Faking Autism (& Other Disorders)

In this video, I'm going to share my thoughts and perspective regarding the increasing phenomena of people faking or mimicking disorders online for popularity or other reasons. I also cover some of my updated thoughts surrounding self-diagnosis.
References:
[trigger warning for r-word] Dr Dacious. (2020, October 21). TikToker FAKES Having Autism For Clout And Money🤢| (MilezJJ EXPOSED!). • Video
King, R. B. (2020). Mindsets are contagious: The social contagion of implicit theories of intelligence among classmates. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 90(2), 349-363. doi.org/10.111...
Müller-Vahl, K. R., Pisarenko, A., Jakubovski, E., & Fremer, C. (2022). Stop that! It’s not Tourette’s but a new type of mass sociogenic illness. Brain, 145(2), 476-480. doi.org/10.109...
Olvera, C., Stebbins, G. T., Goetz, C. G., & Kompoliti, K. (2021). Tics: A Pandemic Within a Pandemic. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, 8(8), 1200-1205. doi.org/10.100...
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[@StephanieBethany]

Since it appears there is confusion: >I'm not against you or feel that you are not valid if you are not diagnosed. I only feel that if you are sharing as an authority on the topic, you should disclose. >If you have done many years of research, talked with people in the field, gotten statements that are practically diagnoses from professionals who for whatever reason didn't make it official - stop doubting yourself, love. >I'm sure people will lie about being diagnosed if they're willing to lie about autism for the purpose of money. This was probably an oversight on my part bc I have a habit of default thinking that people still follow rules and truth even though they're already being deceptive. >If you don't have access to a dx, that does not preclude you from speaking up and sharing about autism or being an advocate. >I know firsthand how incredibly painful it is to not be able to talk to people about my suspected autism due to not having that magical dx. I'm not saying you have to do things the way I did, and finding support is great. >This is not meant to keep people from community. This is a look at a concerning trend of people who are deceptive and why that could be happening. This is not a video intending to say that you are invalid or faking. >Simplest way for you to stop doubting yourself: were there signs throughout childhood? Unconscious adoption of ideas and actions through social contagion are often developed over a short period of time and cause sudden appearance of symptoms, which means you would not have seen any autistic behaviors throughout life or childhood. The great likelihood is that, diagnosed or not, if you've been wrestling with this, you're on the right track. >Oversimplification of what autism is has caused a lot of problems, including for those misled into believing they are autistic based off these oversimplifications. As someone in the comments has said, adopting autism without researching goes directly against the nature of autistic people.The great many of you who are worried have thoroughly considered and looked into things; thus this aspect does not apply to you. >I get that people want to see examples. Although two are referenced in the video indirectly, I don't find it wise to start outing people or pointing fingers at people and sending them hate. Only one link has been shared to help illustrate, but please do not go after these people. >All I'm saying is that I think that if one is building a platform around being autistic that they share diagnosis status - and being in the process or researching or never being diagnosed can all be relatable and valuable things to an audience. >To repeat to those concerned about being able to share or advocate, facts are facts no matter if you're autistic or not. Sharing about things important to you is fantastic, please keep doing so.

[@BipolarCourage]

I think people have much internal bias & subjectivity to self-diagnose. Can relate to traits. Traits are broader. I agree that people should disclose if officially diagnosed if advocating.

[@BGBTech]

In my case, diagnosed in childhood, but still paranoid that people would think I am faking it, or faking some of my other issues (not even sure myself sometimes, it is sometimes difficult to tell what is "real" from things one is projecting onto oneself in these areas). Some of my issues are just "kinda weird", like it seems my visual processing might be unusually slow (I don't really see fast-moving objects), and have also noted for me that things like flashing or flickering imagery can cause migraine-like symptoms that often take around 3 hours or so to recover (but, no real explanation for why this is); ...

[@sweetpea4967]

I think you were quite clear Stephanie. By the way, after suspecting I was autistic for 3 years, finally got my diagnosis. So now I'm official, but to your point I'm only expert on my experience and will not claim to speak for all autists.

[@semolinasemolina8327]

I think it's called munchausen disease isn't it?

[@nataliejennings2620]

Okay so some of your points are nuanced and interesting but I still think you overstep and end up invalidating people at different points, despite that not being your intention. Around 16:00 you say that people should not weigh the experience or opinion of non-diagnosed people equally with those who do have a diagnosis. This is an extremely invalidating thing to say. There are so many reasons why a person would not be able to obtain a diagnosis, and there are also many reasons why someone would not have been able to attempt getting a diagnosis. It's really nobody's business but their own. They shouldn't have to publicly justify why they don't have a diagnosis for their experiences to be admissible and equally valid as the rest of the community. It's not like it's impossible for someone to obtain an official diagnosis through faking symptoms or self-reporting experiences in childhood that never happened. So only scrutinizing people who don't have a diagnosis is not warranted. You say lots of nuanced points in this video, but saying that people can justify giving greater credibility to people with diagnoses versus those without is really the crux of the issue. It's not right. There are huge discriminatory disparities in how professionals assess autism (so, for example, if you're black it's way more likely you will not be given a diagnosis even if you try to get one). There is also the HUGE financial cost of seeking out a diagnosis. I live in Canada and for me to get a neurological assessment is like $2500. And there's the chance that I spend that ENORMOUS, CRIPPLING expense and get nothing but a condescending dismissal. Sadly the only solution for this issue is to let people identify in good faith. If there are malicious fakers we will just have to live with it. Everyone's experience of autism is different, and if you see someone who doesn't fit with your understanding of neurodivergence, your initial assumption should be that they probably just have a different experience of autism than you do. You should be listening to the experiences of all people with autism and not giving some people less credibility at the outset due to their dx status. If something about someone gives you the strong sense that they're faking, then maybe that will affect your impression of the person but it's pretty irresponsible to publically cast doubt on them unless you have crystal clear, 100% unequivocal evidence that they're faking (and you basically never will when interacting with strangers on the internet). What is to be gained by inviting more community scrutiny towards people who don't have a diagnosis? Nothing. Because all it does is promote hearsay and speculation which can't usually be substantiated in any way. But it has the risk of doing serious harm.

[@Daniel-vl8mx]

I had never thought that anyone would want to fake being autistic. I've spent my whole life trying to hide my alien weirdness from the humans.

[@Knrr-yr2dd]

Exactly

[@punkgrl325]

There are plenty of people who enjoy faking on Reddit, Twitter, etc. because it gives them clout. This goes all the way back to when Tumblr was popular. Also, as both a minority, and someone professionally dxed, I call bs on anyone who denies there is anything to gain online by presenting as a member of a marginalized community; when it’s so painfully obvious that there is.

[@OceanicPearlz1]

Yes same here 😢

[@semolinasemolina8327]

Well it turns out that I actually wasn't autistic, I was just plain weird without any neurological predisposition. 😅

[@cabbagecr1tt3r19]

Like people are acting like being autistic is a cool and quirky thing

[@aquatius5]

The first time I came across 'fake diagnoses' was through a Reddit that hunted down 'disability fakers' and routinely mocked them. I think there are definitely clear cases when people ARE faking for attention, but there are also many ambiguous cases where people get attacked for not 'looking' disabled enough. Both sides are quite disgusting.

[@anthonywyattStylist]

Aren't you there's no such thing as looking autistic however this needs to be talked about and he needs to continue to be talk ed to that's him that people don't fake it due to narcissism is wrong and personally I found that even more disgusting because it's making harder for us people who are autistic to function in the real world because they look at us different it's hard enough to get a job outside of the computer field already or make friends we don't need people policing how we identify our autism where there is ASB or aspie which is usually the fake autistic people who do so because they're not just all on tiktok there are people in the comments who are fake autistic. In the comments as well as Facebook groups discord Twitter

[@necelticsox]

I think Stephanie would agree as well.

[@nataliejennings2620]

This is why we shouldn't be encouraging people to doubt and criticize self-diagnosed people. It's dangerous - we risk causing extreme harm to someone. Sure, if someone is consciously faking autism, that's a harmful thing to do. But it's not anywhere near as harmful as it would be if someone to open up about their neurodivergent traits publically only to be attacked and mocked by their own community.

[@anthonywyattStylist]

@@nataliejennings2620 it's not dangerous. It's only labeled dangerous by American or liberal democratic leftists because they tell their followers to off themselves if people disagree with them. Even prevalent in the trans community with "trans kids" it's barbaric and it is wrong to say such things. It is however dangerous to self diagnose. Not only to silence the voices of the people that are actually diagnosed by a legit doctor.

[@anthonywyattStylist]

@@nataliejennings2620 but also continuously discrimination and harm to parents of non-verbal adults and children with autism inactivism and change in the community. Not only that it sets us back in the fight towards equality with neurotypical people cuz all these quote on quote self-diagnosed people are bigots towards neurotypical people. And the evidence is there as seen all over Twitter and all over tick tock and you can find most of that crap re-uploaded on lives of tik Tok. And most of those people that self-diagnose are the ones with the laundry list of things wrong with him and all that is is tension they're basically like look at all these minorities that I am and you should pay attention to me more than others.

[@rufiohaspan]

I personally never thought I was autistic until I went for an adhd diagnosis and the neuropsychologist told me to come back because she thought I was autistic . So I just assumed she was crazy and put it off for six months . And got a diagnosis at 33. Though I don’t think I would of ever known I was autistic if that neuropsychologist didn’t stop me during the adhd interview half way through

[@xnibbyjonas]

Yeah you learn to live with what you have and you just deal with whatever you’re given with. Like for me I’ve had to deal with being different and it’s really had a positive experience on my life I’ve learned to have some friends and I’m just trying to put it out there that you should never push someone with a disability like push them around just because they’re different so learn to love if you’re autistic or bipolar

[@Catlily5]

I never thought that I was autistic until a counselor suggested it. I read a few books about autistic boys and thought some of it applied but overall I dismissed it. More than 10 years later my mental health case manager who used to do autism assessments said she thought I was autistic. It was Covid shutdown time so I started watching videos and reading all about autism. Now I think that I have it. My autistic friend thinks so also. I want to know but I am scared to be assessed so I am getting up my courage for it. I am trying to be as sure as possible that I have autism before being assessed. I have been misdiagnosed with several mental health problems by professionals.

[@__Steph]

I did the opposite, went for an ASD assessment and was told I had adhd too…

[@robokill387]

@@Catlily5 keep in mind that the knowledge of adult autistic men is also poorly understood by professionals, as most research on the topic is done on children less than 8 years old.

