) process around or to just slow it down if you are old, there are many legitimate concepts, products, and schools of thought which need to be your starting point. We do not each of us need to re-invent the wheel and can benefit from these understandings: inflammation at the cellular level is the foundational reality of the development of all disorders, symptoms, and the death-spiral of disease. Do you own self-educated search, starting at the search engine function at nutritionfacts.org and other teachers. The anti-inflammatory diet I put myself on 7 months ago to kill the tumor and cancer in my liver did the job, as per the MRI results after the self-administered chemotherapy diet I designed. But the most interesting news of all is that as I came out of the fog of cancer treatment, I noticed my Autism symptoms faded to the point that I cannot deny there is something about Autism and being toxic, which my fasting, herbs, and anti-cancer regimine was also addressing. So, diet matters with Autism and likely culprits are sugar (inc fruit), carbohydrates (grains), and animal products need to be eliminated. Consider gluten and casein free even if you do introduce animal back, only use highest quality everything, and make your daily consumption 90% vegetables, berries, seeds/nuts, non-gluten grains, key herbs, and find out what your particular supplements need to be (mine are daily D3, food-based multi, probiotics, garlic, etc.). Good Luck everybody, hugs

[@armankhodaei]

Thanks for this very insightful and thought out post

[@a.chexan1116]

What a great video! Thanks for sharing!! I have two out of three with it & I love watching people older than my kids who have been there. Keep doing what you're doing! Thanks!

[@moirasullivan8143]

I love how you've offered insight into what it's like to see the world differently. I'm an occupational therapist who works with children with a variety of differences. You've given me the means to talk with all parents, not just those whose children have autism spectrum disorder, so that we can all be kinder and more understanding. Thank you!

[@ChrisCSunshine]

Thank you Arman! I agree with you entirely. For perspective I have Asperger's Diagnosis although now it is ASD which is fine. As someone who has lived 40 years with this, coming from a place where we didn't even know it existed, to the face of autism to be Rainman and to a place now where we recognise how very difficult it is from some of us I am telling you all to stop now. Life with any difference from the norm is hard for anyone. Anyone who attacks those who find life harder than the norm is really a very pitiful creature. Every person i have ever known with ASD is a darling beautiful soul who spreads love continuously again and again regardless of the amount of times they are sworn at kicked or preyed upon by very empty casks, who in my learned opinion normally have very little about themselves that they feel good about because somewhere someone has hurt them very badly and they don't believe they deserve anything else. This is not true we all deserve respect and the understanding we can all bring something amazing to this world. Those of us with ASD know this unconciously, which is why we keep giving.. just look at the evidence... Arman is still posting and helping even after his ordeal. Anyone with ASD accept that for together we are stronger in all ways... but for all the pains we have in traversing the world and the carelessness of others know it is a fantastic gift as well to perceive the world as we do.. it has taken me many years to understand much of this and so I appreciate some will not understand how i could call it a gift.. but then if you think about it i am just saying it is absolutely ok to be you just as you are asd or no asd. Keep strong much love to everyone!

[@LovedbcHim]

My daughter was diagnosed with high functioning autism at 2 years old. She had a speech delay and when she would speak she spoke in riddles, which she still does. What I've found is that even though she is high functioning, she still needs some of the services that many other autists need, such as therapies and so on, so for that reason I am glad that they are taking out Aspergers. I feel that more kids will get more services this way.

[@KhanKarkasss]

That's great to reach up to the kids but I'd like more programs for adults because many of us been bad diagnosed when kids or not even had the chance to check that up until now

[@MoscoPortfolio]

Today you have gained a new friend in me. I have a son on the ASD (high functioning) watching you talk and expose your emotions and opinions in such a public way gives me an unbelievable boost in hope for my own kid. Keep doing this!

[@MegaMollymoomoo]

Im sorry to hear about your cyber bullying experience, the internet can seem like 1 big school yard, small-minded prejudice idiots are everywhere! Fuelled by anonymity people feel they have a free pass to threaten, abuse & harass others. It's not fair & its not good enough...but it's human nature Im afraid...I'd love to see a change in society about acceptable ways to treat each other...videos like yours are a big help & a beacon of hope to share information on the subject & hopefully educate others

[@sandrabrower41]

Great video! I have a lot of the characteristics that seem to point to Asperger's, but I've never been diagnosed. When I was a kid, I was excluded by my peers a lot and too shy to ask to join them, so I'd go off to a corner and cry because I didn't know how to make friends. As a teen, I couldn't even approach someone and say hello. Sometimes I wanted to kill myself because all I wanted was to be normal. Learning about Asperger's helped me understand why even just saying hi was so difficult.

