How my life has changed since being diagnosed with autism⎥late autism diagnosis⎥

My life has shifted a lot after learning that I was autistic at the age of 32. In this video, I talk about all of the ups and downs that I have gone through in the last year. Growth doesn't usually feel good as its happening but when you make it to the other side you realize it was all worth it.

[@lisbethchristensen1981]

I just got my late autism diagnosis on the 22nd of may 2024. Just 8 days ago. I'm 43 years old. I'm forever grateful for autistic youtubers like you. It means the world to me. Thank you. 🏆❤

[@jessatlife]

I got diagnosed less than 12 hours ago, and my story is similar to yours. I suspected for a long time and had my deep dive into neurodiversity and autism. I am 32, and apparently have been experiencing autistic burnout for a while without knowing. As a result, my performance at work is the lowest it’s ever been. It took me like a year to finally get an appointment, but once I did, the diagnosis came in quickly. Today I know I am autistic and ADHDer, and life makes more sense than ever before. :)

[@user-pv2cg8ui3y]

I’m autistic too, so you’re not alone. But remember that you are still amazing the way you are. You seem like a nice person.

[@writerintransience]

You describe exactly what I'm going through right now at 37. I realized I'm autistic about 2 months ago, and I'm in the process of getting a formal diagnosis. I feel like I'm constantly on the edge of burnout nowadays, the frantic need to learn more has calmed down a little but not released me, and I am both rejoicing in what I know and mourning the person I thought I would someday miraculously become.

[@hollyw5328]

The idea of mourning who you thought you were going to be really resonated with me. I'm in my 30s, and it was only last year that I started my own ASD revelation journey. Masking has a lot of "fake it until you make it". When I realized that I would never make it how I thought and that faking it was part of the reason I struggled with mental health issues; it was kinda devastating. It was also hugely validating; it isn't my fault that I've struggled so much. At this point, I'm starting to make new plans and form new dreams. I think these dreams and goals will be better and also more achievable than the ones I had before. Thank you for putting your story out there; channels like yours are a bit like a beacon in a sometimes very lonely world. My favourite wine is Black Currant wine by Elephant Island. It's sweet yet tart and absolutely delicious.

[@neurodivergentme]

Wow, yes! The "fake it till you make it" ended up being so toxic for me. I'm so glad that you could resonate with my story and found comfort in knowing you're not alone. 💕 That wine sounds amazing and I'm looking it up now to see where I can buy it!

[@alisonaffliction]

Same

[@roxanes43]

Relating to the relief, imposter syndrome, anger, sadness at life without the same road map as society for 54 years and new on this path. I do look forward to rediscovering myself with grace and expecting highs and lows during the process. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@alisonaffliction]

When I heard her say be part of my pack, my heart skipped a beat! I'm waiting on diagnosis right now as a 28 year old and I've had a super crap week with autistic burnout and my coworkers are being petty and mean and it just clicked for me that they've been talking about my "personality" (their word) behind my back for a loong time without me realizing. They do not know I am autistic with adhd, they assume I am lazy and selfish and instead of coming to me about it they just make snide remarks under my nose. Some of us never leave middle school.... Anyway if anyone has any love to share, I could really use it today. I'm all out of tears. How do you deal with coworkers who think you are trying to get special treatment??

[@neurodivergentme]

Sending you all the love right now friend 💕! Coworkers can be tough, especially when they don't understand a persons actions/behaviors. I've heard so many neurotypicals talk about how people on the spectrum are harsh with no empathy but I'm beginning to think its actually the other way around. People seem to be much less accepting of a condition they can't see. There's a tribe, a pack, that you belong to. We accept you as you are and see the value that you bring to the table! 😊🌻

[@dianefarley37]

@@neurodivergentme I believe that in many cases, people on the spectrum become harsh and judgmental because neurotypicals subject them to this treatment. We can't help who we are, and some kindness would really improve our attitude towards others! 😡

[@elizabethbennet4791]

really though, what sort of behavior is MORE lazy and selfish than beig petty and mean and gossiping? ffs DUH

[@elizabethbennet4791]

get them fired- sue your workplace for harassment. first though you need a paper trail from multiple complaints with your supervisors

[@elizabethbennet4791]

@@neurodivergentme Yep it's called "PROJECTION"!!!! Just like Denial isn't just a river in Egypt, Projection isn't just a machine in Imax.

