5 Hidden Signs of Autism

[@sharonthompson672]

1. Hyperfocus 2. Sensory avoidant 3. Sensory seeking 4. Subtle Social Challenges 5. Presenting as flexible/highly adaptable, while internally having difficulty with change.

[@aprilsmith8014]

These are not really hidden-they are very common symptoms of autism-

[@FaethorFerenzcy]

Not all heroes wear capes. Thanks.

[@laura.bseyoga]

I was undiagnosed until earlier this year. I'm 47. People have told me I'm weird/ a loner/ unfriendly/ an introvert, too sensitive for my whole life. The autism community on youtube are awesome & there are some great content creators who have helped me feel less like a freak & more like a human being. 💚

[@lanoosaurusrex]

39 and just found out this year through my own research and self-testing

[@taoist32]

50 and self diagnosed after 3 years of research and self observing of my behaviors and patterns. Plus, all or most of my college friends are neurodivergent although that word didn’t exist in the early 90’s.

[@Mertz96]

I would say that difficulty with transitions is huge. It can be transitions between tasks, or places, or people. That is extremely draining. That is why if you are on the spectrum you thrive with routines. I have noticed this with both of my kids who are on the spectrum

[@siriushp0904]

This is glaringly obvious in the workplace. I hate it so much

[@GrungeGalactica]

Yes it feels like you’ve slowly adhered to something, only to be suddenly torn off like a plaster 🩹 and it never sticks back as well once it’s been ripped off, so jarring!

[@WeCanBeHeroes1]

Merry Christmas to you and your Family. Thank you for your work.🎉🙃

[@TheEdgejoe]

I was recently diagnosed at age 52. I do see all of these signs from though out my life. I have a quiet mild personality and soft spoken. I also have dysthymia. So an autistic meltdown for me does not look like the stereotypical view. I have watched your videos for quite a long time and I am glad you are making more on neurodiversity. With all of my studies in psychology (a hyperfixation), it never occurred to me that I had autism. Thank you for bringing this brain type to light.

[@STONE-wh2en]

I always had this feeling of not belonging to a certain place at any social event. A feeling of discomfort, as if there was a problem with my appearance, my clothes, etc. Like a voice that said "you shouldn't be here." It's smaller today at 60, but I still have something like that.

[@Gwenx]

Uh i am so glad to see you make this video

[@mdj-ie7rj]

Excellent points and suggestions! Best to you!

[@GaraxyMusic]

I’m hyper focused on being normal, being myself, being confident, being less invisible and being less autistic. Creating relationships is the most challenging thing ever and it really drains all my energy and focus, so much that it hurts sometimes. I can’t quite relax. It’s a cycle of bad feeling and good feelings constantly swirling.

[@Moshm4n]

I'm pretty sure I was misdiagnosed with ASD when I was 13. It was based on having a focused interest in video games and some problems socializing. I don't remember getting an evaluation, and ever given the opportunity to answer questions or to give input on the diagnosis. The reality is I have ADHD, and video games is a particularly dopaminergic activity. Due to the inattention aspect, I'm pretty sure my early problems with socializing have to do with consistently missing social cues. But when I'm dialed in, I can receive them just fine and digest them instinctively. Now that I've gotten treatment for ADHD, I found I don't play as many games and I have a lot of varying interests that come and go. I also find that I can engage with people much easier.

[@princessebob]

I am sensitive to sound and there are a lot of noises that stress me out; people with grating voices, dogs barking, kids crying, people who scuff their feet when they walk, and even songs or commercials I loathe on the radio (I turn the volume to zero when they come on) but if I hear music I like, I will want to listen to it over and over and over again. I have a very inner physical response to it and it can sometimes make me quite emotional. As far as touch goes, I hate certain types: my own strands of hair in my face or tickling my skin if one gets loose and gets into my clothes, strangers touching me - especially in a light way (like a really wan handshake), and how clothing can feel and the way it fits. On the other side of all that, I have this weird thing where I save my t-shirts that have been washed so much they become almost see-through. The fabric is so soft that it calms me to sit and run the fabric through my fingers while I watch tv. I also love splashing freezing cold water on my face in the morning to really wake myself up. I'm 50 and not yet diagnosed but I'm pretty sure it's the case with me. I've got some pretty weird quirks and have never really felt like I fit in.

[@GrimAshford]

I just got diagnosed this year (honestly a couple of weeks ago). I'm 48 and my entire life I've felt like I don't fit in and have been "unacceptable". It's such a relief to have a reason for it now.

[@leosthrivwithautism]

I'm so happy that an actual professional is talking about this!! Even if it's not Doctor Morton's speciality. I can't talk from a professional stand point as I am not one. I'm just a fellow autistic person. But this is what my own channel is all about. Unfortunately, over the last 5 years I've owned my channel I've tried to collab with actual professionals but so far they have all ignored my attempts to reach out. It's ok though. I get it, no one takes a non professional tiny channel seriously. haha. I'll keep trying and hope one day to collab with a medical pro. I love the video. Always makes me happy when I see Autism being talked about. =)

[@BigLRestInPeace]

Wow, this really changed my perspective of myself. I am 35, and last year I got diagnosed with BPD. I do think I have autistic traits, aspecially hyper focusing and sensory overload. Eating sounds, crowds, touch. Sometimes it hurts even to be touched, but it's more when I am upset.

