Dying Young and Misunderstood: Autism in Adulthood | Elizabeth Weir | TEDxCambridgeUniversity

Autism in adulthood is often overlooked, leading to worsened physical and mental health outcomes. Elizabeth argues for a reformation of current support systems to increase safeguarding and support for neurodiverse communities. Elizabeth Weir is a postdoctoral researcher at the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge and a Rokos PDRA Fellow at Queens’ College. Elizabeth strives to fill gaps in current research by highlighting the needs of understudied and underserved groups within the autism community, including middle-aged and older people, those with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and those assigned female at birth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@JDMimeTHEFIRST]

As an autistic woman who was late diagnosed, the best treatment is to educate neurotypicals about autism, give us accommodations we need, and stop bullying us.

[@CricketGirrl]

I hate the bullying. I feel like I can't even ask a question on reddit without getting it.

[@oleonard7319]

they don't really care, they just want to make themselves feel better by pretending they are doing something.

[@midnightcat6116]

Most neurotypical folk don’t care or are indifferent (some aren’t, though). They can’t relate to us and what makes us different, has them feeling uncomfortable.

[@alistairmurray626]

@@CricketGirrl reddit is a place for keyboard warriors to have a safe space. Think yourself lucky for having an alternative perspective when challenged on reddit, not much more to offer on that website. It's that mixed with a covert advertisement scheme without having to pay advertisement fees. The reason you don't fit into that is because you are better than that.

[@CricketGirrl]

@@alistairmurray626 thank you!!! 😊❤️

[@CricketGirrl]

One of the biggest problems, in my mind, is the endless research about us without anyone doing anything to actually help us. A lot like the scene in Monty Python's life of Brian when they sit around making proposals but never do anything. Just like Brian, we hang on the cross in the sun, dying, while people talk in front of us, about us, not with us.

[@CircaBEFORE]

I’m so glad Monty Python did what they did bc honestly I was only ever able to truly relate to their humor.

[@andrewskinner8560]

As an Autistic, give me one good reason why I should live in a world that doesn't give a damn about me?

[@gaynorhennessy9954]

The world is huge , there will be people who care ,not everyone will buy please remember there's ones who do ❤️

[@Emi_72]

To meet other autistics

[@andrewskinner8560]

@@Emi_72 if I can find them.

[@GarfieldEnjoyer1878]

It doesn’t care about anyone else and doesn’t have to

[@mariecait]

i care. i love autistic people. they’re the only people who understand me

[@Emi_72]

37, no job, still trying to figure out what I like to do, chronique depression, chronique fatigue, generalized anxiety disorder. I got my autism diagnosis last year but i am still so lost.

[@user-hc1im5fu5d]

Thanks for your comment. I hope and pray that you won't beat yourself up for the wrongs in this world or for the harsh way that general society sometimes treats people with autism. x

[@faithhopelove7777777]

Jesus is the answer to everything!❤🙏✝️ God bless you!

[@mayankverma6627]

I am with you Chloe hope things get better

[@pugazhenthi6868]

My best wishes for you!!

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

Same here. But some idiots will tell you life is worth living. I hate those people with a despotic fiery passion..

[@neshiah4747]

I’m 59. Autistic. Always felt alone and at odds and on the edge of everything. So I got focused and got really good at what I do best. I am an awesomely superb artist. Rejoice the gift of life. We are here for the blink of an eye and then gone forever,

[@oh2887]

Thank you for the positive comment. It gives me hope that maybe I can find something that will allow me to be valid in life. Best of luck to you.

[@neshiah4747]

@@oh2887 maybe you’ve already found that thing, but have yet to recognise “it” 🙏🏼

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

Better to have never been at all

[@neshiah4747]

You’re wrong.

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

@@neshiah4747 that's deep! I never thought of it that way before 🙄

[@tartgreenapple1]

I was *finally* diagnosed Autistic woth ADHD at age 51. It answered SO MANY questions. So many years of trauma. Now, people are saying its a fad to be diagnosed with ADHD or Autism. It's infuriating. Thank you for this Ted talk.

