Fern Brady on being autistic and working as a stripper - from RHLSTP 428

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[@oliviamayumi]

as an autistic woman, it's so great to see representation in media that isn't just a savant/math genius. seeing her talk about her diagnosis genuinely makes me so happy. i'm really hoping i can get her book soon!

[@DamnDealDone]

The widening criteria for autism and overdiagnosis makes it a meaningless title.

[@DrZaius3141]

@@DamnDealDone Are you seriously trying to gatekeep neurodivergence? There are still plenty of people who never get a diagnosis despite showing textbook signs which in turn makes their life a lot harder. If anything, ASD is underdiagnosed, not overdiagnosed. The idea of a useful diagnosis is to pinpoint the specific circumstances of a certain case. Think of it this way: A clear sky is blue. The ocean is blue. It is useful to group them both under the banner of "blue", even with their differences. Just because neurotypicals don't immediately recognize less severe cases of ASD doesn't mean that the lived experience isn't harmed by their ignorance. Having "functioning autism" doesn't mean you don't face the troubles of autism, it just means that you can mask your troubles well enough that ignorant people don't clock you.

[@DamnDealDone]

@@DrZaius3141 incorrect use of the meaning of gatekeeping. I am just airing my opinion which has no affect of their ability to keep up their lies. It's not gatekeeping. But it's a fact that the broadening definition of the term autistic has resulted in it becoming a meaningless term. It's over diagnosed. Didn't have friends in school? Autistic. Felt nervous when public speaking? Autistic. Couldn't concentrate? Autistic. Shy? Autistic. Fully functioning adult with skills of public speaking and can make rooms full of people laugh to the point it can be a successful career? Autistic. It's nonsense. Neurodivergence is impossible to diagnose for the minute perceived supposed differences these people claim. They are normal by all accounts and purposes, but need to feel special.

[@DamnDealDone]

@@DrZaius3141 don't forget to buy her book as well. That meaningless diagnosis sure came in handy for her career.

[@marlinderwall8873]

Autistic people hat aren't geniuses shouldn't get representation. They should be tucked away by society to lead their life and restricted from reproducing. We don't want to propogated that horrible illness.

[@buttercxpdraws8101]

As a late diagnosed autistic woman I have had the following jobs: waitress in a Chinese restaurant, costume shop staff, escort, stripper, strip club manager, English as a second language teacher, admin assistant, law enforcement officer. Yes, my friends. Masking is real. ✌️💕🌻

[@pintpullinggeek]

It's nice to know there is the chance for career advancement in stripping. 👍

[@NZKiwi87]

I worked in the Inland Revenue Department, as a dominatrix, in hospital admin, at an accountants office, as a content creator in the sex industry - where others say ‘masking’ my interpretation is ‘chameleon’ 🦎

[@buttercxpdraws8101]

@@NZKiwi87 I like ‘adaptive behaviours’.

[@mrkeogh]

Is a difficulty in having a stable self-image common among autistic people? I've had a couple of odd jobs and widely ranging academic interests, but have never found anything I've actually felt comfortable with 🤷🏻‍♂️ It's intensely frustrating, though you'd never know until I blow up occasionally.

[@mrkeogh]

@buttercxpdraws8101 We're told it's "maladaptive" but if nobody is prepared to help, and you're not resorting to substance abuse, it's really just the least harmful way to try and cope.

[@angeladawn805]

I had never heard of Fern until I saw her on Taskmaster. Needless to say, I immediately binged watched all the material I could find. She's an absolute delight 🤩

[@candyh4284]

wait she was on taskmaster??

[@karaleighkirk]

@@candyh4284 most recent season

[@omniscient.nescience]

​@@candyh4284 Season 14 I believe

[@Omnomnomfish]

Meanwhile i watched taskmaster because Fern Brady was on it and now im bingeing it 🤣 shes on series 14

[@margaretdoggett3346]

That was the first time I had heard of Fern and love her work. Trying hard to get tickets for her tour.

