Instagram Mom “Cured” Her Kids’ Autism & Eczema With A Raw Vegan Diet?

Ullenka
ullenka_?h...
Eczema
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
nationaleczema.org/eczema-foo...
www.jaci-inpractice.org/artic...
Autism
www.webmd.com/diet/features/d...
www.spectrumnews.org/features...
link.springer.com/article/10....
www.spectrumnews.org/features...
www.webmd.com/brain/autism/ne...
sciencebasedmedicine.org/a-ne...
www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/s...
www.spectrumnews.org/opinion/...
slatestarcodex.com/2015/10/12...
www.spectrumnews.org/features...
Picky Eaters
www.healthychildren.org/Engli...
Support an Effective Animal Charity
animalcharityevaluators.org/
Twitter: / unnaturalvegan
Instagram: / unnaturalvegan
Patreon: / unnaturalvegan

[@UnnaturalVegan]

Also, Ullenka says that she doesn't want a cure for autism. That she just wants to heal autism, which means "taking care of all the health problems one is dealing with...not healing autism itself." Which is obviously misleading, given that most people don't think of that when they read that she healed her son's autism. It seems to me that she's trying to take the heat off of herself by saying she doesn't want a cure, but still attract more people who do want a cure (or "healing"). instagram.com/p/B29lFlVoh1D/

[@AimeeColeman]

Asperger's isn't a milder form of autism, it's just a specific form. Many people with Asperger's cannot ever live by themselves or take care of themselves, my brother and many of his friends included.

[@23rdcenturyhobbit]

You're the few YT channels I watch.

[@kerstiesweeney]

My youngest daughter has autism, and it hurts my heart when parents look for 'cures' (and let's be honest, she was looking for a cure, not 'healing') for their children who have autism. Leave that to doctors and scientists. If a cure is possible, it will be those people who figure it out. Not parents trying new diets or other such silliness. We as parents just need to use every available special needs educational and therepudical resources. It does help for kids to have a healthy diet, but that's all kids, not just autistic kids. Instead of focusing, what seems to be, all of her energy on promoting a vegan diet 'cure' for autism, she should probably be using that time to work therapeutically with her child. I know better than to get false hope from her claims, but not all parents able to accept that there is no cure for autism. I think it's reckless and dangerous for her to be making these claims. Ok, rant over. I'm sorry, but this topic is very personal to me and it gets me very worked up sometimes.

[@sowhat...]

@@AimeeColeman can't a specific form be milder? Did the Rainman have it just as bad as someone with Asperger's? I've seen a person with Asperger's from the internet you can't tell they're autistic. I didn't know until he said so. Whereas with others it's impossible not to notice. Doesn't that say sth?

[@sowhat...]

@@23rdcenturyhobbit I feel sorry for you then. I hope you're not doomed.

[@scivnce4273]

No one: Ullinka: $1990 👁👃👁 👄

[@OrangeWhale100]

Fix that asymmetrical lips right now please

[@isabelkloberdanz6329]

@@OrangeWhale100 Nah it makes it better

[@TaelurAlexis]

Orange Whale no.

[@doginabox9621]

@Ariana Sayad honestly this is the ideal look.

[@k8yfly508]

I work with kids with sever autism. a "cure" isnt the answer here, accommodation is. Even my most violent, self harming, destructive, non-verbal kids ALWAYS had a valid explanation for every behaviour, and most of it was triggered by other people not taking the time to understand their needs. Just because someone isn't verbal doesn't mean they can't communicate or participate in things. We just need to make the spaces more welcoming and accessible. And if your argument for a cure is that it's the only way for these people to lead "independant productive lives" then we need to consider why we only think life is valuable when it is contributing to a capitalist society. Many adults on the spectrum who can not live alone or who "function" at a younger age are still super happy living their lives as themselves, why is that not enough?

[@Anakaraya]

fucking thank you i was horrified the longer i watched this video and how easily it is to just say 'lets get rid of THEM' as a "cure" for a neurodivergence.

[@merrymachiavelli2041]

The thing is, isn't there a distinction between 'cure' and 'prevention'? I don't like the term cure. I mean, for people who currently live with autism, the idea of a 'cure' strikes me as completely unrealistic. If there was a single pill that would remove all symptoms, maybe (although, completely changing who you are as a person still strikes be as a bit...Black Mirror-ish), but that just isn't the nature of the condition. It's even more far fetched than having a 'race change' or 'sex change' pill. Accommodation is clearly necessary. But if, theoretically, through IVF you could prevent people with autism (especially those that were severely impaired) from being born in the first place? That's a different discussion. It doesn't matter whether society is 'capitalist' or not, ultimately, a person who needs extensive care requires resources, time and attention. That has to come from somewhere, even if we all lived in communes in the woods. And, while some families are in a position to provide those resources, many are not, and so it falls to the state. Which is problematic for two reasons, firstly, even a state with a strong social welfare system and the best of intentions will fail occasionally, leaving individuals vulnerable, let alone in developing world contexts. Secondly, I'm not entirely sure its justifiable to expect the state and taxpayer to provide (often very, very large) amounts of resources throughout an impaired persons life due to what ultimately boils down to a reproductive decision, assuming there was screening and preventative measures in place. Obviously, all life is valuable, and I'm no way suggesting that people that do exist be deprived of any of the support they need, but I can't really see the sense in obstructing the development of preventative methods that could alleviate some strain on social welfare systems whilst harming no living people... Also, in practice, any kind of screening would likely come down to the choice of parents, especially mothers, over whether or not to have an abortion or choose to implant a different embryo. If the case of Downs Syndrome as taught us anything, given the choice, most parents choose not to have a severely disabled child. In practice, if there is ever a test for autism, it will come down to parental choice. I personally think a woman has the right to decide she does not want to have a baby, regardless of the circumstances, up to a certain number of weeks. So grand moral judgments about the inherent worth of life end up being slightly irrelevant.

[@k8yfly508]

Merry Machiavelli if you dont want a baby, I totally agree dont have a baby. But if you aren’t ready for ALL POSSIBILITIES when having a child, including disabilities then I dont think you should have a baby in the first place. If you wanted a child and abort it because of a disability like autism or downs im sorry you are ablist. These people are able to live super happy full lives and if YOU as a parent can’t provide that perhaps you should find other parents for your kid. If you cant handle the possibility of having a kid with downs, dont have a kid. If you cant handle the possibility of a kid with asd? Dont have a kid. Cant handle a gay kid or a trans kid or a kid with one hand or a kids in a wheelechair? DONT INTENTIONALLY HAVE A KID

[@merrymachiavelli2041]

@@k8yfly508 Okay? That is completely pointless advice. If people cared so much about their preparedness for children, you'd see no children born to anyone below the poverty line, with substance addiction or otherwise unable to provide a decent home life. You don't see that. People will always have children without being fully prepared for them. If a child comes with additional challenges, then some people will say 'I can't do this' whilst also feeling uncomfortable carrying the fetus to term and giving the child up for adoption. That's inevitable. Pie in the sky thinking about how all humans should be responsible is pointless. (Also, if people did make reproductive decisions like that, the birth rate would plummet, which might be great for the planet, but would probably cause significant socio-economic strain...) Being unwilling to devote a substantial portion of your life to the care of another human being, over and above the normal demands of parenthood, is just human. Calling women names and making them feel ashamed of what was probably a traumatic experience helps absolutely nobody.

[@bedheadacademic]

Merry Machiavelli I love your perspective. The fact is that most people would rather not have a child that needs lifelong support and are more susceptible to abuse and unhappiness. It’s normal to want our children to grow up and live the most independent and fulfilling life they can. That’s probably a really good instinct for the longevity of a species in general.

[@gSWG3R]

Raw vegans have got to be some of the most cultist people

[@heidiccvincentz]

Cookedaburra all vegans though

[@Carrybean]

@@heidiccvincentz Not all vegans. This whole channel is a great example of rational and well practiced veganism. Raw vegans are already a much more extreme and exclusive branch of an already exclusive diet that's actually based on pseudoscience; makes sense they're also willing to believe other pseudoscience to the point its like a cult.

[@gSWG3R]

@@heidiccvincentz Yeah no..

[@TikalKeria]

Yup. I got into it when I was 19 and the group I was involved in had heavy cult overtones. I was into it for almost a year and then a few things made me suddenly realize "this is weird" and I blocked everyone, left the group etc.

[@feedYOURchildrenKORN]

*Any sect of vegans

[@kristinaclemency5257]

As a therapist who specializes in ASD I want to clarify a little about optimal outcome. Yes, a child or adult can hypothetically “out grow” their diagnosis. This does not mean that the individual is no longer autistic. It simply means If they were tested today they would no longer qualify for the diagnosis. This does not just magically happen. Symptoms improve with autism specific therapies. Even with the optimal outcome the individual will still have the characteristics of someone with Autism. They are still autistic, their symptoms have just reduced.

[@kristinaclemency5257]

Exactly! Evidence based therapy (such as play project-what I practice) can help. But the person will always be autistic.

[@louisanelson7948]

As someone on the spectrum I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said! I’m 35 and I’ve outgrown some stereotypical traits but there are some things that are still inherently there and won’t change but since I’m aware of it I can make the necessary changes to reduce said behavior.

[@v.e.jansen7720]

I also feel like maybe they just don't show some symptoms, or copied neurotypical's behaviour - my point is, it doesn't mean they are not or less autistic than before

[@L1ttlef0ot]

Thank you. I have ASD at 21 yrs old and I know I appear to be more high functioning than I truly am solely due to masking with behavior I’ve learned over time from observing others.

[@isabelkloberdanz6329]

Uh didn't she say that in the video?

[@amberdavies5998]

"Someone with autism does not speak for everyone with autism just like someone with depression does not speak for everyone with depression" thank you for this. We all have different experiences and feelings for whatever we are struggling with, I love how you put that it makes so much sense. Thank you

[@polyanthesis]

Sure, but someone with autism may not want to be erased if the cure involves rewriting their genes or aborting them due to genetics.