[@bryanfreeman437]

I was one of those people. Living in denial of ASD while socially suffering from it is even worse than the diagnosis in itself.

[@tartgreenapple1]

​@@bryanfreeman437 Right? I turned all that criticism inward. Too sensitive, rejectable, awkward, blah, blah, blah....I've started talking to family members about Autism and ADHD because some of them are likely undiagnosed and I want to open their eyes so that they can stop being critical of themselves and begin accommodating their needs. Of course, some don't want to hear it so I don't push but, good grief, denial isn't going to help anyone. For me, the diagnosis wasn't hard. I finally had answers but I have 50 years to process, so that will take some time.

[@christinsongbird]

I’m trying to understand. I’m almost 40 and just could never get it together. I didn’t understand why I didn’t connect with peers all through school until now. I’d have meltdowns and mental breakdowns yearly. No one helped me as a child I had to figure it all out in my own. From kindergarten to 5th grade I cried everyday in school bc I couldn’t function like the other children. I couldn’t do what they demanded especially in art and crafts. Just looking back makes me cry bc my whole life has been a struggle and so much pain and suffering. Lots of depression, anxiety and fear to do anything bc of lack of motivation or quitting halfway through. I also have a lot of complex trauma.

[@teresiamaina9573]

This is me .... I should go for diagnosis

[@iklijkwelgekmetmijneigennaam]

I know, same here.

[@rosslee1996]

The sad reality is, us Autistic people don’t belong in a quote on quote “normal” world. It just too difficult for us to adapt!

[@mauneen19]

The comments on this are so heartbreaking. There should be more out there for people with autism, dyspraxia, ADHD etc. in terms of employment, acceptance, understanding, empathy, patience and services which help with learning essential skills. It is so sickening and unacceptable to be made fall through the cracks myself

[@lovelyswimmer1]

I think we need social supports. But our government cares more about LGBTQIA and BIPOC than us.

[@borger99]

Unfortunately, many places we are told to look for help are more interested in exterminating autistics than helping.

[@borger99]

@@lovelyswimmer1 don’t talk like that, that’s not helpful.

[@borger99]

@@lovelyswimmer1 US and THEM talk is for the ones in charge, not other oppressed minority groups. Get frustrated at the government for their lack of help towards everyone, don’t aim it at queer and colored minorities.

[@lovelyswimmer1]

@@borger99 oh I am frustrated at our government without a doubt.

[@bethanysprague356]

I am autisitic and I cried watching this, I am not okay

[@subwayratmusic]

Same. I hope it gets better! ❤

[@aalulaa2549]

I did too !

[@AWAKENEDreflection]

hugs! I want to answer all of these comments, but I am stopping at yours for now. I hope you suddenly get a warm, loving feeling wash over you as I am sending all my love and prayers your way right now. Most of us these days are not ok. If we can see how many there are of us who want to be there for each other, we might realize how powerful the love can be from those it says are unable to feel it. Proof, right here on this page! Let's find a way to get more of us to share not being ok with others. We are strong, just look at us! Autistic Revolution!!! ;) ML, @Bethany Sprague!

[@alexs5574]

​@@AWAKENEDreflection❤

[@kookyrooster5615]

Me too

[@camithehijabi]

19, woman, I was diagnosed sooner this year, and it all went downhill when one of my cats died, I’ve been an addict for years but never as bad as this year, I’m currently unemployed, and homeless, I miss my cats, I miss having a home. I feel so hopeless.

[@franklang3566]

Praying for you and healing.

[@sodaaccount]

@@franklang3566 There is no healing, which is the point why suicide rates are going through the roof...

[@georgespiese7388]

We all need an friend that understands. Be a friend to someone looking for a friend.