[@NiinaSKlove]

A part of getting the diagnosis for me, was to grieve the person I had dreamed of becoming after years of trying over and over again, and failing over and over again, after years of masking, and accepting that this (the autism) is a big part of who I am and nothing will ever change that. It’s about accepting the situation as it is - and make the best of it. And that is a process. Then you can dream new dreams and dreams better suited for who you truly are. I really enjoyed your video, - it’s nice seeing other adults on the spectrum, who’s been diagnosed as an adult. Especially females. 🤓

[@neurodivergentme]

Thank you so much for this comment. I relate so much! 🌻

[@NiinaSKlove]

@@neurodivergentme Thank you for making these kind of videos, means a lot 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🌻🌻🌻

[@claremfrench]

Thanks for mentioning how hard the loss of yr ‘dream self’ is in the process of adjusting to diagnosis. This has been huge for me - not only the dream, but the huge investment you’ve made all yr pre-diagnosis life, and just dropping into old habits around it for ages. I’ve not heard much about this either, so really nice to connect with you here xx

[@neridafarrer4633]

Fellow female AuDHDer here. Just got my diagnosis yesterday. I just subed to your channel. You are talking about me with everything you're mentioning here, other than I'm older than you. I'm now a Nanna and a mum of 7 adult children and I'm Australian. I feel you!

[@Autisticheather]

Its bizarre and emotional to hear someone explain my EXACT processing experience. I just found out and im 52. And it's devastating to realize that i missed out on the chance to be a mother because i was undiagnosed and had no help. Though i went to therapy for years and no one caught it. It's really sad

[@pinkgummybearparty2366]

I received my diagnoses (ASD,ADHD,OCD,PTSD) last spring and have been in burnout ever since, really like feeling as if i truly have regressed which has made it harder to work in the unstable work environments I once was able to cope with/mask through. I related a lot to everything you said, and even now i doubt the assessment process I got like maybe mine was set up easier to get a diagnosis and basically looking for any way to invalidate myself. I have happy feelings at the foundation of it all but i find myself anxious simply knowing i will have to learn ways to cope and avoid burnout knowing im neurodivergent. Like im mourning the person i was trying to be for everyone else and now it feels like i dont want any of those people around because it was based off my masked personality not my real one. I think i feel this way because ive also been met w "oh youre not autistic" by 99% of people close to me and their lack of interest in getting to know who i really am after all this time, and their flat out denial of me trying to express my identity for the first time just turns me off from everyone I was artificially close to. sorry for the info dump and thank you so much for creating such a cool space here to talk about it

[@RainbowCurveCostuming]

It is a month ago now that I was diagnosed by the KZbin algorithm; it suggested a video with the title ‚could you be autistic?‘ after I looked up how autism looks in woman and it was as if everything suddenly made sense: an extreme lightbulb moment. I relate to you saying that you need the diagnosis to fully accept. I have been in contact with a counselor and the fact she took my selfdiagnosis seriously already helped. I should be having my diagnosis in end of April beginning of May. It is a weird bundle of relief and sadness for me. I was already at the edge of autistic burnout but this discovery has indeed pushed me full into it. But at least I can recognize it for what it is now. I am 37 by the way.

[@teresamcqueen3706]

Totally relate to that: "someday I'll pull it together and be that person I'm meant to be!" (in my own words)

[@dianefarley37]

I love the freedom I have in not having to turn into some glowing success story of a person. There is so much freedom in being me. Now, I can enjoy life! 😃🎈

[@rachelwong3474]

It’s true, if I’m not officially diagnosed, I go back and forth with it

[@lalaluvbot]

my journey started after i finished my fifth semester of college, it was the first time i did online classes and i barely made it even though i was only seeing two classes, it started out as researching adhd in women and the more i dived into neurodivergency the more i started to resonate with asd, socializing has always been a major problem for me but i always brushed it off and so did my parents tomorrow i have my first appointment with a psychologist so i can start this process of self discovery, im so anxious but hopeful of finally getting answers

[@LoisSings]

I feel this so much. I’m self diagnosing of late. Loads of research that resonates so much. And I sit like you!!!!! Hahaha. 🎉

[@sachadanielle6596]

I am 30 and was just diagnosed officially a couple of months ago. I have struggled with my mental health since 15 and I was previously diagnosed with OCD, Generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar, depression, then borderline personality disorder. One psychiatrist just told me I need to socialize more. None of these diagnoses felt like me (apart from OCD) and I still felt like I didn’t have answers. Finally this psychiatrist diagnosed me and initially I was really happy but then went through a mourning phase of how life could have been if it had been picked up earlier like you said. I also still feel like an imposter and that i am not ‘autistic’ enough to be recognized. I am also scared of people at work finding out because of the stigma but I feel like if my supervisors new than the might understanding things get overwhelming for me sometimes 😞

[@merulava]

I'm waiting on getting a diagnosis and I'm recognizing so much from your story. I have a very hard time taking the time to actually feel what I'm feeling about it so it sometimes comes out in bursts. Thank you for sharing, it helps me so much to hear these stories and experiences.