[@shanebruce1]

Don't let any one bully you, cyber or otherwise. The info you are giving is reaaly valuable.

[@danachelf8640]

I think you're fantastic!! My son was diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism when he was 8 yrs old. He is now 12 and doing great, thanks to a small school environment which helps with his anxiety. You are an amazing person and a true inspiration to anyone touched by Autism. God bless!!

[@daibar]

Thanks for sharing this video. Please don't let people with their own personal issues blaming you for things you can't control, stop you from making videos. There's no way any single person can get everything right, and you have provided a lot of good information and perspective on this.

[@armankhodaei]

Thank you

[@onlyoffroad2882]

Arman Khodaei Why is it called high fuccional autism ? Let it be aspergers they are both completely different they just don't want to struggle I am angree because they say I'm autistic when I have aspergers they put me in a class full of autistic people and I'm over overcknowledged and they treat me like if I was a 3 year old boy sending classmates over to escort me to the dam bathroom like WTF man I'm not that stupid they think I have autism because I don't talk and male me look retarded in front of my class mates I have this really annoying teacher who comes every day checking on me and this autistic girl and she always makes me loose . Alot of inmportant material on class because she goes too slow and sinse she can't keep up to my speed they make me wait till she's done and my original homeroom teacher teaching a new lesson while I have to wait unroll she's done that is why I don't like them putting asperger and autism in the same category

[@Dancestar1981]

OnlyOffroad same I hate it when people are condescending and treat you like an idiot. It’s an insult to my intelligence which incidentally was above 140 when I was tested. People think I should be doing activities with people who are so disabled you can’t talk to them. No way! I’m just like a neurotypical only I have certain things I struggle with time management and organisational skills, some complex non verbal communication, complex and abstract problems, and some sensory sensitivities. I also suffer from stress burnout, anxiety and the odd bout of depression, however generally I am a very positive person.

[@janellahowe]

Thank you for having the courage to share your video. As a parent of child with the same disorder, it is helpful and encouraging as well as educating.

[@KristinaAthena]

You are great for doing these videos . . . it gives me hope for some of my students

[@armankhodaei]

Thank you

[@sheeara]

I just want to say thank you for sharing your story, opinions, and the facts that you've learned. I am an (as my autistic daughter calls me) "Allistic" learner in a home with a husband that lives successfully with autism and is undiagnosed. He, only since he's known me, has learned that it is time for him to seek a diagnoses to better understand the exceptional and challenged parts of his world that can be better understood. When we were children, very little was known about the autism spectrum. And now, with my 16 year old, high functioning autistic daughter, he's learned he's not as "weird" as he once thought he was. His entire life was spent trying to force himself to look "normal" as his world suggested the behaviors to be called. You can imagine, with ticking, minimal social desire and ability, and a pretty intense sensory disorder... how important education about the spectrum could have been in his life. Our 9 year old son that lives with aspburgers, is far more blessed for having gotten to know more at a much earlier age... as well as being surrounded by our family that supports who he is in all his strengths and challenges. I'm sorry you were bullied. Truly... my heart goes out to you!!! I'm so grateful that you didn't let the hate and ignorance your bully forced on you to keep you from reaching out to the public. You are a blessing for just bringing another perspective. So, thank you... from a mother who is raising a child that was blessed to find her diagnoses at age 2 and feel strong in it. From a wife who hurts for her husband having to spend such a sizely portion of his life feeling trapped by the spectrum. And for the mother of a son who's found how to become empowered by a spectrum he would have never known existed if people like you didn't reach out and say.... "this is me."

[@aletavashford]

Thank you for posting this video. You are an inspiration.

[@ibelieveinyour]

Thank you for being courageous and continuing to educate others about differences people on the Autism Spectrum. Also for sharing that you can overcome some of the behaviors or traits. So many don't understand that!

[@dbstube]

Well done! My little sister has asperger's-she was outstanding at drafting, has many friends and works fairly well with people in the travel industry. I think since there is such a wide range of variable ability in individuals with either autism, asperger's or any other psychiatric condition a non affected individual may not ever know until they have worked or lived with someone who has any of these diagnoses! PS: And many improve so well with life experience and therapy!

[@SplitFinn]

Thank you for the upload. I am a twenty-six year old very recently diagnosed with HFA with 'select traits of what used to be called AS'. It's nice to see that you were able to make this video/testimony at the age of twenty-six as I am considering doing the same. My immediate family had seldom suspected that I was on the ASD scale due to a lack of information. My teachers were not trained to pick up on signs of AS or HFA so I cannot really begrudge them either. It was actually my uncle, who was himself diagnosed with HFA in his early forties, who approached me about his suspicions and who prompted me to seek out a diagnosis. Sad to hear your experience with cyber-bullying, I have been there as well and my heart goes out to you. The more that I think about it, doing a video akin to this one would help bring me some closure and progress. Thanks again.