[@Catlily5]

@@robokill387 I agree that adult men can have problems being missed for diagnosis especially the older men . I do think adult women can present differently confusing the picture even more. Some people talk about a lost generation of men and women who didn't get diagnosed because they only recognized the most obvious cases when we were children.

[@marymyers4751]

I was diagnosed as autistic by a professor and they told the administration I shouldn't be allowed to be a teacher and receive my degree due to my disability. Even now, as a professional, I have to be careful who to tell about my learning and neurological differences. Being young and not in the workforce might enable people to be freer with your diagnosis and openness about it. However, in the work world beware. This world is not as forgiving as it may appear. For example, Americans love the underdog in the movies but in real life many do everything to get rid of the one deemed to be different no matter how successful and good they are at their job. This needs to change. I hope with more people recognizing their neuro-divergencies that it will help careers for all people. If people feel they are autistic and fit the criteria then I accept it. Yet, it will not be easy to be open about it in work place, in my experience, unless this country has become the open minded utopia of my dreams but guess what...it is not!!!! It is getting more and more conservative and less accepting! Good luck fellow aspies! I am on your side!

[@nostalgiameadows23]

That professor shouldn't have said you can't be a teacher! If that's what you want to do, then you can do it! Anyone, no matter what their background is, should be allowed to chase their dreams! Btw, I'm also autistic and I plan to be a special education teacher once I finish with school.

[@melelconquistador]

Did you sue cash out of their ass?

[@curtisholsinger6023]

My immediate hope is that that professor was fired.

[@KicksPregnantWomen]

never get diagnosed

[@TheCerealluvr]

im so sorry you experienced that. horrible.

[@bp7707]

I've thought I might be autistic for a couple of years. I got a lot out of your other videos and resonated so much with what you've said. I did all the online tests, everything came back as on the spectrum. I've always felt like an outsider, and so confused with how to make/keep friends. Always wondering what is wrong with me? I was diagnosed with MDD and GAD well over 10 years ago. But hey, I'm 30 and function very 'normal' after a lot of effort and finding medication that works for me. I still don't quite fit in or have a lot of friends, but I am finally comfortable with accepting that's just who I am. I confided in my husband my thoughts and got laughed at because his only reference of autism is people like on love on the spectrum or his very disabled cousin... I won't chase a formal diagnosis or share my thoughts with anyone else, but I will take what I've learned about autism, especially in women, and use it to be kinder to myself and others moving forward. People that misappropriate medical conditions for attention, sympathy or clout need to reign it in. It is a real struggle that shouldn't be trivialised. Anyone that is self diagnosed should also be open with that when talking about themselves publicly for the sake of transparency.

[@hopefultraveller1]

Perhaps you should covertly seek a diagnosis - I did, and having it has given me confidence in who I am and less anxiety about who I'm not! I feel you owe it to your future self.

[@michaelgrunhaus]

Ummm. eeew. that is really gross.

[@user-nm3ug3zq1y]

Your story sounds like a chicken or egg situation. You might be those things *because* you are autistic. If you've got the chance, I'd go for an evaluation anyway. This is separate from the question of talking much about it or not.

[@teallineart8805]

Your husband must be really good in bed for you to still be with him after he laughed at you for that.

[@MyASDJourney]

Interesting topic! - Its one thing to discover that one's past life experiences are explained and/or defined by the traits of autism. But it is entirely different to want to be identified as autistic as if a fashion trend or cry for attention. I don't know anyone late diagnosed who felt our childhood / adulthood was something they would ever choose to experience. It is a positive experience for many of us to finally know why our life has been the way it is. For me, I can finally stop blaming myself for something I cannot control. I can finally be kind to myself: Love myself. If anything I've become more isolated since diagnosis. But I'm more at peace with myself and accepting of who I am.

[@xnibbyjonas]

Yeah same here. I do wanna be identified as autistic but it’s not a cry for attention. It’s a very positive experience that I’ve come to understand what it is and it’s really helped change my life for the better

[@aleisterlilywhite1109]

YESSSSS “I can finally stop blaming myself for something I cannot control. I can finally be KIND to myself.” This this exactly this. My diagnosis at 34 has changed my life for the better. I used to judge myself so hard for so long. I’m 37 now and my life is so full of joy just because my outlook has shifted and I’m able to love me for me for the first time in my life. I’m so happy to hear you’ve had the same experience.

[@xnibbyjonas]

@@aleisterlilywhite1109 are you autistic as well? And maybe you should post about it that’s how people get it out there but if you don’t wanna get it out there that’s fine. Being different is not a burden. Being different is how you learn to live with it and learn to deal with being different which is a great thing like for me I have autism and ADD so I’m not crying out for attention I’m just trying to live with it and understand that it’s had a very positive impact on my life

[@BGBTech]

@@aleisterlilywhite1109 Some of us never fully got over the self-judgement for failing to live up to these sorts of lifestyle expectations (or living ones' life with a sense of loss or regret for never getting to have a lot of the things most normal people take for granted). But, in a way, could it have worked out? Kind of awkward when one realizes that some of how one acted when they were younger, in terms of social behaviors, was not the thing itself those behaviors represented, but rather misconceptions based on TV portrayals of those things, fueled by a sense of fear like "you do these things, it leads to a happy ending" (like on TV), else "everything ends in disaster". And, in some sense, one doesn't realize they are "missing some pieces of the puzzle" when they don't actually understand the underlying experience; say, because they are not actually experiencing the thing itself, but rather a construct built on superficial behaviors and fear; but sometimes one doesn't really know the difference...

[@JamieHumeCreative]

Exactly. I'm saddened that people are calling this fad/ Even if someone turns pout to not have a diagnosis, it;s not cettain if it is correct or not. There is so much disagreement right nowwith in the Mental Heal professions and that's interfered with regarding funding and supports costs. I have never had a disability support for my diagnosis and most likely at my age will not . My childhood memories in regards t this subject in particular education, are quite painful in many respects. I love who I am and the way I am made but needed serious help that I did not get until now. With what I now know is mainly an issue with my ADHD. However, I see so much confusion even in Mental Health and so much old material now proven false being used by professionals as seen on online presentations and in person, as if it's still valid, that I find this whole thing extremely disturbing. Also the Neuroscience and these ideas of curing us and peoples rights and freedoms not assured, and ECT, and all this...it's genuinely frightening. I'm ND: ADHD, Dyslexic and Autistic. And, it's a huge relief to have this diagnosis and get meds for my ADHD. And no, I feel no stimulant effect even though I am taking a stimulant med now. At the start it was a little peculiar, but as I got my dosage shifted and settled into i, i'td been genuinely life changing. I'm feeling a lot better and when I slip in my timing, I feel it and do';t like it. Late in the day I take extra B complex and extra B1 ofr stress, which really helps me ease into the evening.What I find abhorrent is the history of avoidance to not confront this and help me get what I have needed all these years and people still find it acceptable to enable and divert us from help. I think it's unconscionable. So even if people are going a little overboard right now, if it increases awareness and acceptance of ND, then that's fine with me. It's needed. I actually need my medication and already a professional has undermined my using it. This si not helpful. And I am not normally pro meds as I'm in to herbal medicine. But, nothing else has worked.

[@HM-uj6ud]

Bless you for this video. You are an American hero. I am so disgusted and fed up with this trend and find it so offensive to those actually suffering. Can we also talk about parents who are also dying to win the oppression Olympics or parent of the year and foist these diagnoses upon their children that they’re just convinced are so special or simply want excuses for their parental failures and kids’ bad behavior?

[@feastorfeed8541]

This is nice. I was sexually asualted by a severely autistic man when I was a child that I think is the basis of my prejudice against those on the spectrum and videos like this from autistic creators is helping me curb my prejudice and better understand the condition. I still find myself hating those on the spectrum, especially the severely autistic, but I hope that through consuming media like this that I might be able to quash that.

[@spagghetti_.n3x]

This makes sense. As a person on the spectrum, i personally do not take this as anything bad. I hope you recover well. I hope eventually you can see that not everyone is the same (not in a mean way) but recover well. Edit: By this, i mean you disliking people on the spectrum as you have suffered severely due to it

[@teallineart8805]

Please believe me when I say that that man is part of a very small minority of people and most people on the spectrum are very nice or at least normal.

[@AliciaGuitar]

I feel sorry for the "fakers" because they may really mistakenly think they are autistic. I thought bipolar explained my symptoms in my 20s and was convinced i had it. I rejected my autism dx because i didnt understand what it meant (i thought it meant intellectually impaired, but i tested as gifted). I submitted to pharmalogical torture and my marriage ruined because i believed a false diagnosis. I hope everyone who mistakenly thinks they are autistic find the truth so they can get the help they actually need. Its devastating when you latch on to the wrong dx!

[@adriajawort]

These people are not doing it cuz of like an honest mistake though they are doing it for clout.

[@HappiShelly]

​@@adriajawort some of them really ran with it and convinced themselves that they are

[@a.g.2562]

*This is it.*

[@thinkuthink]

Not going to lie, this was really triggering as I’ve only just come to terms with possibly being autistic at the age of 34. Self diagnosis has bright so many things I haven’t been able to figure out about my life over decades into perspective and has brought intense comfort to me at a rough time in my life. But of course I can’t shake the fear/feeling that maybe I’m making it all up. Wanting to talk friends and family about this revelation is tempting, but I feel I have no concrete authority to do so. I do find tik tok affirming and motivational and it breaks my heart that many there might be “unqualified” to help me with this understanding of myself as well. Instead of getting distraught over it, I guess I gotta just get as close to a Formal diagnosis as possible before I start sharing this supposed part of myself. Funny thing is many of my self diagnosed symptoms are making that process difficult with no kind familial support or confirmation. I think diagnosis is a luxury so making it the solution as cut and dry as you have marginalizes many people without access to health care or familial support but do have magnificent points of view on what it’s like to survive this society with a different brain make up. To label them “second class” experiences and voices just because it’s become popular with tweens on an app seems dismissive. I’m glad neurodivergence has become trendy. Perhaps it’s creating a world in which my officially diagnosed teenager can feel “cool” and revered and respected instead of targeted and dismissed as he was in his early years. And maybe those of us from an era of suppressed oddity can find a feeling of safety in reclaiming our true identity and authority in the social arena even though it costs thousands of dollars and years for some white doc to maybe see us. Especially us women who have gifted ways of blending in that we’re often beat into us (ethnic groups especially). I see the rationality behind your stance, but this is an incomplete take on what I consider to be a gift that has been abused and silenced and gate kept for far too long and deserves more air and welcome and celebration than rigidity around diagnosis as a measure for relevance and authenticity. Perhaps in a perfect world official diagnosis could be a solution to a scourge of misfits trying to find themselves. The world is far from that. And I think instead of fighting unexpected progress in being seen as valuable in neurodivergence, more education around other alternative conditions and THEIR values as well will have people hopping off the wrong diagnoses and into the one they truly belong to the same way crabs swap shells patiently and kindly until everyone has a home🐚. Just my two cents. Peace all.

