Max Explains Aspergers Syndrome

Clip from Adam Elliot's film Mary and Max in which Max explains what Aspergers Syndrome is and how he feels about having it.

[@momo-ym5cz]

I've heard somewhere that Thomas The Tank Engine is really popular with aspie kids because it helps them understand facial expression

[@fluidthought42]

I have ADHD which also is known for causing difficulty reading faces when you're a kid, and I liked watching cartoons and shows because it helped me recognize what emotions produced which expressions. I still get surprised from watching media I consumed as a kid though from the emotions that flew over my head that I was previously unable to recognize.

[@realbr1koo]

That shit creeped me out always as a kid.

[@iamthinking2252_]

personally I like the blue and the trains I think

[@ruthlesslistener]

Oh that explains a lot

[@marcspyder6721]

I have minor Aspergers, and what you said is pretty much true. I was a huge Thomas fan as a kid, and before I wasn't able to understand expressions. Aside from Thomas other things helped me push to understand better. Even with music I was able to put myself out there and stand out. You look at idols like David Lee Roth, Kip Winger and Gene Simmons, and they got that personality. I guess it took me a while to find that.

[@aidenaidenen7728]

“I do not feel disabled, defective, or a need to be cured, I like being an aspie”

[@theBigA1992]

For me, I would sell my soul, to be rid of my autism.

[@patrioticwhitemail9119]

@@theBigA1992 I felt like that for a long time. I recommend looking up autism jokes. If you look past the insults you can piece together how your perception of the world differs from what a normal person sees. I figured this out on my own. With what I took away from the comedians I was able to figure out what I was doing that made people want to bully me. I function indistinguishably from a normal person now. Good luck.

[@Caercutta30]

@@patrioticwhitemail9119 Isn't it Tiring, though?

[@patrioticwhitemail9119]

@@Caercutta30 not really. It was difficult at first. Once I first figured out what "normal" was, I had to constantly kick myself mentally as self punishment every time I drifted from it. It sounds horrible on the surface, but once you get friends, the dopamine hit solidifies your new behavior and it becomes natural after a deal of experience. I have no idea if my situation can apply to you, but I enjoy my existence now. I thank God for how he made me because I have the neurological benefits of being both normal and aspie.

[@nickdelrio7070]

@@theBigA1992 About that... I look up and see cause being Autistic can NOT be cured. Mental illness doesn't need to be cured for an abnormal brain.

[@leonwinchester9865]

It really is great just seeing a depiction of asburgers or autism where it doesn't make the character inherently smarter than the people around them

[@PhrozenFox]

or an annoying know-it-all. I just want people to follow the logical principles of language and stop using the wrong damn word. Maybe then I wouldn't get so confused at their jargon.

[@Kaz-sg1ih]

bazinga

[@HelloTher1313]

​@@BlackRose369.what?

[@StorMRagE4EVA]

Useless knowledge and guns are my thing so I honestly prefer having someone know a lot about something vs another

[@BlackRose369.]

@@HelloTher1313 aspergers is normal to gifted. Both ends are statistically near impossible. The conclusion of all this is that OP is an envious pi3c3 of sh.

[@paulnash9851]

This movie broke me for days... I’m a 48yr old man. But it genuinely broke me. Not just “aspies” but all of humanity is here. We NEED,LONG,WISH for connection. God bless the makers of Max + Mary for their understanding.

[@TheNightWatcher1385]

The best description I know for how aspergers feels is it’s like being in the middle of a big broadway play. Everyone’s brightly dressed and perfectly choreographed, but you’re in a plain T-shirt and jeans, can’t sing, and haven’t read the script.

[@Laenthor]

Very well put, it really feels like this. Dunno if I'm actually asperger's but people keep telling me I have a lot of the usual symptoms, and I'm inclined to believe it, but it really doesn't matter. I can still function somewhat in society and that's all that matters to me. I don't need other people's acceptance of what I look to them, I'm fine being myself.

[@TheNightWatcher1385]

Laenthor For being on the spectrum doesn’t mean you can’t function. It just means you have to learn through trial and error things that most people just innately know about.

[@Laenthor]

@@TheNightWatcher1385 What I mean by this is that I don't have all the symptoms, but enough to be socially awkward.

[@isaacforeman4107]

Haha your so right what a brilliant way to describe it

[@PacoCotero1221]

underrated comment

[@autisticzuko2750]

All the people angry over how Max doesn't fit them totally are ridiculous! No Autistic person is the same. Some cry, some can't. I for one have a hard time crying if someone dies no matter how sad I am but cry easily when overloaded or when I upset someone. Everyone is different. No aspie is the same and certainly not their experiences or symptoms.

[@dafilmqueen556]

I can't cry either,and I rarely do so unless something really makes me do so,like an emotional story or if I get yelled too!How remarkable for me to find similar thoughts here!

[@tasja1631]

I recognise that, I laugh uncontrolable with funerals, it is a good thing I laugh with tears but sometimes it looks like I'm to loud crying and that would be weird if it is for a grandfather of far friend. I stopped going to funerals all together. I really cry with animals or children who are left alone and also if I am angry or get misunderstood.

[@dead9247]

I have autism, but I don’t complain that others who have autism have different traits/symptoms.

[@dead9247]

Red_Alchemist same as you, I don’t cry when someone dies. But I feel like a monster when I don’t cry when someone is dead.