[@Gymcoach1]

In America, they stopped using the term Aspergers Syndrome and now are using HFA now.

[@xmom1011x]

I found your video interesting. I have two boys on the spectrum. One with Asperger's and one with PDD-NOS (he tends to lean towards HFA). The differences you described at least most of them were right on. My eldest with Asperger's is socially awkward but wants friends and tries so hard. He has a ton of anxiety to the point where it really affects his day to day life. My younger son really could care less about social stuff and really doesn't have much anxiety. He is very speech delayed though.

[@estebanblondet1638]

I was diagnosed with aspergers wen i was a young teenager becouse of the things i went through with in my childhood like having trouble meeting people and having friends till this days i dont have any friends but im very friendly i can socialize with people i feel are nice and cool to talk to.

[@Dancestar1981]

Esteban Blondet exactly younger and older individuals were easier to talk to growing up but your own peers are you kidding me just got rejection there

[@Mike-tg7dj]

You are a fountain of information on the subject. I have subscribed to your channel.

[@Passionhearted1]

Hi Arman, I heard you speak at Cal State University San Bernardino on what it's like living with autism. It was very informative and helpful to myself and the other parents that had the oportunity to hear your input. We appreciate the time you took to share. Thanks again!

[@Sceatiy]

We know what it feels like to have rights removed due to being labeled Most of us have known this feeling our whole lives. We have been tested on, teased and bullied as well as labeled. So we study and learn in our own ways *It always works out better that way. We can fully understand and absorber everything taking the time we need rather then taking someone else's word as this is the way it is.! Not only to prove others wrong about us but hopefully help others in the same situations and circumstances avoid being put through what we went through. We tend to speak up more about nature, animals, and people rights due to not being heard or not having a voice as children. We try to give a voice to the voiceless

[@aWERFRGT6545BGFG]

accualy autism is a word for all the autistic symptoms im autistic well the type of my autistic is aspergers :3

[@Bobby_Duggy94]

MsKittyRblx what

[@armankhodaei]

MsKittyRblx correct

[@AntisocialEmpath]

exactly! It's like asking what's the difference between a Poodle and a dog. Aspergers is a high functioning type of autism

[@Victoria-cm4jr]

I just accidentally stumbled on this video and very glad I did. My 15 year old grandson and 17 year old second cousin are "high functioning" autistic. You explain everything so well. I have subscribed and will be searching for your other videos. Thank you.

[@salenaculpepper701]

I am in touch with my emotions. I just don't always tell people what's going on with me.

[@ArtsyCubenerdDrawing]

I was diagnosed last year in Aug. My doctor never said I was Autistic, he said that I am a high functioning Aspie. Well his exact words were, "you have Asperger's Syndrome, but you are high functioning." When he said that, I asked him what that was. He said, "it is a mild form of Autism." And then I asked him am I considered autistic? He said, "well this year (2013) you are, but to some, who are educated about these kinds of things, you aren't. You are a high functioning person with Asperger's Syndrome" And then he asked me, "Do you or can you say that you are autistic?" I answered no. He asked, "why?" I said, because my understanding of Autism is that they can't hind their symptoms and they aren't emotionally that attached to people. But me... I feel too much and I can hide my oddities, if I wanted too. And then he asked, "well, I asked you if I could get you tested, why did you allow it? I said because I was tired of hiding my weirdness and quirks and I wanted to really know if something was up with me. I am 25 years old now. I found out about having Asperger's Syndrome in Aug. 2013, when I was 24. I think you explained both points very well. But I don't understand how anyone can question if you are really Autistic. I can see it, well hear it, by the way you were speaking and pausing and not keeping real eye contact for long with the camera. It seems that your eye contact is being forced. The only reason I say that, is because I use to do vlogging videos and when I talk to the camera, or people, I am forcing myself to look at people in the eyes, but on camera, I never cared to much to keep eye contact. And I was very fidgety and paused a few times. I don't know how my diagnoses was missed when I was younger.. hmm... But anyways, I imagine my face looks just like yours. lol. But for me personally, I don't like that the DSM-5 pretty much put everything in one category. I know it's not one category, it's a spectrum. But when you do that, then people who aren't on the spectrum aren't being properly educated about us being different. I have Asperger's, I don't consider myself Autistic, even though I know that is how the public is going to be taught about it because now I am "clumped" in as being only Autistic. I don't know, I don't want to type to much. I am still doing a lot of research about this because I think it's good for me to have a understanding of it, since I am on the spectrum, being a person with Asperger's Syndrome. But good video. (^-^)v

[@armankhodaei]

Thanks. Also, please be aware that your doctor is also giving his opinion based on his own experiences with autistic and Asperger's patients.