[@jennifergauthier3282]

Trust yourself 😍

[@adelinesantana4681]

I love this. Spoke to me in many levels of comfort.

[@martinajohnson]

I'm not sure if this is helpful at all, but I think there's a big difference between presenting yourself publicly as autistic while self-diagnosed (and presenting yourself as an expert), and talking about it to your friends and family. You know your own situation best, but I think in general, people should feel free to seek support from the people around them even if they don't know for sure whether they have a certain condition. I know stigma and prejudice make it all more complicated, and you might have other reasons for making that choice -- it just saddens me to think you might not feel entitled to ask for help simply because you don't have a formal diagnosis. Btw I'm not autistic (that I know of), so apologies if I'm missing something here.

[@kdelka81]

I'm really glad I read your comment before watching the video. I'll save myself further trauma & not watch the video. I appreciate your comment.

[@DesertIslandDisk]

100%. personally, i’m starting to believe that maybe no one is TRULY neurotypical, more so neuro-conforming in that those who fall under being NT have an easier time molding into society, but also everyone is uniquely different in their own bodyminds. as a self-dx autistic person (and i proudly claim that label now), it’s wonderful to see people who were once ridiculed now being celebrated for our differences and maybe transforming the world into a more accepting place. pathologizing neurodivergence only increases the stigma and doesn’t really acknowledge how vastly different EVERY person is. i hope that makes sense and doesn’t come off as dismissive. i used to hate hearing the phrase “everyone’s a little autistic” but now i’m trying to reinterpreting it as “everyone is different and deserves equity and accessibility no matter what.”

[@robertjohnburton9775]

It's hurtful, I had a really a hard life with no help because of where I lived. Then I had to have some serious breakdowns and loss of identity before I got a diagnosis. It helped me understand myself, but cured nothing as I had comorbidities. Also, it costs big money in Australia, psychiatry is expensive. What a sad world that people thinks its fashionable to fake autism, and reduce the care for those of us who need help.

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed

[@lettuce5201]

Tysm for this video. My search history is currently split between looking up signs of being autistic and faking autism because I have genuinely no idea what's wrong with me. From my research, I've noticed I show a lot of autistic traits and relate to a lot of experiences shared by autistic adults. However what makes me doubt the possibility of me being autistic is the early development. I noticed a lot of my maybe-autistic traits spiked almost a year ago, when I started highschool, especially after I befriended my friend. I don't think my behaviour is learned from consuming autistic content, as I didn't before my friend pointed out that I might be autistic. What worries me is that I can't remember whether I've always been like this, as I have a bad memory. I know I've always felt like an alien office worker being sent as an emergency replacement on a really complex mission of studying human behaviour from the inside but with minimal preparation and a manual in swedish, but I can't remember much else besides being unable to talk to anyone throughout middle school and having a breakdown before every social interaction. I'm also uncertain² about early childhood, as I would have to ask my parents and grandparents for that, which I'm scared to do because we've never talked about baby me before and I worry I might come off as weird if I start asking about me showing early autism symptoms. But if it's not autism, then there's something else that's wrong with me, and not knowing what it is scares and frustrates me at the same time. So yeah, tysm for this, I have a lot to think about. Omw to ignore school and research more on the topic

[@timbobshe]

In a similar position. It might be a good idea to write down everything about yourself and history (if not too upsetting). How did you interact in school? Peers? Habits? Was you obsessive or just liked stuff and moved on? Have you any video footage or pictures of you as a toddler? I’m female, diagnosed eupd, always been chronically unhappy and felt “wrong”. I have a history of SH, and always struggled with interpersonal relationships, it’s only recently I learned that I did have a delay in speech and walking, which I had no idea about, asking family, some things have come out from a distant family member that hit me like a truck. Issue with female seeking help and clarification…little research has been done. They know that females display asd differently for various reasons. There’s a lot of cross over traits of eupd and asd. The issue for me is…what is the right description. Only an experienced psychologist can help. I’m on the waiting list… It might be challenging, but try dropping in casual conversation sharing a memory of childhood and start that conversation “what was I like as a baby/toddler” not in the asd context, just in general. Maybe have that conversation triggered by asking to go through footage or pictures as a child. It’s always best to seek diagnosis, it is insanely complicated and everyone is different. But get as much of you on a page as possible, do the AQ, RAADS, DSM-5 questionnaires, but don’t think too much about it. It’s okay to be confused about some questions, just leave it for now and go back to it later. You got this. Sorry for the essay. Hope it helps, just avoid tiktok, please avoid tiktok.

[@lettuce5201]

@@timbobshe tysm for the advice, I'll make sure to write everything down and subtly question my elders. Also I've always been avoiding tiktok like devil the cross, I've never had the app and never will, the constant movement of everything is overwhelming and makes me sick

[@arbrilliant191]

I have already been diagnoeed with autism and im not surprised if you continue researching your condition long after the diagnosis

[@cathennigan9821]

Yes people should disclose self diagnosis. About being experts. I take it more as people that claim to be experts are not autistic. So how can they truly understand what it’s like to have an autistic brain if they do don’t have and autistic brain. I feel like it’s more of a standpoint of the chant nothing about us without us. Meaning there are neurodivergent professionals out there that should be consulted. I really enjoy your content. You are so open and honest and I’m here for it!

[@spiral_heart8239]

Yea I agree more of a communication between the two persectives is needed.

[@michaelgrunhaus]

i'd never said it. So there is a "Weird kid " Named Gabriel. he pretends to be autistic all the time. "Very real". Major was in Counselling with him. He told me that he hand flaps and pretended to make the grunting noisse and jumps. he also body licks people and pretends to touch teachers. Gabriel is a gross kid. I Would make fun of him all day.

[@michaelgrunhaus]

Your wierd

[@jungmoney2927]

Hello Cat, I'm a neuropsychological researcher and technician with autism. I agree with your sentiment but disagree with the reasoning. I do research on alzheimers disease, but I don't know what it's like to have AD. Similarly. As autistic people, we don't know what it's like to be "neurotypical." Therefore, if they can't speak to autistic experiences, neither could we because we only have as much of an idea of what it's like to be in their head as they do in ours. Furthermore, my autistic experience likely represents a narrow sliver of the spectrum, which means I wouldn't feel comfortable using my experience to generalize for study design or interpretation. This is all to say that science is usually at odds with activist groups, no matter what. I personally am not offended by the "ableist" language in research papers. After all, they are doing clinical research, so if there wasn't a disability of some kind, we wouldn't be doing research to help people with the condition.

[@jack-a-lopium]

@@jungmoney2927 To be fair, she does say in the video that you don't HAVE to be ASD to present scientific research on ASD. Even so-called 'autistic' content creation is presenting dangerous misinformation to quite a high degree.

[@NiallHorn]

Hi Stephanie, I'm ASD Level 1, ADHD, DCD. The issues you have talked about here have directly affected myself, especially w.r.t discrimination against myself, from people who treat these conditions as an identity with perks, not as what they actually are - life changing medical conditions and disabilities. People who self-diagnose for selfish reasons, or don't even have medical diagnoses, actually claim to be supporting our cause, but in fact they are causing further division and stigma. As you say, people are confused with an identity as in separating themselves from their conditions (which is great), versus people who think having ASD is basically a set of traits you can choose to identify with (frustrating). Thank you so much for talking about this issue, it's very brave of you to do so given the politicisation of our suffering. I'm hoping to start my own blog/videos at some point to share my experiences. I have huge respect for someone as yourself writing scientific based, reference citing articles trying to correct the huge amount of misinformation about our conditions out there on certain short-form video social media sites.

[@TheINFP_Diary]

I'm so happy you sat down to make this video, especially when you got into the "baby play" and how people may perceive autism after viewing that/act like that.

[@jesusdied420]

There’s a big difference between wanting to be autistic and wanting to know if you have it. Six years ago when I was a teen, I realized I’m probably autistic and just now got the opportunity to get diagnosed. While possibly being diagnosed is exciting because I’d be able to better manage my life/symptoms, I know life would be so much easier if I didn’t have it in the first place.

[@angelinagonzalez8777]

You just voiced so many of the criticisms I have had toward the online autism space so perfectly. I began to suspect Asperger's about two years ago and thought/researched about it almost constantly for about a year before I even felt confident enough in my suspicion to seek a diagnosis. I endlessly reflected, tried to put the pieces together, took them apart again, looked at them in another light, pursued other solutions like self-guided social exposure therapy (which did not end well). The more I thought about it critically and educated myself, the more it began to make sense as an explanation of my life experiences. It took on a new dimension that was completely unique to me and helped me in a way that only thorough self-understanding and processing of past experiences can. When I initially encountered the autism community it seemed like the consensus was: self-diagnosis is OK if you have no other options and you have thought long and hard about it and done all the research you possibly could. This seemed like a responsible, level-headed approach. Now I am seeing people online who brazenly "identify" as autistic when the only research they've done is scroll through the endless echo-chamber that is TikTok. This is really disheartening and honestly seems antithetical to the characteristic autistic preferences for critical thinking, accuracy, and non-conformity, lol. Furthermore, I fail to see how diagnosing oneself in the spirit of conforming to the same stock behavior and language exhibited by almost everyone else on these platforms is healing in any way. I think diagnoses are meant to be a tool to help you understand yourself so you can hopefully lead a better, healthier life. In the context of autism, I wanted to be less socially isolated and better able to accommodate my needs so I could actually grow and accomplish what I wanted to. For many people, it seems like diagnosis is just a way to feel special. I've been watching your videos since I started considering whether I had autism two years ago and have always admired the depth of information you share. Thank you for what you do.

[@jack-a-lopium]

Oh my god, so you went from criticising a thing to doing the same thing? I think young folks call that 'YIKES', no? Don't self-diagnose, lol.