[@SarahSyna]

@Jane lane If someone 'cured' you, you'd never know it because your entire personality and mind would be erased. Autism is not something that can be 'fixed' without just replacing you completely and saying that a stranger with your name is somehow better, it's literally just how your brain is wired. You're allowed to hate it, but don't fool yourself into thinking a cure would benefit you.

[@QueenCloveroftheice]

But in the same breath, she generalized everyone with Aspergers saying that they are capable of living alone and leading normal lives. Let’s recap: the experience is different for everyone.

[@ahuman5772]

And yet someone with depression can speak for people with autism, when it's completely not comparable? Depression is the disease that makes people feel miserable. Autism makes you think differently. Being autistic isn't being inherently miserable. I am one of those autistic people who bite themselves when overstimulated and can't have a full time job. I don't want to be cured. I like how my brain works. I have a friend who can't have any kind of job, needs a carer, and also bites themselves when overstimulated. They have both autism and depression. They only want a cure for depression. Autism is part of who they are, depression just makes them sad. Someone with an unrelated illness like depression shouldn't be able to speak for us on the wrong assumption that we can't speak for ourselves. It's not just the super nerds with only slight social problems and no other issues who advocate for neurodiversity. I sometimes can't sleep because the feeling of bedsheets touching me is overwhelming. I can't go outside for too long without having meltdowns. I still don't want a cure. It's just who I am and I wouldn't want to change that.

[@notverysur3rightnow145]

Jane lane it's not a gift but if I had normal social development and less sensory issues I would be unrecognisable. What I want is for people to be more understanding of autistic people

[@heelixes]

why is every raw vegan a self-proclaimed "diet specialist"

[@kristin6237]

She has a comment from four hours ago on her Instagram about how we don’t need b12. I want to scream.

[@teighan2051]

Kristin omgg

[@Jordan-nw4sj]

Kristin has

[@crazychick1345]

As a student nutritionist finishing my bachelors in nutritional science and continuing to become a registered dietitian... that is frustrating to hear! B12 is essential for our DNA, keeping cells healthy and mental health. It’s dangerous for someone to spread misinformation, I hope people do their research before taking advice from her 😣

[@trishayamada807]

Judith Elizabeth thank you! I have pernicious anemia and can’t process B12 from food. I inject B12 in order to live. Before knowing what was wrong with me, I truly felt I was dying. You most definitely need B12.

[@krisb294]

😱 B12 is so important!

[@aleksandram3981]

For those wondering what second breakfast is, it’s a snack eaten between breakfast and lunch in Poland☺️ No LOTR reference there

[@jeffpro8]

Thanks for clearing that up. I was confused when I first heard that since we don't use that term here in America.

[@weronikamodzikowska8808]

Exactly! School lunches are not that common in polish schools (as a warm ‘lunches’ for kids) so most students would have with them sandwiches, fruit etc as a ‘second breakfast’ and then big warm meal at home after school :)))

[@2123bella32122]

Germany too!

[@CH-jj8wk]

UK too! Hence why it's used in LOTR. Although I would say our second breakfast is bigger than a snack and can actually be another meal...Elevenses is a snack (again, same LOTR reference).

[@adaj472]

Either way it’s awesome and I approve

[@lillysim8415]

“But what about second breakfast?!?!”

[@theshunnedBandersnatch]

And Elvenses!

[@irisl4498]

Luncheon?

[@jadedbelle4788]

Smoko

[@kukiepukie]

afternoon tea?

[@jadedbelle4788]

Little lunch

[@heaven7370]

Seeing the words "Cure" and "Autism" in the same phrase makes me cringe.

[@Gaby-fb7gh]

Same.

[@jasonbolding3481]

It gets so much more cringy; she thinks candida overgrowth causes autism via "leaky gut". Of course cause vaccines are what causes that "systemic candidasis"

[@svgarpaws]

The only sentence in which you should use both of these words is "There is no cure for autism".

[@DJDoeMan]

I have a mild form of Autism and I'm not offended by that at all, and a vegan diet has improved my brain functions significantly and I believe in 10 years of a vegan diet would give me an "optimal outcome" and or cure but who the fuck gives a fuck about the technicality of what "cured" means. The results were so significant after a month that i literally cried because of how autism effected my social life and wishing I knew sooner, also all the uninformed people that dont know how their diet affects their psychological health....

[@cynthiabrogan9215]

HEAVEN same. Especially because it doesn’t exist! The closest we could get to a cure is through gene editing (which the technology for does not exist yet) which I’d only recommend in situations where a parent could not care for the child

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

Seems she is practicing medicine without a license. Autism is something I know well, since my parents were told after extensive testing, after they adopted me at age five, that I was autistic. After adopted they made sure I had my vaccines. For me it's food textures that I have had to work on every year since I was a kid. A whole foods plant based diet just causes me less stress.

[@tomjones2157]

Whole foods plant based puts alot of bulk into sensitive bowels. Over 50% of people with autism have bowel issues and such a diet can exacerbate those symptoms, so it doesn't work for most. Glad it worked for you tho.

[@MariaRodriguez-hb4ix]

There's also the issue of colors , taste and textures . Is common to see autistic persons who are attracted to " White Diets " . Which in general are diets full of bread , potatoes , cereal , eggs , milk , chicken and other soft white or pale foods . Making a vegan and / or a gluten free diet would worsen the already restrictive diet of many of those people .

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

@@tomjones2157 I noted it is a texture issue with me and that I have had to work on it every day since I was a kid. And yes I have chronic blocked bowel issues that have required hospitalization, the last being this past July. So I eat whole foods, that have no hardness to them. If I eat an apple it has to be peeled and in small pieces that I have to eat until mashed etc. Thank god for whoever invented the Vitamix!

[@oliviavogel951]

My husband also has issues with food textures, and his parents only gave him chicken nuggets, pizza, and Mac and cheese for most of his life, so he doesn’t even try other foods. He likes broccoli tops though! I’m glad that diet worked for you, I know if I asked him to do that he’d be so upset.

[@cynthiabrogan9215]

Beth Grant-DeRoos just curious, do you hate metal spoons too? I’m also a texture person and I just want to know if it’s just me being weird.

[@jessicaelliott4597]

She can say she doesn’t want a cure but she is using that terminology for money.

[@rockchalkmarie]

Scary to see such restrictive diets used on children!

[@calvinbailey4756]

Marie Hornung there is nothing restrictive about it. There are 80,000 edible fruits alone. Not considering vegetables.

[@jesusclause4164]

Calvin Bailey raw vegan is dangerous

[@jeffpro8]

Yeah considering that children naturally don't like fruits and vegetables, especially since they don't have mature taste buds to appreciate these kids of foods.

[@calvinbailey4756]

Jesus Clause name one thing dangerous about raw foods diet?

[@calvinbailey4756]

jeffpro18 considering kids like the foods that their mothers eat during pregnancy your comment is irrelevant.

[@jakepenny4366]

As a person who was late diagnosed I will say this: me advocating for neurodiversity doesn't mean that I want to ignore how challenging some of the behaviours of autistic children and adults. There are "challenging" children who grow up to become independent adults without needing a cure, as much as there are those who will need support their entire lives. Part of understanding autism is to understand that those that no longer fit diagnostic criteria exist because we learn to adapt behaviour, even if our thoughts and feelings are the same. When we look at how children reach this stage it is undeniable that the suffering the children go through is not just from their experience of the environment, but also many established ways of "treating" autism. I can and did blend in for a long time until I went into close psychological observation, At which point I was diagnosed. I was told I became "more autistic", but many behaviours neurotypical find uncomfortable are just what is comfortable for us. A comparison with depression, which I also have experience with, doesn't do justice to the fact that you likely weren't born with depression, we know many of the triggers for depression and we have effective medication and other therapies. It's easy to point to Greta and Temple and say "these are special cases" but when you look at statistics of polyglots, there is a high incidence of autism, there are more autistic people in Hollywood as we can make good actors and in computing there are people actively recruiting autistic people. We have unique skills, which doesn't occur with any kind of mental illness. I understand not everyone has these kinds of skills, and for many people the autistic people in their lives might present challenging behaviours, but the move to describe us as a spectrum happened because the line between "high" and "low" functioning is artificial. If you meet me depressed, burnt out and over stimulated people assume the worst of me. I can't talk, I rock and scream. I also speak 10 langauges and live by myself with support from my university. I guess I'm lucky but as things go, I can tell you in my better times how I felt at my worst and that experience is valid. Temple still has many behaviours considered "autistic", and Greta is her own case. We are a hugely diverse community, and when we are split into high and low functioning it's hard for us to convey the range of experiences we have between ourselves. E.g. at university I eat a vegan diet and I'm much better off for it but at home I eat diary and can be considered harder to care for because it's easier for my family to cook in that way. All these practices change our behaviour but not how "autistic" we are.

[@elektrakomplexet]

I agree with this, but high-functioning and low-functioning is the diagnosis used by DSM-IV. There’s a great line between the two, at least according to DSM-IV that’s used by psychiatrists to help them with an accurate diagnosis. This is what my psychiatrist explained to me: “high-functioning means you cannot have an intellectual disability whereas low-functioning means you do.” It’s not really about how you function in society or as a person. There’s high-functioning depression too, and is vastly different from low-functioning depression.

[@beetlebugs]

yes, yes, yes! also, autistic people with "mild autism" are not the only people advocating for neurodiversity. i know of people who are non verbal and need caretakers who are also advocating for neurodiversity as well. it kinda bothered me how she spoke about it almost like it's "mildly autistic" folk vs. "severely autistic" folks. i'm sure there are people all across the spectrum who wished there was a cure as well as there are people all across the spectrum who advocate for not viewing autism as something that needs to be cured. i also think a big reason we advocate for this is because there are so many people who view autism as a whole as bad just because they don't understand it. because the search for a "cure" puts so many autistic people (especially kids) in so many awful situations to try and "cure" us. because people are searching for a way to make us more "normal" (which can be so actively hurtful, i.e. ABA therapy) instead of helping us cope in a way that works for US or providing us resources that help US. it just feel like so much of it is centered around making it easier for people around us. that's why so many of us advocate for neurodiversity, not because we "have it easier" than other autistic folks or whatever. it's more about not being ashamed of ourselves for not experiencing life as we're expected to have to. (sorry this was ramble-y and all over the place. maybe i should've made my own comment at this point instead of replying to yours haha.)