[@YaGotdamBoi]

I feel so much of what you’ve described, omg! I just got approved to start seeing a therapist for evaluation for both ADHD and ASD (both of which I strongly think I have), and I know it’ll probably still be a long process and I hope the therapist I see doesn’t outright reject my thoughts on this....I’ll see, I guess. Thanks so much for sharing your journey, I really really appreciate it, it helps me feel less crazy, hearing someone describe the very things I also experience makes it feel real, like my struggles my whole life are legit, not just me “failing” at being human. 💕

[@neurodivergentme]

Good for you! I hope that you receive the answers you're looking for. Too often we are gaslit to believe that our experience of the world is not what we say it is or that it's only that way because we some how make it that way. You're not failing friend 💕

[@samf8405]

Hey there! I'm new to your channel but I'm really enjoying it so far. I really related to what you were saying about needing the validation of an official diagnosis. I'm self-diagnosed ADHD and suspect that I may be on the autism spectrum as well, but my imposter syndrome is so severe that I feel like I can't tell anyone I know until I have the papers to prove it lol. It's a real pain that professionals in my area don't seem to have any knowledge of how ADHD and autism present in adults, and in women in particular. As an unrelated sidenote: I really like your setup here. It's very cozy and makes the video feel very casual and conversational.

[@neurodivergentme]

Welcome friend! I'm so happy to have you here 🌻 Ah, imposter syndrome... I know it well lol. Honestly, even after going through a full assessment with a psychologist who specializes in adult ASD diagnosis, I occasionally still find myself questioning it. I think for myself, I'm so used to people invalidating my experiences that I end up gaslighting myself to a certain extent. Having the diagnosis does help though when I start to question myself. I'm so sorry that they medical professionals in your area are still living in 1992 and I hope that at some point you're able to receive the help you need.

[@JavieraDeLaTierra]

This was my same exact process. I found out 3 months ago and have taken so many steps for improvement and I haven't had a single meltdown since! Which was crazy because according to my roommate, they would happen at least once a week 😅 I always thought everyone went through that. Tbh I always felt like I was the only normal person in this world

[@dianefarley37]

What is a meltdown?

[@foljs5858]

@@dianefarley37 being so overwhelmed and stressed as an autistic, that you shut down and can't do anything, or get angry and explode. Usually lasts from a few minutes (if the pressure is aleviated) or a few hours

[@rachelwong3474]

This is so bittersweet 🥹

[@arielsmith9674]

I love those glasses so so much. I also have adhd and asbergers so I completely understand and this helps me so much

[@nee-na6874]

Thank you for sharing your experience with initial process. I am 66 and just got clarity on my ASD. I am sad, grieving, burned out from my whole difficult life. But I am trying really hard to process the whole thing. Thank God I am retired, I barely made it to that. But I have to live in a nonsupport environment, so that makes it more difficult to process, but I am still doing it as best I can manage. There's no help living in the country, but I found you on KZbin and it's helpful. 👍💖

[@VeeJayASMR]

I do share your sadness but it shows more as self-hate or 'hate for my brain', and hopelessness. Not all the time but in challenging moments.

[@neurodivergentme]

I still have days where I feel so much frustration for the way my brain works. I think that's a normal, healthy response when we live in a world that doesn't usually embrace the beauty and worth of diversity. I appreciate you sharing your struggle. I'm sure it means little coming from a stranger on the internet but the way your brain works is different but just as worthy and beautiful as any NT's. 💕

[@VeeJayASMR]

@@neurodivergentme Thank you 🌸

[@jeskafm2929]

I just got diagnosed with ASD 2 days ago and I am still trying to process how I feel about it. Yesterday I cried in front of my professor, and I had to explain my recent diagnosis to her. I was really emotional and embarrassed and I just don't even know what emotions are appropriate in this situation. I told some people in my class too and I don't know how to deal with people saying "well you're super high-functioning and it looks like it doesn't affect you at all". I don't know how I feel about anything lol.