[@amandamandamands]

I was diagnosed last year after getting diagnosed with a couple of mental illnesses 10 years before that. I had sort of wondered on and off for a couple of years if I could be autistic and when I first started wondering only had the stereotypical idea of what sensory overload was to cause a meltdown, because the final thing that would send me into meltdown was what someone had said/done I thought my issues were interpersonal. Yay for Sia, with all of the controversy I started by looking at different reviews etc and from there following a couple of autistic creators and was surprised at how much of what they said was relatable (also had previously wondered as I had one autistic friend who would repost on Facebook and I would find 90%+ of what she posted totally relatable). When I found the info that the traits that had gotten me my previous diagnosis were also autistic traits that is when I started reaching out to my psychologist etc that I thought that I was autistic, she was upfront that she didn't know anything about it (Australia different system and psychologists can't diagnose only clinical psychologists and psychiatrists can) and was doubtful until I explained different traits and was supportive of me finding someone who could. Interestingly I was seeing her because she specialises in my previous diagnosis and after getting the autism diagnosis she said to me that the first time she met me she didn't think that I actually had the old diagnosis and she wasn't the only one but as none of them can officially diagnose they didn't say anything.

[@Minakie]

I agree with everything you said in this video except for one thing: you CAN identify as being autistic. And what I mean by that is that most self-diagnosed people I know (myself included) don't feel comfortable just saying "I am autistic" without having an official diagnosis because, as you pointed out, we feel that, without an official diagnosis, we can't really say we are part of the community. Much like there is a stigma towards autistic people, there is also a lot of stigma toward people who are self-diagnosed, regardless of which mental illness or developmental disorder they identify as having. As such, we prefer to use more "non-compromising" language such as "I identify as being autistic" or "I identify with the autistic experience" almost as a way to distance ourselves from the communities we believe to be part of, and also to not have those communities claim that we are trying to "intrude". It's all just a matter of perspective and how each person uses language in a different way. As for autistic people wanting to know they're autistic, wanting to know and being able to know is not the same. I've wanted to know if I'm on the spectrum or not for 2/3 years now. But finding a therapist is hard, therapy is expensive and, on top of that, for over 30 years I was gaslit by my family who always invalidated my struggles, to the point that, when I came across ASD, even though it explained all my quirks to a T, I kept self-doubting and going "I can't possibly have this because everyone around me says I'm fine". Also, having a mental health condition is still very much really stigmatized in my family so, even if I do finally get my diagnosis (which I am now seeking, at the age of 31), there's no way I'll ever let them know. Not everyone wants an official diagnosis to flaunt around.

[@angelabertrand9684]

I really appreciated the comment 'just because you're Autistic, doesn't mean you're an expert on Autism.' I am trying desperately to find a way to get a proper assessment so I know for sure whether I am Autistic or not, but even if I am, there is soooo much to learn and I certainly wouldn't be an expert just because I am.

[@mauricecondran8200]

Stephanie, Thank You for posting. Not everyone has the courage to put themselves out in the public domain and talk about these personal issues. I am 47 only recently been professionally diagnosed. This is all very new for me, a bit upsetting but also explained many things as i look back on my life and the things i do daily. I have not met any local Autistic groups. Since finding out not much has changed probably because i tend to keep to myself but the medical practitioners have said over time they will answer any questions i may have. There is so much online Autistic commentators it really is hard to know where to start. For me i went with who i could relate to and if the symptoms discussed were similar to my own experience. As any spectrum is vast that was how i narrowed it down for me. Anyways thank you for reading my note.

[@catherinelevison3310]

Extremely well done. Thank you for having the courage to address this.

[@AG-ej7wm]

Well done video. I want to add that people take diagnoses as some final truth and "real" when they are ultimately concepts to help clinicians make decisions and find the best treatments. And also, people are all diverse. No two neurotypical people are alike. There is not a "typical" human prototype. We have become too obsessed with labels, we take them for something more than they are. Being neurotypical doesn't mean you're basic and boring, so you also don't need to romanticise being autistic or "different".

[@ChrissyCrum-e5o]

I’m professionally diagnosed w ASD. I’ve never felt, nor would I ever feel like anyone who thinks they have autism, whether they’re right or wrong, is offending me. They’re exploring who they are, why they have the symptoms they have, and trying to find themselves. In the process, they’re educating themselves and the people around them about autism. It doesn’t detract or negatively affect me at all. One group that hurts my life is the neurotypical people who decide that groups of autistic people are “faking” as if it affects them at all.

[@simonsez1787]

Thank you for your comment. I can understand this channel’s commentary and other associated vigilance of “fakers” in attempts to protect those diagnosed with ASD. I also think there’s something to be asked about why does the “everyday person” get so offended, vigilant, or at the least, annoyed, by someone faking. I think it comes down to the everyday people (who are not really impacted) being uncomfortable with someone they may see as a liability. And we know our society doesn’t like a “victim”. We do not like people who may need our empathy as we are a “self-determined” society, says us. So the hunt for anyone who is not who they say they are, and a chance that the rest of society has to pay the freight on them, is what cause this mob mentality. Your comment is refreshing in that, you don’t allow yourself to be agitated by people who are finding themselves OR feigning their ASD if that is also part of their discovery, however maladaptive that may be. So thank you for your detachment. That is also a lesson for the anti-“victim mentality” ilk.

[@Kiera_I_guess]

Every single time I tell any of my friends (who are all neurodivergent themselves) that I am (supposedly) neurotypical, they always just go like "nah. You're not neurotypical." So now I'm super conflicted on whether I am actually neurodivergent in some way or if I've just mimicked the behavior of all my friends around me, who are all neurodivergent, and now just have similar mannerisms and thinking patterns as them TwT

[@iferawhite7661]

I'm so sorry but it bothers me so much Neurodivergent* Neurotypical* Anyway I would suggest doing your own research into the subject, before making any decisions of your own! You could start by looking at the DSM criteria for autism and ADHD, then possibly taking some questionnaires - and if you ever have a period of time where you haven't seen your friends in a few months, you could then take the questionnaire again to see if they influenced you. Good luck!

[@Kiera_I_guess]

@iferawhite7661 ah thank you!! I'm bad at spelling sorry TwT

[@user-vj4tf3wi6r]

what you probably need to do is look in to your younger years, and see if you can find traits of neurodivergence

[@heatherrae901]

@@user-vj4tf3wi6ryeah I think it’s important to reflect back to see if the experiences and behaviors were present in childhood and not just a result of adult friendships.

[@dougbailey1521]

It's very hard to know who is on the autism spectrum. There is mild cases, and severe cases, aspergers, it's all on the spectrum. Some are blunt/brutally honest, some are immature and, some very mature, Some of them can drive, some can't, some can work, others find it difficult, they often mask. Nobody truly knows. It's important to not to judge.

[@Princess-nt9tk]

If everyone is autistic then nobody is autistic.

[@skelemama]

As someone who’s an autistic adult, nothing infuriates me more when people fake autism for clout or show they’re “quirky”. I usually mask my autism when I meet neurotypicals so that I can be accepted and lower the risk of getting harassed. It sucks.

[@MartKart8]

I've watched Paul from Aspegers from the inside and he made a good example of people first language , when used for Autism. Paul said how trying to ID a person as people is meant to be positive, but it puts placing Autism second as something that is bad. Paul explains this better so it's best to watch his channel. I've never been on TikTok.

[@jack-a-lopium]

He's a scammer as well 😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉 Avoid all ASD and all disability KZbinrs. I guess this channel seems okay... but other than that, avoid.

[@subjectiveexperiences1072]

I wanted to reference your "You're probably not neurodivergent" video, and point out that gatekeeping who "counts" as neurodivergent (such as by excluding OCD or people whose brains have been permanently rewired by trauma) will only make the phenomenon you're describing in this video worse. Someone who's like, "okay, I definitely don't think in a neurotypical way but my diagnoses don't *count* towards being neurodivergent, so I guess I don't get to have a community" might be more likely to self dx with autism to validate their neurodiversity. Tldr we shouldn't gatekeep umbrella terms because it will only lead to more false diagnoses. The umbrella terms themselves aren't diagnostic categories so what's the harm? The term queer or LGBTQ+ haven't somehow become meaningless as umbrella terms just because more and more people have been included under them. If someone feels wholly not understood in our neurotypical society, I think they should count as neurodivergent. Neurodiversity is a complex topic that can handle more complexity and nuance.

[@anniestumpy9918]

haha when the Tl;dr is equally long as the original text :) Thank you though for your comment, I tend to agree with you :)

[@billygoodin6194]

“You are who your friends are.” Is such a powerful concept in conversations like this.

[@gigahorse1475]

I am recently self-diagnosed and I agree with you almost 100%. I find the social media trends and faking to be very concerning. However I do not plan on pursuing a diagnosis because I have accommodations already and it could only hurt me (monetarily and stigma-wise). I trust my judgement, so to me getting officially diagnosed for validation seems pointless.

[@mkc538333]

It’s pretty annoying how all this type of people fake autism and disorders to get clout. I myself do have autism always had trouble socializing do to speech disorder. I do stutter sometimes I space out or forget words out of nowhere. Also forget activities or objects that I literally touched a few minutes ago and literally my mind goes blank and can’t recall the object or activity. Also don’t really have much control on my emotions at times I just get swings before I use to just cry out of nowhere lol. Now I’m doing a little better on that but to make it short I don’t really put myself out there to get fame so i do find it a bit frustrating to see this fakers.

[@thishyna]

This was on point! You expressed it so eloquently. I’ve always hated being in the spotlight to the point I struggled greatly in school. When I realized myself I am autistic as an adult, I thought I’d share my story to perhaps help someone else out there. But then all these “cutesy” tiktoks started appearing that were imo downplaying the autistic experience. Then again I know it’s a spectrum and we won’t all have the same experiences. Still put me off by it. Hopefully one day I’ll gather the courage to still share regardless.

[@akaylaburley278]

I really appreciate so much of what you have said and the way it is presented but I also very much disagree with the idea that self diagnosed individuals should be obligated to include a disclaimer that will lead many people to invalidate their experience. I don't say this because it is "unfair to people who are self diagnosed", but for a few reasons: 1. It is not fair to expect anyone to share their personal assesment or medical/psychiatric history in this way. 2. People diagnosed with autism are just as prone to spreading misinformation and unchecked bias about autism as self diagnosed people. Like you said, having the diagnosis does not automatically make you an expert. 3. Everyone is different, and this opens up more room for people to berate individuals with their opinions, ideas and potentially harmful words as it may be viewed as an invitation for everyone to speculate and give input on whether the person truly is autistic. ~ I truly do not believe that identifying each person as "self diagnosed" or "professionally diagnosed" will help people to sort through useful vs. Not useful information. I do however, see significant potential for an "us vs. Them" mentality to be promoted and perpetuated throughout online spaces, and I really hate that..