[@jakepenny4366]

@@elektrakomplexet I personally don't see the DSM as the be and and end all when it comes to how we talk about being autistic and other conditions, but that's not an argument I want to get into (I have a friend writing her PhD thesis on the topic). The idea that there are groups of autistic people who aren't severe enough to be labelled as 'disabled' is personally difficult to accept in its entirety. Part of the reason the label of 'spectrum' has been adopted is that there are people who don't fit neatly into these labels. Especially considering the sheer level of concurrence of mental illness in autistic people, identifying someone who 'can have an intellectual disability' only works in a policy making situation. The 'great line' is artificial, at least in adults due to a lessening of characteristics over time i.e. we learn to deal with what we are experiencing better. With this logic, everyone gets 'higher' functioning over time. Within the UK autistic community there is a tendency to use a social model of disability i.e. we aren't disabled, society disables us. I don't buy into this fully i.e. the pain I experience during a meltdown isn't dependent on society. I'd take medication if I could avoid overloads, improve my executive functions etc. and for me these issues are disabling. Whether I am disabled or not depends on what the criteria are for that status and in the UK medical system at least I fit that. Within the UK legal system, I also don't have to prove that.

[@elektrakomplexet]

Jake Penny You completely misunderstood my point. I was simply stating that according to not only DSM, low-functioning means you have a IQ of less than 65. I have autism as well, but my diagnosis doesn’t exist in the DSM-V because I have Asperger. So I get what you mean by the artificial spectrum, but it’s not as easy as you think it is. Psychiatrists uses those guides to properly diagnose someone on the spectrum. High-functioning doesn’t mean you function 100% of the time, it means you don’t have an intellectual disability. The labels are made to differentiate the spectrum and not just call it “autism spectrum disorder”, which is a spectrum where my diagnosis doesn’t even exist.

[@jakepenny4366]

@@elektrakomplexet You keep talking about stuff in terms of artificial constructs like IQ, 'proper' diagnosis and wanting to 'differentiate' stuff on a spectrum. We seem to have a fundamental disagreement about the nature of the role of the medical in interpreting lived experience. That you use 'Asperger's' as your label is fine, and I understand why some people hold onto it, but tying stuff to these things has never worked out well for me. I would argue you fit on the autism spectrum, and whether you have a 'disorder' or not is down to circumstances. I'm someone who suffered for 19 years, and now I understand my condition I constantly have to fight for the support I *need* to live independently. Psychiatry only goes so far as to understanding how you fit in, and as much as I respect their opinion in terms of medication and diagnosis, their methods are an attempt to describe observed trends and as such skip over the complex realities of people who fall between the gaps, don't get picked up on early enough for childhood understanding or who are misread by primary care givers. Also you can't blame an autistic person for misinterpreting something, especially in this context haha. I get the double empathy problem means we should understand each other better but it's hard to communicate tone etc.

[@mykl-anarche2201]

My husband is an amazing adult with autism. He's perfect. He has aspergers. Diversity in the spectrum means we need a diverse array of options for management.

[@Andresfin]

As someone with autism who ended up with an eating disorder because I listened to this cr*p this makes me so heartbroken for her son. He is going to end up with such an unhealthy relationship with food. 😔

[@CowboyLikeMegan]

“Second...breakfast....?” This lady doesn’t LOTR.

[@ItsAsparageese]

Seriously, I don't even LOTR and I was like "Never heard of second breakfast? What about elevenses, then?"

[@SavageMinnow]

Emerald I was just coming here to say, “I guess she doesn’t do elevensies either!” LOL

[@aniloratka]

actually it's a common term but in slavic countries. we don't eat lunch :D its breakfast, second breakfast dinner and then supper :D

[@hemi7175]

Little Otter Lotr?

[@jenmcclelland23]

Came here to say this too 😂 damn mankind.

[@eloucks88]

The biggest concern for a so called “cure” for autism is that it really shouldn’t be up to neurotypical people to judge the quality of life for any person who is identified as not being neurotypical. Anyone who’s spent time around a non verbal individual will tell you that often times they can be (obviously generalizing here) very good at expressing how they are feeling. Just because someone expresses themselves is different then the way society sees is normal doesn’t been its abnormal.

[@pjhaze]

A parent chooses many things for their children. Having a cure available to those who want it isn’t a crazy take. It’s really weird the number of people leaving comments before watching the video lol. She also says no one person should ever speak for a group. Excellent advice

[@lilletrille1892]

I wish I had been diagnosed and cured as a toddler. Mother would have had much better mental health now. And I would be working, probably with a university degree.

[@AimeeColeman]

My friend is a researcher at Bristol university and for his dissertation he studied thinking modes for autistic people. He ended up having to remove most of the data from the less capable end of his subject group because a lot of the people were too impaired to understand or take the test. It's not necessarily bias that less capable people with ASD aren't represented in studies, there are often times practical barriers when it comes to this research, as severe autism often goes with non compliance too. It's a real shame that the people who would benefit the most from it are often not directly included in the research, but it's not necessarily because they're being purposefully overlooked.

[@azavandehey2638]

Just so you know, calling someone "low functioning" is very insulting and most autistic people advocate for not using functioning labels because of this

[@AimeeColeman]

@@azavandehey2638 I don't mean to offend, but I don't know of any other terms that mean the same thing, and that's what my friend called it, as well as the professionals who take care of my brother. Maybe it's not as stigmatised in the UK? I don't know, but I've never heard someone have problems with the term before in person, including autism care professionals.

[@AimeeColeman]

@@azavandehey2638 and I guess it's important to distinguish severity levels of impairment in autistic people when trying to get them the right care or when trying to use categories for research to help understand a therapy's efficacy so better therapies and help can be available in the future. There's a difference between Greta, who can take care of herself, and my brother who is the same age but cannot. I don't see a way you can distinguish these people's abilities and personal difficulties without implying that one is more capable than the other in some significant ways, because it's true. That's not a negative on my brother, who is an absolutely lovely person, but I wouldn't want him to go without the help he needs because people are upset on his behalf that in order to get him that help, you have to talk about his ability honestly. It's fine that he can't be functionally independent, we obviously still love and take care of him as much as he needs, and I question people who are squeamish about these things because I feel that sort of implies that having less ability is wrong or shameful, and it's the people saying 'I'm uncomfortable with the reality of your brother's ability' that upset me, because people shouldn't be uncomfortable with how he is.

[@azavandehey2638]

@@AimeeColeman it's the same in the UK. ASAN (the autistic self advocacy network) is an online resource that can help you learn more if you'd like. But generally speaking if you must, it's better to say someone has high support needs or low support needs. Saying that describes it better and is less degrading.

[@azavandehey2638]

@@AimeeColeman needing more support is not shameful. It's just that telling someone that they don't function like a human should effects how autistic people are seen and it's reflected in language.

[@rebeccaz8318]

Hey! I'm autistic myself so I think I have a decent perspective on the Neurodiversity movement. While I consider myself part of the neurodiversity movement (and have the T-shirts to prove it), I pride myself on having the perspective you criticize a lot of us for lacking and recognize my privilege (I was only diagnosed at 19, so my disability is mild). I think most of autistic symptoms (including a lot of headbanging, etc.) can be relieved with proper sensory conditions and assistive communication, be that typing, communication boards, sign language, etc. and I think those things are SO underused that it's hard to judge how "miserable" autism makes some people! HOWEVER, let's assume there's suffering left, because I think that's a safe assumption (I've seen people have meltdowns because of the feeling of their own digestion, which is nuts to me). I think a cure is great for those who want it! I don't, but I can see why people would, even in my position, because sometimes it really sucks still being the weird kid in your 20s. What I want is a good public perception of autism: for people to believe the sensory needs are valid, that "weird kids" are good/valuable people of society, that different non-verbal methods of communication are just as good as speech. I think at that point, we can create a cure and only those who are suffering-- actually suffering, not societally suffering-- would be taking it. I think there would be a lot less suffering (so-called "severe autism") than we think. Also two points: - Much of Neurodiversity does not argue "all autism symptoms are great," but that autism itself is not necessarily an illness. Even significantly disabled individuals (Carly Fleischmann being a great example) can live great and productive lives! - From my perspective, almost all interventions are for so-called severe autism. ABA, the main therapy, certainly is not for someone like me, and the only thing I've ever seen offered to children with minimal disability is talk therapy. This has totally become a special interest so I'd love to talk further about this if you're interested!

[@morbiddogz]

as another autistic person, i completely agree! when im non-verbal the issue is always my environment, when i have "meltdowns" its almost always because i dont have the resources to make my environment better for me. i personally have no need for a cure, just a more accessable world and more open-minded people.

[@fakeusername92]

Why would it only be appropriate to look for a cure once we've "fixed the world"? You're heavily discounting the very real suffering that results from a lack of resources because you wish the world was different/will change. I think it should change too and those resources should be available, but it isn't cruelty free to choose not to devote efforts to a prevention/cure until we've "fixed" the world. That basically condemns neurodivergent people to suffer in a society that is unlikely to give them the resources they need, and for what? Advocacy?

[@bedheadacademic]

Alphonse Williams the problem with this mindset is that you’re trying to fix the whole world and minimizing the very real suffering people face.

[@morbiddogz]

the problem i have with your "cure first, accessibility later" mentality is that a treatment plan, (be it medicinal, therapeutic, or preventative) is inaccessible to poor individuals and people who need less severe support. instead of sending tons of resources into cure research, we should use those same resources to make everything more bearable first, then if a "cure" is needed it can be made. when people with dementia were dying of dehydration they didnt work faster to cure dementia, the created more discreet and safer ways to hydrate patients. that doesnt mean there will never be a cure.

