Joe Wells - I Am Autistic - Full Show

This show was recorded by Welsh comedy mavericks Go Faster Stripe.
Support them by joining their GFS Club! All the money raised goes towards filming more specials like this AND it gets you stacks of benefits.
More info here - gofasterstripe...
Special thanks to Robert White for creating one of the greatest cover versions in all of music history.

[@ChandlerSavage]

As an autistic adult who masked my autism most of my life, the advice "Be yourself," is exactly what I'm learning to do. Excellent special and if it weren't for autistic comedians, I wouldn't have learned that I too am autistic, which has been a literal life-saver. Thanks for being your unique self and giving others a look at autism in the wild!

[@polyliker8065]

It is also great advice for other neurodivergents. I'm not autistic but have pretty hefty adhd myself and was pretty good at 'passing' by just winging it. Then I hit adult life and got in trouble. I got diagnosed, mostly because of history in our family (if they weren't diagnosed I'd still be struggling super hard) and am doing a lot better while just learning to accept myself and all the bad things that come with that. Masking is still a huge part of my personality because it is just so ingrained. But learning things like saying 'sorry, I was distracted, can you repeat that?' instead of just nodding and going 'yeah' and then freaking out after that because I clearly am missing vital information is quite freeing.

[@dmgroberts5471]

I absolutely love that you don't feel you have to look at, or even face, the audience.

[@joewellscomic]

receiving the diagnosis/finding out about the informal childhood diagnosis (it's a complicated story) really helped me be a better stand up because I didn't feel I had to model being a stand up on other comedians. I'm not completely where I want to be but I've been doing comedy for a long time and it's only post diagnosis that I feel like I've been going in the direction of authentically finding my voice.

[@moonmarigold454]

Thank you so much for making this show. I am an autistic girl who has recently been discovering that I should, in fact, be myself everywhere-and not just the masked “self” the adults in my life told me to be. You exactly voice all the truths I have been realizing about being autistic that I just want others to know and believe. I am so glad to know that there is someone else who feels the same way about being yourself as an autistic person. Once again, thank you so much for making and recording this show, Joe. You have inspired me, and thanks to you, I feel more strongly than ever about two things. Firstly, that cross-country skiing is ridiculous, and, second and more importantly, that autistic people like me should genuinely be themselves. Thank you.

[@marnierose7816]

As a 45 yr old Autistic women, please don’t mask if you can help it as it can fry your nervous system over time🫶

[@HC20047]

Then again, most of my relationships (that I appreciate deeply and I love my friends) were originally founded on various persona that I made up to mask my autism and imitate what I believed would make me acceptable and pleasant. After decades of masking all of the time, how do you distinguish between the "masked" you and your "true" self? So many traits, from micro-gestures to social doctrine (yes, autistic indeed), that were originally painful mimes are now intrinsic parts of who I am. "Masking chemo therapy" to root out the fakes would basically reboot me back to childhood. "Start new game" or "carry on faking", that is the question.

[@AshRBanks]

My favourite Autism euphemism is "person living with Asperger." It gives me the chance to ask whether they are roommates or "roommates", who pays the rent, whether they share chores, and so on.

[@isaackitone]

What about "person surviving with Asperger"?

[@Heatherwashere]

​@isaackitone Are they in the woods or on a desert island? And is the island just deserted, or is there an actual desert there?

[@isaackitone]

@@Heatherwashere You've broken my brain.

[@laurencewinch-furness9450]

"Living with Asperger" rather than "Asperger's" implies you're living with doctor Hans Asperger himself, which considering his...political associations, might not be much fun!

[@milkywayranchsc]

They better lock their door and sleep with one eye open if Asperger is their roommate. That creep sent kids to nazi death camps.

[@mistertestsubject]

51:00 got to me, out of nowhere. I started tearing up because I don't think I've ever heard that perspective explained, and I wasn't ready for how much it would make a lot of things in my childhood make sense. Thanks for that, genuinely. It was also a very funny comedy show, I'm subscribing

[@katarinavomdach]

same here! exactly that moment.