[@sodaaccount]

@@Bookishravenclawxoxo How much does a flat cost vs a phone? Some just have a head so it doesnt rain in their throats smh

[@staytonmatter3793]

❤❤❤

[@Piroschatz44]

Im an Autistic guy from Switzerland, and even nowadays, we are around 5 years behind other countries in this Autism thing. As a child i got bullied, mentally and physically beaten, even my parents did that.....I nearly always told the truth, but no one was and is (Its the same today), believing me.....thats a reason why i got so less positive things from other people and got frustrated. As a child, in the age of 6 to 9, I was suicidal and thought many times about this, but no one believed me here too.....I was also a very sick child, many middle ear infections, kidney inflammations, jaundice, meningithis...... Meanwhile im 42 and can deal with it. A doctor tested my blood a few monts ago and told me, that my immune system is nearly perfect and not many people have this. I get barely a cold today, it might be due to these critical illnesses i had and survived as a child. I also think, that there is barely anything new to learn for me on this planet and I don´t care if i live or die. When I am starting something new, I see many details, then i put these details together and understand the system pretty fast and from then on it bores me out and i search something new. Even we are so many years behind here, im glad to live in Switzerland and can count on the support of our social systems like welfare office and disability insurance, also from social workers here if needed. I also withdrawed from many things, that gives me the time and motivation to chase my special interests. I am not surprised that many Autistics die young, can be depression, frustration, getting sick because of this, suicidal, getting dropped out and living on the streets, etc.

[@Emi_72]

In Switzerland as well, but I would say we are 10 years behind.

[@punkgrl325]

I used to say I am “autistic”, but now I say “I have autism”. For some reason, it’s easier for people to conceptualize during explanations. Unfortunately, “autistic” now sounds more like a trendy label than a disability that has impacted me personally in serious ways.

[@judylandry302]

People are commodities and Autistic people don't have a profit margin for their algorithms. We are rated as a financial deficit/loss for corporate industry. It's ALWAYS about the MONEY$$$$.

[@ildyivy]

😥

[@aspidoscelistigris]

"Isn't everyone a bit autistic?" is commonly used to dismiss the experiences of autistic people-i.e., "The problems you're experiencing are normal, get over it." The same general thinking seems to underlie a one-size-fits-all approach in psychotherapy in which autistic people are treated like they're non-autistic people who are acting funny, rather than modifying psychotherapy to account for the more fundamental differences we know exist. So, there's the empirical question-is autism a natural category or an arbitrary section of continuous variation?-and there's the social question-does thinking about autism as a continuum that everyone is on lead to better or worse outcomes for autistic people? I suspect the answer to the empirical question is: There are several natural categories within autism. I don't think we know yet, though. The answer to the social question appears to be: Worse.

[@alexythimia7]

One thing i have noticed is that the western societal system is built for a neurotypical mind. It doesn't often have a place for those who think fundamentally differently. Personally i feel like an alien here, i see and experience things differently to those around me and find it hard to connect with most people. In India i've heard that there is a place in society for those who think differently, it has a balance of spiritual and physical ideologies, but the western social model is mostly devoid of it's spiritual side, making it bleak and unwelcoming to those who have a lot of spirit.

[@merlin88888]

Same here in s.e. Asia my country has a very extroverted culture, socializing is a really big part of our identity. But it just sometimes makes me feel out of place. Since I’m not able to form bonds the same way as other people do, and lost all my friends earlier this year cuz of it and been struggling to make friends ever since. Then I found out I’m autistic after going to therapy. Been struggling to accept myself, lost interest in everything including my special interest, and the only people around me that I can share it with just see my journey of self discovery as something “negative” and that I shouldn’t dwell too much on it. They think and keep insisting that I’m normal even if I’ve kept on screaming that I’m not, and I just want them to acknowledge and accept that part of me so I can finally unmask.

[@anaisdebeaumont9571]

What I hate about it is that it feels like the system is always making sure we are struggling but in the end it doesn’t have to kill us we do it for him.