[@bunnybaker2289]

Preach!

[@parzivalthewanderer9687]

The lines about crying really hit me at my core. Its the worst, most painful part of being an aspie and autistic. Those emotions never have a way to get out, they just build and build into destruction, until that moment you punch a wall, tear a book, break furniture, or even break yourself. Its a pain I don't think anyone without these conditions can understand. Seeing friends and family die and being unable to vent it out.

[@chocolate_maned_wolf]

yeah, also cute sona

[@RGBovine]

Same here. I will have rare moments where I can cry, but it's hard for me to properly grieve without destroying myself both physically and mentally. Even at times I've objectified myself thinking it would solve all of the pain.

[@blainetate743]

@@someonedoe9591 Don’t feel too bad. Not everyone experiences Autism the same exact way. Maybe you have all of Max’s symptoms while having a new symptom to the pile, or you could have none of his at all while holding a variety of other traits that quality. It really depends on the person.

[@Limon11116]

Let me guess, you autodiagnosticated

[@DOCTORRGLASS]

I just don't cry unless I'm in pain I don't get it but it's whatever

[@keithleracc]

As someone with autism, it feels comforting knowing how I see the world isn't something abnormal or to be ashamed of. This film did an amazing job objectively representing autism; watching this made me smile. Also, the "take a seat" joke got a big laugh out of me. This is an absolutely brilliant film.

[@fungustheclown666]

That one stuck with me. I have trouble with vague directions and thought that was funny as well. I take vague descriptions as specifics often, and that leads to lots of confusion, especially with navigating roads and maps, and with doing what I'm asked to do something in waiting rooms or at my job.

[@breeeegs9704]

I have Asperger's and crying is not a problem for me. The "clumsy, bad hand writing, hypersensitive, and getting very concerned" is very relatable though.

[@ihatescrappydoo6827]

breeeegs I cry for no reason.

[@ihatescrappydoo6827]

I can also understand expressions

[@breeeegs9704]

So can I, but I still have trouble with sarcasm and taking things too literally.

[@ihatescrappydoo6827]

Same. It's probably a low chnace I have apsergers though because I don't have an "obsession: and I don't care for rules too much.

[@breeeegs9704]

I am obsessive but I'm not a stickler for the rules. Not sure if that stereotype is always correct :)

[@CynicalScientist261]

People don’t often realise the the issue we have with crying. I’ve not cried for many years. I’ve wanted to but I just can’t do it.

[@jayandmatt1517]

Man, i cant cry either. Don’t worry, i hear we aren’t missing out on much.

[@10karamel37]

I want to do is

[@10karamel37]

To cry

[@Lorriamy]

I’m the opposite; I cry at everything as I struggle to understand why people feel the way they do. If someone’s upset, annoyed, angry etc, I immediately think it’s because of me even if they’re not directing it at me. I struggle to see any other reason for their sadness or other emotions I can’t quite pin point. I cry because I take everything personally and can’t help it. I cry because I planned my day to go one way and that doesn’t happen. My partner never understands why I’m crying and begs me to explain to her why but I know my reasons appear stupid and sometimes I don’t even know why. I cry because I struggle to understand their emotions on a daily basis.

[@justanotherblackwhitemicke7817]

Crying its such a mess feeling, best I can say its dont forced it, it only makes it worse

[@FoxSketch6543]

2:20 I really loved this line a lot and I can relate to this because I have am austistic and I didn't feel alone, the part where Max said: "I do not feel disabled, defective, or the need to be cured." And "It would be lime changing the color of my eyes." To me, Max is a realistic and relatable character and Adam Elliot did a good job making this movie! 😊

[@Stejskyryuu]

Yes 💚🔥

[@kingofcalories]

I too am have autism.

[@dagtheking5739]

I’m 18, and according to a test, I’m highly likely to be autistic. I never got professional help, and I felt lonely my whole life, because I felt non emotional, and people just don’t vibe with silence. It still pisses me off, cuz I fill so weird when I try to fit in. Always had relationship issues, even as a son or brother. Almost never had friends.

[@TheRandomWolf]

⁠@@dagtheking5739I’m in the exact same boat, I’m just one year older. I’ve had different people ask if I’m autistic but I feel normal myself sense I’ve lived like this my whole life it just sucks I hate being called quiet it makes me feel boring, when I was younger I was less self conscious but very loud and annoying and my mental health deteriorated over time

[@zasproductions9258]

@@kingofcaloriesso too am I

[@RichieLarpa]

As an Aspie, I will add few more things, that are common in my case: 1) it is really hard for me to look into the eyes of my friends, but in job interview, I feel no pressure and I can do it easily 2) I have thoughts that haunt me, but does not make sense and I am unable to translate it into human language 3) I am extra talented at some things, compared to other normal people (I can speak 9 languages at different levels) 4) sometimes I have "outage of thoughts" and when I suddenly focus on something else during speech, I will freeze and forget what I wanted to say Feel free to ask me any questions.

[@zEternus]

I also find it difficult to look people in the eyes, it just kind of feels awkward, no idea why

[@PleasentDddd]

Does genuinely expressing emotions cause you physical pain? I have this issue and I was wondering if it was common.

[@RichieLarpa]

@@PleasentDddd Sort of. When I have to express feelings artifically, with no realistic connection to my feels, I will feel awkward, that is why I am emotionless most of the time. To be honest, I do not like, when people smile too much.