[@ArtsyCubenerdDrawing]

Arman Khodaei Yes I know that. I think it was personal for him. But I didn't want to ask questions. I could just hear it in his voice, by the way he was talking about it. I don't think he is on the spectrum, maybe a family member or someone close to him.

[@armankhodaei]

Interesting

[@reece3875]

how did you get tested? like what did they do

[@reece3875]

David Frigault oh you are lucky , my school never picked up that i had autism and i had to get through school by myself trying to keep up

[@whoru79]

My son is diagnosed Aspergers or Mild Autism. First diagnosed by a local Dr. Mild autism..Changed to Aspergers by Chops in Philly because of the non speech delay. They need to drop one because they both r considered an autism disorder. But..my son is now 18. His group is really sad about them dropping Aspergers as a diagnosis..Trust me none of them care what u call their illness..but society does. Sadly the second people her Autism..they treat you like different.

[@ladyeliz88]

I always enjoy learning from someone with Autism diagnosis.

[@kkcustomized]

My son is 5 years old. His neurologist gave him an autism diagnosis. His developmental pediatrician gave him initially a low functioning autism diagnosis. Just in March she changed it to Aspergers because he is now speaking. I found your video very helpful, now only if the doctors could make up their mind. My son gets SSI and respite because he is so low functioning and has no safety awareness. His stimms come first, and if he gets stuck in one it is like he is in his own world.

[@FavouriteSunrise]

The work you are doing, through sharing, is awesome - as is the sense you have made of the guy who became threatening towards you. You are very intelligent - so perhaps the individual felt threatened. I am glad that you did not let the person's reaction put you off from sharing your knowledge and experience because your contributions will help many people parents, carers, children and young people alike. Great stuff. Keep up the good work.

[@sunshinespectrum909]

You remind me of my brother and he has aspergers and it is considered high functioning autism.

[@diamond77ty]

You pretty much nailed the differences between my older brother with Asperger's and my son with autism. People with their negative comments clearly don't understand autism or know anyone on the autism spectrum!

[@gretamargaux4629]

Arman I really found your video insightful! Thank you so much.

[@Valorince]

I gotta stop the video right here, never stop making videos!! You're awesome at them.

[@colinmacdonald3931]

All I was watching was the balloon in the back ground. I did agree with what I heard you say though. I'm an Aspergers variant. We have superpowers, but they come at a cost.

[@GreatTruth123]

LOL

[@fredkirby2134]

High-Functioning Autism IS a REAL diagnoses I was diagnosed with it at about 15 somewhere (I'm 16 now) I DON'T HAVE ASPERGER'S!!!11, I HAVE HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISM!!!11

[@fredkirby2134]

***** great LET'S DANCE!!!111 :D

[@onlyoffroad2882]

***** you know thats aspergers but they just don't want to struggle and just put it in the same category as autism asperger is real

[@fredkirby2134]

OnlyOffroad high-functioning autism is NOT aspergers, look it up. -_-

[@ansein7263]

OnlyOffroad I wouldn't worry about the minute details of either diagnosis. Both have different criteria, as far as which symptoms (and the number of them), but both are on the autism spectrum. Autism, and PDD-NOS (also an ASD) have been recognized a lot longer than apsergers. I'm sure there are many people that would fit the qualifications for aspergers, but have been diagnosed with something else on the autism spectrum. That isn't to say that aspergergs isn't a legitimate diagnosis. Its just that a longer standing diagnosis has a bit more recognition.

[@onlyoffroad2882]

Ansein I think it should be in a different category because I always get recognized as a person with "autism" and always have to struggle my way to this conversation .....

[@sandrabrower41]

I had two friends in elementary school, but sometimes they'd play at recess without me and even make fun of me, so I'd go off by myself and cry. But I've always been sensitive to sound. When I was a very young child I was afraid of thunder, trains, and the vacuum. I've also been sensitive to certain textures. I used to gag when I'd get a stray hair stuck to my hand or see a wad of hair in the bath tub drain.

[@whoru79]

Our life is far from normal...but hes smart and a wonderful artist. He sees the word totally different from anyone i have ever met. I ttuely admire and am amazed by him more each day. Great video...keep up the good work presenting people with autism in a positive light.