[@necelticsox]

The reason Stephanie is saying what she’s saying is because there are people who “self-diagnose” based on what they saw on TikTok and never actually wrestled with what they’ve experienced in their childhoods. It’s kind of like why whenever you try to get onto a military base and the guards occasionally ask to search your car before they let you in. It’s not that YOU have a bomb or anything, but someone else might and they need to do it as it’s part of their job. Likewise, a person who says they’re autistic MIGHT not be faking it, but someone else might, so they need to disclose their diagnostic status so that they can separate you from the bad guys.

[@rebeccad.1850]

@@necelticsox okay, but if someone is unscrupulous enough to fake autism traits/symptoms, why wouldn't they be unscrupulous enough to fake having an "official" diagnosis? Asking people to identify how they came about their diagnosis is useless, because bad people who are already lying will just lie harder. So we're opening up good people to scrutiny, criticism and "us vs. them" tribalism (the "real" diagnosed vs. the self-diagnosed) with a community policy that actually does nothing at all to stop liars from lying.

[@VonniC-bv2ow]

Thanks Stephanie. I learnt a lot from that. I am 56 and don’t have Tik Tok but had heard rumours of fakers. I didn’t realise the extent of the issue though. I am recently self diagnosed but have an appointment this week with a psychologist to find out if I am officially autistic. I also hit a few hurdles trying to find a way to a formal diagnosis (mainly due to my current medical professionals not being on board), and given my age and needing work accommodations I thought it was needed. I understand though that an official diagnosis can bring potential legal issues in regards to child custody and migration approvals so it might not be something a young person would necessarily rush into. I am at a point in my life where discovering that autism is the reason for so many struggles means seeking a formal diagnosis is a natural progression. It will also help me deal with the imposter syndrome which surfaces from time to time. I enjoy watching your videos as they are very informative and well researched. Thanks again.

[@smbzepher]

I have been professionally been diagnosed with autism (Aspergers) btw. it is not just cute and quirky tic/stims, from my experience, it is not being able to wear clothes without wanting to rip off your skin, not going to the movies because the bright lights burn your eyes and all the talking and and rustling of food packs just makes you cry out of agony. Not understanding simple tasks and having to get someone to explain what I need to do word for word, over and over again. Everyone that fakes autism forgets about what it is really about and how it affects people with it. I do not make this my entire personality because I am a person with feelings and interest, and just because some things are harder for me don’t mean I want or need sympathy for it. Anyway, luv ur content

[@dmcsunshine1]

I don’t think anyone would want to fake this shit.

[@milddiffuse]

Only really started learning about autism a year ago and I keep second guessing myself about all this. Many of the people who I've told recently (therapist, family members) sure seem to have big doubts and are trying to gauge what would make me think about this (other than actually being undiagnosed autistic). At the same time certain things related to autism are just too accurate descriptions of me to really feel like I'm imagining any of it. Especially things like executive dysfunction, feeling alien from other people and issues with double empathy and meltdowns. Anyway, I'm not even sure why I'm writing all this other than trying to keep sain until it's my turn for a screening in like half a year apparently

[@AspiePilo82]

Back in the early 2010s I joined a Facebook group of people with Autism. After a while of interacting with them I realized how many phoneys were in there. It was a bunch of young hipsters that were constantly lying, making stuff up. I remember once that they made a post, claiming about how they remembered being born and all the details in the labor room. They were all chit chatting about it like it was all normal, in reality they were all lying among themselves, no one can remember anything before being 4 years old, much less when they were born. They were very sociable too, they would constantly small chat between each other. The ones that I did spot as real autistics were not able to do this, and infact were treated as outcasts by these phoneys, same with me. Needless to say I left the group.

[@Daniel-vl8mx]

"no one can remember anything before being 4 years old" Is this a universal truth? I have distinct memories from when I was 2 or 3. I remember events from when the family lived in Scotland, when I was between 2 and 3, for example, such as my father shovelling snow from the door in winter, or heating coins on the radiator to make spy-holes in the iced-up windows for us to look out of. I remember the car we had, a dark green Cortina, and sitting in the back seat of it the time we had a car crash, which happened when I was 2. I remember hitting the back of the bench seat my parents were sitting in. I remember a lot of other things too. Not a connected narrative, but scenes, in full colour. My earliest memories quite definitively are from when I was 2 years old.

[@pistachiosandpopcorn7146]

I’m sorry but I do have some memories at three. Not much but I somewhat remember something. I believe the group was weird but I just had to point out that I do remember a couple of things before 4. Couldn’t help it !

[@strictnonconformist7369]

I remember my first birthday with diving into my birthday cake with my left hand, and everything went black at that point, as the earliest memory I can corroborate. Claiming nobody can remember before age (whatever) is arrogant beyond belief and probably wrong. Maybe you can't remember earlier, but you are merely n of 1.

[@cosmic_seabunny]

It’s called a disorder for a reason. Here’s mine. Adhd: I forget that things sometimes exist and cause people to get mad at me because I have to be reminded constantly. I listen to music on blast to try to drown out my inside voices. Autism: I hum whenever I’m eating very loud. I swing outside for so long I bruise my legs. I get addicted to $elfh@rm easily if I start. Major Depressive Disorder: My episodes get so bad I literally go insane to the point I break windows and punch holes in doors. I can’t be alone for long periods of time because being in my head is destructive. Insomnia: I will do and try anything in order to sleep. Even if that means hurting myself. Anxiety Disorder: I constantly feel like I’m being watched, it hurts so bad I throw up. I can’t eat anything somedays because the ordeal of having to interact with someone is too much. None of this is easy/quirky or fun. The reason people make jokes is to cope not because it’s actually funny.

[@octoberdawn1087]

I think the over simplification is also the thing that keeps people that don't understand it, from believing those of us that were diagnosed late... Or even those of us trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with us… from connecting to those specific things. I had so many weird ah-ha moments after my diagnosis, but for like a whole month I was in denial before my evaluation. I was just doing what my kids doctor told me to do. They were in a different regional location than the lady who diagnosed me, and I really did not think that she was going diagnose me. I remember the part where she and my friend who came with me, were both talking about some things and I didn't understand it. And they were both giggling about it because it was another validation b/c I was struggling in that particular area. I'm sorry I can't remember exactly what it was. It was just sounding like the teacher from peanuts. But after that, mixed with some other really interesting information that I related to, I realized that oh my God this is autism and the majority of the planet does not know what this is. Including other autistic people that need desperately to have this key piece of information so we can allow ourselves to be who we were meant to be. A tip I have for myself is when we're looking for videos to help us unmask and find out who we are, look for the videos and the people that help me dig further into myself so that my existence is less painful but also one of growth and one that can be of seevice to others when they feel trapped and scared. A lot of content creators make content specifically to be of service to others. But then I see other people- like the gal that was sneezing at the burrito, and I just don't know what to think of it. I don't have torrettes so I'm not even going to try to dissect that...but I do have some things that happen beyond my control, and I think they're considered tiks but I don't consider it torrettes. It's annoying, especially if I bite my tongue. But needless to say, in our house we try to get centered with ourselves whenever we watch content because of what we call the "tik-tok-tikkers" There's obviously some people that really struggle and they share their lives with us. But that's why I remind my teenager as well as myself to look for the content that helps us connect to our truth. The sneezing burrito person, it's obvious there was something wrong with her I just don't think that she has access to understanding what exactly it is so she can help get help for that specific thing. Maybe she knew she was masking and she was trying to unmask and it just came out wrong inside ways an offensive to many. But really she was just someone who knew she didn't fit in anywhere and she was trying to figure out how to connect in some way. But then again I have a bad habit of being too understanding when I shouldn't and not understanding enough when I should. That's something I'm still working on. Whenever I have content that I can edit, I cut out my "stuff" stuff because I am incredibly vain yes, but also because it takes up time- especially when I go blank. Im not ashamed. It just takes up too much time. So a lot of that stuff ends up in the back of the videos as outtakes. Not necessarily bloopers just outtakes. But it's only a small percentage of the actual outtakes. And you're making me realize this might be connected to what I've been anxiety ridden to actually make newer content public, having some of the weird push back I've had from people well that seemed to me like they don't get it. Like "how do you communicate if you're autistic". 😒 My answer: It's messy before I edit. I wish I could edit my conversations with other people before they actually receive information coming out of my existence. Seriously... Even when we are reading words that another person wrote, we don't know how much they edited, we don't know how much that they had to erase and start over, we don't know how much time it took them to get out something. Editing is a fine tool indeed. But, manipulation is hurtful to all of us and the more people latch on to something that's not theirs, it keeps them from their own thing. I had a huge ah-ha moment about so many things not being bipolar disorder (diagnosed at 12, angain at 18, again at 20ish...long story) these things were actually autistic stuff like... meltdowns, My agitation with social norms, being the punching bag for not being able to be normal, seeming to have super senses, Being able to hide in the woods for hours and nobody could understand what the hell I was doing out there.... nobody really wanted to know what I was doing; they just wanted to tell me that they couldn't understand what I could be doing out there 😒😀 Super obsessions with special interests and collections but the inability to learn about something that I had 0 interest in... that is a big one that I really wish people could understand for themselves better.. These truths set us free. That said, I realize all of us are coming from our own perspective and our own experiences, no matter who you are reading this- if you are the content creator or if you are another person in the comment section. One of my special interests is the esoteric belief system in spirituality. So I was try to be careful to not confuse my spiritual belief systems with my diagnosis understandings. But I personally need to be fluid with myself and for me these things are completely connected. But you see, that may or may not be the case for somebody else. Or maybe they relate, but it's a completely different belief system spiritually or whatever their special interest is. It's OK for 2 people to not agree on how we feel about the things we experience.. It's because of that I'm trying to learn to say "I" and not "we" just in case. I'm catching myself saying "we" when I mean spiritual people and it sounds like I'm saying we meaning either autistic, ADHD, or bipolar disorder. But also I have seen people get very angry and tell other people to quit saying "we" because not everybody fits into the same category. And even though I slip up and say we, I don't mean "we". I mean "me". The diagnosis paired with finding people that had things I related to that I was never able to understand or explain before.... It was literally like this huge brick of everything that got off of me and it just kept lifting and lifting within the weeks after my diagnosis. But there was also this whole thing of oppression. I lost my my invitation to volunteer at 2 huge major places that I've been volunteering with for years. Just that word scared everybody. Autism scared the organizers more than bipolar disorder ever did. What I'm saying is that I didn't even know there was a stigma around autism because I'd never really paid that much attention to it before I was forced to. I still don't understand it. So whether or not you're I'm not you're actually something or not, and you wan to learn about it, I would very very strongly urge people to learn the stigma about it and just believe the stereotypes of the stigma because it is out there My best friend was diagnosed quite a few years before I was, as were her children, and she is adamant that we do not talk about this in public because she will lose her job. I have no problem with that... she's been my best friend for more than 20 years (And the only friend I've ever had that long) and it felt good that we both understood why we connected to each other even though we don't always agree on things. Lord have mercy I just saw how much I typed I'm so sorry. That's another problem I have, I just love to gab. I know a lot of people on the spectrum don't like small..... talk but I freaking love it 😀