[@RichieLarpa]

@@zEternus In my case, I would say that I just feel like this is me and it is normal for me.

[@PleasentDddd]

RichieLarpa Interesting. Thank you for the information.

[@jimmystyx194]

Gotta love youtube ads. "I cry when I cut onions, but this does not count. INTRODUCING BEER WITH A HINT OF LIME!"

[@laniusmaxon5281]

That's not nearly as bad as the Preparation H ad I got.

[@commercio3564]

For me it was: TRY A FREE AUDIOBOOK WITH A 30 DAY FREE TRIAL.

[@SethXB]

if you use chrome, just just the adblock extension lol who doesnt use that

[@Sirlie08]

Seth Byman People watching on their phones?

[@dallasfisher9882]

BEER WITH A SPLASH OF SELTZER

[@chocolatesunday4798]

As someone with aspergers I’ve learned to fake understanding emotions. I use logic to evaluate the situation and find the best response. My mind has to go through a high multi step process to be to engage in even the smallest of conversations. Expressing my own emotions is difficult for me so I just copy others. It seems like the safest route.

[@adecentman5217]

@@hoosh1175 Hang in there buddy, you'll get it right some day!

[@officialgamerz29]

@@hoosh1175 Do you have a disability too?

[@TheFatefulOne]

@@adecentman5217 I laughed so hard at your comment

[@spinekingjrgensen5779]

@@theliberation9061 I must say that the people with shallow empathy are more a personality trait as empathy is a natural thing hard coded into all of us. Aspergers just hinders the ability to understand others and maybe express yourself, but that doesn't mean you cant understand their sadness.

[@gabrieldamasceno3971]

Your aspergers is a gift. People need to learn all of that which you were born with

[@wolcamophone4783]

As a kid, I saw the thumbnail for this movie on Netflix with his face staring into that mirror and it creeped me out. I saw someone do a review of it eventually and it's actually a pretty heartwarming movie. I like how Max owns up to his syndrome with confidence. It sucks dealing with any behavioral patterns that just come across as defects to others. Every person has random quirky bullshit they do for their own catharsis, and it's a shame we don't respect that between others as often.

[@QuanBrown27]

- What the movie name please? I wanna see it.

[@hubguy]

@@QuanBrown27Mary and Max

[@tigertoxins584]

I watched this on netflix when I was in 4th grade. I didn't understand a lot of what was going on but it was emotional and really well made

[@ZebraOnYourNose]

"I cry when I cut onions, but this does not count" That actually made me laugh out loud 💀

[@rhianstevens8818]

I just got this in my recommended, this means a lot to me as someone who was diagnosed with Asperger’s almost a year ago

[@blatantblasphemer7317]

Welcome to the weird ass party where everyone walks around with there heads down and tries to join in with conversation but just walks off after 3-5mins

[@UIM-Koda]

Same, I was diagnosed about 5 years ago

[@Eternalbleedingheartsclub]

I thought that Asperger's was no longer recognised as a singular disorder and is now classified as autism spectrum disorder?

[@Cookie-jb3xd]

Rest in pepperonis

[@Marokhan69]

Stay strong

[@heehokuzunoha7757]

That bit at the end about not being able to cry properly heavily applies to me. I often have to explain to others that I'm crying on the inside when I feel sad because I can't properly, outwardly express sadness. I have no difficulty laughing when I'm happy. I just struggle with tears is all

[@Julia-qt5wd]

Or when you cry over everything except for when you’re supposed to cry

[@terminator572]

That's… weird. I have the opposite problem, I can cry, but I often force myself to not cry.

[@HotBoySinatra]

I always say that a 6 year old version of me is sobbing in my skull

[@WastePlace]

Strange, for me it’s the opposite. I can empathize really well and have trouble stopping my tears but struggle to fake laughter or even work up a chuckle when I find something funny. I only laugh if it’s extremely hilarious but even then it’s just a fleeting moment of happiness and then I go right back to neutral again

[@s.m.grubbs6597]

@@Julia-qt5wd I cry whenever I sing songs, even when it's not sad

[@genericalfishtycoon3853]

The part about onions not counting is such a genuinely spergy thought though, I love it.

[@Hanslina]

I remember watching this scene when I was 10 and crying my eyes out cause I knew I could never truly relate to others with asperger since I also have adhd. And since I also have aspergers I can never truly relate to others with adhd. Damn, I felt so broken at that moment.

[@Al-.-ex]

Damn I’ve felt the same recently as I’ve discovered each disorder’s online community lol. Weird experience.

[@fox_hound8138]

But how do you feel now

[@Al-.-ex]

Sneedies It’s pretty nice, lots of relatable stuff. Look up howtoadhd on youtube, and just generally search for ‘adhd’ on twitter n follow peeps there and you’ve basically found it :) - afaik anyways

[@kissmyacidrocks]

You were 10 and probably did not realize that at the end , you will not relate to anyone. No one will. We all try. But remember this is the world where bombs have fell. Wars are won, and lost. Not your fault. None of it. Look for peace. Do not try to fit into something that does not exist.’please

[@robink8317]

Ive got both too and i fell you. Im too sensitive to be with adhd groups but to insensitive to be at home in asperger groups. Kinda just learned to fake it but i dont keep friendships for long because it feels more like a chore to me than anything else

[@Mordraga]

I was diagnosed with autism at a really young age and I was lucky enough to have supportive parents who taught me about it at a young age and this scene alone in this movie almost made me tear up because of the accuracy. I also really like how he keeps saying "I find" or "I think" and not using blanket statements.