[@babybirdhome]

The “you’re super high-functioning and it looks like it doesn’t affect you at all” thing is really rough, because it means they don’t comprehend the toll it takes to have to mask like that all the time. They don’t know that “it looks like it doesn’t affect you” comes at a very high cost and that you do it primarily to benefit the people who don’t see your struggle as a result (and to benefit you in terms of not having to deal with the result of them seeing the actual toll it takes on you). I haven’t figured out what the answer to that is yet. I still just mask and “look normal” to the people in my life and work because I know how that works and what it takes so I can prepare and plan for it and build my routines around it, but I sure would like to find something better.

[@midlifemulligan6505]

I'm in the diagnosed-ADHD-at-44 category, the suspect-Autism-but-can't afford-diagnosis stage, and have overstayed my welcome in the unable-to-work-because-I'm-burned-out phase. Life is utter 💩 at the moment.

[@kaylakennedy7368]

I took all the tests and assessments you can find on the web tonight. I don't know if its the impostor syndrome, denial, or straight up disbelief, but I did not anticipate the results at all. I am still very much Processing right now, my mom always said I was "too social to be Autistic". So until I am officially diagnosed I will probably be in a bit of denial. I am hyper focused rn and researching as much as I can. It is hard for me to understand my own feelings but I really related to you saying you were on a mission to kind of prove it to yourself. Im scared to get a diagnosis and it be real and still people not believe it.

[@PaperBorn]

Thank you for sharing your experiences, it resonated greatly with me. I'm 33 and I've been seeing a therapist for a while, mainly to deal with my anxiety, but my therapist suggested I should be evaluated for autism and so I started researching. I never thought I could be autistic, but by getting to know the difference in how it's often presented in women, I can see how everything clicks. Just finally having a word to explain how I've been feeling my entire life has been such a relief.

[@johnking1026]

great video, thank you for sharing, you aren't alone and you are strong!

[@maxk880]

I remember feeling amazing in 2020, especially during lockdowns . No social obligations/expectations, the world calmed down for some time. I had this cheap student appartment in the woods and was just happily walking in the woods all day, enjoying my own company. Now life is back to its overstimulated ways,sigh..

[@brileigh2870]

I am going through the process of a diagnoses now. This video was very beneficial for me so thank you.

[@rachelwong3474]

I think the lost of hope is a a thing for me too, just what I imagined I could be

[@mommaA505]

What made you realize you had ASD? After my daughter was diagnosed I realized we were similar. Then did a lot off research on women and ASD. I don’t think I would have ever come up with the idea on my own. I’m glad you did.

[@neurodivergentme]

I think most women who realize their autistic later in life happens after their child is diagnosed. Mine was kind of a random series of events that led me to ASD. I was researching ADHD (something I was already diagnosed with) and kept reading about the overlap of ADHD and ASD. At the time, I had no idea they could be so similar and went down the rabbit hole to try to understand it better. It was far down that rabbit hole when I realized what I was reading was me.

[@JoseRodriguez-pd4ve]

@@neurodivergentme similar path for me. Initially, I went in to be screened for ADHD, then the specialist suggested ASD, which was later confirmed.

[@syleenadawn2038]

Meeee!! I have been fighting and searching for a Private ASD Assessment for my Daughter, I found a psychologist who specializes in the "Hard to spot" autistics, and we got her an appt for April! Through all of the research, and my 3 kids and their Neurodivergencies, I realized that I too, am likely autistic in addition to being ADHD (Was diagnosed adhd at 32 but had always known).

[@eszterszekely-pinter9649]

Omg. Same here. Only difference is that I have a son☺

[@foljs5858]

"Then did a lot off research" that's already an autistic trait :)

[@Lady-Y]

Sorry if what I’m about to type is a lot to read. I promise it’s not ALL gloomy. As someone’s who’s mom, an emotional abuser, knew and kept it from me for 22 years… I really needed this video right now. It’s so strange to me how immediately I embraced being autistic. As soon as someone said to me “I think you might have autism,” it felt so right. Then going through the process of self-diagnosis made it even more resolved, and I just see it as beautiful honestly. Like, I’m actually PROUD to be autistic. And I’m so sad some days that I didn’t know sooner. I’m so sad that the woman I trusted more than anyone else in the world saw it as this horrible thing she needed to keep from me. And I’m glad there’s videos out here like this to remind me that I’m not alone in the universe in all of this. I’m glad I finally understand this part of myself, because in turn it means that I can finally see myself as beautiful. Not “almost beautiful.” Not “could have been beautiful in another life.” Just simply beautiful.