[@SSJfraz]

I would say that it is the system that ultimately kills us. But they frame it as "self inflicted" in order to deflect blame and to protect that system.

[@GaasubaMeskhenet]

Housing is healthcare! No more evictions from primary residences!!

[@tbcstuff3634]

Autist here, my life is miserable and pretty much always have trouble with having any relationships.

[@somasubstance]

45 here. Was an extreme over performer living entirely masked. I'm an obsessive musician. That's why I'm on earth. But i had no idea how to pursue it so I just did all the normal stuff as perfectly as i could. At one point I was a VP at a start up. In my mid 30s I burned out badly. Quit my job, lost my relationship. Now I manage a pet store and have basically the same level of stress as I did. transitioning from not working to working each day is PAINFUL. My mask has become very heavy. And I feel like NOTHING helps. Therapy sucks. Psych meds kinda work a little. I still need an official diagnosis. It's expensive and hard to coordinate.

[@asimplenameichose151]

Wow. Your story sounds a lot like mine (a few years ahead), except that I am holding on through very long burnout periods (so far) and haven't officially quit or lost my relationships. (Though they've been through really rocky stretches in the last year.) Trying not to. Oddly a pet store sounds like one of the things I'd go to if I left my present higher-stress career, but it sounds like even that transition hasn't helped you as much as you hoped. I'm sorry to hear it. I also am undiagnosed, diagnosis is too expensive, and I function too well (to all appearances) for anyone other than my wife and parents to believe that there is anything wrong with me.

[@staytonmatter3793]

❤❤ you could try to find a local autism group online and they could tell you resources they have used

[@entfaltungschannel]

This talk is really underrated! Amazing new details here, and I have watched a LOT of talks about neurodiversity. None of them mentioned that conventional therapy might not work for autistic people yet, this was the first.

[@matlazenby8311]

Turned off when you talked about everyone being on the spectrum. Autistic people are on the spectrum. Autistic traits are human traits.

[@filippatausendschoen9319]

That one really bothered me too. Have often heard that from people who intended to disqualify autistic experiences. It's like saying to a depressive Person "everyone feels bad sometimes."

[@silverlagomorpha3177]

I got something different from this: that autistic traits are not inhuman traits. More extreme and specialized than neurotypicals, but still human. We just have the volume turned up on some things.

[@ALADDIN22091978]

I have late diagnoses of dyspraxia, ADHD and Aspergers traits ( now autistic traits ), self employed. I got a degree in 1999 aged 20, postgraduate qualification in 2000. Little support for high functioning people.

[@seaglasscolor]

The public needs to be educated about autism and neurodiversity. Those of us who know we are autistic, we should speak openly about neurodiversity to our loved ones, friends, and employers. This will shine a necessary bright light on autism. Each of us has gifts to give to the world, simply because we are human. ❤

[@oleonard7319]

The public doesn't care.

[@silverlagomorpha3177]

Substandard medical care/medical neglect may also contribute to shorter lifespan. Subtle notquiteright vocal inflection, facial expression, and body language communicate to doctors subconsciously that the patient is lying. Really, 7 doctor visits in 10 days with a diagnosis of malingering, and I end up in the emergency room with severe pneumonia because I couldn’t remain conscious, less than 24 hours after my doctor saw me and prescribed an inhaler that I couldn’t inhale enough to use. Really and truly, when I called him and told him I couldn’t breathe it in, he told me to keep trying. I have so many stories of not being able to get care.

[@chickenpie9698]

Some really good points made here in all honesty. I think it's quite telling that as an educator working with neurodiverse children - a large portion of whom were autistic - I struggled to spot autism in myself for a while. Personally, I think it's down to the quality of training and resources out there which seems to be an issue with the NHS too so I'd say it's at least prevalent in the education and healthcare sectors. I've also noticed the lack of research too. I ended up looking at what I had access to through work (effectively the same as any university student) and there is shockingly little focusing on autistic adults. Sadly, I feel the research really needs to be done before we can start seeing change - we have the awareness but are far off the understanding that society needs.