[@thegreatestonion8526]

You are very fortunate to get diagnosed early, I got diagnosed when I was 16 and it really messed up my already shaky social anxiety. Now everything is new and changed and I’m not used to it, parents don’t even know how to change to help avoid triggers. It’s very hard to express feelings and when I try I feel I don’t say the right thing and get frustrated. It’s very difficult to put into words how it feels.

[@chessecontainment]

@@thegreatestonion8526 the worst part is being an aspie in an abusive household, nobody cares about you because they're too busy with their own problems

[@emcllns]

I legit clicked thinking it was a cartoon spoof about asparagus.

[@KryztalKitsu]

Asparagus Syndome: After eating asparagus, having to pee in a public restroom and having pugnant asparagus pee and having anxiety about others possibly smelling that putrid pee, so you rush to quickly flush only to realize that the scent has already dispersed. (May involve waiting for others to leave the room before exiting the stall.)

[@emcllns]

@@KryztalKitsu amazing

[@KryztalKitsu]

@@emcllns haha thanks ^///^

[@crimblr]

Wow I really hate being an asparagus

[@Dargonhuman]

"Allow us to introduce ourselves..."

[@npc_combine_s]

This really means a lot to me. I've been diagnosed with Asperger's when I was only 2. At first I didn't know I had Asperger until 2014 when I randomly thought that something was wrong with my brain. Since 2014 I have been trying my best to change, but I always find it difficult. As a fellow Aspie, I like to add a few things that happen to me: 1. I may have some cases of OCD. (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). 2. I have difficulty understanding irony or sarcasm. 3. It's really difficult for me to socialize. I only have one best friend. 4. I am really indecisive. You can tell me if I want to take the red pill or the blue pill and I can literally stare at those two pills for minutes. 5. I am always stuck on the same things everyday. I'm always listening to the same memes, I'm always listening to the same songs and I'm always learning the same things that I have been learning for months or even years. 6. I have been called "weird". That hits me when I think about it. 7. I can tell you a million things about one specific subject since I have been checking a lot of KZbin videos and Wikipedia. I always thought the world couldn't understand what an Aspie really is like. And let me tell you, I have found fellow Aspies here on the Internet and I feel personally identified with them on many things. But those without Aspie can have trouble understanding and I don't blame them. Seeing this video hit me hard and I felt identified with Max even if he's a fictional character. I have always tried to be "normal" on some degree, but I always find it difficult. You can expect me one day to be cheerful and happy, but at the other you see me staring at the absolute nothingness and simply feeling sad or frustrated. I went to two psychologists, one was useless, and they've tried to get me to socialize and I don't know how can I start a conversation with someone I just met. I'm always stuck with the same people everyday. I only have my mother, my dad, my sister, my uncles, my aunts, my cousins and my best friend. That's all I got. Anyone else that I have talked to is an "acquaintance". I barely know about anyone's lives and I always felt distant, judged, called many things and annoyed over and over again. I'm always tired of the same shit happening everyday, but I can't help but eat it like it's nothing more than food. Difficulties like I mentioned above are really hard to come by. Sometimes, I just want to be alone or simply close my eyes and never wake up. I sometimes feel like an idiot and I can't help but to only trust my mind more than my heart. This has brought problems to me, but I can't do anything. As I grew up, those emotions of sadness, of loneliness and simply wanting to be alone have been more and more apparent. I feel those changes because I live through these changes. Sometimes, I just wish that I wouldn't feel sadness, loneliness and simply wanting to be alone or sleeping and never waking up. I don't know how to tell that to my family, since that's the only thing I hide from them. Anyway, sorry if this was just too long, but I wanted to share my experience here. I hope everyone is fine and know that I love y'all and that I simply want real peace, not the peace that the government promises us. Anyways, enough of chit-chat. I wish all of you a good day, noon or night. See ya!

[@eora5142]

Thank you for sharing all of this about yourself, it's a corageous choice that will help people like me to understand others a little bit better ❤ I wish you all the best with your family, your friendships and any interest or aspiration you'll ever have :) Edit I'm sorry I can't give you any advice on how to overcome the difficulties ypu mentioned... Just trust your family and share how you feel with someone who loves you if it becomes too much of a burden. And remember that it doesn't take to be an Aspie to feel sad, lonely, unable to socialize and to change one's life for the better. I can relate to you in part. Stay strong and don't give up 💙

[@npc_combine_s]

@@eora5142 Thank you for your kind words, it really means a lot! I wish I could help a little bit to the people who mostly don't know too much about us, Aspies, and it really feels as if I've done something when people like you comment these kind words. So, again, thank you! Edit: No problem! I'll just follow your advice! Thank you!