[@esteon8558]

I have my first interview next Friday! I didn't get an autism diagnosis when getting evaluated back in 2015, but I couldn't let go of the feeling that I was.

[@neurodivergentme]

Good luck! 🌻

[@Ashley-om6zo]

I was just diagnosed a couple weeks ago. Before I got my testing done I was pretty convinced that I was autistic but when it was confirmed it didn’t make me feel as good as I thought. Instead of a weight being lifted I feel even more lost than ever. My diagnosing psychiatrist just kind of gave me this information and sent me on my way I have the same feeling that I have to let go of this “idea” of who I was or who I thought I could be one day. I’ve spent my whole life trying SO hard to be normal, it’s literally all I’ve ever wanted. So to go from that idea to I have to get used to me and who I am at almost 30 years old is scary

[@neurodivergentme]

Vibes! Honestly, I’m still figuring out what this all means for me in my life. I go through phases where I feel really solid with who I am but can slip into a negative headspace easily. It’s a process. Overall, this knowledge has helped me understand myself and better advocate my needs. I hope you’re able to find the person you were suppose to be before the world told you to stop being you because we need more of that 💕

[@johndayan7126]

Great video. Thank you. I'm a red wine drinker also, preferring bold reds, like Cabernet, and also a good stout Ruby Port. Doctors and teachers should recognize autism in children, but as far as undiagnosed autistic parents, they are unlikely to recognize autism in their own children because to them, their child is "normal" within the bounds of their own experience. Many of us go through a similar process of relief; anger; grieving; regret; and then (hopefully) hope, resolve, and gratitude for the gifts we have and being able to experience the world and life in such an intense way, even though it is never easy living a in a world that isn't designed for us, and often isn't very accepting. That is part of the gift, however, learning to live unapologitically on our own terms. Peace be with you friend.

[@maylissbjerke9204]

New subscriber.Thanks for making theese videoes.i could never be on youtube,but im glad you are bold enough for us..💞🐾💞🐾💞🐾💞🐾💞💞

[@neurodivergentme]

Welcome friend! I'm happy to have you here 🌻

[@maylissbjerke9204]

@@neurodivergentme ☀️🙃

[@shadowfox933]

I personally prefer white wines if I'm just having a glass by itself, though I don't care for chardonnay. If I'm eating a meal with it, my favorites are shiraz and pinot noir

[@leannehudson7753]

I’m really glad I found your video by self diagnosed myself as autistic growing up I knew I was different and I was embarrassed as being autistic but my sister used to work with autistic children and she could see some of the same traits as me even as an adult so I went to go get a diagnosis the only doctors in my area specialize in autistic children they said I don’t have enough traits to be autistic that’s awesome that you found a specialist in your area hopefully I will find one in mine maybe one day I really like your videos

[@seastorm1979]

I have ADD and Asperger´s and it took me a loooong time to accept who I am. I abused alcohol and other substances for years and I was spiraling into a complete maelstrom before I was forced to look in the mirror and face my problems. Learning who I really am and what my limits are has taken a long time and hope folks younger than my myself who face the same kind of problems have it easier than me.

[@jennifermcgraw9473]

Thank you so much!

[@neurodivergentme]

You're welcome 😊🌷

[@Emilia-vy3hz]