[@ahuman5772]

I'm one of those headbanging and biting myself autistics who can't get a full time job because of sensory issues. I still don't want a cure. I like the way my brain works and I wouldn't want to change it. I think it would be good to develop medication to help with sensory issues and that type of stuff for people who want it, but the goal shouldn't be to make them neurotypical again. And obviously don't force everyone to take it. I probably wouldn't want it. The vast majority of problems autistic people have is because neurotypicals don't want to put the effort in to meet us half way. It's all about autistic people learning to make eye contact and become more "normal" by neurotypical standards. If they cure autism, hope they're OK with most scientists and mathematicians mysteriously disappearing.

[@matt24680]

Most us autistic people dont wanna be cure we just wanna love our life in peace away from peoples judgement and discriminatory beliefs

[@jasonbolding3481]

any such majority statement is impossible with the number of non verbal autistic existing

[@the-earl-of-whatever]

@@jasonbolding3481 nonverbal autistic people create content and DO speak out about this, as not being able to speak words out of your mouth does not automatically mean you can't write or use sign language. So are you saying that non-speaking mean unconscious? A cursory Google search would show you tons of blogs and other content created by non-speaking autistic people who are activists for neurodiversity.

[@Kaleysia]

@@jasonbolding3481 Thought so too before watching this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKGyineuf6aJbKs

[@pjhaze]

Ok but that’s a choice. You don’t have to take a cure if they create one. But there would be an option.

[@evelynkrull5268]

Ugh. I love how everyone has a "cure" for everything. As someone with an illness and condition I cannot tell you how many times I have fanatics that find out tell me I'm wasting my life by not living a raw vegan life. My husbands sister has autism and is unfortunately in a house where it's considered a disease. 😔 I would love and care for my baby no matter what, but life with any disability, specific difficulty, different mindstyle, or whatnot is still going to be difficult no matter how good a mom is. I feel a lot of moms of kids with autism have a lot of guilt where they feel it's their fault no matter how hard they try

[@elliottzell4668]

Swayze, I understand why you're concerned about the suffering of disabled individuals. I am too. But that doesn't mean that advocating for a cure is the best way to help. Not only is the notion of a cure misguided (because many disabled individuals don't have a state of "normalcy" to be restored) but calling for a cure sends a message to all disabled people (yes, even "high functioning" ones) that the world would be better if they didn't exist, and that their experience of the world is not worthy. I suggest looking more into the work of disabled individuals -- "Brilliant Imperfection" by Eli Clare is a great investigation of "cure" rhetoric from the perspective of someone with a disability.

[@jader4357]

Hey! This concept is new to me and I'd like to know more about what you think. I don't understand how looking for a cure implies that people living with autism shouldn't exist. We could just as easily say that people living with psychosis or depression are neurologically diverse, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't seek treatment for those people, right? If there's a way to make sensory issues more manageable for people with autism, shouldn't we do that?

[@mosaic2476]

@@jader4357 i think it's because of the idea of a "cure". autism can't be cured, and depression often can't be either. you can manage the symptoms, as you say, but that doesn't cure it. curing is to return to "health" or "normalcy", and is very different to accepting something for what it is and learning to make the experience a bit less painful.

[@scrimbo5319]

Jade R autism is just a type of brain. By looking for a cure for us, you’re saying there’s something wrong with us being ourselves

[@jader4357]

@@scrimbo5319 For some people, definitely! I have family members with autism and it is a large part of who they are. However, there are others with much more severe ASD who struggle to communicate, have self-harming behaviour, and I think would benefit the most.

[@emjenkins464]

I've got arthritis (and potentially EDS) and like many others, there is no cure. You can maintain and decrease symptoms through medication, but they have pretty severe side effects and only really take the edge off the bad days.

[@elyssa4159]

immediately reminded me of jessiecakes "curing" her cervical cancer with veganism and fruit...wonder whatever happened top that.

[@exxplosionshurt]

Or sarah's day who leads young girls to believe they can cure CIN3 with a healthy diet :))

[@izzykaii]

plz make a avideo on this!!

[@pinks110]

@@exxplosionshurt how did she lead ppl to believe that. She constantly states "see a doctor first", "what may work for me may not work for you" etc. She told us what she did at home WITH HER DOCTORS PERMISSION and HELP. People need to read to understand and listen to comprehend. She didnt say do or as i do. Her vids helped me a lot. I conversed with my DOC. First before i embarked on any journey. Stop blaming ppl for telling us their truth.

[@elyssa4159]

@@pinks110 no one is keeping you from yOuR TrUtH, relax. if you want to go the way of Steve Jobs and rely on cantaloupe to cure your cancer, that's your prerogative...but don't think for one second that the internet will let you do so without judgement. lol.

[@jesss.5484]

Elyssa If it worked for her why bash her? She didn't promote it to people as a cure she just told us what worked for her and for HPV and CIN diet does have to do with either regression or progression as well as alcohol consumption, stress, and smoking. If you keep eating crap and doing all these things chances for you to regress the CIN are veeery low. And even doctors don't address the root cause of HPV causing CIN. Which I have read it also has to do with your vaginal flora and it being unbalanced. So addressing bacterial/yeast infections and STDS/STIS is very important. And last but not least safe sex practices even if you are with a long term partner. But doctors always want to put things black and white (i.e. the only option is to burn a slice of your cervix off) which doesn't address the actual virus or how to decrease its load so that it is undetectable and the dysplasia goes away.

[@GoblinsAreAGirlsBestFriend]

I feel like we need to change the way we talk about autism as a society. I fully understand parents wanting their children to function OPTIMALLY and to be able to have SURVIVAL SKILLS in society - EVERYONE should strive to optimise the way their children function, autism or not. I just feel like so many parents put so much energy into turning the word "autism" into a THREAT (if you vaccinate YOU GET AUTISM, you need to CURE AUTISM) when at least some of that energy should be spent on making the world a SAFER PLACE for individuals who do NOT fit the cookie cutter. I say this as someone who has worked with autistic and special needs teens. They need help. But society also needs change. Absolutely do everything you can to optimise how your child develops and learns to adapt. But when you speak about your child's state of functioning as if it's cancer, basically, that's more than anything a sign that you need help - that society is failing you and your child. Focus on better care, more options, availability of treatments and medical support - options for different levels of functioning in adolescents and adults. Focus on making our society a safe place for people who have different needs.

[@pjhaze]

My sister was so worried about her son with autism being left with nobody to care for him after his parents are gone she literally had another baby TO TAKE CARE OF HER SIBLING! She didn’t want more children, so my niece only exists to care for her brother. Because in the richest country in the world he would be screwed honestly. So yeah, I understand what you’re saying. But, I don’t think this video was advocating anything crazy. She is just saying there SHOULD BE a cure for those who CHOOSE to take it. Those people want it. That’s all. There’s nothing wrong with that. I also agree that nobody can or should speak for an entire group of people; especially a group with such a vast difference in how they’re affected and live their lives. I imagine kids in 3rd world countries are treated horrifically- with any abnormality. I certainly judge nobody for doing their best for their kids (other than my sister obviously).

[@amyjones8613]

Even if vaccines caused my daughter's autism, which it didn't, I wouldn't want to change her. She wouldn't be her 🥰

[@frankrandall8875]

That's a messed up thing to say.

[@soniabrown7151]

Sarah Antonietti your stupid

[@vladtheinhaler93]

@@soniabrown7151 Not stupid; if it were true that vax causes autism, would you still not take the risk of you're child developing autism over the risk of them dying due to infectious diseases?!

[@zencat55]

I know a family that has 2 sons with severe autism. Despite the best efforts of parents, family, friends and the medical community these children suffer on a daily basis. It is so heart breaking not to be able to alleviate a child's suffering. We need more research to help these kids.

[@loopeterno]

Hello, are these kids the same age?

[@nomanejane5766]

​@@loopeterno she never said they were

[@loopeterno]

@@nomanejane5766 that's why I'm asking

[@AnniMcSally]

As someone with dermatitis, I think just like the doctor you mentioned said, you could try changing your diet. However, not every person with eczemas has them due to food allergies. For me it's winter conditions - hot dry air inside and cold weather outside - that usually trigger flare-ups. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@TracyD2]

AnniMcSally Winter is coming 🥶My scalp, skin and hair loath the winter. I take baths with dollops of pure Shea butter. It helps. I also put pure aloe on my scalp and hair.

[@theshunnedBandersnatch]

Seasons changing is always rough, but late summer and summer to autumn are pure agony for me.

[@Hartsikasvo]

My scalp occasionally gets an extra boost of itchyness and soreness if i eat a lot of sugar. Existing on fruits alone would most likely cause me so much misery 🤣

[@debbieh7063]

If dry air is an issue for you, I'd recommend a humidifier. Dry winters make colds so so much worse for me, and often develop into sinus infections. Setting up a humidifier, or even just boiling water on the stove, to bring up the humidity were incredibly helpful. Not much you can do about outside, besides moving to a different climate, but that's something.

[@nataliesovakova3348]

For me it's cold weather and stress mostly

[@EmmaLemmon]

Thank you for dealing with this sensitively. I'm trying to imagine trying to feed my autistic son a raw vegan diet when he was little 😂 I was struggling enough trying to get him to eat anything that wasn't a jam sandwich (strawberry, no lumps cut into quarters). We had to be the opposite of restrictive and happy to say he now eats a variety of foods... As for a cure? It's sad to think people like him wouldn't exist. He's the best person I know. Not biased at all obviously.

[@MariaRodriguez-hb4ix]

Many autistic persons have taste , texture and color problems when choosing foods to eat . Is very common to see " White diets " . As foods with pale to white color , soft texture and no much flavor . As are potatoes , bread , milk , cereal , eggs , poultry, rice , ect . Making one of those persons to follow a vegan and / or gluten free diet would worsen the already restrictive menu .

[@loriannepizza]

I was diagnosed with autism when I was 9 or 10. My mom always had to put my sandwiches in a container because I would not eat it if the bread was squished. I could not have any food touching and had to have a separate utensil for everything.

[@EmmaLemmon]

@@MariaRodriguez-hb4ix Exactly! The sensory component is very important, I forgot to mention that. We went very slowly finding foods similar to ones he liked and never any pressure.