[@musicalnerds101]

Fern Brady is one of the only comedians I’ve heard talk about intrusive thoughts and anxiety in a caring way in her standup. It was really meaningful to me at the time and made me feel so much less alone. I’d love to read her book and hear more about her life and learn more about autism too !!

[@russellbrown8760]

Laughed and loved this. Working class man, middle aged, ALWAYS autistic (clearly!) but diagnosed at 47. Had an amazing moment at 10 minutes when talking about being shoved into and straight out of the "genius" group. I was hoiked up a year or two, and similarily ignmoiusly shat back down again. Thanks Fern for having the voice so many don't have!

[@ericshultz8796]

Fern on Taskmaster explaining why she threw the bird over the trailer was the most beautiful thing. Also made me go, "Ah, I see."

[@najtrows]

I kind of dated a girl for a while who is neurodivergent both ADHD and Autism and I learned how badly researched both those diagnosis are regarding women. It's great that more people talk openly about it because you learn how to treat others the way they want and need and you understand their struggles better. Fern is just so great

[@pemo2676]

its especially hard considering how different autism can present in male/female born people

[@sie4431]

That's true but we should say it's hard for anyone to get diagnosed. In some areas there's a waiting list of 2-3 years and that's if your doctor is willing

[@itsonlysound]

​@@sie4431It is hard for anyone but we should absolutely point out that its more difficult for women. As with most medical issues, the standard for symptoms and treatment is the male body.

[@sie4431]

@@itsonlysound Absolutely, I'm just saying we shouldn't suggest that it's only difficult for women rather than more difficult

[@aupaaupa2377]

My last gf opened my eyes to just what a challenging world it can potentially be

[@Sam-lr9oi]

Love Fern, gonna get her book. I was diagnosed autistic at 15 but nobody told me until 17, and what she says about the learning process after getting the diagnosis is true, it's cathartic and also just seems so obvious in retrospect.

[@Sam-lr9oi]

Absolutely love that the biggest laugh was at "I got media training last week!"

[@janeeyre1990]

Finding out I have ADHD and autism as an adult has led to many "AHA!" moments looking back through my history. It's like that moment in suspense movies where the main character learns something that connects all the disparate clues of the mystery together. [EDIT: typo (changed "suspence" to "suspense")]

[@aprildawnsunshine4326]

I completely understand and respect why she doesn't want to do panel shows, but I really wish they could find a good way to accommodate her because she would be awesome on so many of them! I'd really love to see her on QI or The Last Leg

[@grahamstrouse1165]

She was on The Last Leg a couple months ago.

[@SgtTechcomDN38416]

Fern has done The Unbelievable Truth on Radio 4 a couple of times, she was very funny.

[@aprildawnsunshine4326]

@@grahamstrouse1165 yeah I saw that and I've seen her on others too. I don't expect we'll see her on many panels for a long while though. It's good, shows that just because you make your living in the public eye it's still possible and important to set healthy boundaries.

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

Love that she noted not being interested in other children. When in the classroom, I was a talker (but it's social anxiety). When let out for recess, I would hide behind a tree far away from the other kids. It was really distressing when I moved to another school and only had access to a blacktop with other kids. Of course, at the prior school I wasn't supposed to be in the woods, but I could slink away and hide. I needed that time to myself because I was over stimulated in school.

[@DokkaChapman]

I remember my dad turning to me once and saying "don't tell that man he has a big nose". I asked why and he said "cause he already knows that".

[@kirstyxxxxx9900]

Or he already nose that. 😂

[@HelloMisterJAMWAH]

This was the best episode I've heard in some time. Really funny and actually helpful in many ways.

[@fletchdrums5693]

Fern, stop a minute & THINK about this-- watching this video helped me NOT COMMIT SUICIDE. -- I don't wanna explain now-- I'm just thinking about where I was mentally/emotionally just 10 minutes ago, & watching this brought me back to'I can do this, LIFE matters..." Thanks for being the true u. -- btw, sexy accent. 🥴

[@jonblackburn7634]

Got to love Fern, she is disarmingly brilliant. Thanks for interviewing her like this Richard, much appreciated.