[@Suebee1988]

Hi Katie. Love that you are covering this topic. 58yo female who has given up hope on getting a formal dx of autism at this point but I know my brain so... A few things to add: #1 I believe this kind of hyper-focused thinking is referred to as monotropism. #4A. Autistic traits not being "noticeable" can often be due the autistic person's sense of self-preservation causing them to actively mask/hide traits from others and/or themselves to fit in - ultimately resulting in health issues and autistic burnout. #4B. Autistic folks gravitating to each other or other neurodivergent folks is often the most natural fit. I can't cite the study but recall that groups of neurotypicals and groups of autistic folks were observed communicating just fine amongst themselves and only ran into significant issues when they two groups were combined - i.e., different types of brains have different styles of communication that makes sense to them. This would include your example of the girl liking trains and the girl coloring together - a form of socialization known as 'parallel play'...when two people are together physically enjoying another's company while participating in completely different activities. Keep up the great work!

[@viennadesou6546]

The idea that we cant socialize is also a misconception; they found that an Autistic among Allistics will have difficulty socializing or will be perceived as awkward or weird; but among other Auristics, we often socialize just fine and an Allistic person among Autistics will be the one having difficulty socializing.

[@PhotonBeast]

There was a study that actually showed that it is a bit like speaking a different language due to the way the two groups understand and process things differently. Hence the communication barrier between but not within.

[@FernJuice]

Exactly. The research called it the Double Empathy Problem and actually has found autistic people on average tended to understand neurotypical people better than the other way around, probably because we spend so much time in cultural immersion essentially compared to NTs.

[@duerremueller3609]

this kinda came at the perfect time. My new psychiatrist brought up Autism to me today after years of struggling with the wrong med combos. I've had 8 other mental health professionals tell me the same thing and in the past I always dismissed it but this time I actually listened and am thinking maybe it's time to look further into it

[@ovskii96]

There are also some people who are not on the spectrum, but have identical symptoms caused by different comorbidities. I am officially diagnosed with multiple disorders (mainly adhd and depression) that more or less make my symptoms almost identical to autism, but I technically do not have autism. This is why it is so important to not self-diagnose and seek out professionals.

[@LuckyGirlsTown]

Self-diagnosis is sometimes the only option available to individuals. Making a blanket statement about self diagnosis being bad in all circumstances further stigmatizes an already stigmatized group of people.

[@AFellowCyberman]

​@@LuckyGirlsTown You can't self diagnose. Only professionals can do that. You can think you have it and say "I might have ______" but you don't have the full professional knowledge to diagnose.

[@AliciaGX]

There are also some people on the spectrum, who have been diagnosed with different disorders, because they themselves didn’t understand autism as well as their degree would have you think. That for example some disorders share similarities with ASD. That ASD itself suggest by its name ,that it is a spectrum. A spectrum which may or may not include several or all of the subcategories found on the spectrum. Things like: OCD, ADHD, PDA among others. That therefore it is difficult in adults especially, to correctly identify ASD in someone, who may heavily mask and experience their symptoms so to speak , as anxiety and depression. Therefore ending up with a diagnosis of anxiety and depression, not ASD. When perhaps the underlying reason for the depression and anxiety is Autism. I think another commonality among folks with autism is their experience of always having felt “ other”, different from others somehow, like they were adopted, or part alien , since childhood. Perpetually misunderstood, struggling socially often in one way or another. ….outgoing maybe even but still struggle and get completely overwhelmed at some point. You try to fit in , try to have normal lives and do those things but somehow it doesn’t work that way for you. You constantly process so much information and often wondered , do other people even think much? I think about everything from every angle and consider so many aspects before I formulate a response. Or I go blank and almost black out if I feel completely out of place. I freeze. Fight / flight/ freeze responses are reached far more quickly in a person with ASD. When everything is filtered through your emotional intelligence process , and that’s your primary form of navigating and assessing your safety in your world, your reality, when that is NOT how most people experience their reality, then the result is exactly the mis congruence with others. And no matter how hard you try to communicate YOU, someone that isn’t having this experience is unable to relate, to perceive what you perceive. And that’s the problem. We freeze , We fight We run / flight In a way folks with ASD feel that it’s the world that has a problem, not they themselves. And I would agree . Everyone would benefit from a kinder , gentler and more intelligent, thoughtful, considerate , informed world Thank you ❤

[@GuidingEchoes]

Wonderful video Kati! I was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism a few months ago. #5 is totally me. It’s really hard on me when plans change or when someone invites me to do something last minute. I need things planned out. I’ve never ever been one who liked spontaneous trips or anything like that. In the past, I’ve had so many friends and family members try to pressure me into doing things that I don’t want to do that I finally just started agreeing to things but ghosted them. Were they mad at me? Yes. Did they learn their lesson? Also yes. I really struggled with standing my ground with people so that they would accept it when I said “no, I don’t want to do that.” I’m currently trying to make new friends and I met a woman in a Facebook group her presented herself as being philanthropic. She reached out to me one day and asked me if I wanted to go to a Halloween party with her that night. I politely declined and informed her that I want feeling well. She tried to push me by saying “You should come out anyway. It’s a good excuse to meet new people.” I blocked her. I just don’t put up with that bs anymore. I still look flexible and calm to a lot of people and I still try to go with the flow in certain social situations. But yeah…. I identify with everything on this list, but #5 is the strongest. This was actually a big issue between me and my ex.