[@alexkiddonen]

​@@katarinavomdachyep.

[@linden5165]

Me too

[@waynepalumbo8917]

I think the Autistic internal monologue has a large amount of "what the fuck are you talking about?!?!?!" in it lol.

[@a-ms9760]

Found this very funny, thanks. The audience seemed rather cold, but perhaps they were being quiet because they were listening intently.

[@stephenie44]

I’m also a white person who has been called the n word by a black person. Thank you for labeling it a term of endearment, I have always been confused 😅

[@coda3223]

Me: *finishes watching this video* Me: Hey dear? You wanna watch some stand up with me? *Immediately restarts this video on a shared household device so my partner can watch too* 0_0 I think I might be one of the four.

[@joewellscomic]

😂 Thank you! I'm on tour around the UK next year if you're based over here. More than happy for people to buy tickets for multiple dates.

[@coda3223]

@@joewellscomic Unfortunately, I live in the US. 😅 I did buy your special when it was sold online though and I try to share your work with everyone I know (and many strangers online). Plus feeding the algo with rewatches and comments to do my part. I really appreciate your work.

[@TheAutisticEducator]

Nice one Joe! We Autistics are the funniest!

[@JCSAXON]

I just had a lengthy discussion with a close friend on this topic and we are in complete agreement

[@avoiceinthedark2028]

Yep!

[@scdl-m2z]

100%

[@Minyassa]

Fantastic set, thank you. You spoke directly to some of us and I for one got to watch it on KZbin without buying a ticket so as a poor autistic person I feel especially seen.

[@tma789]

Wow! This made me laugh so much. I want to talk about this but don't want to give away spoilers. The song is stuck in my head. I relate to this. I wish I could tell stories this well. This is a rollercoaster barrage of witticism. I needed this. I want more. Thank you. This made my day.

[@joewellscomic]

Thank you!

[@shoman3927]

You should be a spokesperson for autistic people, feels like you are speaking from my brain.

[@joewellscomic]

haha! The power would go to my head but thank you!

[@MammaApa]

Yay, finally a whole show! Thank you!

[@joewellscomic]

I couldn't have made this without Gofasterstripe, do check them out theyve got loads of good comedy stuff for sale

[@WeSailAtDawn]

This has made me laugh and it helped me understand myself better. ❤

[@joewellscomic]

what a lovely comment, thank you!

[@WeSailAtDawn]

@@joewellscomic Thank YOU! You are like a PSA fairy spreading awareness in a way that anyone can relate to and that is a gift my friend. Keep on keepin’ on. Much love ❤️

[@discodiscordia]

Oh how cool, the whole show! 😍 Thank you so much!!

[@joewellscomic]

You're welcome although it's really GoFasterStripe to thank, they filmed it for free. Do check out their club in the video description.

[@bobsblackwell3594]

I'm the 3rd one of the 4 of our lot, stimmimg the loop button 😂Great show mate.

[@bingbong3080]

fire show thank you supreme leader joe

[@classicalellie]

went to see you back in december 2021 with my also autistic best friend (in a hugely overstimulating comedy club). I know allistics watch your shows but they feel like they were written 'for' us autistics. nice to have something specifically for us.

[@joewellscomic]

Thanks! Thats so lovely to hear!

[@j.taylor3670]

If I had a dollar for every time I was told (sometimes by complete strangers) "Instead of saying x, you should say blah, blah, blah..."... And I live in a country where Freedom of Speech is black letter law in the Constitution. People want you to make THEM comfortable, never the reverse.

[@linden5165]

Love your work Joe, and while you may not see yourself as a spokesperson you're absolutely on point and aligned with community and would be amazing in that role. The way you explained autistic childhood was so painfully accurate.