[@dhrlh]

Guys, I'm so sad to see so many comments here of people feeling ostracized and wanting to die. I hope that people are doing better than they were when they posted those comments. In the terrible world we are living in, we can't expect people to just accept us and for things to be easy. What we can do, is be the change, stand for peace, and make micro-changes in our own environments to do what is within our power to make this a world we want to live in again. It might be too hard to plant a forest, but maybe plant a tree. Like Jordan Peterson says, clean your room. Do your best to make your immediate environment something you can feel good about, then look outwards. Also, the current economy is a major stressor making mental health struggles worse. If you need help and can't afford it, local places of worship may have free counseling. It's ok to not be religious to accept financial, food, child care, or mental health resources from many churches. It sucks to be misunderstood, but that's how we know other people who are also misunderstood need us. There is a bit of a sense of purpose in that.

[@runescaperzzz]

yes cleaning my room cured my autism and i now live a happy meaningful life

[@Green_Expedition_Drgn]

As someone w/asd. Person with asd and asd person is the same dam thing. We have far more important stuff to discuss. Damit.

[@mesholberatsonallibi]

I feel so alone ,I have behavior issues so my school took away the things that help me most all that’s helping me is reading “can u see me” I’m so alone I’m not dignosed but everyone like my mom and school thinks I might be I rlly think I am in middle school I was bullied so much I tried to kill myself and I’m so alone and have no autistic freinds I whish I had somone to understand me ..I’m so sad I don’t think I can do this but I’m trying 😢I’m a lot better now but when sadness comes back it hits hard and I have so many meltdowns and burntout

[@nexus5489]

Please take care of yourself. You are not alone.

[@marlaadamson1633]

I'm so sorry to hear your struggle.

[@mesholberatsonallibi]

@@marlaadamson1633 thank u,this means so much you said this I am going to make it I am still sturggling so much but I am gonna use all my coping skills I can thank u ur so sweet😊💖💖💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@mydefenseisimpregnable]

@@mesholberatsonallibi keep struggling

[@dorksplorer]

Keep doing your best, which will look different day to day. I am middle-aged, but only figured out I'm neurodiverse a few years ago. I got "teased" (as my family put it, because it started at home) mercilessly my whole life. Still happens, but I'm better about calling people out or walking away. Or just ignoring them (once I figure out what's going on). I stopped trying to fit in because I never could, and spend time in nature and with animals. They are not intentionally malicious like many humans are. Just remember you are not alone. Your unique differences are what make you who you are. I believe each of us has something to offer. I still haven't found what my thing is, but I'm thoroughly enjoying the search (now. I was miserable from middle school til past college) so I think it will get better for you too. 🕊️

[@textbooksmathematicstutorials]

Life is a lottery.

[@Saelae971]

41 and Autistic with a late (bad) diagnose at 38 and soon a 2nd will happen. I felt always off to the rest, rude, direct, and so on and i lost many jobs with the words "Uhm, your job skills are outstanding, but somehow you seem not fit into this team." I have a very high education, a title between engineer and doctor and getting a new job was never a big problem for me, but stay in a job is impossible. Not only this team-thing also that every job bores me after ~6 months and I start to search a new one....can´t count how many companies ive seen but the older i get and longer my list of companies grows, the more trouble I have to find another job. My current job will end at 31.12.2022 and afther then I don´t know, search a new one i guess. I am bored and also tired out of this circle and, atleast for me, its not surprising that Autistic people dies sooner.

[@georginashanti4605]

I can relate to this! It's really hard. My last job lasted only 5 weeks. I was completely and utterly burnt out physically and mentally. Somehow we have to keep trying. I got diagnosed this week. It's really hard, I get it.