[@neepers22]

I can really relate to your comment. I didn't even realise this is how I was until recently. I'm now more upfront with people, but it always amazes me how some people can just go with the flow and accept changed plans without a care!

[@eledeog]

Thank you for making this video! 💜 I have an autism diagnosis myself and I think that for the sensory avoidant and sensory seeking it can also be a mix, not only in avoindant at some point in time and seeking at another point in time, but also avoidant towards some of the senses and seeking for other senses. In my own experience I tend to be mostly avoidant for sounds and light, but I can be seeking for touch. For example I've noticed that it is very hard for me to not want to feel something if it looks very soft (in stores or anywhere) and, from people I trust and like, I also love to get a hug. (I know: most people think atistic people don't like hugs, well: some of us don't, some of us do) I will also have times I can't stand to get a hug, but I honestly don't think that is because of my autism (more related to negative things in my head). I don't know if this is helpful for anyone, but there you go, part of my experience as an autistic human being...

[@sg4421]

Hey Kati, I love that you mentioned sensory seeking! Like you said, people usually talk only about the opposite, not really seeing that people can have both things on different days. I am autistic and when I am not overstimulated, I often find myself looking for stimulation, sometimes I even look for something like rough textures or even things that actually hurt, just because I feel like I need something highly stimulating. So thanks for talking about this! I like this video. :) I hope you have a nice christmas time!

[@susanwhite6761]

I have always had trouble making eye contact. People find it rude...I had no idea until I was in my 40's.

[@brandonwhodeyer8531]

Just wanna say I am new here to your channel. I look forward to watching your upcoming videos. I am on a healing journey and have been for years. I half to keep learning and to continue to grow in my journey. In a way I feel we are all in the same boat. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@Kazuma42]

I just turned 38 about 2 weeks ago, and just started looking into exactly what autism is this last summer. So 2 months ago I asked my therapist and in my next session I was diagnosed with being on the spectrum. Our next sessions we are going to start diving in more into the spectrum to understand why my life has been the way it's been.

[@austinhernandez2716]

My family always told me that when I find something in interested in, I go all in on it. I never thought that was anything special, it's just doing hobbies that I enjoy. I'm not diagnosed yet but going to get tested soon. I have many friends on the spectrum, I just get along very well with them.

[@PaintrainX]

I was diagnosed at 39 years old. What really opened my eyes was a the book “Asperger’s on the job” by Rudy Simone. I tried to solve my problems from its symptoms (mainly depression). But never understood why it didn’t work. Reading about the struggles at work for high functioning autistic people in that book, was like reading my diary. I finally understood why I couldn’t fix my problems the “normal” way. I think work is pretty telling when it comes to autistic people.

[@mistycapps6002]

I wasn't diagnosed until my 30s. I am now 42 and being diagnosed this late makes it very hard for me because adults with autism don't get the support they need. And people think we don't need help because we've survived this long without it but surviving and living are two different things.

[@wuzittooya]

Does it even matter, though? If you don't get the support you need, despite surviving, you're still pretty much where you were before you got diagnosed.

[@wolfdreams2000]

Kati, thank you! I only received my dx(along with adhd) this past Jan when I was 62. I'm still learning what this all means to my life. You hit so much on point-thanks💜

[@clara3322]

Great video, thanks Kati!

[@ashtincolby8273]

I like Paul's videos on Autism from the Inside. He shares his personal experiences as well as thoughts within the community and shares workshops and resources for both autistic individuals and those working with them

[@kenrickbautista6141]

Like your video "8 Surprising signs of ADHD", this video kinda spoke to me. Not too long ago, I was taking a look at my life and it looks like I showed some signs of (undiagnosed) AuDHD. Same with bipolar disorder.

[@Ary0728]

Omg #5 was so validating! Thank you. This has been me for decades but I couldn’t word it as well as you did

[@siennaprice1351]

I have Septo Optic Dysplasia. This rare brain condition caused me to be born completely blind, and it also caused me to be on the autism spectrum. I have a hyper focus on music, the therapeutic benefits of music, my favorite musicians, sensory items, and other things. I mask emotions and crying and sensory overloads to fit in. I’m a sensory seeker. I love the feel of certain textures, I love certain sounds, I love to swing, rock and I love deep pressure.

[@stephcwooten]

I’m 33 and was just diagnosed this week! 🎉

[@alyxtora4534]

Your videos are the reason I want to get an assessment done for myself

[@AuDHDBoss]

Hyper focus can then turn into monotropism which is like an extreme hyper focus where we essentially become an expert on that topic or special interest. That monotropism is big in for those of us with autism

[@librarian1701-D]

i am unable to get support or help or even an official diagnosis.. doctors know nothing about it.. and I'm in my fifties... i get comments like 'well you've made it this far without a diagnosis'

[@wolfdreams2000]

The autism channel that oddly just showed up in my feed as I was watching a video made me see that I may be autistic. She is autistic and has 2 kids who are also, but she mostly helps by sharing what she's learning. Her channel is Mom on the Spectrum Also? There's an incredible Dr named Tony Attwood. He has so much info between his YT interviews and his website that it's an excellent rabbit hole😊 Thanks again, Kati

[@Materialworld4]

Thank you Kati for all of the advice and insights you have given me for the past 6 years, Wishing You All The Best!