[@jack-a-lopium]

'Late'... lol

[@ptlovelight2971]

So I am sort of officially diagnosed as Asperger's by my psychologist at age 35 (I dont like high functioning, which is the language she used) I say "sort of" because she stopped just short of giving me the diagnosis, as "you are too functional to treat with medication....let's focus on the anxiety instead"🙄🙄 Like many women I imagine, I first started to suspect something was wrong with me after watching educational videos on KZbin about autism, from both doctors and those living on the spectrum. I found that I could relate and resonate with them.....a bit too much😅 It was quite shocking to find out that alot of my quirks or eccentricities are just symptoms of autism. I also went through the "idk man, are u faking it??" Imposter syndrome thing. Then there are other days when my ASD, ADHD (self diagnosed), alexythmia, and sensory triggers are so severe I'm like, "b***h, how could you be anything BUT autistic behaving like this??"😂 I didn't want a diagnosis to win cool points with the community, or to be trendy on Tiktok...I sought diagnosis for peace of mind, to at least have a name and reasoning for why a lot of my emotional and social life has been a struggle Also, I would NEVER paint myself as an authority on any disorder, much less autism, which I am actively learning about. A fun/interesting thing with late age diagnosis, is that almost daily I discover research or data or a new terminology describing my behaviors that are apparently part of my ASD traits (I actually have more atypical symptoms than the more common ones, even in childhood)

[@michaelgrunhaus]

people with autism life in Spain. who are you wierd stranger; do you want to be autistic why in the world you want to be ill

[@michaelgrunhaus]

Why ITS! JUST! A! VIDEO! ARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. im telling my mom

[@alicerox3066]

I have related to and been doing research on autism and adhd for over a year now, because it is something that I felt made many of my struggles, if not all, throughout school make sense. I am not on tiktok, as it is currently banned where I am from, but do watch them as youtube compilations from time to time. I didn't know that social contagion is a thing, and now, I'm going to pay more attention, and try to observe my behaviour more critically, to make sure I'm not engaging in anything that might perpetuate harmful stereotypes. I am currently dependent, and am seeking an appointment to get screened, it's taking a bit of work on convincing my parents. Thank you for making all your points very clear. I will be taking the media I consume, with a grain of salt going forward.

[@bookerchildress1916]

I don't understand how any of this is anyone's business. Who gives a damn what YOU (the public or random citizen) thinks about another's diagnosis; "self" or professionally administered? This sounds like some school lunch table version of a "disability-off!"

[@gayajay]

I'm 51 years old. I was diagnosed with ADHD & bipolar II in my late 30's. I was diagnosed with ASD when I was 49. The spectrum embraced me. Prior to being considered a "spectrum" disorder various behaviors & symptoms, now most commonly associated with ASD, were often diagnosed as characteristics of other conditions. For example.., I tend to get nervous when in social situations where I'm surrounded by strangers. There is an overwhelming need for feeling "safe." I was diagnosed with having social anxiety. Or the way I freak out when someone or something interferes with my routine. Or the uneasy sensations I experience whenever I hear certain sounds like metal scraping against metal. Also, the feeling of calmness I get from pulling out my legs & chest hairs in clumps. A lot of these behaviors were insignificant until they became identified as ASD symptoms.

[@janeann3331]

This video was very informative and very compassionate. I was expecting you to call out people willy-nilly for faking autism which is not always the case(not because you are the type of person to do that but because I've watched other people do this.) You had some great points about authoritatively calling yourself autistic when you have self-diagnosis. The whole topic is kind of complicated and not an all-fits approach. I don't have a complete diagnosis on account of not being able to afford an official diagnosis. Still, I sought the most reasonable-priced autism specialist and talked to them about my concerns. They made a diagnostic impression, and they were like, yep, you are 100 percent autistic. And then I had closure. Granted, I don't make videos, but I'm also not afraid to say I'm autistic.

[@kitdoesstufflmao]

I am very happy that you covered these I got diagnosed with autism and it genuinely made me feel like I knew what was wrong with me. I've always had hyperfixation with Pokemon, Yo-Kai Watch, FNaF ect. ect. When I got diagnosed, everything around me changed and I just have a horrible, horrible anxiety with this and people always say that I'm smart and... am not. I just pick up on stuff and manage to put it in a right way When people do this. I just feel so... sick. Heck! I'm getting so upset about this! I am sorry for this rant but... it's just so sick for what they do. And I wish they didn't. I've also probably been autistic since I was six (I'm now 15) and I got properly diagnosed due to my teachers being worried about me

[@fleon4115]

Where tf you got that from? People are *born* with autism, it's not something you gained later in life. Whoever told you otherwise is a shrink

[@musicmama2864]

I love your videos. I teach with children with autism, ADHD, & dyslexia. The only thing I claim to know a good deal about is sensory integration disorder, because one of my sons was diagnosed with it and i did a lot of research because we couldn't get him OT. I think you do well to caution people to be clear about their status--either diagnosed by the medical community, or through self-diagnosis. One of the reasons I love your videos is that you cite sources for all your statements. Even if we don't have a set of credentials, we can do research and learn, and then pass that knowledge on. If a content creator chooses not to do research, that's OK, but they should be clear about sharing their personal experiences only.

[@eonblue7519]

I've been wondering if I'm autistic for around a year now and I'm trying to get an assessment. I've been worried, like you said, that I am somehow unconsciously faking how I feel and that I am trying to squeeze into a community that I don't belong in. I struggle a lot with many different things and relate to a lot of the traits of autism, but a lot of my feelings and experiences also overlap with other disorders and mental health issues (they could also stem from delayed development due to childhood trauma) so it's really difficult to discern what is going on with me. I just want an answer to why I am the way I am and why I struggle with things most seem to find simple, the last thing I want is attention and I hope that the people around me don't think that this is the case either.

[@musicmama2864]

My heart goes out to you. A struggle is a struggle. Perhaps you belong in the community because you feel comfortable around people with autism? Can you belong even without the diagnosis? I don't know? I hope you get the answer you seek. I think in the coming years we are going to see changes to the autism spectrum and other neuro-divergencies will be included (or the relationship will be acknowledged).

[@chele277]

Both my son and I both felt the same when we were waiting for our assessment, we both were very late diagnosed.

[@jennifergauthier3282]

Yes, the imposter syndrome is real. I was just diagnosed by a very reputable institution at 53. A lifetime of masking.

[@eonblue7519]

@Kaela Elena I think autism explains alot of my behaviours and struggles, I'm trying to get a diagnosis both so that I can understand myself better and so that I can learn what will work to ease my struggles and make life easier. My Dad was emotionally and physically abusive and though I don't live with him or see him anymore, it definitely traumatised me. From the research I've been doing, I've found that autism and c-ptsd (a form of ptsd commonly caused by trauma such as child abuse) share many traits that I can relate to so the problem is figuring out if I'm autistic, suffering from c-ptsd, both or something else I don't know about yet. It makes it especially difficult that I relate to traits of autism that aren't experienced by people with c-ptsd and vice versa. If I just knew what was causing my struggles, I'd know how to help myself? I think an assessment for autism would also be helpful because I feel like I have been questioning everything about myself for such a long time, therefore if I find out that I am not autistic, I can let go of the possibility and move on from it, if that makes sense? I'm sorry this is a long reply, but thank you for your insight, I appreciate it!

[@Im.bad.at.naming]

Well there are a lot of different types of autism or a spectrum they call it mines quite bad say where I must take really strong medication to calm down my ADHD and autism

[@miauzgenauz115]

thank you for your video! i got interested in that topic, because in Germany several cases appeared, where the therapist talked the patients into believing to have a trauma because of childhood abuse... in the documentary they also showed how easy it is to induce false memories into a person. i think most of "fakers" are not aware of it, like you explained already. awesome video :)

[@mrknucklehead5882]

I agree wholeheartedly with your assertion that fabricated traits and behaviors are easily detected. I was diagnosed very young, and I know my kind when I see them. The biggest tip-off of a poser is when someone (in a group setting such as work meetings) describes in detail how their autism affects them negatively, and how they should be accommodated. For an OG like myself, that’s crazy talk. We don’t describe our behavior just like a handicapped person wouldn’t describe their physical limitations. It’s not human nature to openly discuss your faults unless you’re expecting some sort of special treatment or recognition. Would anyone with any condition bring it up constantly, or just live your life?

[@somethingfromnothing8428]

I “self diagnosed” myself last year. I have suffered various issues all my life and came to a point where i was struggling to cope or pretend to feel ok anymore. I was searching the symptoms of my issues and stumbled across a video on autism and found myself watching many autism videos. I had no understanding of what autism was until i started watching these videos. I had a huge light bulb moment when i saw a video of an autistic man describing his life and autistic traits and basically felt like the guy was describing my life. I researched autism traits heavily and ended up with a two page long list of traits and symptoms that match with autism about myself and then contacted my gp who referred me for an official diagnosis which im currently waiting for. I need the official diagnosis purely as an answer as to why i have always been so different to my peers and to have an answer. I do not want a diagnosis for attention. I have no intention of disclosing my autism on any social media that is linked to my real name. And i generally cant cope with being the centre of attention. I also later discovered that my health visitor was concerned about me for having delayed speech as a child. I could only speak to people if it was about thomas the tank engine and the health visitor was concerned about this but my parents didnt want to pursue this and they just forced me to do extra school work and attend summer school in order to force me to catch up with my speech and spelling difficulties. I eventually caught up with those things but i have never been able to improve my social skills and have always struggled to maintain friendships and generally find social interactions exhausting and stressful

[@iseultmackinnon8197]

One of the criteria for mental illness or autism to be diagnosed is that the difficulties are serious enough to cause significant impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of current functioning. This always seems to be a criteria that everyone overlooks.