[@WHAT-GRINDS-MY-GEARS]

I would get so desperate to keep my jobs despite the boredom or having to mask every second of the day. I lasted a job for 2 years. Almost. Best paying job I ever had repairing electronics. But I was masking by drinking. I actually was drinking for over a year of this job. Did great besides the bad side effects from being drunk. Weight gain, chemical dependency. I stop drinking. I Quit for trying to advocate for a mask on the floor because of the solder smoke. As in the right to ware one that was effective. Not the most painful only good for 8 hours Home Depot mask they wanted to push on us. I went through hr and even called OSHA. I got forced into leaving by the manager. This was late 2019. I don't think he works there anymore either, as the whole department was laid off not far after the pandemic started. I hated feeling unemployable. Furthermore, I now work at home thanks to the pandemic. It has been the best thing that ever happened to me. Now I code and write for a living. Good luck all. I am not a drunk anymore I use Marijuana to help me medicate now. In as healthy of forms as possible.

[@ddeuerme]

59, diagnosed at 56. I had a technical career until last year when I just couldn’t handle the communication requirements anymore. Not suicidal and enjoying life, but I’ve always assumed that someday my life will end by suicide when the day comes that I’ll be too ill to care for myself as a kidney disease patient and won’t be able to accept care provided on neurotypical terms.

[@katyoduinn3452]

One of the reasons I got diagnosed was so I am legally entitled to reasonable adjustments in heath care settings if ever needed. My diagnosis gave me a letter to give to healthcare providers if needed. (Not sure how much they are willing to adjust in reality though).

[@user-hc1im5fu5d]

More needs to be done to help autistic people discuss their problems and needs, even their political views, without condemnation from others in order to HELP autistic people AVOID lashing out, losing their temper, being rude to anyone or committing criminal damage such as graffiti.

[@roberthonan3492]

First off, you folks need to listen to actually autistic adults, and not just the mothers of the more severely disabled autistic people. As an autistic person, your comment is abelist and condescending. We aren't rude. We just don't care about some of the rules you neurotypical people you live by. Yes, when I was very young, I had a very violent temper, but that's because neurotypical assholes teased me because I wasn't good at sports and was a nerd.

[@GeoPol01]

Oh yah, you know us autistics, always looking to commit crimes, especially graffiti, that’s def a popular special interest (the fact that your comment got 9 likes makes me wanna gag)

[@deadandblue]

@@GeoPol01 you forgot some forms of victimization depending on what kind of offense being afoul

[@highwaycoffeemanguy9678]

I have autism and dealing with change sucks for me I’m 22 living independently working making a living of myself and I have a very good photographic memory and dealing with change like losing family members growing up where my family members used to live like visiting and spending the holidays with and now growing up with some family members moving away and driving by where they used to live with the new owners owning the places that they’ve made some changes makes me really sad and also some of my family members have also passed away and makes me sad and I feel like I wish I’d go back in time to my old childhood that I missed those good memories and now I’d just feel isolated because after some family members moving away because haven’t called them in a while because of the whole change deal and feeling hesitate to try to call them again

[@nonstoprollie2810]

28 and never had a job a day in my life because of my autism I can't hold it or maintain the energy or mindset to work and socialize it kills me I have no energy at all. 99% of my energy every day is spent running through my mind fighting depression, anxiety ADHD social issues OCD, bipolar and a lot more. It's frustrating I can't support myself let alone ANYTHING I can't buy food I can't relax I can't do anything! Been waiting on disability for over a year now and nothing seems to help every day is a constant battle just to wake up and wanna breath. Life is impossible I can't even go out to stores anymore without the overwhelming sensation of dying inside from just feeling so out of my own skin just being around people. I feel like a monster because I look at myself and don't even know who I'm even looking at. Autism needs to be taught more to the neurotypicals because it can be a death sentence to people suffering alone. Autism already makes you feel like you're alone with your issues and having the world not understand how you think, feel, talk, everything is beyond frustrating and pushes us beyond isolation.

[@aidacailar1126]

To be honest I don't expect to live past maybe 40.