[@eora5142]

@@npc_combine_s it makes me really happy to know that my words helped you :) so I guess we helped each other. Isn't there something fascinating about two random people starting a conversation without knowingly sharing anything but having watched a KZbin video? It always makes me reflect how many kind people there are in the world, and how nice it is to be able to reach out to someone in need with a simple comment. Anyways, I had already learned somethind about this condition thanks to the book "the curious incident of the dog at night-time", whose protagonist is a boy with Aspenger! However, the author declared that ""Curious Incident is not a book about Asperger's... if anything it's a novel about difference, about being an outsider, about seeing the world in a surprising and revealing way. The book is not specifically about any specific disorder", and these words hit me. They also reasonate a lot with this animated short I believe. There'a nothing wrong in being different if other people let you bw I think :)

[@npc_combine_s]

@@eora5142 It's really fascinating how two strangers on the Internet can have a normal conversation indeed. I will check "The Curios Incident of the Dog at Night-Time" when I have time because it really sounds interesting. Anyway, I hope your day/noon/night is pretty well!

[@eora5142]

@@npc_combine_s I hope your day/night/noon is nice too :) as for me, I have to study English for an oncoming exam, and having been able to use it to talk to you is a real incentive for me! Edit I just corrected some grammar

[@LegoAnimations6370]

As someone who is aspie, I agree how Max describes the syndrome. I have troubles of understanding emotions. Making an eye contact is difficult. I get scared easily. Small talk is non existent. Socializing is hard. Over the years I have coped with my problems by acknowledging them and then ignoring. I study how normal people function and behave, so I compare myself constantly and try to appear as normal as possible in the public. And it works! Sometimes I even forgot I am an aspie in the first place, until a doctor pulls out a medical record and reminds me. Forcing myself outside of the comfort zone hurts but I try to get used to it. People often have suspicions when they hear medical words such as ''autism'' and ''disability''. Negative aspects are often highlighted, not the positive ones. Therefore, by lying and pretending to be normal, it's easier to get friends, find different jobs and succeed in life. The reason why I pretend is because of bad experiences when I got diagnosed during high school. When teachers were notified, they forced me to special education, which was totally unnecessary, since I didn't have any problems with my education. When my friends knew I was ''disabled'', they left me. I hope other aspies can find this syndrome in positive light. I cannot.

[@medhater88]

I'm sorry you have to treat Aspergers as something that has to be kept secret. No one should have to treat a disorder like some hex that'll make people think less of you, but I guess the world has to be like that sometimes. I'm sure things will get better, because early or late, they always do. And I hope you can one day express yourself freely instead of having to pretend to be "normal" just to do well in life.

[@Benjamin-mj9pd]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@medhater88Try picking up a date when you’re aspie. They know you are, “ Oh how nice but I don’t want you in my gene pool.” They don’t know and you send off bad vibes. Also do everyone a favor and don’t say “just date an aspie girl.” If you date someone who only reminds you of your shortcomings you are not going to have a healthy relationship.

[@taofanarchy96-renzomaracas14]

🫂 I’m sorry to hear this. I was little when I was diagnosed with Asperger’s (born in 1996, btw), but my mother always supported and encouraged me in any endeavour I took. I did “normal education” in public schools, I enjoyed singing, playing the piano and now, amateur Theater. I also swimmed - as a form of relaxation. I completed high school with excellent results. I then took a leap forward and go to University - even taking my own home in the city I was studying. Two suma cum laude degrees and now I’m finishing my PhD. I don’t know what the future will unveil for me next, but I will face it with courage and my uniqueness. I’m also a pagan - and I’m attracted to the Irish goddess Morrigan. Perhaps for my warrior-like determination in my life, my growth despite my neurodiversity or for my unshakable belief in a better and just world; I feel attracted to the great Queen, the mighty warrior and the caring mother because she’s the spiritual archetype of my being. I have her symbol tattooed in my body. If you are reading this, I hope that my story can inspire you to take pride and wisdom in your uniqueness. May the caring mother hugs you with love when you are down. May the great queen grants you courage to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. May the mighty warrior grants your strength to better yourself and others and to change the world for the better.

[@DancingAnt]

Your text made me sad. It shows how the world is ruled by neurotypical people. But please always keep in mind: variety is the spice of life. Being neuro-spicy isn't easy, but there're more and more people on this planet who want to understand all our differences as human beings and embrace all this diversity. Don't hide who you are - and the right people will find you. Be proud of who you are and don't mask to fit into a fake world. You're not alone.

[@rockettaco]

The world just doesn’t seem to make sense to me. Everything seems so counterproductive.

[@EzioAuditoreDaFirenze99]

Because it is. Greed is a pervasive disease.

[@webtro113]

everyone agrees, literally

[@legion4698]

That’s why we make it productive

[@rockettaco]

Blackpilled Saint I don’t believe or trust anyone at all. Not even myself.

[@guesswho1573]

@@rockettaco why? If you dont mind me asking

[@Dudeswagmaster]

Dang as an autistic person I feel like a lot of representation of people like me is usually inaccurate or just overly romanticized, I know that everyone who has it affects them differently, but media seriously needs to take notes from this if they want to portray autism well

[@NatTheNoodler]

that one muppet on sesame street is a good example as well

[@Deacon8or]

@@NatTheNoodler Less a "good" example and more just an example. At times I feel like she's kind of a caricature. Of course, not in the way that she's being used for comedic purposes. Just that sometimes, it seems like they don't understand, or they're pandering. I heard that they didn't even consult any autistic people when making her, just the PARENTS of people with autism. Granted, she is a LOT better than some of the other representation. Sheldon from Big Bang Theory is basically just a joke at the expense of autistic people, and Abed from Community, while he isn't treated nearly as badly, has some moments I find questionable. (They liken him to a robot a lot. It's painful.) And then there's Brick from ABC's The Middle, who on screen, acknowledges how nobody supports him and he's a joke. The only characters who are well written and autistic are ones who are well written and SEEM like they might be autistic, but it's never confirmed.