[@revheatherfromohio]

Frederick, my son is Autistic. The whole aspie thing is important solidarity for aspies to communicate specifically with other aspies. Since my 12 yr old finally made some friends - all aspies - his depression has lifted. Being "socially Blind" is a real crazy maker. When teachers explain, in really plain language, non emotionally, how to use a social skill like listening and tesponding appeopriately in a group, then he is so happy to learn! Shaming messages like "you should lnow by now" f up

[@autismslove1910]

I know as an aspie I enjoy my quiet time because I love thinking and processing, but I have such a high need for communication as well. That makes me an extroverted introvert I guess. Nonetheless, I think you were spot on about Asperger's. I can only speak for myself, but I am very expressive and emotional even thought I don't always understand my emotions I still try to express them anyway. Thanks for this vide. I posted in on my new fb page.

[@LordBoofhead1]

Get your self a referral to a Psychologist for a full test because a) Sometimes self diagnosis are wrong and you owe it to yourself to get the best diagnosis you can, and b) We Aspies tend to be a touch dismissive of the 'self-diagnosed' as there are lot of folks out there who claim AS as an excuse to be arsehats to folk (ironically a strong empathy towards others is a common Aspergers trait).

[@MikeHuntingford]

First, congrats for a wonderful video. Second, you're explanations are the best I have ever heard and for me, will be very useful as I deal with children of all ages in a school district. I often have interaction with students assessed with both Asperger's and Autism. Thank you for you insight. All the best. Mike

[@tesssurname1950]

Thank you for this. I find this informative and watchable.

[@zlstpedestrian1565]

great video, dude. it helped me a lot, and i expect it'll continue to serve that purpose. best wishes, and don't let the owners bring you down. thanks and love.

[@Bluefairy513]

SEMANTICS! And the verbiage changes all the time. When my son was diagnosed 15 years ago, Aspergers was not recognized. Then it was, now it's not. Frankly, I think the medical profession is clueless.

[@KatieCochran]

Like any science knowledge grows, therefore things are always changing;they're not clueless just learning more.

[@Bluefairy513]

That is a more hopeful way of looking at things :-)

[@pizzaboynizzaTV]

I didn't get diagnosed with Aspergers until I was 28, lol. Great video!

[@Passionhearted1]

Yes...you are correct as a mom I fought for the "autism" diagnosis because that's what my son needed to gain the services and supports he needed at school. Unfortunatley the "lable" is key to getting those services!

[@extrausapi2941]

10:00 My sister and I have Aspergers and we both are actually very emotionally attuned and that's actually how we express ourselves. Thats one issue with me is that i wear my feelings on my shoulders all the time. Sometimes its hard to let go of some things while it's easier to let some things just flow away.

[@mattdecurtis1687]

Update: I have severe ADHD with a mood disorder with schizoaffective disorder and other mental health challenges. I had a diagnosis of ASD only for school support due to my severe ADD. I don’t have Autism but I do have a lot of challenges that look like Asperger’s or HFA because of my schizophrenia spectrum condition. I just like being who I am. Being different is fine

[@bombergal1]

I have Asperger's syndrome and am an elementary music teacher. Understanding my symptoms are key to having a relationship with me.

[@MACSmovies]

You can't help the crazies that stalk you. Don't worry about the haters. They exist, just ignore. Your videos are great.

[@angelaofluv]

The reason we go into politics is because we are very aware of social issues and injustices

[@TheWritingGirl]

stimming" is short for self-stimulatory behavior, sometimes also called "stereotypic" behavior. In a person with autism, stimming usually refers to specific behaviors such as flapping, rocking, spinning, or repetition of words and phrases

[@derkaiser7968]

Good video! I have Aspergers and i agree with what you say. I have also hard to talk to other people and i have a tendence to say dumb things or something like that and when i dont know a person i have realy hard to tal with that person, sometimes it easyer sometimes its very hard. I have much feelings and others then me like people with Autism seems to have less like they have no feelings (some people not all). We all have something to work on i and you so we can always be better at anything. ''As he gets older though, I think it is clear that he is autistic. Despite not having speech delays, he stims, claps, flaps, rocks, has verbal ticks, the occasional meltdowns, needs to wear earplugs when out in public, hyper-focused, and speaks in monotone. Apparently, the thing that confuses the doctor's is that he has always talked a lot and monologues all the time. Also, he can drive (hyper -focused when he drives), which clearly perplexes them and makes them automatically put him in the Asperger's category,'' im like this and i have easy to talk to adult people then younger and someone who i may have a good chemistry with it is like i already know that person so it depends on. I have hard to talk when im with people i dont know sometimes and i dont know why and so on.