[@HeathaLynn13]

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a young kid (around 11) but I’ve been off meds all of my adult life (I’m 40 now) I have a few of the symptoms that you mentioned. Especially the last one. I live in my head obsessing about my perception of things even though I know how much it doesn’t help. I prefer to try and overcome things on my own my learning and understanding my diagnosis vs going right on meds. I’ll def watch this video again and see what other helpful things I can extract. Thanks for all your videos Kati

[@FirstLast-cd6vv]

Lovin' the new do👍

[@amandalynn0521]

I’ve been watching Kati since the beginning of her channel when she was focused more on DBT and I just have to say she has come so far. She mastered creating legit, educational, easy to digest content. Her videos have helped me so much.

[@katynosework]

My frustration is I cannot make people see me. If I tell them about my issues, they tell me I’m wrong. They tell me how easy it is to fix myself and that I am responsible for my own problems.

[@dorkenspache8353]

#2 is why I dislike family events a lot. A lot of people in a confined space with a lot of ambient, uncontrollable noise. It's especially bad when the house I'm at doesn't have proper sound dampening stuff like couches, rugs, etc in a room and makes it super echoey. Like I love my family, but I also don't like how overstimulating these events are

[@markaoslo5653]

[1] 0:44 - _"Hyper Focus - Having [solely, dedicated/Monolithic] Special Interests"_ [2] 2:02 - _"Sensory Avoidant"_ (smells, sounds, lights, touch - overstimulating/overwhelming) [3] 4:04 - _"Sensory Seeking"_ [Stimulation] (bored or agitated without sufficient, specific stimuli) *{Note: a balance, and possible specificity between sensory types of _Avoidant, and Seeking,_ and that the former is often not in our control, where the latter, typically is, necessarily in our control). [4] 6:14 - _"Subtle Social Challenges - Social Challenges that are not obvious"_ {AvPD-like?} Doesn't _'look'_ typical Autism [5] 9:25 - _"Presenting as Flexible While having difficulty with change"_ Masking, Overthinking,

[@tylerraven1632]

I have not been diagnosed but trying to totally people to avoid the awkward interactions is a point as well.

[@jimdavis5849]

Thanks Kati, this is brilliant. I'm 58 now and 10 years ago I started trying to figure out some issues I'd had since I was a child. After years of doing my own research I'm convinced it's a mild version of autism. I think autism was only diagnosed back in the 70s if it was very pronounced. My parents and my school always treated me like I was smart, so I felt okay about choices I made like minimizing social interactions, hyper-focusing on a limited set of interests, etc. It worked out okay for most of my life, but I kind of wish I'd have worked a little harder to minimize some of the effects you mentioned in the video. Sometimes I think if I'd had those traits to a slightly greater degree I might have gotten a diagnosis and ended up with better results in the long run.

[@buildtherobots]

I went to Kaiser Permanente in Northern California to seek an adult autism spectrum diagnosis and they asked me what my ultimate goal in getting tested was and what I wanted from them. Confused, I answered that maybe they could help provide support and advocacy for me, but they were bothered that I couldn't already articulate what support I needed, pre-diagnosis. The branch I visited for testing allotted 4 hours only on Monday mornings to personality disorder and neurodivergence testing. They didn't deal with ASD or other such testing for the rest of the business week. The wait list for testing appointments was 6 months long. It took an additional 3 months for their post doc students to write the report on the results, despite telling me when I completed my testing that the diagnosis and report would be ready in two weeks. Two weeks later I called to inquire and they again told me 2 more weeks. Rinse and repeat until 3 months had passed. In the report they suggested that I read a specific book, which when I looked it up, had not been published yet. So I would not recommend them

[@WHAATEVEN]

as an autistic person, please do not use the colourful puzzle pieces as a symbol. it is the icon of a charity that is really not good and does not have autistic people in mind, ‘autism speaks’. a better symbol is a rainbow infinity sign

[@megankidd4671]

What is bad about them?

[@biemdubayu]

Yes, came here to say this. Also, if I remember correctly the rainbow infinity is for neurodivergence in general (still perfectly fine to use for autism), and a red and/or gold infinity is specifically for autism. (Red for the autistic-led "red instead" countermovement to anti-autism eugenics group Autism Speak's "light it up blue" thing or Gold for Au, the symbol for gold on the periodic table since autism starts with those letters). Please correct me if I'm wrong though.

[@jethrobradley7850]

​@@megankidd4671 They believe things about autism that are not supported by science. They also tend to talk about autism like it is an illness that needs to be "cured".

[@jethrobradley7850]

I also dislike the use of puzzle pieces as a symbol for autism because it is just so clichéd and infantilising - giving the incorrect impression that autism mainly or only affects children