[@janearmstrong7945]

I asked a comedian if he knew any any neurotypical comedians. I thought being neurotypical must be a massive disability in stand-up. He said the only neurotypical comedians were public school boys who do very straight observational type stuff, with a charming big fringe.

[@Kieran0]

There are definitely certain fields that seem to have significant links to neurodiversity. I work in offensive cyber security, there's a ton of folks with autism, ADHD, Dyslexia etc.

[@thecocktailian2091]

I live in the comedic business. The average person doesnt want to do comedy for so many reasons. One of the biggest is that they had a "normal" upbringing. SO much material comes from stage of life. A second major factor is comedians want to be seen, they need attention. Regular folks dont need or want either of those things.

[@bushratbeachbum]

Fern is a true fukkin legend. Love her take on life, her comedy and her honesty. Amazing human being

[@sandwormgod4771]

She's a wonderful lady. She's had a rough time but is able to express her life experiences in such a humorous way.

[@premadonna]

One of my all time favourite episodes! Fern is so loveable.

[@GoldnDusty]

This actually just blew my mind as to my own diagnosis. I’ve always felt a greater kinship with autistic women than autistic men, and I’ve realised it’s because I was treated as the eccentric child genius, rather than the autistic kid who couldn’t interact properly with other children so just read a lot. Wow.

[@BambiTrout]

The exact same thing happened with me, except I also happened to be trans, so I've ended up an autistic woman with basically a double mask. Apparently now that I've transitioned and I don't have to put my brainpower into performing boy mode and I can put it into socialising, I'm actually a great conversationalist... until I mentally collapse at the end of the night and seek out the nearest cupboard to hide in.

[@justelliot4870]

same honestly

[@StevieShearman]

I love Fern so much! Gutted I couldn’t get to see her with you Rich.

[@merlinsclaw]

Just listened to the whole podcast - great interview. I am definitely getting Fern's book. 💙💙

[@geode5224]

what a delightful guest, and what a fun interview!

[@stevenpremmel4116]

Fern was great on Taskmaster. I hope she gets an opportunity to make a show.

[@Backpfeifengesicht45]

It really awakened people to her. I've been a fan for a while, but my wife is now fascinated with her. She's even preordered her book and bought tickets to see her later in the year.

[@helenl3193]

She had a show on Dave/UKTV Play, with Ivo Graham and Darren Harriott, in 2021 called British as Folk. It was the three of them (mates from the stand up circuit) touring parts of the UK meeting residents and sightseeing, as well as seeing if the stereotypes for those areas were true, etc. The the have fun and it's a nice watch, nothing earth-shattering, but it's worth a watch while we're waiting for her to get funding for something better :) (UKTV Play can be viewed online/via their app, if you have a VPN set to the UK.)

[@stevenpremmel4116]

@@helenl3193 Thanks for the recommendation, I'll give it a go.

[@111mostyn]

I’m definitely buying this book What a brilliant woman

[@donttalktomebye]

As someone who is afab and autistic with adhd, knowing this about Fern and how she has written a book with her experiences has me so excited. I struggle with employment and also im learning more about unmasking and understanding my internal experiences and how to cope with them. I had a pretty chaotic upbringing as well, so i am looking forward to reading it. Suddenly though Fern laminating her love letters makes so much sense now 😂❤

[@emmamartin817]

Err....Why does laminating love letters need explaining....?

[@mydogeatspuke]

You don't get "assigned" female lmao. Sex is genetic.

[@BlairdBlaird]

That was a really nice episode, thank you. Though I have to say, as much trouble as I have with Fern's accent sometimes (not being a native english speaker) I asked the closed captioning if it could help and the poor dear had a stroke, it's clearly not fond of scottish accents. If one of your folks had the time to caption videos for guests with the more difficult accents it would be real useful to international audiences.