[@Passionhearted1]

That would be awesome! It was very inspirational to hear you speak. Myself and the other parents in my class have brought you up in class disussions. It was very helpful to us to hear your perspective. I have two sons in the program, twins in fact, they are 14 and very different.

[@MNBY123]

thanks for responding. :) I was originality diagnosed with aspergers when i was 8. I am now 13 and saw a new child psychiatrist and he thinks I have PDD-NOS because disorders is my special interest. ( I want to be a pediatrician when I grow up) although I can speak well at times . My social / emotional skills are severely impacted. I act like a very young child. Im immature at best. I'm very sensitive especially to sound and i have meltdowns. When i was younger at recess I read by myself.

[@icemountaindragon5057]

Hello, Arman. I'm Jimmy. and I also have Autism. High-Functioning. it's good to know that there are those who are giving people what High-Functioning and Aspergers really is.

[@armankhodaei]

Thank you.

[@BMeneau]

Hi! My son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 and a half. He didn't talk back then and his autistic traits were more obvious than now. Since his diagnosis, I have read a lot about autism. First out of need and now out of interest. He started talking at the age of four and he will soon turn seven. As he is growing up in a bilingual environnment, he caught up so much that he is able to speak both languages. One almost perfectly and the second one better and better. His social/emotional intelligence is naturally "impaired" (if one considers there are various forms of intelligence, which I do, and not just the kind of intelligence which can be measured through IQ tests) but he is also improving in this department. I say "impaired" considering the rules that are taken for granted in our society. I would almost say that he just thinks differently which I know also has a lot of positive aspects. I would "label " him as high functionning autist.To me, Asperger Syndrom and Autism are both the same. The only difference is where the person lies on the spectrum, the Asperger Syndrom being far up the spectrum. And even there, Aspergers can be very different from each other in the way they are able to function in society. As it is common to say that autism is partly due to genetics and that very often, it is likely to see several family members carrying autism, I had to ask myself who else could also have autism around us (in my family and my husband's). And quite naturally, I thought of my father (for many reasons which I will not expose here). My dad is 66 and I am convinced he could be tested Asperger. But he functions so well in life (professional and with most people around him, much less in private and very little in the intimacy) that there is no need for him to do so now. I am convinced that there are many adults out there who function really well enough in society and whose difficulties only show in this social/emotional department that unless you live with them (and you know much about autism), nobody can make a connection with Autism/Asperger Syndrom. To sum things up, I believe that despite my son's diagnosis of autism, the difference between him and a kid being diagnosed Asperger will be non existant in the adult age. I believe that many children with autism can evolve on this autism spectrum. I usually represent myself autism with this kind of symbol < in a much bigger size. With the autism diagnosis to the left and the Asperger Syndrom diagnosis to the right. Depending on one's social and communication skills, the pointer will show more to the left or more to the right side of this "scale" symbol. This is my theory!

[@Chelsaroo22]

The difference between aspergers and hfa is that aspergers does not have the speech delay that hfa entails (which is what I have), but ultimately, it's all on the same spectrum.

[@GretaCamilleGarbo]

Sorry that happened to you with the cyber bully. That had to be frightening. Glad you're still making videos. BTW, there is certainly a diagnosis of "High Functioning Autism.". I've often seen high functioning autism and AS put together and called the same thing. Yes, they are two different things as you pointed out, but there definitely is a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism. Not sure I like the idea of just being on a "spectrum"... I like the specific diagnosis a lot better! :). Bu

[@SimGandr_PoW]

Arman Kody, you are a very informative person and I am 47 at this time still trying to even get any form of diagnose cause I begin to notice more and more that I get stuck with the big gap between me and the rest of the world, cause... It is like I talk another language all to gether when I just say it as it is... I like to be left allone. They do not understand. If I want to sociolise with some one... It will be on my terms... But it seems hard for others to understand. I am this walking contradiction personallity. My emotional status is basically dead, I do not "feel" but that is the hardest to explain. I can read people like a book but they find this scary. The only reason that I can read them that well is cause I need them to show me how the world functions, I can not understand the way people function. Anyway... I find it hard to discribe in english but I did understand what you were trying to say and bring across

[@KimberlyJSteiner]

Thank you for making this video, Arman. I have an 8 yo boy and he is also "HFA" and everything you described fit-- as opposed to aspergers.