For a while, I thought I was on the spectrum - after a long time of thinking of other disorders and the like. When I went to study psychology and got classes on disorder, autism really jumped out at me. I then started to feel like I finally found what was "wrong" with me - why I always felt so different compared to other people, especially those around my age. However, after trying to talk about my suspicions to those around me, all I got was "you're overreacting" and "you're exaggerating" so that made me start to doubt myself more. I finally went to book an appointment at a therapist after I got completely burned out in my 2nd year of psychology. This month, I finally got the diagnosis for autism. I have to say, I didn't really know how I felt in that moment when my therapist said that she could indeed confirm I had autism. I still don't really know how I feel about it. But the thing in this video that really hit me, was when you mentioned you were finally able to give yourself permission to identify with the autism community. I realised that so far, I had not been able to do so. I still felt like my mother did not believe me and that I had made myself seem more autistic than I was (which is something she had mentioned in the past, that after studying psychology, she felt that I would not be able to be judged fairly because I knew how to answer certain things.) All this time, I knew I had it but had never been able to accept it fully - to fully believe it. Now all of these cropped up emotions are coming of course - hopefully this will help me let go of a lot of stress I've been carrying around basically my entire life. I can still tell while writing this I haven't fully given myself permission to identify as autistic, but I can tell there's some progress there. My brain is still like "Oh, but you aren't that far on the spectrum" while tests show otherwise. Thankfully, next month I will start like group therapy for autistic people between ages 17 and 23 - and I feel I really need this, to interact with others around my age with the same diagnosis. I'm still trying to convince myself it's okay to buy noise cancelling headphones (even though they are rather expensive and I fear they won't cancel out enough noise...) and that it's okay to stop masking, but I still feel the judgement of my own family - especially because my twin sister got tested too and did not get an autism diagnosis. A little voice in the back of my head is still like "You just exaggerated your symptoms." I try to keep that voice away but it comes back from time to time. I'll just have to take small steps. Even though it feels like I have no time to just do nothing but focus on improving my mental health, I'm only 23 - I do actually still have time. I just want to thank you for this video - it has definitely helped me in pointing out what I had not been realising: I need to allow myself to agree with my diagnosis on an emotional level. I know logically I have autism. My emotional side will eventually catch up - but it will certainly be a journey.

[@foljs5858]

"even though they are rather expensive and I fear they won't cancel out enough noise..." Bose and Sony do wonders... even jackhammers are made tolerable

[@jmbent77]

My experience has been that the factitious disorder I developed regarding my autism caused me the biggest problems. My weird brain is actually pretty snazzy and I am probably not going to get it replaced with a atypical brain. At least yet...

[@elizabethbennet4791]

Yep this is all very common. I was mad at 26 when a psych told me he thought i was adhd but never bothered to give me an assessment. trying to be neurotypical- yeah i was there too. Being angry at all oyu missed sure. I experienced all of that and continue too. But man personally, with so much stolen from me and my faily life such a struggle, Im just glad to be HERE and okay have ppl who love me etc!!!!!

[@elizabethbennet4791]

omg the weird sitting thing!!! I have a bit of scoliosis, more of kyphosis really with a slightly rounded back and I always chalked it up to that. when i realized i have autism tho im beginning to wonder if there isnt something there connecting my weird muscle issues to autism. It does actually turn out there is a common comorbidity with EDS the hypermobile type

[@godiskind7716]

I've suspected that I was autistic for about 3 years now but almost positive I am. I still dont have a professional diagnosis and that can make me feel like I'm not autistic sometimes and I dont tell many people. I'm trying to find ways to make life better for myself and accommodate my needs .. telling people probably would help but I'm really scared about that. That potential judgement. I'm not sure I'd know how to handle what they will say back or how they will react.

[@godiskind7716]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I kind of feel like I need the diagnosis as well.

[@godiskind7716]

It's been so long to wait though. Ugh.

[@oluwashubomik]

My goodness, your story sounds A LOT like mine

[@Touay.]

I used to drink Merlot, and occasionally Port. Gave up all alcohol a few years back, i just don't like the taste of alcohol.

[@MrsSmith-kx6ep]

I was sitting *exactly* the same way when you made the comment about sitting awkwardly. :-D

[@syleenadawn2038]

I've never been able to Drink wine :( I would love to, but it gives me an Instant Migraine, and severe nausea. I do smoke cannabis though! And in the same way many drink wine (It's legal here in Canada for recreational use as well as medical).

[@neurodivergentme]

I hear you on drinking wine. I can't always tolerate it and certain wines are just a no go but I do really enjoy it. I also occasionally smoke cannabis and under the right circumstances, really prefer it over alcohol. I don't enjoy it when I'm with people I'm not super comfortable with though and can easily send me into a panic attack. I'm in Washington where it's also legal. 🌻

[@syleenadawn2038]

@@neurodivergentme Yess, There was a period of time in my mid 20s where I couldn't smoke it at all without having a full blown panick attack! I then addressed my anxiety, and some trauma, (Was also misdiagnosed with Borderline Personaility Disorder, Severe Depressive disorder, and a few others, Now realizing I'm autistic+adhd) but the therapies did help with the Anxiety and Emotion regulation stuff. I'm the same way with not wanting to smoke when I'm with people. Unless It's my sisters and/or my parents lol I'm the most comfortable around them which may be because we're all similar in so many ways! Thank you so much for doing these videos, I just found your channel and cannot believe how much I relate, I was showing my husband a few videos and he was like "Wow, that's you!". So Thank you!!