[@guyjackson132]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIC4hZmLoq5rrNUsi=YbqsYv4BU9n2tB-V

[@barnaclefelching4079]

Fern has a phenomenal temperament considering every she has got through

[@Felsenkeks]

This is so great! It's absolutely incredible seeing this kind of representation of yourself in media. It actually really helps placing yourself in a social context and understand why people react to you the way they do, seeing her on screen. And about what she said about her school experience: apart from my autism diagnosis (at 28) the most freeing thing ever for me was probably doing an IQ test and coming out pretty average. People talked about how clever I was through all of my school years and I'd get in all sorts of trouble for just not trying hard enough. This finally gave me permission to not have to try to be better to the point of burning myself out all the time. If I'm just average intelligent and autistic rather than an eccentric gifted person that is somehow too lazy despite trying so hard all the time, I can just be myself in peace. Not recognising autism in girls for what it is can really have disastrous longterm effects on that person's life.

[@kelly2632]

As a fellow Scottish working class woman who does sex work and has ADHD, I relate a lot to fern! I love seeing her on tv cos she feels so much more real than a lot of others who are putting on a persona

[@BEEFBRSKT]

Sex work you say ....

[@zloychechen5150]

The word combo "sex work" sounds funny for some reason. It shouldn't, but to me it does.

[@bnmangaman]

@@zloychechen5150 why

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@zloychechen5150 What is even funnier is her comment has 69 likes and Im hoping no one ruins that LOL

[@charliecoutts3003]

100%Cok, sorry I just did ruin it but tbh your 69 comment wasn't particularly nice for the woman who put her comment, sex worker or not. Not deliberately digging you out though so please don't start a slanging match with me, I'm off to the pub anyway 😊

[@dazblue5515]

She was great on Taskmaster - and this is a great interview, book sounds really interesting, especially as a parent of a child with aspergers, so i'll have to get a copy

[@lightlozabow]

This is really great. I'm also a late diagnosed AFAB autistic who was considered both brilliant and "not reaching my full potential" as a kid. I had an agreement with my high school advisor that I would say anything in one class every other week, an agreement that I failed to uphold. But yeah that was totally nothing noteworthy /s.

[@Alice_Walker]

I alternated between reading and listening to Fern's the book yesterday and I couldn't recommend it more highly. She is incredibly smart and I'm so grateful for her honest representation of female autism 💜

[@Natemire]

I freakin love Fern. She's one of my favourite comedians ever.

[@kaceyh7057]

Literally what I’m looking for !!🎉❤

[@Majornerdacc]

Fern's experience is so important to people like me who have been struggling with ASD but haven't been diagnosed and that only proves how important speaking about your experiences and representation really is

[@user-yv6vx]

There are a lot of things that can mimic traits of autism, like certain experiences with PTSD. You should probably not be handing yourself a diagnosis when you don't have the qualifications and also can't be objective about your own experiences

[@mydogeatspuke]

How do you know you've been struggling with it if you haven't been diagnosed? Your problems could be caused by any number of other things. Self diagnosis is not valid.

[@beanstheclown]

@@mydogeatspuke You clearly don't hang out in Autistic circles then. Coming from actually diagnosed peoples lips you find out that getting a diagnosis only proves what they themselves have known for ages and they have to basically diagnose themselves with mountains of researched history to prove it just to get a psychiatrist to consider that maybe they are autistic, and then go through multiple doctors because they get shut down by stupid shit like, "You can't be autistic; you're making eye contact" from the so called professionals because they got their license when autism was just for boys who like trains and can't look you in the eyes instead of the multifaceted clusterfuck of a million little comorbidities that we are only just now halfway beginning to understand. Quite frankly, when it comes to autism, self diagnosis is not only valid, but often the only option some people have. Fuck off with your ablist bullshit.

[@mattierobertson8481]

I can really reccomend Late Bloomer by Clam Barstow if you want a book about a queer autistic woman's experience with an autism diagnosis in adulthood. It's a pretty magnificent story, and definately chaotic!

[@Roman-hg6rg]

So happy to see this. Especially happy to hear another person who had a favourite tree friend on the playground instead of a person. I guess it's a common line but: I thought I was the only one. Definitely going to read Fern's book now.

[@IndigoIndustrial]

Fern, friends with Tree. Makes sense.

[@KathyBenjaminWriter]

Pre-ordered the book before the video was three minutes in.

[@alisona8318]

Fern's lovely. How amazing to have someone I can relate to.