[@LizHardEyes]

Thanks for the video. I personally I think there is no difference between HFA and Asperger's because so many different experts use the definitions so differently. This will always be a problem unless there is agreement on what the words mean. I can understand how High functioning could be offensive as it does imply that the rest are not functioning, it's just divisive, on the other hand Asperger's can be the same. My diagnosis is that I'm somewhere on the spectrum and hinted at HFA. I loved watching you talk about it though. It's so nice to see the way you think, and it's so much like the way I think.

[@BCSchmerker]

Excellent points. Autism is a spectrum disorder; Leo Kanner MD saw what would be characterized as severe cases in his studies of odd kids in the 1940's. Hans Asperger PhD saw cases that, we found when translations became available in the 1990's, had significant differences from those in Kanner's studies.

[@GLZAEA]

You sir are a voice of hope.

[@greatspacecoaster8759]

In my opinion, that dirtball that threatened you doesn't deserve to communicate with humans. U shouldn't of had to experience his hate. You r obviously a better person and have risen above him. Ty for sharing and adding to my awareness of aspergers traits. My 11yr old is an aspie. Main challenges r anxiety & social awkwardness.

[@emmatai88]

Wow! Great video! I have Aspergers I totally get what you are relating too! Autism Spectrum Disorders are complexed and very abstract! By the way that guy was scary you mentioned and I am happy he left you alone! I hope he is not harassing you again. It's been a very complicated life and I even played High School varsity sports which is unheard of for people who have an Autism Disorder. That was before I even knew I had Aspergers. I also took Calculus and am a honors art student! So I agree some people have no clue and even deny services and IEP's.

[@thoomyyy223]

My psychologist says they do not call it aspergers syndrome any more like you say around 4:15

[@DonSSanders]

Thanks Arman. Latest is that there are over 300 genes involved in the autism spectrum. Every one of us is completely unique in the expression of our autism...common traits do appear that define the condition, but on the individual level we all have very different brains than NTs *and* one another. We each have a unique pattern of genetic loading for autism. Then our environment interacts to make our autistic experience.

[@DanaPatriciaMary1]

I have Asperger´s syndrome and I do want to have friends and socialize, but not as often as other people. It is enough for me to meet friends only every now and then, but definitely not every day, not every other day or not every weekend. I want to meet them only like once or twice a month for a couple of hours. I prefer contact over social media and emails. Because every time we go out somewhere, it drains my energy and it takes a lot of time to recover. Mostly, when I go out to a restaurant or some event, I am so tired that I really do not feel like doing anything else the entire following day. I just need to have a rest. My husband does not get it, he expects me to be fully up and running the following day and cannot understand why I need to have some me-time. He says that the meeting was the previous day and now it is a different day, so why cannot I function normally. He just does not understand how draining meetings are for me. When I am at work and I am amongst loads of people, I tend to speak to them only when necessary. I just would not be able to interact with them more than that every day. I tend to speak to them only about work related things and maybe just a couple of sentences about personal life, but that is it. They tend to chat all the time, but I just can´t. I need to concentrate on my work, not to chat. I don´t need chatting at all. If I need to say something, then it must be something that is important. Not just speak because we have a while to do so.

[@TakenbyTolstoy]

@Quintega Sorry to hear that. (I also have Asperger's but wasn't diagnosed until in my twenties so I have no experience of early intervention and can't really imagine how it would have affected me.)

[@bookwormblondebabee]

As a future special ed teacher with autism focus; I am learning from all of you.

[@dariusvilla5680]

My mom said that I have Asperger's and the she said I have PDD(NOS), a medical jargon for autism spectrum. The difference between HFA and AS really depends on the doctor and the diagnostic tools used. Of course, it's not like Cystic Fibrosis or Influenza, where you can pinpoint a culprit like a gene mutation or a virus that causes it. The thing I like of what DSM-V did in regards to the autism diagnosis is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). However, even still then the fact that the makers of DSM-V created 3 levels of autism functioning shows that this simplified and better autism diagnosis tool recognizes the difference between a high-functioning autistic person with an IQ of ~130 and going to a university, like I am, and someone on the opposite end of the spectrum who is low functioning with a profound intellectual deficit caused by some rare genetic disorder, like Angelman's. Again it's just KISS. So no, DSM-V did not eliminate the difference's between Asperger's and low functioning autism. On the contrary, it made diagnosis of autism simpler yet not as easy to fall under as in PDD, with it's confusng medical jargon.

[@armankhodaei]

Overall, autism diagnoses and levels and all that are a mess.