[@NatTheNoodler]

@@Deacon8or Y'know.. I can see what you mean considering sesame workshop joined up with autism speaks later.. which wasnt good

[@aceambling7685]

My favorite autistic characters in media are the God Emperor of Mankind and his Primarch Sons.

[@shitwalkerog1776]

Asburgers isn't considerd autism they changed it and confirmed their 2 different things u can look this up. I'm 💯 with u though!

[@HHLucifer666]

As someone with aspergers, diagnosed super early in childhood, I can say I didn’t think much about it until I turned 21. It really was a combination of things but focusing specifically on the autism, in short, I hate having it. I hate almost having a panic attack every time I hear a car door shut or if I hear the find my iPhone ping or similar sounds. I hate being clumsy. I hate being unable to process social situations properly. I hate not having a lot of friends. I hate it all. If there was a cure, I’d take it in a heartbeat. No doubt about it. It’s made me scared to have kids because I don’t want to give my autism to them. If I had to have autism I wonder why I wasn’t born so low functioning that I was basically a little kid in my head? Maybe then I wouldn’t be as depressed as I am... anyone else feel that way? I get it if my opinion isn’t the most popular...

[@lostcrusader8053]

You’re not alone. I was diagnosed with autism when I was 7 years old and later learned that I have aspergers. At first it didn’t bother me until I experienced huge anxiety whether it be work or socialising. I lack focus and couldn’t stay on subject matter for more than 6 minutes. Some people with aspies like being who they are but personally I wish I didn’t have this. It made my life more rough and depressing at times.

[@smegmalasagna]

I agree with you completely.

[@TainyaGaming]

I agree with you completely

[@cinderball1135]

Two years late, but on the off-chance it helps, here's a comment from a near-total stranger to hopefully make your day a little brighter. There is nothing wrong with you for being anxious, nervous or jumpy. Clumsiness is not a capital offence, and social awkwardness makes us feel far worse about ourselves than is actually merited by the situation. It's only a disease insofar as society fails to accommodate our needs and listen to us when we tell the people around us about our stressors. When people are willing to accommodate us, we can be not just functional, but exceptional individuals. But enough about how Asperger's isn't shit. Let me tell you why you're actually awesome: Your awkwardness, your clumsiness, your inadequacy are all powerful raw material for building up your sense of empathy. If you can take all those negative experiences, and use them to help you relate to other people going through hard times, you can make their lives so much better and brighter. You will be a far more authentic listener, nurturer and supporter than any "normie", because you understand how it feels to be left out, or to fall short. As parenting goes, there is a high probability that your children will have the condition too, but that's okay. They'll have you to understand and support them, to speak up for them when other people don't accept them. Asperger's can be a real source of strength, if you're willing to give it the chance to be. You're not alone.

[@soggybreadman4035]

Amen! This is the best way to look at this state of mind and life condition!

[@2ndsnake899]

I got used to loud noises from working in a factory. I can actually enjoy loud noises, especially if I can control them (ex. music on earbuds, videogames, etc.) While my body still feels that wave of sudden fright from loud noises, I've learned to control it to a point where I don't react to said noises. However, when I was in grade school, I hated balloons (still do) because you could stab one with a pencil and it wouldn't pop but you barely touch it with the skin of your finger and it pops. One day, my school decided to fill the entire gym with balloons and tasked students with popping them by sitting on them. So not only was I forced to do it, but I was forced to use the least predictable way to pop a balloon ever. If I go to Hell, there's going to be nothing but balloons everywhere.

[@SlapStyleAnims]

Dude same here. I enjoy blasting music really loud, the sound of car engines, and fighter jet sounds, but can’t stand babies crying or sudden noises or shouts

[@thep3dr0z04]

​@@SlapStyleAnimsMe too... I've been listening to my soundtracks and songs on KZbin for a long time at full volume and it's a really good feeling because it helps me be more creative in doing something or passing the time... But when it's the noise of children crying or people arguing loudly, it makes me feel really bad... Like taking a Stun grenade in a game when that happens... But my life is good and fun, like a comedy (in a good way, not like The Joker™) and my knowledge is focused on subjects and things from the past like the 2000s or 2010s... Thanks for reading.

[@fungustheclown666]

For me it's slamming doors or sudden bangs and pops like balloons or those things you get in packages that you have to pop. Dog barking too, I love dogs but they're soooooo grating when they get worked up and start making loud noises. My personal hell would be completely silence with random intervals of all those noises, could be an hour without them or a few minutes, the unpredictable nature is what gets to me.

[@aeroblu2002]

I wish more people would see this, it's the most accurate potrayal of aspergers I have ever seen. Even times when people tried to send a positive message about the syndrome like with Julia from Sesame Street could not ever potray it with this much care and understanding. I also have autism myself, but I have a few different symptoms, like getting too emotional, sensitive and serious, fidgeting, ticks, and imense imagination. My autism is also combined with my depression so it may not always be the best thing to have, but it shaped who I am, and I'm glad I have it.