[@daniels4209]

so i been on the autism spectrum sense i was 6 years old. often i hide my self from the world because i have limited time to complete things. i still live with my parents when everyone else in my family lives on there own. i feel like i have a pledge to stay alive for my friends. i also have hyper focus on things. lately its been a 3 to 11.50 job. i have a few book shelfs of interests i had for a day. i built a history as far back to the dawn of man. as i build my library i build a understanding that is deeper then what i would get in a public library right off the bat. often i catch mistakes that are so small a good person knows. im often called immature by my managers but they don't understand my life. i am going to be a great metal worker one day. and my brain still have dreams to become more adapt at tooling and lathing cutting metal to shape and moveing it down the line. was next, but i got down the line in some new waters. in metal that i had no clue about i make parts for the plumping industry. its only fair to learn about the basic so i can better equip my brain in the function of this metal. I'm a metal crafter of sort. were the metal hits the oil that's were my friendships are created. i could work in factory's build parts all day with other friendly individuals i could move parts to production lines thats how strong i was i could move 45 pounds consistently and greater. the heaviest thing i moved was a bag full of crafting pellets there must have been 45 pounds each x 50 bags or something 200 feet. anyone could do it not everyone would want too. then i placed it on something so a forklift could lift it. then i placed it in a way a electric fork scooter could pick it up. i was trained to do the scooter part but no one wanted to give me the job. i could do it. but then i would be missing my trip out with parts. i might do 8 trips in a night. or close to 15 trips. all depends on the calls of the team leads. i could make 50 calls in a night and call down parts like a organized butler. not everyone can handle the old way of doing things. i regimented stepped my way around 3 areas last Thursday. its a new plant lay out and i have mastered the error fixing in the plant. i saw that half the things were set up in a way unfair for the one in the area. i fixed and got what the team lead wanted. its really about perspective if you think about it.

[@daizydoesstuff]

hi kati! thank you so much for breaking these “symptoms” down! i’m very curious if you have ASD as you use in-group terms like “we” when referring to folks who are on the spectrum. thanks for all you do!

[@tardisgater]

I don't know how it is in this case, but I know she uses "we" language all of the time even when she's not part of the group. I've always wondered if she's ever answered why she does it.

[@markaoslo5653]

@Kati Morton (First off, thank you yet again)... If it still works this way on putting time-stamps and a brief title, anywhere in the description field, should produce _"Chapters"_ for quick and easy reference, and returns to specific parts. i.e. 0:44 #1 2:02 #2 4:04 #3 6:14 #4 9:25 #5 Verify the times I posted are suitable to you, for this video, then copy, just the five item list directly above, and paste into the description, at the very bottom/end - you should now have _"Chapters"_ (scrub-bar segments, that can be clicked to view each item... 😅 🙇 ☮ (I find this particularly helpful with _"X number of things, to consider for..."_ )

[@kivoe]

On the spot. I hyperfocus and it's draining!! Also agree on the stimuli seeking and needing to be flexible, but struggle with it. I was diagnosed in 2019 at 29 years

[@kivoe]

Also unsure if i'm Borderline, don't have the diagnosis

[@mid5606]

Hello Kati! Could you make a video about the differences between autism and social anxiety? Some characteristics overlap and I'm a bit confused.

[@violetplatt4081]

This episode is so interesting to me. I recently realized that my husband of 43 years, who is in his early 70s, is on the spectrum. I found myself laughing all the way through the episode as so much of it is him!

[@SamK9817]

I definitely hyper focus. My special interest is ice hockey, especially growing the game here in the UK. So I do lots of looking into ice hockey and the ways I feel growing the game could be achieved. But then all it comes down to is a hobby rather than something I do as a job. Sensory avoidance is also something I relate to. I prefer to have a conversation with people somewhere quiet. I don't find it easy going somewhere like a pub or an arena or something, because my focus is on the event in question, rather than talking to my friend.

[@crybebebunny]

Easily bullied victims from everyone, including grown-ups ups while we are children.

[@ExaltedDuck]

This will be fun. These types of topics usually turn into a checklist of yeah that sounds like my life

[@ArchmageAU]

Have all 5. Was diagnosed ASD at age 52. Built a very successful career and had a family. Hyperfocus + high intelligence = superb masking. Especially in a society that highly values boys and men that can provide and stoically cope with their own problems. Unfortunately undiagnosed (and unsupported) ASD, when growing up, is a recipe for social trauma. All of the people I know with late diagnosed ASD have socially traumatic childhood/school histories.

[@pandabytes4991]

Any time I leave the house, I make sure I have my noise reducing earmuffs with me. It isn't too uncommon for me to go mute if I find myself in an environment that is to loud.

[@Amybohme]

Can definitely relate to this. I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago now and im in my 30s. What I find funny is that before i was even diagnosed, i had a neurodivergent friend ask me if i was autistic. I denied it at the time, but this friend wasnt surprised when i told her after my diagnosis that i was autistic.

[@claird6477]

i find when you mentioned as kids, playing beside each other, in the same area interesting that someone realised this as they got older, looking back on their childhood. I see this in my work in preschool, children might not move from parallel play or associative play onto real co-operative play. Sometimes the friends they make, as they grow and develop move onto co-operative play as they get closer to five year olds, but the other child gets left behind because they arent able to cope with that type of play as well...

[@BoostedPastime]

Thank you Kati, we love you and we love your work and yes I have definitely been hyper-focused on all things automotive and mechanical my whole life when I was in high school I actually filled up my iPad which was supposed to be used for school work with over 3,000 pictures of cars and engines 😂

[@tomlotti240]

Several years ago, recall trying out some noise canceling headphones, and finding that they weren't all they were hyped up to be. The tech has probably gotten better, so I'll have to try the recommendation. Still kickin' it with earplug, especially when people eat toasted sandwiches at a cafe I frequent. With crunchy chips. Not related, but while I out today, I found myself sitting by this elderly guy talking with a family member of his on a video call, putting all his business out there. I was so self conscious having to hear what sounded like private matters that I had to move. Used to be that people wouldn't talk about stuff so openly, or rather there weren't cell phones so people didn't have to hear conversations.