[@biggybro4124]

Pre ordered the book based on this interview!

[@sratus]

Just listened to the audiobook. Listen or read it. It's brilliant.

[@themedicdroidx10]

I like your mustache

[@sratus]

@@themedicdroidx10 I can't take the credit for it - it's Paul McCartney's from January 1967. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqW4eWywlLSYr5o

[@im1fadedRob]

I only learned of Fern Brady fairly recently, and she's hand's down one of the best comedians I've found out about in the past few years at least. Really cool to hear about her back story and the things that shaped her into the comedian she is.

[@chrism6952]

I would love to see her get on panel shows

[@SarahJigglypuff]

Everything she says is relatable but when she talked about her own perfume bothering her I felt that on a molecular level.

[@louisacurrier2951]

I was 30 before my literal thinking ass realised that perfume is not compulsory just because I have a uterus 😂 so many days lost to being overwhelmed by my own perfume

[@kaput_hodge]

I cant believe ive just found her now, she’s one of my favourite comedians now

[@CM_CM_]

So lovely to hear anything she shares - bit strange to try move away from the Scottish/Irish identity topic though, I'm glad she carried on and said it was important

[@simongardner1835]

"... you be you!" Perfect ending to the interview. Fern is a breath of fresh air!

[@johnhagen31]

What a brilliant woman! I must read her book. I've seen her doing stand-up but never realised the person inside. Wonderful, brave and fascinating.

[@JohnSpo]

Fern Brady is such a sweet lovable person.

[@megatryn]

Don't give Fern any media training, she's best as is! Love it! 😂❤

[@bite-sizedshorts9635]

I was never officially diagnosed for Asperger's. I figured out I was different in 3rd grade. It seemed that everyone else had a secret rule book on how to act. A few years ago, Wired Magazine had a test for Asperger's. They said a score of 20 or more meant Asperger's. I took the test and scored over 40. Neurotypicals seem to think we can just learn to act differently. They don't realize that our brains are physically wired differently..

[@NZKiwi87]

I’m an undiagnosed middle aged married autistic woman who is in the sex industry. There’s so much weird stuff in the industry, from non autistic people, that it makes for some pretty funny work stories. There’s a particular brand of dry observational humour that feels native to neurodivergent people imo.

[@godfreyulex1203]

You're not autistic if you haven't been officially diagnosed. You are on the spectrum at best

[@NZKiwi87]

@@godfreyulex1203 and you are a KZbin commenter so you’re a mild curiosity to me at best. Thank you for your pretty daft feedback.

[@mydogeatspuke]

You cannot be an undiagnosed autistic. That's not how anything works.

[@pablorages]

I love it when Douglas Reynholm interviews people

[@idio-syncrasy]

Absolutely love Fern in an empathetic way.

[@hadorstapa]

Never noticed before how much Richard Herring looks like Charlie Boorman. On topic, Fern is fascinating!

[@willhunt6897]

This woman is a gem!

[@Anthropomorph0]

Fern is cool af!

[@somebloke2238]

My brother saw fern at a driving test centre in South East London yesterday

[@Celtic_Nutter]

Oh god this was cathartic for me. I have had a very similar experience - strip club aside - wasn't diagnosed until my 20s, weird chaotic childhood, never understood, people thought I was a genius and an idiot. I would love to be a comedian! I love her instantly!

[@charliecoutts3003]

Fern is a brilliant comedian and I can only wish her all the best with her areer and the battle with middle-class numpties!. I will deffo be buying her book. An audio book with her reading it would be great because she has such a lovely voice 😊.

[@OldManRogers]

Love Fern Brady, she seems like she'd just be great craic to hang out with and is a refreshing change!

[@kamahoo451]

Man, i love her voice!

[@torbar9603]

Fern is amazing!