[@JTRockYT]

👏👏👏

[@UNDERSCORE035]

nice try167 bruh your the opposite of a Karen but probably worse than them

[@UNDERSCORE035]

nice try167 said by the one that wishes a hoax was real. Just saying

[@UNDERSCORE035]

nice try167 yeah whatever

[@DkKombo]

I dont know of this would help, but I like to imagine the perfect world I'd like to be in, and make the world like that place I'm in. This way, my problems dont seem to overwhelm me so much, and if I practice imagining while doing things, I seem to do much better for myself. To sort of even myself out from reality.

[@JessyingAround]

Title should be: Max explains HIS aspergers syndrome Btw, I wish I could animate. This animation looks amazing

[@zombiechibixd]

This is basically taking photos! It's called stop motion, and it's very very easy! However you need a lot of will-power though!

[@JessyingAround]

@@zombiechibixd I tried before. It's not that easy. You have to make a lot of playdo sculptures, you have to make the same character many times to film the different facial expressions or positions and sometimes (lots of times) you ruin it from moving it a lot and its frustrating Also, his transitions are very natural, very smooth, beautifully done No, I don't think its "very easy" That animator is very talented Im not taking his credits 👐

[@zombiechibixd]

@@JessyingAround Ooh. I took it the wrong way as stopmotion in general lol. Yeah playdoh is hard lmao! But you'll get there! Just keep learning!

[@JessyingAround]

@@zombiechibixd oh it's ok Thank you💙

[@jabariwiththebois5765]

Exactly, as it is a syndrome the symptoms may vary a lot from one person to another.

[@mariakisser]

0:55 Are we not going to talk about when the receptionist told Max to take a seat, he literally took the chair home with him? 😂

[@RESZKKZSEE]

I missed that detail, lol

[@wesleyward5901]

That ending part hits me quite hard. I'll cry when cutting onions, I'll cry when I hurt myself, I'll cry when I'm angry, but when I'm sad it's just.. nothing. But yeah, the video is really accurate and I really do agree with the part where he says that he doesn't need to be cured because he's not broken.

[@NeurodivergentSuperiority]

Yeah, sadness is a very quiet emotion, most people don't cry like snoopy the dog

[@jessicajayes8326]

I was diagnosed with Asperger's when I was 15. I can recognize facial features due to all the cartoons I watched over the years. I'm very literal but I figured some things out. I'm very clumsy but I've tried Tai Chi to help with that. I'm great with animals and small children. I've been told I was mean for saying something but I have no idea what, it's like being colorblind but for social situations.

[@Lo0nex_]

i can relate to the last sentence you wrote, often i say things that i mean in a non-offensive way but people interpret them as offensive even though i'm trying to come from a place of empathy rather than judgement. it can be tough sometimes

[@gustadood9166]

The accidentally offensive statement issue is real. There have been a good number of times where I accidentally "roasted" people, or seemed very rude. But some other statements also can come out as saying something very funny and hilarious sometimes and I'm the last person to get my own joke.

[@steezgawdextraswa6906]

What means small children @fbi

[@jessicajayes8326]

@@steezgawdextraswa6906 Babies and toddlers.

[@xehP]

cause cartoons portray facial expressions very accurately and realistically.

[@ctf1077]

This movie was so sad and you cant believe it was meant for kids

[@kaan9778]

It wasnt meant for kids man, it has drug abuse and pornographic scenes in it.

[@arknghel9081]

It's an actual movie? May I know the title.

[@TritnewNG]

@@arknghel9081 Mary and Max.

[@kaan9778]

@@arknghel9081 its called "Mary&Max" its very good, one of the best if I may say so.

[@arknghel9081]

Thanks. Gotta check that out.

[@archerjxx9495]

I was diagnosed with Asperger’s about a year ago and I had no idea what it was and I asked my Mom and she knew one thing she only told me “It makes it where your brain works different.”.Now seeing this video, certain things I thought were normal but now I realize the affects in my daily life, and all of these are true the random stress and panic for small things, not understanding simple things, being too cautious, always on my toes, bad(-ish) handwriting, super sensitive, I like to solve problem, I can’t express emotions, can’t read emotions, nor cry unless it’s a situation that is extremely sad, overwhelming or stressful and I feel like I don’t need to change, just need to understand better. I hope that anyone who reads this no matter with or without Asperger’s can understand how this video makes me feel like it’s not only me. Thank you for your attention.

[@modernforever1528]

I'm surprised you were diagnosed with it a year ago, aspegers has no longer been a diagnosable thing for years now.

[@MrHocotateFreight]

I've spent my entire life bullied and harassed by dang near everyone I've met, family, friends, students from elementary to high school, if I kept a record of the incidents I bet I could start a library. As soon as people heard I had a mental problem that's it they lumped me in with those so...I cant think of a respectful word I'm sorry damaged? They treated me like a lump of meat that they HAD to deal with, like a second class citizen nobody wanted to bother with. And people have it worse? holy crap I can barely handle this i couldn't imagine the hell others go through if your still standing after the hell you've seen remember that those viewed as "normal"would have cracked quick. They can merely adopt the darkness you were born in it

[@BrianTubac]

I’m sorry you had to go through that

[@dawg4546]

I'm so sorry that happened to you. I might not know what it looks or feels like to be bullied but I understand that it's a really challenging thing to face considering there are people out there who claim to be perfect and that they hurt others because there not perfect like them. And from what you described it sounds like you've really been through alot and I understand that and I'm so sorry those things happened to you MrHocotateFreight. But you shouldn't listen to them because I think there jealous of what you have and that's my opinion. Besides why try to blend in when you were born to stand out, so don't let anyone tear you down because your unique from the people that hurt you. So keep shinging like a star buddy and don't let other people tell you otherwise.