[@EmmaLemmon]

@@loriannepizza Yes! Presentation is important for my son too, separate utensils as well, at least when we're at home. He seems to make some allowances for eating out or visiting.

[@ivoriangirl]

$2000?! PLEASE.

[@nickit7655]

Genetic testing and aborting those fetuses who may have autism is not a cure for it. It's eliminating the person, not the disorder.

[@thedarkness111]

I have a friend with a child with downs syndrome, I have a friend with cystic fibrosis, I have several friends with autism. It makes me so sad that if this was the norm 30 years ago those people wouldn't exist. They are worthwhile people, I wish they didn't have to suffer but I'd never wish they weren't born.

[@nickit7655]

@moths from neptune developing fetuses are persons too. You don't gain personhood by exiting the womb. It's inherent from the time of conception.

[@nickit7655]

@moths from neptune because we're celebrating the day someone was born.

[@nickit7655]

@moths from neptune it's the most logical. What is it about the birth canal grants someone personhood? Also no one knows the date of their conception. When we celebrate a birthday we're celebrating how long that person has been alive outside of the womb.

[@nickit7655]

@moths from neptune moths from neptune that doesn't negate the personhood. A baby is dependant on its caregivers for survival, but it's still a person. A human being with downs syndrome or autism isn't defective. That's a horribly ableist way of thinking about people.

[@mattrose99]

My biggest concern with a cure for autism is definitely the type of people who advocate for it. I see too often people who walk the very fine line of dipping into eugenics, if not advicating for it, and I worry about the rest of the disability rights movement if we decide to cure every disabilitiy. I think the best idea for now is to look more into accessibility and creating accessible spaces and providing accurate information to the public about different disabilities. With that also making the process of diagnoses better so we dont have so many people fighting for a diagnoses and treatment that they need to live thier life. Can we get to a point of curing disabilities? Maybe, but until we can work through the eugenics movement being so ingrained in the largest spokespeople for it we cant just cure disabilities without hurting the disabled community. This is all information that Ive seen from many disabled people advocating for accessibility first and, in the US specifically, the government to enforce the ADA

[@TuesdaysArt]

Something about a cure for autism sounds like eugenics to me? It feels wrong? Maybe I'm just biased because I'm autistic and have quite a few friends/family members on the spectrum, but I don't think that autism is something that needs to be "cured". I also feel uncomfortable when allistic people try speaking for people on the spectrum because they could never know how it feels to be autistic, no matter how many studies or blogs they read. It feels condescending when allistics act as though they know more about what autistic people go through than people actually on the spectrum. I can't quite put it in words, but some of the points in this video made me uncomfortable. I know you mean well, but I can see how your points could be taken the wrong way or be seen as ableist.

[@rowan6650]

I think it might remind you of eugenics because the idea of having genetic modification would be a slippery slope; maybe it would just start with things like Down Syndrome or ASD, which you could argue cause more suffering to the people with it than joy, but it could very quickly to expand to all neurodevelopment disorders, like ADHD, or mental illnesses, like depression or anxiety. If the argument is that it eliminates more suffering than joy, you can start getting even further down a rabbit hole: statistically, POCs have a harder time getting hired, face more discrimination, get paid less, etc. By the logic of “eliminating more suffering than joy”, wouldn’t you genetically modify everyone to be the same skin color? Where do you draw the line? At what point does diversity and free will become more important than overall societal happiness and success? It may seem hypothetical, but genetic modification is becoming more and more prominent and capable, and we need to figure out where we stand on that before it starts happening more widespread. It’s well enough to argue for curing ASD through genetic modification, but you have to consider the ramifications of that choice on other potential genetic modifications, and that’s where it starts to go into eugenics like territory.

[@TuesdaysArt]

@@rowan6650 Many autistic people (including myself) hate the narrative of how autism is a "burden". Autism is so much more than the BS organizations like Autism $peaks pushes out. Autistic people have their own culture and there are countless autistic people who take pride in being autistic. I can't speak for all autistic people, but it's a lot more nuanced than it appears on the surface level and I recommend you to look into the autism rights movement if that's something that interests you. Autism is so intrinsic to a person that advocating for a cure for autism is essentially advocating for millions of people to just disappear. Being autistic isn't always easy, but treating autistic people as if they're broken only makes their lives harder. Acceptance and accommodations are far more helpful and are actually possible (since ASD is developed in the womb, idk how scientists could change the chemical makeup of someone's brain without killing them, either replacing them with an entirely different person or slipping up and causing them to never wake up again).

[@Billybloop]

Your life would likely be easier and more fulfilling if you were not autistic. Your parents most likely would have had an easier time caring for you. It is what it is. No one would deliberately choose to give birth to a child with any type of disability over a healthy one.

[@MissStillAlive]

I agree 100%. I do understand UVs argument that the people advocating „against a cure“ are on the „higher functioning“ end of the spectrum. However I don‘t think it‘s up to us as non-autistic people to decide if an autistic life is worth living. And that‘s what it comes down to for me. I also worry that focussing on this „we need a cure“ mindset can hinder improvements and accessibility and overall accommodations being made for autistic people to help the difficulties in our society that lead to autistic people not participating in the way that they could or might want.

[@TheMrsarahanne90]

It's because she's advocating for eugenics. Like she's literally talking about removing certain people from the gene pool. She did a eugenics.

[@JennRighter]

I’m not even a minute in, and I just have to say, there is NO CURE FOR AUTISM! I would like to think the viewers of this channel know that, but it just feels offensive to suggest, and I’m NEVER offended. My nephew is autistic. It’s certainly difficult for him and can be difficult in a child’s upbringing. It’s also extremely rewarding to be around such a bright and unique person, a person who is completely capable. I don’t know, I don’t want to ramble I just find the idea as a whole gross and absurd.

[@forest_goblinn]

Agree with you 100%. Demonising autism is the worst- there’s nothing wrong with having it! For me personally, it’s an important aspect of my identity. Trying to find a cure for it is incredibly insulting

[@MartianBlues11]

Lisa Holly The fact that they think autism is something that needs to be “cured” is blatantly disrespectful and obnoxious.

[@vinregret]

did all of you guys watch the rest of the video, where Swayze talks about whether or not autism should be cured

[@jehold2010ify]

YES!!! I wish we could get away from the cure autism language and move towards coping language.

[@vinregret]

biguattipoptropica well I can tell you right now that she doesn’t see it like that at all. She advocates for a cure because autism is a spectrum, and although there are people who feel they don’t need a cure, there are people who’s lives are extremely hindered by it, and those people aren’t even able to advocate for themselves because of communication issues. Autism is extremely broad, and one person can only speak for themselves, not the entire community.

[@lindseyneon1771]

Awww, Swayze missed the LOTR reference.

[@miekekuppen9275]

Not even necessarily that. Tolkien didn´t invent the concept and judging by the lady´s accent she may well come from an area where second breakfast used to be a thing. Like the *Gabelfrühstück* in old German books.

[@Reticence9zen924]

Yeah that's what I thought too!

[@NoBaloneyHomosapiens]

@@miekekuppen9275 yeah my some of family would have a second meal in the morning when I was a kid, I don't remember what the word for it was, but when I got into Lotr it became second breakfast or brunch. (But unlike how I think of brunch normally it was just a second round of bread, fruits and muffins, possibly with the addition of crepes. They were from the Netherlands for reference)

[@anuke123]

She's Polish. We eat second breakfast every day ;) it's a thing

[@valeriavagapova]

What was the reference?

[@hervva]

for the "second breakfast" - she sounds like non-native english speaker and in some countries (eg in Poland) there is breakfast, second breakfast (like at 11:00am), dinner (soup and "second dish" at about 3:00 pm), dessert/tea time (at about 5 pm), and supper (last meal in a day). Most people do eat much less frequently than I listed here if working full time job (like ommit breakfast, eat second breakfast at work/school, have one dish for dinner, grab a store bought snack for dessert, and have a sandwitch for supper).

[@HelloKittysFriend418]

22:54 this is the first time I’ve quite strongly disagreed with UV! Wow. This has a personal stake for me, since my brother has Aspergers, but I just don’t agree with your concept of suffering, not just in regards to Autism but to all people who may face similar challenges. I highly recommend the KZbin channel Special Books By Special Kids, and I hope that the videos there can provide another perspective to what it means to be human, to be happy. I am forever thankful to Chris Ulmer and the stories he’s been able to share for opening my mind to people of all abilities.

[@HelloKittysFriend418]

While you say that we can’t speak on others behalf in regards to finding a cure for their “suffering”, how do we determine whether they are actually suffering or not? Plenty of people would dread being in my brothers shoes, being socially isolated for most likely the rest of his life. How do we determine if someone like my brother is suffering because he isn’t living up to society’s standards of a “healthy” amount of social interaction and relationships? I have so many questions.

[@HelloKittysFriend418]

In my using my brother in my comment here, I want to make clear that I’m not pretending that my brothers experience of autism is representative of the spectrum. Clearly it is not. But how do we get to decide that people on the severe end are truly suffering?? Something about that seems wrong to me and I would love if someone could expand on that.

[@Kaleysia]

I am also subscribed to SBSK. The are doing wonderful work. But I agree with UV. We need to listen to parents of autistic children who say their child suffers and not just tell them "You are just selfish for wanting to change your child" or something like that. Regarding social stuff, I agree that it is difficult to determine if people are truly suffering. But as I understand it, people with autism are also at higher risk for several health problems and for the ones who are non-verbal and have mental disabilities it can be really hard to communicate how or where they are hurting. This leads to suffering for them and for their parents who obviously want their child to be pain-free.

[@HelloKittysFriend418]

Kaleysia I think the point about being able to communicate the experience of pain is super compelling. Definitely something that requires more research, and I can see how that alone would make autism an insurmountable obstacle for certain people.