[@jonathantrauner3742]

FERN deserves a Emmy Grammy Oscar Tony SAGAFTRA and BAFTA and Golden Globe. Love her so much

[@fionarangel9486]

I didnt know about Fern ubtil i watched Taskmaster. Immediately spotted thr autism so looked it up, delighted to see her giving it so much discourse

[@brinsonopinion]

I enjoyed Fern so much watching the Taskmaster episodes here on YT. I had never seen her before & instantly saw her unique charm and wit. But I had NO IDEA. Not even through the entire 11 minutes of this yet & I find her so incredibly interesting, with depth and incredible perception...such a deeply unique perspective on the world and fantastically dark sense of humor! I truly hope she finds incredible success not only with her book but by turning her experiences into further opportunities for herself, both as a creator & a performer. She's really something!

[@FishReallySucks]

No idea... about what?

[@philroberts7238]

@@FishReallySucks Have a guess! (I had NO IDEA either, but now I do.)

[@robertgould1345]

Love her roast battle

[@SonnyDarvishzadeh]

She mentioned a few traits that I have too, took an online test and scored 26 out of 30 questions 🙈 not sure what to do now..

[@dodibenabba525]

As a person who always starts off my comments with as a person....I love Fern.

[@finmac5548]

Hey Richard. I paid for a sub to Plussers but still cannot access the video interview anywhere, its still just audio I get?

[@Herring1967]

If you paid for top tier you get vids not they’re on a different website. Your log in details should come through in a few days but chris is moving so might be short delay - email [e-mail]

[@finmac5548]

@@Herring1967 Hi thanks for the quick reply mate….I received login details in a confirmation email and attempted to watch via the link sent to me….but its still only audio I am getting. I will wait a few days like you said and email Chris, thanks!

[@DrZaius3141]

Please, for the love of everything that's holy, can someone make a joke about the poetry of a tree and a Fern being best friends?

[@pattheplanter]

You want a _Dicksonia_ joke?

[@loumitchell5549]

I love her

[@aliceinabsentia]

Fabulous.

[@chriscannaday4677]

I would love to see a sitcom with Fern set in a strip club. Get Bert Kreischer to be the owner and have various comedians come in as guests in each episode, either as strippers or customers! HBOMax, get on this!

[@hayleighjohnson1361]

Fern Brady is great, why does the interviewer harp on her being working class?? She’s hilarious expert dodger 😊

[@louisacurrier2951]

I love that she’s chosen to be uncompromising. Total legend

[@Nckgdmn]

Along with Michael McIntyre one of the greatest comedians to grace comedy

[@innerlude]

As an autistic man I wasn't diagnosed until age 30. Love Fern Brady and glad she shares about autisim

[@Patrick-857]

I'm nearly 34, and I'm still not diagnosed. But yeah, when you know you know. I'm not convinced it's of any benefit to me now, plus I don't trust my government. They won't allow autistic individuals to become citizens after all so what else will I be excluded from? It's just a label for other people who don't think like we do.

[@sallysmiles3214]

I am autistic and a sx worker. It’s actually pretty common!

[@mydogeatspuke]

"sex worker" just means taking semi nude pictures of yourself for your only fans account these days. Everyone used to do that for free.

[@KaiserSoze212]

Awesome. Amazing. GET SOME

[@mrkeogh]

My Nana used to have the buckets of jam for baking. They were dark blue with white lids and even had a bucket-like folding handle. She went over to England and Scotland every so often to visit relatives, so they might well have been bring-backs!

[@Zonker66]

Fern's a hero.

[@scrapshappen]

Same experience...different country...different cult. .ure... thank you for saying the quiet part out loud. ❤

[@aramanon]

I am awaiting a diagnosis age 37, I think that idea to write a book that meets a tabloid perspective is such a High Functioning Autistic response to a problem and why you just need a bit of humour and love with people.

[@RustyCohle]

I can empathise with the perpetual struggles of being neuroatypical.

[@gregmcfoster6320]

I like her even better now.

[@barbarastockham4036]

She is really wonderful

[@nolongeraperson]

Love her. Also love all these psychologists in the comment section who think autism has a hard definition with a solid picture of illness.