[@josefschiltz2192]

I think, were I to be able to switch off one thing that my brain does far too efficiently, it would be the ability to connect anxiety with practically anything. It's can be totally draining and has got worse as I have got older and recharge now demands far longer.

[@Capzmystic]

❤👍

[@artisticautistic9664]

Wow you are super attractive 😍 And yes, my experience has been very similar

[@jordanv9609]

Always sit awkwardly in chairs. People with ASD tend to be hypermobile, which I am.

[@neurodivergentme]

I'm also hypermobile.

[@mamataabdou5271]

How do you differentiate between autistic burnout and depression?

[@mamataabdou5271]

I would love to have a one on one conversation with you! Any chance you are willing to exchange emails?

[@neurodivergentme]

Burnout and depression can look very similar but from what I understand, the biggest difference is changes in desire and interest in areas you once enjoyed. So for myself, I'm a holistic nutritionist. Food and nutrition has always been one of my most consistent special interests throughout my life. I was able to know I went from burnout to depression when I no longer even cared about the food I was eating or had any interest in nutrition. With burnout, usually you still have the desire but no drive. With depression the drive and desire are extremely less or completely gone.

[@neurodivergentme]

Sure! I added my email to about tab on my channel page 😊

[@gamerchristina1079]

👍👍❤️❤️‼️

[@tamaraalvarez891]

Thank you for sharing! May I ask how you came to select the Dr. that diagnosed you? Also, what red wine recommendations do you have? :)

[@neurodivergentme]

I found the psychologist that I worked with on psychology.com. I had to put in a little extra work skimming through each doctors website but it was worth it. I feel really lucky that I was ale to find someone who specializes in adult assessments in my city that was also mostly covered by my insurance. As for a wine recommendation... I love Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. I'm definitely not a wine connoisseur though and usually buy a bottle based on the aesthetic of the label 😆

[@englishchannels2646]

2:04 I was sitting in the same position :D

[@neurodivergentme]

HAHA YES!

[@maylissbjerke9204]

Me to as im watching

[@samamsterdam4301]

"Wine is fine...but Whiskey's quicker" - Ozzy

[@sheagoff6009]

How do your parents feel now that you’ve been diagnosed? Do they feel like they failed you in some way?

[@neurodivergentme]

My parents don’t really understand it and probably on some level believe I’m making it up or exaggerating. They mean well and I think they try to understand in their own way but fully accepting my neurodivergence would mean they’d have to accept their own.

[@maxk880]

@@neurodivergentme yeah man, that's totally one of the main problems with mental health and parent relationships. Most of the times you inherited at least some of the problems they had. But they never had knowledge of it, they had to find out how to adjust by going through shitty times. Mental health wasn't really a thing back then. And the confrontation of knowing their whole lives something was wrong with them is too much for most parents to Deal with..

[@PixelPi]

Hanna Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

[@properdoe3414]

“Wine break!”😅

[@wellsonwheels457]

Red for sure! 🍷

[@neurodivergentme]

YES! 🍷

[@elizabethbennet4791]

Red wine!!! White's only for risotto!!!! ;)

[@FirstmaninRome]

anger, yes, this is important and rarely mentioned. I was diagnosed at 42, and heavily "tested" as a child, but they were way off despite my classic representation. I understand how hans asperger wasn't translated until 92 when I graduated highschool, and the us was 60 years behind the third reich, but american incompetence is hard to take a lot of the time. Compounded by both my parents being on the spectrum, we need to amp up the awareness, I think of it like the holocaust , never again.

[@Wheniawoke1]

I drink beer girl!

[@awadoo4503]

Are you on twitter?

[@neurodivergentme]

I started an account but I struggle with the platform 🙈

[@alesha339]

I enjoy drinking Syrah 😇

[@freyjaheidinger2028]

Please research the puzzle pieces and how it comes from toxic aba therapy

[@neurodivergentme]

Thank you for bringing this to my attention! I didn't know it came from that and won't be using one again. 💕

[@3WickedMagpie]

Cabernet!!! Lol