[@aurelia997]

Absolutely brilliant 👏

[@jamesclark6487]

I was several decades out of high school until I leaned to ask back, "I'm good, how are you?"... Used to just say "good" then ignore them. I might be on the spectrum...

[@BobbiElmanND]

Fabulous set Joe ❤

[@Phoebebeebee]

bloody brilliant, obvs

[@JW-mg1sk]

Omg your comedy is SO BRILLIANT 🤣😂🤣😂

[@gsouth45deg]

Love this! Have sent it to my neurodiverse friends. I loved the wit but also the gentleness in the way you share it. Look forward to watching more of your stuff and going down a Robert White rabbit hole, fab song! Thank you :D

[@j.taylor3670]

Brilliant! Made my day. Thank you.

[@a.mueller]

This was incredibly good.

[@Periwinkle-huh]

I listen to stand up comedy all the time and you are an amazing find for me! Clever, deep, a bit different so as any good stand up comedian. I want to hear more from you! Thank you!

[@charlotteyoung95]

You deserve wayy more laughs!!! That was brilliant 👏

[@sianchild]

I was so excited to see that the full show was available! Such a funny guy.

[@waynepalumbo8917]

This was hilarious, I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. I relate so much to this. Thank you!

[@Willow0.o]

Oh, I LOVE this!! Thank you for existing

[@loricat5606]

So happy to see a full show!

[@cr4zysh4dez]

Yay!!!!! Can’t wait to watch this right now. I am making taquitos. Autism swag

[@jackedelsa6710]

You deserved more laughs this was gold 😂

[@Talismantra]

absolute legend, thank you for making this available here :-)

[@joewellscomic]

couldnt have done it without GFS, please do check out their club, the links in the video description.

[@samdownie]

Joe what a fab show 🙂 a marvellous joy to behold.

[@Mannycabby]

Top notch

[@earthaforester3141]

Love this. Love the representation. Hilarious and relatable.

[@the_exiled_soul]

Wonderful ❤

[@HeidiHietalahti]

Thank you so much for this.

[@joewellscomic]

you're welcome! please do check out Go Faster Stripes other online content, they're proper good guys and filmed this all for free.

[@theanadevine]

Watching this on a flight. Jiggling my entire row and endangering my lungs through silencing my irrepressible laughter.

[@marcusmegastar]

Super, well done Joe!

[@joewellscomic]

Thanks! Hope alls well with you!

[@jonstarbuck]

Brilliant!

[@wizardsuth]

What's wrong with "Goodbye kids and grownups!"? What was he supposed to say?

[@BaldAndCurious]

Because there were no kids in the audience

[@LlyfrAnnoddach]

wow i love this. i got to see you once at a multiple-comedian show, and this is the first time im seeing a full show of yours. i absolutely loved it, thank you for this. im also autistic and i like comedy to sort of relate to the world. your comments about how people think autistic people dont understand humour were great (and funny!)

[@drgnldy8101]

“Not severely French…”😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@pjcornwall]

Absolutely awesome, thank you so much 😀

[@justcallmejen2]

Absolutely hilarious! 😂 xx

[@sideaves]

This is great, man! Such a good show!

[@alexkiddonen]

Godd stuff. The story at aroumd 51:00 was brilliantly put.

[@j.taylor3670]

High heels hurt and autism can make you clumsy. Nail polish and all the stuff in beauty salons smells too strong. Tight clothes...well you see why an autistic girl wouldn't fit the Barbie doll gender markers, but I have never been anything but what I am--female. Just not "female impersonator".

[@DeAthWaGer]

As a drummer that has taught an autistic student Cannibal Corpse blast beats, I highly approve.

[@joewellscomic]

I love that I've never heard the term "blast beats" before and yet I know exactly what you are referring to

[@archienness]

Think differently! 👍

[@j.taylor3670]

Loved the "severely" list on NTs!