[@carrieneal]

Love her ❤

[@olenilsen4660]

Fern is just lovely! Her diagnosis along with a lot of other known people with some of these things that are hard to get a grasp on, like ADD, ME, things like that - no physically measurable things to confirm anything, but there is definately something wrong - all that has made me wonder: What is really a normal person like? I mean, someone flawless, that wakes up before their alarm every morning, takes perfect care of their kids and spouse, and performs like a machine at work? Are we just raising the bar too high? Why are we always chasing this perfect image of a human being? Of course, it might be interesting and useful to know why someone behaves in a certain way. The person in concern might find it specially useful in some of those cases, and if we have drugs that might help, it can give them a better life, I think. But reading some of these comments, everyone with any kind of diagnosis either is trying to milk the system, or gain more attention for themselves. How did anyone figure that out? If you - 1: didn´t even know about it when you started your career, or 2: kept your mouth well shut about it until someone else caught wind of it and outed you - then HOW are they using such a diagnosis for publicity? Wouldn´t they have used it first thing then? Why wouldn´t they have bursted it out at their first performance, if they wanted to cash in on people´s empathy?

[@thecocktailian2091]

There is too much need to have everything labeled. In no small part driven by the medical/ pharmaceutical companies. There is no such thing as a "normal" person, and absolutely everybody has some sort of unusual thing they do that absolutely will get a label at some point. People say it is making things better, Im of an opinion it is making things worse.

[@fourscinmcgee3703]

I need my hat

[@dickheadrecs]

Shane Gillis had a life changing Edinburgh Comedy Festival this year

[@aramanon]

Someone needs to let her know that she's gifted with being funny so a bit of stream-of-conciousness is not going to hurt her career as a stand-up because people are laughing. Might cap a career as the next Zadie Smith...

[@danielwong4414]

Lol I love her so much haha. She just great!😊

[@thefuturist8864]

The strangest thing about being diagnosed as autistic when we’re older is that we’re basically been diagnosed as being pathologically us. There is no frame of reference. We are aware we’re different but we don’t know how because we don’t have access to a non-autistic worldview.

[@u-mos8820]

Any more, I don't think you need to be the absolute smartest or whatever. You just need to sound comfortable and genuine. I got that here.

[@Meddled]

Buckets of jam. Yes! They were (are?) blue plastic and available from butchers.

[@RitzPlays]

We should have known I had Autism at a way younger age because in kindergarten during play time whenever they would have me put my hands in a big bucket of uncooked beans i would scream endlessly till they got me far away from it.

[@chammalexander4511]

Couldn't find a good microphone? Not clear

[@gvigary1]

Having worked in a special school, I don't remember any of our kids befriending trees, but some certainly liked to sit up them, while others grew very attached to particular sticks, so it tracks! Look forward to reading the book.

[@andybrice2711]

I hereby demand that befriending trees and pouring jam on your head be added to the diagnostic criteria for autism.

[@RuailleBuaille]

I read a lot of Enid Blyton and Anne of Green Gables was a childhood favourite. I have distinct memories of hugging and talking to trees, possibly as a result of them (The Faraway Tree series talked about listening to and conversing with trees, and of course Anne's penchant for talking to and personifying everything inspired you to do the same) that I've realised persists to this day. Used to climb into trees to read and fall asleep listening to the creaking sounds in your ear when you pressed it to the trunk. I wasn't diagnosed until nearly 30 - perhaps there's more of us tree weirdos out there yet! I don't suppose it's seen as disruptive, so if kids are playing and climbing maybe it's not something that would draw your attention as odd? Same way that a kid reading copious amounts mightn't be immediately obvious as a hyperfocus/special interest, but written off as just being a clever child :D

[@Roman-hg6rg]

I used to play games with my favourite tree so I'd pretend that it had a screen and buttons on it and that it would give me secret missions and I'd run around to go and do them then come back to the tree and log (pun intended) my results and get my next mission. Or just talk to the tree. Or touch it. It was a remarkable orange coloured stringy paper tree and had the best feeling bark of any tree on the school grounds (I had checked all the ones I could access) so it was sensory peace amongst the chaos of a primary school playground and as a tree, I felt no pressure, for a few moments each day, to perform socially or blend-in. Great tree. I can see how people might not have realised I was playing with the tree though, since I wasn't always close to it.