[@Straightarrow7777]

Thanks Kati ❤

[@nicksmith4924]

3:37 why ARE they on the inside though!? I’ve been asking that since I was 4 years old. Why would I want a scratchy thing on the back of my neck.

[@FernJuice]

It’s sensory differences it’s not automatically sensory avoidant. Some autistic people are sensory seeking for some things, even those without adhd as well

[@vividravus]

i feel like #2 & 3 work in tandem, like the teetering balance she mentioned. for me it feels like different senses have varying thresholds for being satisfied vs. overstimulated.

[@neepers22]

Autism runs in my family - my brother, some cousins and nephew to name a few. I went through the process of getting assessed on the NHS a few years ago (so in my early 40s). I did not come out with a diagnosis (ticked most boxes but 'passed' (for want of a better word) the bit about communication), but I still feel like not enough information was taken into account as I didn't have the benefit of input from my family and friends that knew me as a child, so it was all self-reported. Being female, I've become adept at doing what I need to fit in, while mentally exhausting myself. I don't know if I shot myself in the foot during the assessment by doing this. I'm really fed up as I still struggle, but I don't feel I have the right tools to help myself or explain to others why social interaction exhausts me soooo much. Maybe it's too late for me. At least one of my son's is on the waiting list for his assessment at the moment. Maybe he'll be lucky.

[@Fireclaw2k]

Thanks for sharing. I have autism. I was wondering if you have what resources do you know about that will help people find work with autism and that have slow processing disorder….

[@ushere5791]

all 5 are true for me, but #5 is the most insidious. i have been self-contained my whole life because i've had to be. i've only ever had to reach out for serious help this past summer because of a health issue i couldn't simply adjust to. for reference, i self-Dx'ed autism in my 40s and got the formal Dx at 60 because they want us all to return to office and i can't go back to open bullpen/cube farm after 4 years of blissfully teleworking.

[@mattlawrence7130]

I fit all of those signs. I'm also an old man and I have learned through extremely painful experience that there is no help for me.

[@DeathImpacto]

Hyperfocus is when you CANNOT change your focus, special interest is just something that you are very interested in, beyond the usual. Hyperfocus is the problem that leads to you sitting in a spot for hours ignoring your needs. Special interest means you want to know everything about it. Connected but not the same.

[@marinakiell1069]

Kati, how have you been coping after hearing about the wildfire literally seen from Pepperdine University’s windows?When I heard “Pepperdine” I automatically thought of you.

[@Katimorton]

Aww thanks for asking. I am doing okay, they are sending out regular emails with updates, and so far all of my friends are okay. It's really sad, and unfortunately not the first time we have had fires there. I just hope everyone is okay and the university is able to protect as much as it can. xoxo

[@marinakiell1069]

@ tbh, I don’t know anything about Pepperdine, I just associate the name of the school with you as you have brought it up in some videos as to being the school you went to. Until I heard about that wildfire I thought Pepperdine was in Washington state, whoops.

[@humbertokatoch]

Já tenho 42 anos, acho melhor apenas continuar vivendo. Praticando o bem, respeitando as leis, e fazendo certo dentro da sociedade, é o que importa. O resto é sorriso e bem estar.

[@sneakysquid62]

I was diagnosed recently at 24 and I relate heavily to everything in this video. I found the weirdest thing happening. I feel more autistic now, it's like I have no idea how I got through social settings and seemed so normal when now, I get overwhelmed so easily. I also have no idea how I went undiagnosed my whole life

[@eledeog]

Hi, I have also been diagnosed when I was in my mid 20's, but for me that's not as recent as it is for you (I am 40 now). I just wanted to let you know that I have also expirienced the feeling of being "more autistic" after getting diagnosed, but I've had some more time to think about it and I want to share my conclusion. Before I had my diagnosis I had been masking a lot, trying to fit in. I didn't allow myself to do certain things because I felt they were not socially accepted and I crossed my own boundaries a lot (often even without realising), not realising why I was so tired after the facts. I was trying my hardest not to be weird, trying to be normal (always feeling like I failed at it, not knowing why yet). When I got my diagosis I finally knew what was going on with me, I wasn't "weird" (still a struggle to believe that at times), I had autism. And knowing I was autistic gave me the permission to try to respect my boundaries, to do the things I felt the need to do. And I think that is what made me feel "more autistic", the fact that I gave myself permission to do the things that I since then knew where signs of my autism... Also, I feel there was a period of time very close to getting my diagnosis where the "more autistic" was a lot, but that it didn't stay at the same intesity, it's probably still more than before my diagnosis, but not that much anymore. Just wanted to share my experience in hopes it helps you feel better about this... Wishing you lots of luck and courage to go on with your journey around this!

[@viennadesou6546]

I was diagnosed at around 39 after the 5th person suggested I may be Autistic (these were all folks that had either personal or professional experience with the Autistic community). I find I'm both sensory seeking and avoidant; the regular stuff of life can be incredibly overwhelming and I seek music and soft material often to sooth from that overwhelm. I'll wear really soft pants or jacket with soft lining and gently feel the material. I often will play a single song or album n repeat ad nauseum cuz it's calming my mind during overload - it's often interfered w/ my ability to get things done cuz I need to turn it off to engage in something else but I cant - or if i did my mind would be in chaos and I wouldnt be focusing on my task anyway.