[@Miktase]

I hate “Person with Autism.” Do I carry my autism in a briefcase? Do I stand on it like a stool? Do I wear it like clothes. No. I am Autistic

[@michaelanthony279]

Instant fan. 🙂

[@Spinnyoza]

So funny!

[@dirtykeyz]

The nosebleed section loved your eye contact

[@JohnnyJiuJitsu]

I'm not autistic but still enjoyed it.

[@HeatherLandex]

Clever, funny, brilliant

[@HeatherLandex]

Agree re:awareness months. Same for allergy awareness. It's just when the charities can promo their merch. Autism acceptance month - but then are the other 11 months - non-acceptance months? Autism pride is a thing, isn't it? But it's still LGBT

[@Iris_Studios]

Great show, thanks for sharing, I just followed you on the socials. Quick question: Did go faster stripe get you to do the sound of a cow that turns into a dog at the beginning or did they record that?

[@joewellscomic]

I wish I could do impressions that well

[@Well-said-pf3jc]

100% be yourself 😊

[@scene247]

I definitely cannot be myself. Be great and ideal. But not happening.

[@stoffij.4058]

Same, bro.

[@avoiceinthedark2028]

Chris rock has nonverbal learning disorder which is on the spectrum, that’s what I have too

[@joewellscomic]

I've read about this, I'd love to get Chris Rock on our podcast.

[@avoiceinthedark2028]

@@joewellscomic yes that would be awesome! It’s why when will smith walked up to him to hit him that he didn’t even know what was coming cause we don’t read body language at all we only get the 7 percent of language that is verbal

[@avoiceinthedark2028]

He didn’t even know will was mad

[@stoffij.4058]

​@@avoiceinthedark2028i get sth. like "aura" especially when people are sad or frightened. But i need to focus the person for it. That's why i always notice late, that i just said sth. Inappropiate....

[@roses2ndborn]

Throughly enjoyed his style😂

[@kofiagyeman]

Wondering if this was recommended to me because I’m actually undiagnosed. Also does autistic boil down to watched a lot of tv s as a child and is currently not a dick?

[@blanska]

this might be the first comedy show that legitimately made me cry. it made me laugh too, but every comedy show does that, that's nothing special :P :D

[@HelgeHolm]

Apropos the Gatwick Hotel bit. Currently, there is a trial in Norway on a huge drug smuggling operation. Some of the involved claimed they are just here on vacation. As evidence that they are not in any way here to enjoy themselves and are in fact EXTREMELY SUSPECT, the prosecution point out that they voluntarily stayed in the airport hotel.

[@joewellscomic]

haha! maybe this whole show is just my alibi

[@ThatAutisticBlackMan]

Watched this with my hubby tonight. Laughed harder than I expected and it gave me practice with accents and repeating certain words you said.

[@jcenergy2493]

OMG I'm 51, and I think I'm autistic LMAO.... I never knew, just thought it was OCD and ADHD LMFAO Ps, effin hilarious!!😂😂😂🎉🎉

[@radicalpasta7040]

Hilarious. I love your jokes

[@zeecaptain42]

Bloody hemophiliatic excellentix

[@jkRatbird]

The how are you rule 😭

[@stoffij.4058]

@joe wells 4240 English is not my motherlanguage, so please, what was that refunded thing instead of pizza? I googled 'ducon', and google said it's french for 'asslicker' 😅

[@joewellscomic]

it was "dog cum", I'm so sorry for the imagery but I didn't write it, it was comedian Andrew White who sent it to me.

[@stoffij.4058]

@@joewellscomic Ah, ok 😅 Thanks!

[@HC20047]

"Loosen up" is the worst. Luckily, I live in northern Europe, where shyness and introvert behavior is sort of ok (although not always understood) most of the time. Having a an inspired person violently and self-righteously pulling you onto a dance floor and, with threat of public ridicule, forcing you to dance in the name of self-expression, love, spiritual freedom and all things extrovert is my idea of hell. More hips, mf, more hips or you suck!