[@ildyivy]

I’m 46 right now and I don’t kno how much longer I can do this existence.

[@biancataal8535]

I' m 44 now. And a Judge told me i have to get diognosed. I know what i am. It's on them to catcher up.

[@brianmeen2158]

Tbh I don’t see much of a reason to live past 40. I cannot imagine living into old age with autism . No thank you

[@UFORevelation0999]

Goverment and workplaces have no clue. Legislation needs passing definitely in workplaces.

[@kcassidy90]

I was diagnosed with HFA as a kid it’s been hard lately

[@sweetcrusader86]

Fantastic, thank you all so much 💚🖖

[@PhoenixEvolution]

I immediately recognized your picture 🥰😍 ah pattern recognition

[@karenmcardle142]

I learnt to be resilient 🤷‍♀️ I'm told , no , I just didn't know, what I know now, when young first . I was neive, 🤷‍♀️, (maybe 3 decades ) , dependency, I got clean after 3 decades , 15 years now , and I do sometimes wonder if I should have just stayed stoned ( ofcourse I don't it's just thoughts ) Then cynical 🤷‍♀️, I was told, I was Still brutally honest . 🤷‍♀️. & meme, I had just learnt the hard way . Took nearly a lifetime of learning how to let , things be (not by choice) wrong , got me to the here and now. Keep lifted

[@anaisdebeaumont9571]

I feel like when people hear about that they ask what they should do but it’s more about what they shouldn’t do. Neurotypicals use a lot nonverbal communication which in my opinion is very restrictive and associates meaning to things that weren’t necessarily meant to convey meaning. Verbal communication is way more reliable and I feel like some neurotypicals refuse to use it because they want us to use nonverbal communication, they constantly reduce our access to things that sometimes are important for anyone’s well being and maybe they even see it as a punishment but it’s just cruel.

[@shahjmir]

My days are numbered

[@ALADDIN22091978]

A great video.

[@koyaikigai]

This is why I didn’t want to watch this video, I’m 1 minute in and already validating reasons to blame others for something that only I can control and deal with myself

[@alexanderblake1645]

these speeches are all the same!

[@maryw3643]

I'll be dead soon.

[@juliatoussaint9700]

Don't

[@mesholberatsonallibi]

Can u see me by Libby Scott helps me ,please read it it’s about an autistic girl written by an autistic girl💖💖💖💖💖💖💖your life is worth it I’m sturggling too that’s why I clicked on this vid but your not alone and u matter and this life is to important to kill your self

[@Paula_Limberg]

Are you ok? You are here for a reason- please stick around!

[@unknowntosociety01]

See you soon Anywhere but here has got to be better

[@Paula_Limberg]

@@unknowntosociety01 please stay! Your life really does matter.

[@DOGGEDROMAN]

Please help me. Please.

[@maxhatush5918]

What’s wrong?

[@DOGGEDROMAN]

@@maxhatush5918 I'm abused daily. Nobody cares

[@maxhatush5918]

@@DOGGEDROMAN Are u autistic? What happens to u exactly?

[@martinkaczynski8526]

@@DOGGEDROMAN Report your abusers to the police.

[@martinkaczynski8526]

@@DOGGEDROMAN Please report your abusers to the police.

[@jurgenjohny278]

That is true i have autisme . I have a dna test that can prove it.

[@Emi_72]

There is no DNA test to determine autism

[@davidvay6725]

53 diagnosed 3 months ago and just want to die..way too much of a coward to suicide. But yeah I'm a too tired to try anymore to make or keep friends, keep the bad thoughts away or watching my world collapse on a yearly basis. I hate myself deeply and do not understand the world nor wish to. Please take me in sleep.

[@voidwalker7774]

I can relate.

[@bugsbunny4647]

Christ. I always wished someone would shoot me in the back of the head with a sniper from afar, without warning.