[@xSwordLilyx]

My boyfriend has 'aspergers', or perhaps is too smart to be called autistic, and he definitely does suffer in the aspects of his life that are affected by it. Social situations and relating to people can be very difficult for him to understand, navigate, and discuss and it is upsetting to him. Being unable to think empathetically is devastating. When he was a kid he didn't want to talk until he was 4 and he had issues with food. He had to learn how to act socially basically exclusively from observation. He also is dyslexic. He still has problems with eye contact, showing affection, and behaving appropriately in social situations. He doesn't want to be the way he is, he does deal with it though. He has told me the only person he generally shares his pain with is me; it doesn't come off as something that is easy to talk about. His little brother is profoundly autistic and his experience is very different from my boyfriends'. Just being around him can be saddening because it is very apparent that he suffers from his senses not making sense in normal situations. He is still unable to talk at age 9 and he's so stunted it's like he's still two. He gets angry a lot and stressed. It is nearly impossible to get him to eat and he can't participate in many normal activities that we take for granted and make us happy. None of his therapies is working very well and it affects us all as well, particularly his close family and especially his parents who bear the burden every day. He also has medical problems like seizures and I doubt he is the height and weight he should be. He is never going to be normal, and if you don't think that's saddening you're wrong. Admitting they're suffering to yourself can be hard but it often is the truth. Knowing you'll never know what it's like to be normal in itself can be awful if you're capable of doing so.

[@nataliebrosow7225]

I am really disturbed by people like this. This is the reason why many people see autism as generally awful and a horrible disability for every and all. So many people, of they are well adjusted, can live relatively well with autism. Not every autism is the same, everyone shows different symptoms. My brother is on the low side of the spectrum, has a great job, lives on his own and is a great person in general. But for a lot of people, especially antivax, who still believe that vaccination causes autism, it is worse than any disease they could vaccinate for. Knowing more people than just my brother with autism and knowing how it can look, it's just so insulting. But sure, polio and measles and whooping cough is not so bad in comparison to that. I see.....

[@JanniGuldeIversen]

Curing autism to me kinda sounds like curing... Well, genes for red hair, causing people to have lighter skin and thus being more sensitive to sun damage 🤔 But then, I am on the very "light" end of the spectrum (Asperger... High functioning... Normal passing). My biggest struggles have been being different to other people and not being able to live up to their expectations on... Being normal... But how much of that difference is autism and how much is just people being different in general? Like... Picky eating. Sensitivity to textutes? Is that autism only? Differences in sexuality and wishes for future family (like, not wanting kids, being asexual or being gay for example) - how much of that is autism, and how much is just... Human? I have had depression. I am autistic. I can imagine myself without depression... But those autistic traits? They are so much a part of my being and personality, that I can't imagine a version of myself that would be not-autistic. What would that be? An extrovert with no hobbies, with less focus, with no overthinking, with no dependancy or respect for rules, with no math skills, with more need and understand of social behaviors of politeness... With more intuitivity... With no dislikes in food... Being a food lover or even addicted to food... Sitting normal on a chair... No bad habits such as biting my lips. With less logical and systematic thinking. Would that be a me without autism? I don't know... That doesn't sound like me 🤔

[@MindForwardAnna]

Ever heard of the field of Epi-genetics? Google it and then Dr. Bruce Lipton. Get ready for your mind to be blown. Good luck.

[@Emily-zr7of]

Having autism is not the same as having red hair.. lol red hair is not some disorder autism is.

[@alenakirillova5197]

1. Speaking of comparing autism and depression: I don't think anyone would advocate for abortions based on genes that might make a person suffer from depression in their life. But that's essentially what finding genes is about, isn't it? 2. It's not just people with "mild autism" advocating for neurodiversity. Yes, one autistic person doesn't speak for the experience of all autistic people, but an autistic person (on average) has a better understanding than an allistic one.

[@sj4iy]

1. No, genetics has absolutely nothing to do with 'abortions'. It is used to help develop therapies in order to help those with specific conditions have better quality of life. It's also used to help pinpoint specific diagnoses in people with unknown medical problems. It's main purpose is not (nor has it ever been) to abort those with issues.

[@addie2754]

Hi Swayze, you’re one of my inspirations for majoring in Philosophy. I’ve been watching your videos consistently for three years now, and your content has only gotten better. Thank you.

[@alajaksa]

Why is it so important to look someone in the eye? I have a normal office job, my own apartment and hobbies etc. completely normal life. But I do have autism,and eye contact to me is painful. Why does it matter so much? Why you need to torture (ABA) us to make us look in to your eyes, I can function just fine whitout it thank you very much. Also autism is not all bad and I would never want my self "cured" from it.

[@AbrilNoh]

matters because we were tought to trust someone by the no verbal connection that we could do, the same frustration u could feel is reciproc for other people who might need that eye contact because is the norm. i mean, its all about adaptation, hopefully in a few years everyone could understand better the lack of eye contact and dont bother u for it.

[@mistyfying7729]

It goes both ways. Some people are uncomfortable with eye contact. Some people are uncomfortable without eye contact.

[@narutowebby]

yeah if someone doesn't look at me or at least in my direction it is like very very rude. Like you're ignoring me lol. If i know someone is autistic I'll deal with it but deep down, I'll still think its rude.

[@ThisIsNuckingFuts]

I don’t have autism but sometimes I won’t look someone in the eye just to piss them off 😆

[@zack94972]

I get antsy when people look me in the eye when talking. It makes me want to stab them on their eyeballs

[@becca838]

As someone who's looked after and grew up with severely autistic relatives as well as being diagnosed with ASD myself, I can see both sides of the argument. Looking after someone with autism can be frustrating, especially because it largely affects how people communicate. You want to help them when they're clearly upset, but they can't tell you. It's a lot of work for everyone involved. I have a love/hate relationship with it. It made early education a nightmare (I was diagnosed when I was 13), and it's made other health issues I have even worse. Even 'high-functioning' adults in my life have faced severe discrimination and bullying because of it. HOWEVER, I don't think anyone benefits in looking for a cure. Most autistic people I've spoken to don't want to be cured, they want their environments to be more accessible. We need to have a wide range of resources for children, parents, and educational facilities. We need appropriate care for autistic adults who are so often overlooked in public institutions. Rather than guilting families and/or children into feeling like there's something wrong with them we should be giving them tools and education so they can take steps that are right for them. Stop funnelling money towards a cure that quite frankly isn't going to happen and start putting it towards something that will help so many more people. Education before eradication (I don't comment on videos a lot so apologies if this is a mess, I just get passionate about these sorts of things. I'm not a medical expert, but I feel like I have more than enough lived experience.)

[@bedheadacademic]

becca In my opinion, it seems that the loudest voice of autism is those that can speak. You yourself said most people with autism that you’ve spoken to don’t want a cure. A significant portion of people with autism can’t speak. I work with people with autism and the ones that can’t speak behave in ways that show unhappiness. Constant crying, aggression, and self injurious behavior are extremely common in people on the low functioning end of the spectrum. I can’t pretend that I think they’re happy, because the ones that can speak say they are. Being able to communicate alone is going to drastically improve your life because you have the means of getting your needs met.

[@becca838]

Alyssa Mello I don’t think everyone with autism is happy about it. I understand people’s points about the most vocal people being people who can speak and are ‘high functioning’. However I don’t think it’s fair to assume someone’s functioning level based on one aspect. It may be easier for them to communicate sure, but my brother can speak and he’s pretty articulate and it’s clear to us he’ll never be independent. My main point was I think focusing on a future cure when we have autistic people suffering now is unproductive. For instance, take the kids you work with. I think the focus should be put on helping them now rather than potentially curing them in the future. Giving them different ways to communicate seems better in the long run than looking for a cure that might never come.

[@SarahSyna]

@@bedheadacademic That constant crying, aggression, and self-harm may be because of the environment they're in or how they're treated, how they're limited by others. These things are not inherent parts of being autistic or being non-verbal. And if verbal autistic people are not suitable advocates, then neurotypical people most definitely aren't even up for consideration.

[@sarahantonietti4867]

My dermatologist said my eczema has *nothing* to do with diet and my allergist said that my eczema has nothing to do with allergies. It’s extremely frustrating :(.

[@VividReads]

What I found out is that my eczema is caused by stress and when my immune system is weak. To get rid of it, I started to take vitamin c and zink. And as topical treatment I used Epaderm cream (no steroids) 5-6 times a day for almost two weeks to restore the moisture levels. Now I use the same cream once a day when I wash my face.(my eczema was on my eyelids)

[@vanessaf7259]

Trying to figure out my eczema was so frustrating as well. I’ve finally accepted that I’ll never be able to definitively say “doing or not doing X causes my eczema.” It’s a combination of stress and the weather. When it flares up though it does seem to heal faster now that I’ve stopped obsessing over it 🤷‍♀️

[@roxyray781226]

Vanessa F literally SAME!

[@naomimay82]

I avoid gluten, dairy, and contact with harsh chemicals. I spent 30 years in misery with eczema, but I have spent the last 7 with clear skin because of diet and lifestyle changes. I went green and became a gluten free vegan.

[@alexandrabroadbere8253]

I emphasize with this.

[@youareherediversity7321]

My son’s eczema is triggered by tomatoes and strawberries

[@windzeitwolfzeit]

Nomeo Nay my dermatologist said to avoid nightshades in general.

[@TheDecoCottage]

Mine and my son’s eczema flares with dairy.

[@catbunfish]

@@TheDecoCottage Same for my kiddo.

[@naomimay82]

Dairy causes my eczema to flare as well. As long as I avoid it, my skin stays clear. I also avoid contact with harsh chemicals, and I avoid eating gluten.

[@CallMeMoprah25]

I worked as a behavioral therapist, and am now a special ed teacher. The center I worked at was gluten/dairy/casein/peanut-free. This was not in place to CURE them, but to help alleviate any discomforts that they wouldn’t be able to communicate, which could result in problem behavior.

[@EllySensei]

I think you are the ONLY vegan who is rational making youtube videos, kudos to you

[@lloydchristmas4547]

How so? There are vegans that cite dozens and dozens of scientific papers to back up their opinions. You don't have to agree with them, but that's a big part of being rational.