[@heyysimone]

"i like women and president zelenskyy of ukraine" 😂😂😂

[@ziggytheduke]

Wait, the "do you all know what rhetoric means" was rhetoric?

[@joewellscomic]

I'm afraid so, it was a cruel trick but usually enough people fall for it that no one feels picked on individually.

[@erinhigh2110]

Can someone explain the joke please😭

[@joewellscomic]

In order for the analogy to have been a fair one she would have had to not just shake hands with the patients.

[@micheals1992]

The finacial arguement for neuro-diversity. Money is just an idea, real wealth comes from people. I remember seeing a conspiracy video about "viral warfare" around the time of covid and it said something along the lines of "a virus kills the people but leaves the wealth intact". If you actually think about that all you would have is a load of empty buildings and resources decaying. If you take their money it would have the same effect as printing more money, it would devalue your currency. I'd love to know if our species will ever loose its obsession with money, at the end of the day its a man made idea and puts up barriers to actually helping people. We have been enslaved by our obsession to safeguard the economy which we worship as if it was a god. For me this is what the Infinity ♾️ stands for, theres a limited number of one and an infinity of the other 🍁

[@paulrobinson6562]

You went to padnell? I feel sorry for you

[@joewellscomic]

I then went on to Oaklands. Padnell was a paradise by comparison.

[@deffonotluke]

Seems I'm one of the 40% who can't see where that joke is going. Can anyone explain it to me please?

[@joewellscomic]

In order for the analogy with Covid to have been a fair one she would have had to not just shake hands with the patients.

[@storskegg]

I love Cannibal Corpse! 😀

[@joewellscomic]

They made the second best song called I Cum Blood ever

[@jamesclark6487]

In her xxx I stuck my xxxx killing as I xxx One of the greatest lyrics ever written, Chris Barnes was Cannibal Corpse. That was on The Bleeding, can't remember which track.

[@jamesclark6487]

Haha, that cardigan vest guy's piano crimson jack off rendition was very good.

[@AtypicalPaul]

Funny shit

[@erinb2887]

😂😯😢🤯🤣🥳🙏🏼

[@giannidcenzo]

ha

[@xlilften3056]

why is this guy wearing a cup

[@LoveProWrestling]

Why are you not? I mean, I'm assuming but anyway, go on...

[@menosproblemos6993]

Well we're all people with brains, so calling autistic people 'people with autism' isn't that far off = D

[@doreenplischke2169]

Don’t like jokes of spouses. I have ASD and do NOT find that funny at all.:(🤷🏻‍♀️

[@RealityCheck6T9]

You're funny and I like some of your observations. When you spoke about how autism is like being an airport hotel, I thought you were going to say people only stick around for very short periods. I do just find your show annoying politically. You may be genuinely liberal but it surely also helps that this society won't tolerate anything else. These days it's hard to distinguish genuine liberals/leftists from the average person who just espouses such views because they don't want to get cancelled. This is why American comedy is generally better because they have genuine political discourse where both liberal and conservative views can be expressed and there is a tension there which means comedy can be risky. In 21st century UK comedy there's nothing but soul-crushing conformity to liberal views, and silly hyperbole about the Daily Mail being literally Hitler. By the way if you do find yourself speaking for autistic people please don't say "we don't believe in gender". You definitely don't speak for me. Or if that is true it's that I don't believe in gender but in biological sex. I'm also not looking for "allies" ugh.

[@stoffij.4058]

I was like u, 'til i got to know some queer people... these people are real, just as inters are since ever. For myself, i'm female, and it's ok for me, but not important. I have "female" traits as well as "male" traits and i believe, that there's a common difference between straight cismales and cisfemales. But at last, what counts, is the individuality of any PERSON. In some way, there are females, who are much more different from me than some males....ok, most of'em be allistic...

[@miss.antidote]

Good set, my friend!