[@MountainsoftheHeart]

I have feigned illness to go home when plans change in a way that is just too upsetting.

[@REAVER781]

oh, where to begin... I got diagnosed with ADHD in 2012, but still had issues with social stuff. I had started to research Aspergers and I asked my then therapist if I had Aspergers. She tilted her head to the side (like a dog would,) to think, and replied "no, you're not THAT severe, but you're definitely on the spectrum. She told me that the DSM-4 did not allpw for dual diagnosis of ADHD and ASD. I started seeing a new psychiatrist in 2022, He started me on Anxiety meds, but also noted p[possible Borderline Personality Disorder. I JUST started seeing a new therapist, since stopping therapy in 2017, due to a breakup that I wouldn't processing well. New therapist is great, had me get over my anger for my ex after 2 sessions. I did ask him how F'd up I am? He said ADHD, Anxiety, CPTSD, possible ASD and "Borderline Personality Disorder traits". SO much overlap on symptoms for ALL of those conditions. The ONLY traits that don't overlap are the remaining ASD traits in this video. My Therapist and I are going to whittle them down, as the treatment for most of them is NOT the same. I'm seeing him weekly! yay for awesome insurance, $30 a session.

[@humbertokatoch]

Kati, para uma doutora que trabalha e estuda diversos tipos de comportamentos humanos, qual tipo de perfil que aparece em maior número nas clínicas para tratamento?

[@bluecarrie]

I haven't been diagnosed but I have all but the hyperfocus on one thing. I hyperfocus when I'm doing something like drawing or reading or doing artsy stuff but I don't really feel like I fixate on one thing. The other things like you said I have attributed to anxiety. I don't have many friends and I've never really been good at making friends. The sensory stuff i totally see and as I've aged I see it more and more especially the sensory avoidance. Do you think I should talk to my therapist or will it really make a decision at this point in my life ?

[@thecatsbackyard4833]

Thank you. I thought the video was fantastic.

[@Katimorton]

Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your kind words :)

[@adamloepker8057]

I'm not seeing the clear distinction between ASD and things like ADHD It literally sounds to me like you are repeating the same symptoms for each. Help

[@azcactusflower1]

Google ASD and ADHD overlap You will see an image showing differences and what overlaps between the two

[@humbertokatoch]

Kati, você prefere ficar em casa por 5 dias e sair 2, ou sair 5 e repousar 2?

[@anotheruser9876]

How do I get the support that I need when it cost me $3000 out of my own pocket to get diagnosed and the ones I live with don't even give a shit?

[@gingermarshy007]

This video sounds like ur talking about me. Im not sure what a diagnosis would even do tbh

[@Katimorton]

It's really up to you.. it can be validating to get a proper diagnosis, or ensure you get proper support and care :) But not everyone feels like they need a diagnosis. xoxo

[@cmntr_]

@@Katimorton hi kati, can you please make a video on the intersection of autism and hypersensitivity? I think I might be an HSP and I also have a few symptoms of autism. The healthcare professionals I have seen think all I need to do is 'read a self-help book' (was told that by a psychiatrist), so I wonder if I was an HSP and not autistic, would I even be able to get any support since that's not a mental illness? Can you recommend any relevant resources?

[@gingermarshy007]

@@Katimorton i will consider its implications. Ur response is really appreciated so thank u!

[@stanchern3796]

What does the status of being an "autist" give us? Does it open up any possibilities? Why is it important to be diagnosed and "supported" medically or therapeutically at all?

[@cmntr_]

I think it can be validating to be able to put a label on it and to have a proper diagnosis as a starting point for further care, should you need it. If you're not struggling in your day-to-day life and you can't be bothered to see a healthcare professional about a (possible) diagnosis, that's valid too :) also as far as I know autism is a spectrum, so some people can struggle more than others

[@renfairegoddess]

The amount of physical comorbidities that come along with ASD. POTS (Postural orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). Dysautonomia of various types. It's also nice to know you're a perfectly normal zebra rather than a failed horse.

[@cmntr_]

@@renfairegoddess I love your phrasing: 'It's also nice to know you're a perfectly normal zebra rather than a failed horse.' that hits the nail on the head! I might steal that lol

[@alladreamwedreamed]

You say to get diagnosed, get treatment, get support ... What does that look like? What is treatment and support for someone 40+ years old?

[@Bree-ree]

Can you please make a video about the overlapping of mental illness as well as brain conditions? I’m officially diagnosed with 7 different things (CPTSD, BPD, depression, GAD, OSFED, OCD, BDD) and it’s suspected I have more (ADHD, skin picking disorder and autism) and it’s so confusing? Are half these things just overlaps? I’ve always been very involved in my treatments because of desperation to feel better. I’m 30 now, huge history of trauma as you prob guessed 😬 I see my psych and GP regularly and am on 3 psychotropic medications. I myself am a full time carer of my autistic daughter and work part time as a psychogeriatric nurse :)

[@christiegrows2022]

Oh I love your channel and then you used the puzzle piece 🧩 😩😩😩😩

[@renfairegoddess]

Kati must read her comments. She changed the thumbnail to the rainbow infinity instead.