[@sketchadoodle4526]

I really wanted to see a collaboration of fakers with reasons why they were faking. It's so hard to tell when someone is faking vs really dealing with this.

[@515aleon]

There was certainly always something "up" with me. But here's why I don't have an "autism" diagnosis, as such. I'm in my 70s, there was no autism when I was growing up (well there was but it was called "childhood schizophrenia" which was also considered to be a very severe condition.) When autism was kind of "discovered", people on a college track would not have been dxed autistic, until maybe Temple Grandin wrote her book. In my 20s seizures, I saw a neurologist who dxed me as having absence seizures (they aren't they are temporal lobe took a long time to find out that) but also with minimal brain dysfunction (I think this tracks with ADD/ADHD). At some point I went to an learning disabilities clinic--though I have some typical learning disability, I was dxed with Non-verbal Learning Disabiities. I guess there is a difference, Rourke says there is. But I also am a visual thinker and went to an OT who said I had sensory integration problems--indeed I do! (loud noises, lights, scents, etc. It used to be what they called an undxed person or a person with similar dxes a "cousin" (In fact, spoke at Autism Network International "Autreat". I really at this point see no reason to go get a diagnosis from an autism specialist in my 70s because other people would be happier. But I am honest about what the deal is.

[@elladurbin1505]

This was so well said, thank you for making this video and talking about this delicate topic sensitively

[@Skull-fw9pl]

I find these fakers bad as I am not only autistic, but also have ADHD (when autism and adhd are together…yeah) these clout chasers are basically getting more attention than people who actually need it

[@tamika1014]

So all my life, I've had to deal with my autistic traits without knowing I had autism. I got social anxiety and depression over time. Going to my phycologist regularly, tbh I thought I had ADHD. Well the longer I went to my doctor, the more she was seeing that I could be on the spectrum. So she helped me get mentally tested to see what it was exactly. It came back to be just autism and not ADHD. I was diagnosed at 22 years old. Finally getting the proper tools for me so I can function a little bit better. I study deeper and deeper into mental health and studied more and more in autism so I can understand it better and see it throughout my whole life. Which the more I look into things, the more I can relate to. Tho just because I know these things, it doesn't change the fact that I am still me by the end of the day. Still trying to figure stuff out for myself. Thank you for the video

[@steveneardley7541]

I figured that this was happening. In fact, I am a bit uncomfortable with the commonly accepted idea of autistic masking. Because really EVERYONE masks, and everyone has to mask. Autistic people just have to mask more in order to be accepted. You are articulate and convincing, and have clearly done your homework. But for many of us, just figuring out that we are on the spectrum is so important for our self-understanding, that we aren't too concerned with immature people who might be faking a disability. Actually, I am more interested in figuring out who from my past was probably an undiagnosed Aspie.

[@gillb9222]

I hate it when people who get a diagnosis suddenly becomes a gatekeeper. So many people cannot get diagnosed for ao many reaosns and its the entirled who start saying peolle are faking it. I am diagnosed with both autism and adhd plus cptsd and I wish I didnt have any of them. I wish I felt like I fitted i to society. As you say you chnaged your mind after diagnosis . Well lucky you that you that your got offically diagnosed, well done for being able to. Doesnt give tou the right to gatekeep now. This video is nauseating

[@TheINFP_Diary]

I finally posted a video about self diagnosed ASD ( with the suspicion I have it and currently seeking diagnosis ) it was very nerve wracking but like you said I addressed multiple time I am not diagnosed and do not even claim to have self diagnosed myself, because again like you said, I feel the extreme need to know for sure before I start making the content I want. It's just how I stay more true/honest to myself and others. I always say to myself and sometimes to close family and friends " I'm not saying I'm on the spectrum, I'm saying it's a very strong possibility."

[@ProbablyBees]

I had an interesting discussion around this topic with my therapist a few yrs ago that may add to this conversation. I'm formally diagnosed with ptsd and I also highly suspect that I have autism. We discussed this and he agreed it's likely. But getting diagnosed doesn't add anything to my life. I have access to mental health resources and I can use informal coping mechanisms and consume autism specific content already. I can ask for accommodations at work already. I don't need a diagnosis of autism to do so. Do I want to know? Yes. Does it give me access to additional support? Not really. So it's not necessary for me beyond confirming a piece of info for myself

[@Sunshinebtfly98]

I didn’t realize I am autistic until my child was diagnosed. I don’t think there is some big problem with people faking but 🤷‍♀️ I appreciate this though because I do know a couple of people who have factitious disorder which is what I think you’re speaking of

[@sixofsix]

If I was faking Autism the first thing I would do is make a KZbin video about people faking to have Autism.

[@scrogfpv7443]

One of my biggest pet peeve’s is seeing people say “im seeking an autistic diagnosis”. 15 years ago when i was diagnosed, i was angry and in denial about it. If you are autistic, the odds are that a specialist will see it without you having to “help” them see it. Stop trying to be disabled. It isn’t cute. It’s debilitating. Im 41 and have to have a caretaker. Its awful and something i hate about myself.

[@TheBrandonn]

I really cant stand talking about tiktok but its also so important, parents really need to get their kids off there. It also makes actual self diagnosis such as my own look like a joke now. When many were already ignorantly against it. I mean, I'm used to not being taken seriously so its not that big of a deal, but it does suck lol just another thing. Sydney Watson has a great video on this called "How TikTok manufactured a mental health epidemic" highly recommend

[@idontwannapickanametho]

With the way you handle this and other sensitive topics, i am always interested in listening. I feel like you are capable of talking about these tricky topics, acknowledging the uncomfortable truths and talking through the implications

[@SomeRandomPunk]

I was diagnosed with high functioning autism at three YO and Tourette's syndrome at 10 YO. as a kid I struggled with fine motor skills and teachers would say "but you can play drums perfectly fine" and my school would be confused about how I can talk to my best friend (my only friend) but not other kids or why I didn't like food touching or keep eye contact. my tics were a part of what got me bullied for 8 years due to it being undiagnosed until I started year 5. but I joined my local punk community at 7. I would always talk to my best friend about my favourite bands and my specific interests. my Best mate was the same he also had autism and came across punk at age 9, the bullying got worse for me left me with scars on my back and insomnia, re-occurring night terror, self-esteem/confidence issues and an intense anxiety over certain places from my childhood. I started at a special needs secondary school and my life improved, I am still the weird punk kid and I'm proud. oh and if your a musician with an EHCP it lasts till your 25 and funds stuff, so take advantage of it. I was in a park and I saw a kid who looked a lot like myself when I was his age, he had a little mohawk, a denim jacket with a misfits backpatch and according to his mother autism and Tourette's. I saw some kids around three years younger than us picking on him so me and my best friend went over and saw what happened, they were judging him for his tics and he couldn't reply. I said and explained that its a neurological disorder and that he cant handle it. his mother thanked us for standing up for him, my best friend explained that we were both autistic and that I had Tourette's as well. I don't want any kid to go through what I did, its not "fun" or quirky to have these conditions and that some people actually struggle, but I'm luck because I know others have it worse. great video Stephanie :)

[@SSS.1984]

The shit people will pull in order to get out of ever working a job is sickening! Extremely disrespectful to those who are genuinely afflicted!

[@Eli-me2vs]

I was one of the kids who faked autism (later found out that I was actually on the spectrum, level 1). And now looking back, honestly "lying" about it is making my acceptance of having ASD worse. Since I just said I was, not thinking something was actually wrong with me and learning my traits that I didn't even know was autism was autism for me. IDK. In my opinion, I've beaten myself up so much about being on the spectrum, I see both views of people. For one, I see the faking me, who was desperate for any positive validation and attention (I grew up in an emotionally abusive household) But I also see my view as a diagnosed autistic , of just pure anger. Of why? I struggled with social stuff all my life for people to lie. (I was diagnosed at 14, the main factor was me standing on my tip toes, not catching sarcasm and having a noticeable auditory processing disorder [quite a few teachers and staff at the residential (RTC) I was at noticed the APD early on and also me crying for 3 weeks because of change.] These helped narrow down that I might be a little bit autistic. And with some of my other actions (I struggle with my mental health, meaning I do have a struggle with self harm, purging and suicidal thoughts), all gave them evidence to give me the diagnosis.)

[@Wiz.37083]

Great video, Stephanie... You have compassion dealing with a difficult matter... it's clear you have done your research...you are an encourager... thanks for that...

[@LegionOfWeirdos]

So many people seem to think "self diagnosed" is a thing. It's not, even if you're a doctor. They do the same with Tourette's and ADHD - I cringe every time I hear someone say "hyperfocus is my superpower" or "when I need to get something done, I hyperfocus." For me, hyperfocus is hell. It's either a distraction from what I SHOULD BE doing or a result of trying to meet a deadline, which is excruciating. I'm not a good person when I hyperfocus.

[@ThatWitchesRealm]

My daughter has severe autism and the fakers out here using it for views really aggravates me! If u think u have it dont self diagnose. Go to the damn doctor and get it. Great video❤

[@MartKart8]

I feel what makes your videos good is the research you do in them, Oh if you ever did another NHS video, things you have to remember, the NHS doesn't cover teeth or eyes as it seen as a luxury which makes no sense, and it's expensive. Free cover only applies to Scotland and Wales, but England has to pay, same with University. I heard a Dentists say once on TV, that they get some funds by the NHS however they have money taken away if they have to many patients, and they have to fund the place there in themselves.

[@SOTFarchive]

Thank you for being brave enough to speak out publicly about this. ❤️ You have a very genuine way of speaking, and I thought you presented your facts and thoughts in a kind and understandable way. 👍🏿

[@LunarCrystal07]

This reminds me of another weird, "fashionable" trend from the Victorian era. The Alexandra Limp. Humans are weird, lol. Edit: just wanted to add to the "wanting to know" part. I was told, to my face, four years ago that I was "definitely autistic" - by a lady who was diagnosed herself. I had no idea that autism looked "normal"ish (like me). I thought it was just ADHD, and that in itself was a revelation. I absolutely struggled with the idea that I had autism. For FOUR YEARS. I'm almost 41 years old. Pashaw! I still had empathy. No way was I autistic. In fact, I have TOO MUCH empathy. I feel SO much, all the time. Oh wait . . .

[@notkerrystolcenberg]

How to stop clout chasers: stop using social media. You'll feel a lot better, I PROMISE.