[@ildyivy]

Me too 😔

[@brianmeen2158]

I hear you and feel similar. I’m 39 and just beyond tired. I’m In great physical shape but mentally I’m just fried. Sleep troubles, no Motivation . I cannot think of a good reason to do this anymore

[@flaauws]

At 4.04 Elizabeth says something misleading "we are ALL part of a spectrum..." She doesn't say everyone is on the autistic spectrum and I don't think she thinks that but it does sound as though that's what she's saying: and when a lot of people mistakenly believe that it's a continuum (with diagnosed people at one end), it's very badly worded.

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

"At 4.04 Elizabeth (...) of a spectrum..."" Yes, "a spectrum of autistic traits.". Misleading quotation.

[@flaauws]

​@@knrdvmmlbkknNot sure I agree: would need to listen again but I don't think neurotypical people have autistic traits; I think autistic people have some more exaggerated traits that some neurotypical people also have but many traits are not experienced by neurotypical people at all.

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

@@flaauws"I don't think (...) have autistic traits" I would surmise that you could be "on the spectrum" of a particular trait even if you are at an extreme point (like zero). Although that might apply more closely to a scale than a spectrum. So the question would be whether the "zero" is on the spectrum as well. But I find it hard to decide which traits are simply human and which, if any, are strictly "autistic".. "many traits are (...)people at all." Like what?

[@flaauws]

@@knrdvmmlbkkn I don't particularly disagree with your interpretation: I just think it's misleading wording when a lot of people misunderstand autism and think that anyone can be a little autistic. That isn't true: you are either autistic or not; our brains are fundamentally different.

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

​@@flaauws"I don't particularly disagree with your interpretation" Good. "I just think it's misleading wording" Which (purportedly superior) wording would you suggest?

[@classicrocklover1234]

This is why UBI would be so helpful. Something that says, “you have a bad couple of months, well you’re not gonna lose everything you have” when you’re poor you just can’t stop working, and the money is worth less and less

[@Dancestar1981]

And all the Covid fallout we can’t afford to live with the exponential inflation

[@dhrlh]

Problem is, if the government pays you to live, the government may act as an employer and restrict your rights further.

[@fieryrebirth]

@@dhrlh Even so, corporations own our government, so it's not going to be much of a difference.

[@uli9084]

healthcare professionals, they made my life even worse.

[@nathancameron2259]

Misery loves company here

[@maxwortel8986]

I could be wrong here but I get the gut feeling that autism Is getting used as a Trojan Horse for the Alphabet people and I'd rather distance myself from those obnoxious people Having said that, If any of my autistic people actually managed to get laid or get some Intimacy good on ya It's...extremely lonely out there

[@schwarzerritter5724]

Please elaborate.

[@yurhomi4478]

@@schwarzerritter5724 Agreed. I’d like him to fully explain what he means.

[@truthmerchant1]

Yeah, I'm sick of autistics being exploited because they may feel uncomfortable with their bodies and people with an agenda take advantage of them.

[@PinkPulpito]

Bigoted people are obnoxious, they barely mentioned queer people.

[@charlesterrizzi8311]

Way to turn a serious discussion into a promotion of gender queer ideology.

[@nickriley4609]

I thought this was about autism spectrum disorder......not the alphabet $h!t...🙄😒

[@PinkPulpito]

As opposed to heteronormative ideology

[@classicrocklover1234]

23F, no job, mother recently passed of cancer, hard life anyhow, rough growings up. Mom always said “there’s nothing wrong with you, you just had a hard life” I think she was telling the truth, but I know there’s probably a little more truth to find good luck to you readers and commenters 🎃 don’t let ‘em put you down❤

[@alexythimia7]

So sorry to hear. I think those on the spectrum are much more sensitive to these rough edges of life. It takes me along time to process things, and i feel i can't speed it up or shut it out, it just has to run it's course, but the social system around us often puts more pressure on us to perform and work, despite being under massive stress. Hope you can find your place and enjoy life

[@richardkohlhof]

I'm 51, if anyone is doing a study-