[@colleend80]

I am 44 years old and waiting for the results of my ASD diagnosis. I agree with all 5. At first I was undiagnosed and later in adulthood, I was misdiagnosed for many years. Currently I'm...💔😭🐾🌪⛈️🌍🌐🚨😱

[@Hippie_Ashes]

LOOP EARPLUGS YESSS!!! 2nd gen is the 3-in-1 types n its heavenly! And light!

[@Gwenx]

Also if you have special ears like me that are sensitive to putting something into them, you can go to a shop that makes hearing aids and ask them if they make costume fit earplugs, they might be expensive, but my god is it the best thing i have EVER bought myself!! My partner snores, so i need them to sleep, and they fit like a dream and my ears are not bleeding or scratchy or comfy when i wake up. (I have had an untreated ear infection for years i didn't know about, and that has left my ear super sensitive, but the form fit earplugs are so snug it doesn't bother the ear)

[@cmntr_]

What a wonderful idea, thanks for sharing! I mostly use single-use earplugs, but they tend to fall out at some point during the night.

[@Focal-point748]

Neurodivergent/dysregulation. Understanding these 2 within yourself and in the world around you.🤔😉

[@CottonMitts]

I’m starting to suspect I’m on the spectrum 😂 I can relate to a lot of stuff people are saying about autism in women. I’m about to turn 59 🙄 I think I’m finally ready to explore the possibility.

[@kaelendra]

1 hyper focus - most of the actually autistic community and professionals prefer to keep adhd and autism words separate as there’s been issues of some adhders using autistic terms to refer as adhd ones…. Ironically with it being only 12 years since you could only be diagnosed with one not both a lot doing this seem to display a fair bit of autistic traits…. Depending where you look the comorbidity rate between the two ranges about 30-50% of adhders also have autism and about 50-70% of autistics also have adhd - and for any reading this no they’re not the same this most AuDHDers as we often term ourselves often feel like the two diagnosis are fighting each other even. Anyhow long winded way of saying though yeah well hyperfixate on our special interests that doesn’t make them hyperfixations. 2/3 sensory avoidant/seeking - keep in mind adhd leans more on the too much or too little though autistics can get overwhelmed or underwhelmed our issues aren’t just I need more or less it’s more nuanced. Our sensory profile can look like certain types of noise like buzzing from fluorescent lights being a big problem for us but maybe we love loud music, while we can focus listening to one person talking add in background noise and we can’t get our brain off that one sound that’s wrong. Sight sound smell touch taste can all be affected as can interoception and proprioception. We may be able to handle only a certain amount of something like certain brightness of light due to being extra sensitive but we may also just not be able to register something til a big level. The biggest problem often is people think we can get used to an issue by exposure therapy and no we won’t…. We might learn to hide the reaction others see but we’re still feeling the same issue and often our brain translates it to pain. 4 social challenges - keep in mind what this feels most like typically is that we’re missing the social rule book …not so much we’re just missing queues (more an adhd) but that we don’t see them or understand they’re there. Parallel play as described is a common thing for autistics at any age (hence why body doubling often helps us get things done too. A lot of social issues are down to us being wired differently as in not getting the point of small talk but loving deep dive conversations, different ways of emphasizing such as sharing similar moments to show we understand and commisserate, being straight to the point or blunt instead of sugar coating things, etc… these aren’t wrong or needing to be trained out of us. Btw eye contact from us can appear normal, too much, too little, none; however, many of us have learned to fake it to some degree and you may never know. 5 flexibility/change - masking is massive and I’ve had mini meltdowns in washrooms or had to act like I’m off to drive home but pull over and have a full blown meltdown in the backseat for even a couple hours before I finish even a short ten minute drive home. Also if plans change google helps so much nowadays…. We can see pics or full walk through a of locations and the areas around them and menu prep ahead of time and so on. For perspective on what I’ve typed though I try to listen to other autistic and neurodivergent people of all levels I am officially diagnosed with both autism and adhd as well as anxiety depression (was a incorrect bipolar dx originally but that’s been proven wrong, Pcos, pots, gerd, fibro, diabetes 2 and a few other things because autism rarely travels alone and aren’t genetics great? Not. I do however fully stand for appropriately researched self dx being valid long as the person can fit their traits to the dsm5tr. Before I was diagnosed id over 100 pages of proofs in a full on report with table of contents. Originally after KZbin pushed me an autism video when I was looking at bipolar ones I first set out to prove the very possibility of my being autistic wrong - my knowledge at the time was built on stereotypes and outdated or misinformation. Self dx has to be valid as there’s too many professionals going off old biases and or info as well as the cost for assessments wait times stigma etc.

[@TADWAJ92]

I’m a misophonic music fanatic obsessed with scents. Love gravity blanket and have used it for 3+ years for sleep. Audhd?

[@ao11861]

So if i only have number 5 am i on the spectrum? Or do i attribute this to all the childhood trauma and people pleasing? 🤔

[@linnmusic]

I have tested and seems I have autism - though my doctor says "everyone has autism"...

[@MrAgmoore]

how can everyone have autism? that doesn't make a lot of sense?

[@linnmusic]

@@MrAgmoore my thoughts too

[@mystripedlifetori2280]

What resources are there for autistic adult there are lots for kids but what about us

[@JamesKonzek-xr5zy]

I hurt! I feel! I give! I accept! I'm good enough! I'm smart enough! and dog gone it! People like me!