[@Dizzydollie7]

I like this video, I make many Autism/Aspergers videos also. I have had issues trying to explain the difference between "High Functioning Autism" and Aspergers and you did it very well. Also I have wondered if my Aspergers diagnosis was correct or if I am simply "Autistic," and that it wasn't caught until I was 20 - I don't have the emotional range of many of those with AS. I am not upset about the DSM5 change, either. Great video =)

[@ThePAULOPABLO]

I find your video very interesting. I am from England and I am currently being assessed for Autism Spectrum disorder. I have things which seem to fit in both Asperger's and High Functioning autism. I am interested in politics too, I guess it because politicians control our lives when we want to control are lives not someone else. I had significant speech delay.

[@Mollidew]

I was a respite caregiver for a long time and I knew Dr. Rimland. I am happy they are changing this name. In CA if you are not diagnosed as Autistic you can't get services. There has always been a disagreement about whether High Functioning Autism and Asperger's were one in the same. My specialty was Autism so I have been with a lot of people with either diagnosis. No two were ever alike. I have had clients who were loving but diagnosed autistic. It depends on how or if the sensory is affected.

[@allthingsenergy7635]

Glad you made this video. The distinctions are worth discussing. Why labels and categories? For good reason: to help us find each other. We need some categories so that we can find others like us, to have meaningful friendships, and learn from each other. To use the poodle analogy below: the needs of a poodle are different from the needs of a Dalmatian or Siberian Husky. All dogs, but slightly different needs. Thus, slightly different labels for finding the best fits for AS friends. Having said that, I believe in the term "High Functioning Autism", and that it is slightly different from Asperger's. Not from medical or legal diagnosis, but for finding similar people. Traits do overlap, but from my experience, we can generally place most Autistics into HFA, LFA, or Asperger's. I place myself in "High Functioning Autism" when looking for AS friends. Great video. Very good.

[@armankhodaei]

From what I understand, some people with an Asperger's diagnosis might no longer "qualify" as being on the autism spectrum.

[@DannyMcKinney79]

Enjoy watching your video and it reflects everyone's mind to have success to the extravagant world.

[@kkcustomized]

My son's symptoms of his OCD that triggers constant meltdowns is medicated and it does help. He still gets stressed but we don't spend hours with him screeching and inconsolable because of it. I believe with early therapy things can change. I got my son to a dr for a diagnosis at 9 months old and therapy was started by 18 months. I was told he would never speak. I think it is because of the early therapy that he can speak.

[@biblesceptic8199]

Great video! I hope more people see this so they can understand more about ASD. I haven't picked up a copy of DSM V yet, but from what I understand, the diagnosis has changed to be as you've described. This should help with kids getting the right services for their unique struggles.

[@randomweirdo2256]

high functioning autism is an actual diagnosis. I was given the diagnosis by my doctor. he told me that's what I had

[@millicent1990]

I don't know if I have Asperger's Syndrome or Autism. What I do know is that I like to be alone on my computer all the time and when I go out with my family or friends I am always angry that I had to leave my computer; I force myself to look people in the eyes and even then I lose it and look away often; also when people talk to me about the news I get angry at that as well and stop listening; I am interested in learning anything and everything I can, I am particularly interested in drawing, computers, producing music and game design. I find myself reverting to these specific selections on my computer; When I am with my friends I act weird and say weird things and even do weird things. I use to be able to control it, these days it gets harder and harder to do that... and sometimes I can not tell if people are being sarcastic I have to ask then if they are or just assume otherwise. I really would like to know if I fall on the spectrum, I believe my father did and I want to know if it can be passed down.

[@armankhodaei]

Interesting. I have never heard that before.

[@tanyaratti]

I’m 56 and after a lifetime of not belonging and keeping away from people for any reason I could find, being very emotionally sensitive, over obsessed with certain topics to the point people who are close, get very sick of me, mad animal lover, and now recalling all the childhood difficulties, I finally did an Asbergers test. OMGoodness it was so ‘hey this is mee!’ I got 45 from a possible 50 indicators. This has been my life. I’m happy to finally understand, but am also afraid I will never be taken seriously again. 😢

[@Dancestar1981]

Tanya Adams welcome to the club those of us on the spectrum just want to be accepted as ourselves we are more tolerant than many NTs because of all the personal struggles we have gone through in life. Online is a way to interact internationally with others who are like us, and writing our thoughts is easier than communicating them orally as the connections in the brain occur faster and require less processing time.

[@Unus_Annus_14]

Great video. My DS has aspergers and I too welcome the DSM V changes. He is more impaired than some with classic autism his age. Mostly due to huge sensory issues, adhd, and other behavioral issues. It will be nice for his issues to be taken more seriously, but right now as it stands they're not because he has aspergers and like you say he is lumped in with others who have aspergers who usually do function better.