[@veeramikola3005]

Funnily enough, I had a childhood ezcema which was triggered by my allergies mostly to fruit and veggies (and tree pollen) 😂. Also, my ezcema was ”cured” by just getting older, which is quite common...

[@samarasha6806]

Right, I noticed that my eczema really acts up whenever my allergies are. Im allergic to dust though, so other than taking antihistamines every day, wearing masks & cleaning well, there isn't much I can do😅 When I was a kid, I had eczema in the form of terrible itching in the like bend where your elbows and knees are. I thought it finally went away when I was around 12-13 because I just didn't have those symptoms anymore, but then a year or so later, I figured out that it like evolved to seborrheic dermatitis instead, which sucks. Also have allergic asthma, so basically most of my issues can be controlled if only I could control my dust allergy, which is quite difficult😬Hopefully, I pray I grow out of it, and i hope yours never comes back either, it can be so frustrating! ♡

[@JoJo-dj2zc]

as a kid i suffered from egzema, my doctor recommend a restrictive diet, for years i ate like that, and with no results, my egzema disappeared when i grew up, i was left with various deficiencies in nutrients and i still cant eat most foods i was forbid to consume, as result of the trauma... i would literally throw up . Even if you restrict for a reason there are consequences, my mother loves me and to this day she blames herself for my issues, doing something without knowledge is extrimelly irresponsable

[@morganbodhi9492]

im so happy u made this video, her video’s continually come up on my instagram explore page and they bother me so much

[@Tjnovakart]

24:50 really hit home with me. I was lucky enough to be born in a family where both parents have been extremely close and motivated to help me and did everything in their power to do so, yet my autism has caused both me and them a great amount of stress. They became so desperate at one point that they put me on a restrictive diet (no gluten or dairy, so not nearly as bad as Ullenka) because they hated to see me suffering. Keep in mind, I’m on the very high functioning end of the spectrum and this still happened. My therapist compared me growing up with autism to a child coming in to an English speaking country without speaking a single word of English and being forced to assimilate with no help. Especially in girls (like myself), autism is linked to other mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, yet we don’t see anyone getting up in arms when we try to mitigate those. While I don’t think a cure is the best answer for everyone, I empathize with parents and other autistic people who wish there was one. Depending on the case it can be very difficult to live with REGARDLESS of how “high functioning” one is, and that needs to be addressed when debating the issue.

[@mskitty666]

I really like the comparison with depression and how it's different for everyone, I feel like that it's helpful to remember that things like this affect people differently and it's wrong to say that no research in cures or treatments is needed just because not everyone diagnosed needs them

[@stellannie86]

Hmm, so is that why 5-minute crafts is trying to get kids eat bleach....? 🤔

[@kerstiesweeney]

Ha!! That's both awful and hilarious. 😹😹😹

[@_studioklara]

I think that this is a really great video! I can see that this really touches you. Thanks for opening up about your own mental health and talking about a sensitive subject like this!

[@aaaaaaaaaa1094]

ullenka: "cure ur kid's autism with fruit!!!1!!!111!1!!" me, autistic, with sensory sensitivities that make me immediately have a meltdown with most fruit textures: :)))))))) like seriously, as an adult (with better coping mechanisms than when i was an undiagnosed abused kid) i gag when seeds or other Bad textures are in my mouth, if i had to eat basically all fruit as a kid with no other option it would probably get me hospitalised and would definitely make my quality of life so much worse than what it already was. i feel so bad for this poor kid who has to deal with this stuff. oh also autism is literally the best thing about me and one would have to pry that from my cold flapping hands. (btw im medium support, dont come at me with this whole 'uR tOo HiGh FuNcTiOnInG tO sPeAk AbOuT tHiS' thing bc a: im not, and b: if u say that and ur not autistic u have even less of an idea*) like seriously i love being autistic, i love special interests and stimming and being able to think the way i can and not being as affected by social things, and although its not fun or easy it's useful how my intense affective empathy lets me feel others' emotions as intensely if not more so than they do. if it comes at the cost of being in a hostile environment every time i leave my house, so be it. *yes, that includes if ur an """"expert"""", i have an entire lifetime of first-hand experience and 4 years of community, u have books written mostly by other allistics (non-autistics) that dont usually include any input from actual autistic people.

[@peachxtaehyung]

Wow yeah shes in it for money or else she wouldnt be selling a set of books for normally over $2,000! She would want to help as many kids as possible but im sorry "normal people" cannot afford that for a BOOK! Lol. Also side note your hair looks amazing!!!

[@morganbodhi9492]

im in high school. i dont play sports, i dont work out every day. even i cant imagine living off smoothies and salads every day. im positive i would get daily headaches and be exhausted if i tried to eat like that. edit: not to mention concentration issues, so not only struggling physically, but academically and mentally. i know u very briefly mentioned that but i think it’s important

[@zenleeparadise]

As someone with depression who worries that it’s never going to get to a manageable point, I appreciate your recognition that not everyone experiences it in the same way.

[@paulally585]

I love your videos, Thank you so much for talking about the things you do. You're like my scientific vegan Phillip DeFranco and I really look forward to when you post.

[@gentlethemstitcher6278]

I had eczema as a kid and my paediatrician did recommend diet changes and baths. But it definitely wasn’t going raw lol.

[@WindXadepts]

Yep, my eczema basically went away without me noticing after i changed my diet to a better one.

[@noahatlas5240]

Can’t wait to try a raw vegan diet to cure my psychosis!

[@JohnSmith-ft4gc]

@@danielp28 They were being sarcastic.

[@jennastarling8122]

Second video, 3 minutes in and I subscribed! Finally there is someone with really good opinions. It's refreshing! Love from the Czech Republic (small country in Central Europe)

[@rabbit__]

I guess it was time for me to loose my faith in humanity again, because damn.

[@a.p.8149]

“Lose”

[@nancyplants757]

Wait, you haven't heard of second breakfast!? Am I old???

[@martah5369]

Even I who am not natively English speaking, knew the expression, which does not have an equivalent in my language. We might reference it untranslated.

[@sav8226]

“I’ve never heard someone call it second breakfast” girl have you not read Lord of the Rings?

[@noemi9773]

I was looking for this comment 😂👏

[@noemi9773]

I was looking for this comment! 😂👏

[@Aceofwolves]

As someone with schizophrenia....I HATE the neurodeversisty movement as it makes people not take my condition seriously. I struggle every day but can support myself. But many people have to be hospitalized for LIFE. I would love a cure for schizophrenia as it would reduce overall suffering.

[@jenniferahough4983]

Two of my kids are autistic and in late twenties. Neither suffer from autism, they suffer from other peoples ignorance. But in saying that, those more badly affected should get more help, support etc and a "cure" may help them.

[@cake3291]

it's so weird to see Swayze uneducated on something.

[@areallyusefulengine2764]

Vianca Alcaraz most autistic adults are traumatized by ABA and do NOT recommend it. You get taught to hate yourself.

[@adorabell4253]

@Vianca Alcaraz It is not effective and if applied to any other person would be seen as abuse because that's what it is.

[@jasonbolding3481]

@@areallyusefulengine2764 ABA is not teaching you to hate yourself nor is your statement reflective of the majority of autistic individuals or profesionals

[@areallyusefulengine2764]

@@jasonbolding3481 that’s fine you feel that way. I don’t speak for all autistic people but as an autistic person I do have an opinion and voice!

[@bananewane1402]

@Vianca Alcaraz ABA is basically torture for autistic people.

[@dots9541]

Excuse me what type of “cake” is triangle shaped. That’s just the worst...

[@ThisIsNuckingFuts]

I really want some cake!!!! 🎂 🍰 🧁 YUM

[@janewiseman]

I always appreciate your analogies. Great video as always.

[@Telexic]

this is probably one of the most informative videos I have seen in a while. I think everyone should watch this video

[@jenny-ft3qy]

I was having a face mask on but totally broke it when I saw the title...

[@laceygreen693]

Second breakfast is a reference to lord of the rings. 🧝‍♂️🧝‍♀️🧙‍♂️🧙‍♀️

[@dahlq613]

Lacey Green I was totally surprised she didn’t get that. Not gonna lie I was judging her as a LOTR fan ❤️

[@namedesired]

We eat second breakfasts in Poland you don't have to be a LoTR fun, when it's real.

[@testosteronic]

Or something I grew up with as a kid 😄

[@namedesired]

@Nastja Angelou I thought everyone already does english lunches :) good to know that :)

[@japoemka]

in Poland second breakfast it's a snack between breakfast and lunch ahahha, isnot a lotr joke

[@_typhoid_mary_]

I have autism spectrum disorder. But I am also a phlebotomist. I’m a vegan. I love animals. I love biology. I’m someone’s girlfriend. I love to cook. I’m MORE than my autism diagnosis. HOWEVER I am part of a small group of people with ASD who have an optimal outcome. I am all for a cure because you know what if there is a way to improve or cure non verbal kids and adults who cannot thrive on their own, go for it. I hate when people in my life use me as an example for how autism is just “living differently.” Dude I’m just weird but I’m fully functioning most other people aren’t that lucky :/ and I think everyone has the right to have a disability cured if possible. And god bless my fucking parents 😂❤️ they did their best and always gave me unconditional, unending love and support. Not everyone with ASD are that lucky and this verbal and self aware.

[@Chelbasaur]

The thumbnail alone just screams "I'M BATSHIT INSANE. JUST LOOK IN MY EYES."

[@ThisIsNuckingFuts]

🤣

[@kairyss4285]

As someone who's on the spectrum, I don't need nor want to be "cured" or "healed". Instead of spending your energy trying to "fix" me, why don't you spend that time and energy to actually try and understand my situation and what it entails for me?

[@amandaweaver5964]

I honestly love how you went about discussing Autism. It was educational and very clear. Especially on both sides. I don’t believe in letting a human being suffer. There’s always a better way. Hence why I am vegan I don’t believe animals deserve to suffer when there’s better alternatives. Every living being deserve respect and compassion. (Within reason of course plants don’t feel anything)People with severe Autism deserve a cure and they don’t deserve the kind of treatment and stigma that goes along with it.