[@NonSoup]

It never crossed my brain I'm autistic. Got a midlife adhd diagnosis and put on meds that seriously helped but apparently my need to mask my autism disappeared, unknowingly. Who in their right mind would want this?!

[@Greggers1516]

Whenever I call out fake autism losers, the whole community comes down on me even though I know they’re not only faking it, but I actually know people who struggle with severe autism so it makes me angry for them to claim that they somehow are going through similar stuff to get pity points and attention

[@themindseyecmh]

It can be frustrating.... about a year ago, I came to the realization that I may in fact be autistic...I started looking into autism in adults and between online research and listening to the stories of autistic people, including a neighbor I had years ago, your channel, Orion Kelly, and Miya Sae.... so much resonated with me, and so many of the experiences I had that I thought I was alone in was suddenly something that wasn't just me... though I never wanted to be autistic per se, I was thrilled to realize that I wasn't alone, there were people out there who understood me, and that I wasn't just weird or stupid or broken....I was thrilled However I feel very self conscious to Self diagnose, so i am seeking a diagnosis but finding a place to go is difficult,between the waiting and the money.... and I hate the idea of doing something for clout.....I just want to know for myself and know for those in my life to hopefully understand me a little better

[@anthonywyattStylist]

This is a well needed video and I shared it and I will continue to share it because this needs to be heard

[@QUEENOBSCURE]

I have real doctor-proven papers, I hate I get so bloody piss when gen Z fakers call me faker! And all "your 34 you're an adult, stop faking!" I was proven at 12, but couldn't get properly confirmed till I was 18.

[@Leena79]

I got diagnosed at 41, after initially suspecting I might be on the spectrum after watching some (legit) youtube videos, doing a lot of online research, talking to my therapist, and finally talking to my psychiatrist. I hadn't been diagnosed earlier, because when I originally ended up seeking help for my mental health issues in my early 20s, the research on autism in women was very lacking. I was diagnosed with social anxiety, panic disorder and a personality disorder, and my problems seemed to persist despite medication and extensive therapy. I wasn't able to function like someone my age usually should, I couldn't work, and I felt so guilty for not being able to recover from what psychiatry considered treatable issues. Getting the autism diagnosis was a relief for me, not because I thought it was trendy or cool - my daily struggle with so many things others take for granted is not cool - but because I now understood that I wasn't failing because I wasn't trying hard enough, but because of a neurological difference in the wiring of my brain. Getting the diagnosis has allowed me to be just a bit more forgiving of my failures, and it feels like a huge rock lifted of my shoulders. Faking autism or any other disorder for clout is harmful. I rarely watch videos from people who aren't legit, but I know they're out there. It is one thing to recognize that autism is a spectrum, and some people might have autistic traits without it actually being enough for a medical diagnosis, and I get that at that point, it could be possible to identify as an autistic without a diagnosis. Since my autism has affected my life in many unwanted ways, such as not being able to work, failing in human relationships, maintaining my own household etc., I sometimes feel irritated when I see videos where the focus is on saying that autism is not a disability, but just a different type of being normal. For me it is a disability. It does come with some positive traits, and it's much better to know that I am autistic than to think I'm just a failure at life, but the point of a medical diagnosis is not to sound cool, but to show that I have a disorder, which causes me problems.

[@queerdo]

This is a really important video. suddenly realizing you are autistic (or ADHD) is also very big in the 40 year old white woman crowd. I don't actually think most people are exactly faking it as much as feeling and experiencing typical challenges, and being constantly bombarded with social media posts that insist every vague thing is a trait of autism, and that if you are feeling overwhelmed and tired and forgetful as you head into menopause while working full time and parenting children, that you must have ADHD. And it actually wouldn't matter at all if every second person believed they were autistic except for 2 things: 1. going online and insisting that ever since 3 months ago when they diagnosed their own autism, they are now experts, and know exactly how you should and shouldn't parent your autsitic kid. and if you don't listen to them, you are ableist and abusive. Which leads a surprising number of parents to NOT get the support their autistic kid needs. And.. 2. People with disabilities have a difficult enough time getting the support they need. When people start loudly pushing the idea that being weird and introverted and awkward is a disability, or that autism/ADHD is a "superpower" that isn't challenging so long as society embraces it, then people actually STRUGGLING WITH A DISABILITY have an even harder time being seen and taken seriously. ESPECIALLY when it's the people struggling the least and who have the most privilege, who are controlling the narrative about what autism is and what autistic people need.

[@gracehasnograce]

I deeply dislike the way people make me say that I identify as autistic when I am diagnosed. I have been suffering from it my whole life, and I didn't choose to identify as it, I didn't want it to be a part of me, it just is.

[@GraceHope-77]

That abbey girl from love on the spectrum is faking. It makes me so sick, I’m glad you made this video though

[@zhiqiry]

Some people might fake it and some people might think they are autistic because of some other reasons. They could have another diagnosis or another situation that could be the real reason behind their difficulties. For example; difficulties in social situations could be because of social phobia. Or difficulties in sensory input could be because of stress.

[@Chip_Doubledip]

I never understood this trend as being diagnosed decades ago, cost me college or further training. Put me in a life of poverty and manual labor with no help after high school. I do alright, taught myself some skills, and how to hide it from many people. While my struggles with autism are from a different time, this trend is almost mocking those of us who struggled with it in previous generations.

[@ashleypina8371]

One more thing I was considering - question for Autistics If NT self identify at an increased rate - would that solve the double empathy problem or make it worse? I am thinking it will depend on intent. If people are using for attention or clout then it is harmful - but if people identifying because see themselves in spectrum, that could be a beautiful thing for the ND Movement.

[@Man_of_tungsten]

Im a high functioning autistic and the fact that these people are faking having autism is so disrespectful not only to me but to other people who actually have autism and other levels

[@arayategan9218]

I am greatful for my medical diagnosis of autism. It validates my lived experience...

[@arayategan9218]

It took a long way to get here... I also have cptsd, social anxiety, and fibromyalgia. Which complicated things

[@redfoxbennaton]

So many people faking autism on the internet it's insane. Fakers just do it so they can watch cartoons and play video games all day. Fakers never had the lack there of social skills, the sensory issues, but worst of all adherence to routine.

[@cosygoose1813]

I keep seeing people self diagnosing and using it as an excuse for their actions. I tell people to ether get diagnosed (which is hard) I have seen people say it effects gender. Which it doesn't because it is never what they think it is.

[@FistandFootMartialArts]

The idea that anyone would want "to be Autistic" boggles the mind. I don't even know where to start. I hate it when ppl do the "we're all a little bit autistic, right? I mean, it's a spectrum.." Man! That sets me off. That's like telling a blind person: I know just how U feel. I wear thick glasses. Or telling a person wheelchair bound: I can so relate. I have this trick ankle that acts up just before it rains". But that's just NTs trying to be sympathetic. Not "faking", just clueless. But to fake Autism??? Tell me, how many friends have you lost? How many family members no longer want or never did want anything to do with you? How many times have you been fired for a reason that you have *ABSOLUTELY* no idea of what you did wrong? How many romantic partners have just ghosted you, for no reason that you can figure out; and they ain't talkin'? OK. I'll stop my rant. Questions/reactions encouraged. I will respond. 🙂

[@TheDuke098]

As a person who was Diagnosed with Autism by a professional at birth, and not knowing until I was around 8-9… It is SUPER annoying to see people fake Autism just for sympathy or clout where I (and probably others as well) have tried to mask our stims and weirdness just for a sense of normality and common Human respect… If you’re faking it for clout or are Self diagnosed, Please stop and seek actual diagnosis by a Professional. thankyouforcomingtomytedtalklol.

[@MrJaycrow30]

I'm not an expert on Neurodiversity, but I have enough insight to know how it applies to my experiences. I haven't been diagnosed formally (can't afford it), but on disability, and I've come to the conclusion that I am Autistic because of the last year of research I invested in learning about disorders in gerenal. I looked at all angles, weeded out the toxic channels, different disorders/trauma and Autism just fits right. But it's more than just Autism for sure. I then went to my GP about it and she said no right off the bat. I asked her why not? She literally said 'I don't see it and not to argue with her!'!! I freaked, so she referred me to a therapist who says that I'm definitely on the spectrum. I find out recently through my records that another therapist, who's retired now, said that I would benefit from an Autism Spectrum test!! So why is my GP dismissing the fact that possible Autism has been mentioned before, and that I forgot this, yet come to the same conclusion years later is coincidence? Sorry i have more reason to believe i am than not, especially now that I've educated myself. I live in a small community, so trying to find a doctor who's open and listens is virtually impossible! It's always an out-of-town source you have to wait every 3 months for! I feel she's trying to erase a possible diagnosis/treatment plan and I that I'm a burden on her because my former GP passed away, so my case just dropped on to her. I've done my part, where's my actual help? Falling through the cracks, impending. cheers

[@ashleypina8371]

Thank you for this video. I think this is an important conversation to be had. There is a huge push for self identification to be valid. And I wholeheartedly stand by this for women who may be late diagnosed and do not have access to resources. A woman undiagnosed would have to find a practitioner who understands their experience and it can costs thousands of dollars and take as long as a year to get a dx. However, there is a real danger to self-identification for people who are not qualified to diagnose because what if they DON’T have autism. And even worse, what if you have a bunch of non-autistic people self-identifying and appropriating something that is NOT theirs. There is a danger in invalidating someone’s experience in NOT allowing them to self identify but there is a lot of HARM that can be done by validating an experience of a person having something they do not have. I tend to lean towards validating a person’s experience and triying to understand. We would do that for trans people, gay people , black people and believe we should do that for anyone struggling with mental health and/or relating to a neurodiverse experience. I think this should signify an opportunity to understand EVERYONE. Whether they might be bipolar, autistic, trans, survivor of ptsd, gay, straight, etc. I would love for society to be at that point. To try to understand and accept everyone no matter what. Thank you for recommendation to do a diet of consuming media content associated with something you are fixated on. I think this may help reduce anxiety associated with this phenomenon. I will need to break from it but something I think we need to talk about as neurodiversity movement merges with high social media use.

[@defective1331]

you are right about the baby behavior thing. when i was being diagnosed with schizophreniform to schizoaffective. my records and the therapy notes said i was child like. i look and think how i was child like and think where she got that but she is the professional. i dont exaggerate anything. like i never talked like a child, or spoke in a higher afliction in my voice.

[@mrsticky005]

I have been diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum and having depression. But personally I just think life objectively sucks and I am a realist. I think the people who are always smiling no matter how much the world burns are the actually crazy ones.