[@kater6873]

Yes! She did an amazing job explaining it! :)

[@scrimbo5319]

Amanda Weaver we don’t want a cure

[@angelalewis4213]

Your channel is a gift. Thank you for so many wonderful, insights

[@erinsymone1645]

Good god this channel is such a breath of fresh air. Great video!

[@Andreea-kj2sv]

I was interested in what you were going to say in this video because I've liked other videos of yours, and I'm autistic so it's always nice to see someone call out autism moms on bullshit like this, but when I clicked I didn't expect you to be so well-meaning and thoughtful that you swung all the way into eugenics like you did. And I get where you're coming from, because that's a very, very easy attitude for well-meaning people to fall into. In fact, I had maybe a similar attitude until a few years ago, before I read the testimony of a non-verbal autistic person who indicted this whole attitude. They were not only non-verbal (and possessed of those traits you deem as causing suffering), and required a feeding tube. They wrote about how at every turn, well-meaning medical professionals kept trying to dissuade them from getting the tube, which would have meant choking and dying in a few short years, because these professionals deemed that death was preferable to living in suffering as a multiply-disabled non-verbal autistic person who needed round the clock care. And at every turn, this person had to fight for their life against people who thought dying was better for them. It shook me to my core to understand that people might be in pain, people might struggle for every moment of their lives, and still want to continue living, and still finding value in themselves and others with the same conditions. And it also shook me to my core to discover the huge disparity between how much people who are 'suffering' actually value their lives, compared to how much outsiders value it. And how consistently able-bodied, neurotypical people just... assume the worst about stuff they have no knowledge of. You mentioned in the past Down's Syndrome, and how people with Down's Syndrome shouldn't 'just' be allowed to exist for the sake of neurodiversity. But how about allowed to exist because they want to? Happiness studies consistently show people with Down's Syndrome are much happier with their lives than people without Down's Syndrome assume. The people begging for Down's Syndrome screenings to not exist... are people with Down's Syndrome. They're begging to be allowed to exist. And you're just going to tell them what? 'No, honey, you don't know what you're talking about'?? It's downright bonkers to me that you, *you*, a person who splits hairs about sapience and sentience so much that you feel the need to consider whether keeping bees is good, and eating oysters is ethical, can take this attitude towards people with Down's Syndrome, people with types of autism you deem too burdensome, and go 'yeh, it's better for the *poor dears* if they weren't around. Better for everyone'. I find it so frustrating, because you're willing to litigate the right to exist and relative sentience of every creature alive, but then get to disabled people and it's like 'let's systematically wipe out the ones that don't adhere closely enough to my estimated standard of a Happy Human'. Like... this is what you think we should be putting out efforts into, not creating a world in which the right to live of people who *want* to live is secured? The impression you give is that you get so up in your head about animal suffering, and trying to discern it for these creatures that can't talk for themselves, that you also assume *people* who can't literally open their mouths and talk require you to do the same. I see this frustrating, alienating attitude in the vegan community, where vegans value the lives of animals more than people. I think you need to sit down and question whether this attitude has affected your outlook on some things, and whether you've developed your ethical outlook on these issues from a place of ignorance and base assumptions. Because yeah, you may not recognize it. But the stuff you're talking about is how people get to the conclusion that eugenics is good, actually. And in this time and age... woof. You'd think we'd learned.

[@SomeoneBeginingWithI]

+

[@bananewane1402]

PREACH COMRADE

[@oggyboggy8692]

Great comment. Thank you for shifting my views on autism and down syndrome and disabilities.

[@m3lisha]

Freelee is preparing a video on you and I snorted lol

[@spidermiss2426]

Oh my I must seek this out!!! Of all the people who can critisize people, FREELEE is not the person who should be judging!

[@SavageMinnow]

You’re hair looks so cute!!! Also love this vid. Thanks for sharing!

[@Joakim3693]

YES! Ive been enjoying your videos for a couple weeks now. But now I just love you. Autism doesn't need a cure! Xoxo

[@angelofthepie]

the ableism of it all!

[@naomi-art-stuff]

your autism argument was very well said and definitely convinced me

[@jennybenners3683]

It’s such an extreme diet. It’s a shame. If you’re able to get your child to eat healthy foods and have that discipline in you as a parent, there are SO many options. Imagine all the things the kids would eat and enjoy.

[@elizabethmacmillan8208]

I have been waiting for this exact video for SO long 😂😂😂😂🙌🏻

[@JA420love]

Ullenka wrote, on one of her Instagram comment feeds, that she wasn’t able to get a diagnosis of autism for her son from several specialists. Since she wasn’t able to actually get her son diagnosed as autistic, then she made it up. And currently her son is still unable to be diagnosed as autistic. She is “treating” him with an extreme restrictive diet, making money and gaining attention from his fake diagnosis. I am pretty sure Ullenka needs to see a psychiatrist to find out if she has Munchhausen‘s Syndrome by Proxy.

[@Megan-cd6sh]

Another great video! I thought I may be able to add a little to this. I have worked full-time with people with moderate to severe autism whose ages range from 4 to 60 years old, and their families, for over a decade. I am also raising an exceptional young man with severe autism. From what I have observed, the vast majority of people with autism who are suffering are suffering because of the people around them, who are responsible for caring for them. The ones who suffer most are the ones whose support system thinks that there is something wrong with them, something to be fixed, a defect. The ones who thrive the most are the ones whose differences are embraced and encouraged, whose loved ones see that they are capable of far greater than the general public gives them credit for. Do I think that autism needs a cure? I think that is a question that I am not qualified to answer. I personally cannot imagine my life without the phenomenal men, women and children with autism who enrich my life on a daily basis. Do I think people's perception of autism needs a cure? Fuck yes.

[@aleksandrazimpel8097]

Meggy Tweeds, well said!

[@Megan-cd6sh]

@@aleksandrazimpel8097 Thank you! If you can't tell, this subject means a lot to me😉

[@comom2055]

I feel for her kids! I could never do fully raw. Feeding my four year old is a nightmare sometimes. It’s nice to know you share that same struggle lol. Thanks for sharing this video

[@patty978]

So glad you did this video. I watched her channel a few years ago before she was soooo intense. However I stopped watching her when she started feeding her kids watermelon ONLY for lunch! And then started telling her daughter that she soon had to stop eating avocado because she was getting older. Her daughter's face was so sad and upset. I fear for those kids and I'm surprised they aren't malnourished and failing to thrive

[@lollypop0217]

Okay so I’m 19 and I’ve had SEVERE eczema my whole life, it’s so bad that I get hospitalized for secondary conditions from it pretty often. I had a holistic doctor when I was young and it never did anything. While steroids aren’t the best thing, it is literally the only option for kids like me because I have tried everything. Stuff like this infuriates me because of the misinformation. Also for people like me out there, I’d look into Dupixent. It’s a new medication that has come out and it’s supposed to be a miracle worker for severe eczema and asthma. It’s an immunoglobulin shot twice a month, but it’s a long process to get put on it.

[@pamelaaverrett5848]

lollypop0217 agree with this 💯 . Severe eczema most of my life, holistic steroid free treatment was actually making the eczema worse!

[@JalenSills]

I used to have really bad eczema on my hands to the point where my knuckles would bleed, even while I was vegan eating a mostly whole foods plant based diet. When I switched to a mostly raw, fruit based diet my eczema completely went away. Honestly. I’ve never had that problem again and I had delt with it for years. A lot of things cleared up for me when I went transitioned into raw including acne and asthma as well. I’ve used different steroid creams for Eczema. Accutane for acne, and tons of different inhalers for asthma. Going fruit based and eating raw a majority of the time with maybe the occasional clean cooked meal (like steamed sweet potatoes, squash, quiona, steamed veggies) completely cleared all of those problems for good and I don’t take any medication for anything anymore. Not to tell you to go raw or anything, but honestly I think it is possible. And if you’ve never tried going fully raw fruit based for a period of time like a month or a few months. You might be very surprised if you see the effects.

[@chloev9667]

Love how you can change the structure of the brain through diet apparently 😂 as a mum of an autistic son it can't be and doesn't need cured, it is a neurodiversity not an illness. If anyone tries to say that an autistic person has or needs cured they don't deserve to be around those people, learning to work with them and appreciate their diversity is far more important than any form of feckin diet. Neurodiversity can be seen on brain scans, you can't 'get' 'catch' of 'form' autism, it is just the way a brain is formed. It is a diversity and it doesn't have nor does it need a cure it needs people to be open to differences.

[@pjhaze]

You didn’t watch the video first? That’s a shame. Well one thing she says I think applies is NO ONE PERSON SHOULD EVER SPEAK FOR THE GROUP. She also says HAVING A CURE FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE IT WOULD BE A GREAT THING BUT CURRENTLY THERE ISNT ONE! How that’s controversial is amazing- obviously most of the people in the comments didn’t watch the whole video.

[@psychokitty1868]

There's also a specific vitamin deficiency that can present like autism, and many people (including Jenny McCarthy) change their kid's diet and that ends up improving the vitamin deficiency and they are "cured"

[@laurawashere]

I personally worked with her for a few months. This is so cool you’re doing a video on her 🤣

[@michaelazangeres]

As someone who grew up as the only non autistic member of a family I disagree with your statement about aspergers being the mildest form of autism. Aspergers can be mild but more often than not people with aspergers can't live on their own and can't get a good education. People with aspergers have an above average IQ but for many people that really doesn't help them to function well in society.

[@seaweedhoe]

Make a video on Dr Dray’s what I eat in a day video please!!!

[@maledicenttails]

I have no idea how she manages to eat squash oats with protein powder..

[@b2h316]

I had to stop watching her videos. Her orthorexia was so triggering for me

[@zweks]

Man... She's such a nice soul but her diet is eating her away

[@seaweedhoe]

Tay honestly those oats looked really good to me sldkfkfkfco

[@beans9479]

Can't believe we just took UV's "autism sucks" take like that's not the most ignorant, problematic take. Wtf.

[@rainbowkitten8990]

I’m autistic, and this makes me so sad. We are perfect the way we are.