[@profblack]

I cry when I cut onions but this does not count. Love how he delivers, what sounds like a joke, completely straight.

[@theautistictomboy4003]

I’m an autistic person I love Mary abd max because it relates to me so well. I always get panic attacks about noise and I just hate it. I don’t need a cure. I just do things differently That’s all

[@Sonic12Lexi]

TheAutistic Tomboy good

[@MrFiestaification]

I never understood why people think Asperger's is a disability. It's just less common. If most people were autistic then it would be a disability to be "normal" because normal is relative. If the world was run by autists perhaps it would go more smoothly. Everything would be task oriented and quiet.

[@MrFiestaification]

@[ŸÜRÏ] being autistic isn't reatrded. Perhaps you should check your own IQ before you make such ridiculous statements. I've volunteered with many autistic kids. And many of them are actually quite brilliant. Not sure if you know this but Bill Gaates has Asperger's. Asperger's is less so a deficiency and more of a different way of thinking. They don't think in terms of social cues and hidden meanings. But they are very good at being task oriented.

[@MrFiestaification]

@[ŸÜRÏ] Asperger's is literally a type of autism!!!!!!!!! Dude what?!?! And I'm not a delusional "retard". I have a degree in physics, which I finished in less than four years. My last IQ test said it was 148. I can't tell if you mean what you say or if you're just trolling me because you're a masochist. Either way please stop.

[@MrFiestaification]

@[ŸÜRÏ] that's right delete your comment you coward!!! And don't ever tell me I shouldn't be able to speak. I have the right to defend autists, you fascist fuck.

[@cookiegal7340]

This was very eye opening for me. This popped up in my recommended. This made me realize a lot of things and Asperger Syndrome. Although I don't know anyone personally with it, I have a cousin with autism, I know very well they are not the same thing, and it reminded me of his struggles growing up especially in a Mexican family where we never had anyone with a mental illness and everyone either extremely babied him or forced him to be "normal" because he's a "freak". My heart goes out to everyone that struggles mentally, you guys deserve the love and support, not to be treated like freaks or mistakes.

[@archerjxx9495]

I have a dad from Mexico and every time I tell him about having depression, ADHD, Asperger’s, etc. he doesn’t listen and gives me hard time about it, and says I don’t have those things I’ve been DIAGNOSED WITH.

[@zimbomonkey]

​@@archerjxx9495 hey that fucking sucks, sorry you have to go through that. I hope one day he can find his way to understanding.

[@CantusTropus]

@@archerjxx9495 Macho culture can be really harmful some times. I don't completely reject the traditional notions of men striving to be strong and capable, but it can easily morph into toxic garbage like "men aren't allowed to get help with their problems, they just have to tough it out or kill themselves".

[@Soldfor62cents]

As someone with Asperger's, I laughed when he said that the onions didn't count. The way he said it compared to his speaking throughout the rest of the scene was funny.

[@Princess_Cheese]

I have Aspergers myself. Another problem of mine is that I am making weird expressions unwittingly. I’ll make a weird face or stare at something or someone for no reason. It makes it very hard to focus on anything and people sometimes think I’m rude because I’m staring at them

[@angelswithmolotovs9857]

I cried for almost the entire run time of this film. It’s beautiful. I’m an aspie, and therefore relate to Max, but I was also the chubby bullied little girl who grew up to be depressed and have guilt problems, like Mary. Both of the characters are so real and relatable to me. And to see two people who like me, are really lonely, have such a touching friendship, was so beautiful. I cry thinking about this film. It’s amazing.

[@malharjaggi]

Same with me. Wherever I go i attract bullies.

[@rae-rae8005]

I love that this movie, while this was dark, actually had Aspergers in it. I'm proud being an Aspie. I think autistic people should be properly represented more in media or television.

[@dravenocklost4253]

I sympathize with him, but especially with someone who is making themselves vulnerable by expressing their heart/themselves. Also that ending cut is HILarious

[@missjo5ie]

My grandpa has aspergers & he got diagnosed late in life. When we learned more about aspergers, we all understood him better, and he felt better that he was understood by all of us. We love him very much 💕

[@christinaandwena8917]

As much as I can relate to this I don’t like the idea of being called an “Aspie” like some sort of rare pokemon

[@virtualboygodot8251]

*Chris Chan would like to know your location*

[@alexniteip7350]

I think that's just how he defines himself. It doesn't have to be a blanket term

[@cantharelluscibarius2244]

That's only a matter of preferences. You don't like it? Well, don't use the word! No one is going to juge you for using a different one:)

[@spoons923]

He said in the video that's just what he prefers over Asperger's (as that has negative connotations and potentially unnerving medical diction). It's not like an attempt to make it the new name for everyone, you can identify with what ever makes you comfortable, and so can other people (even if you don't like it)

[@farlado5459]

"Aspie" for this video's time was the most prevalent and preferred term for those with Asperger's. It arguably hasn't aged well, but it was a nice term to have with not as much capacity for exploitation as, say, the term "Asperger's" when pronounced idiosyncratically.

[@Wyvern201]

I grew up not knowing why I was like this, surrounded by people who didn’t understand or didn’t particularly care to understand, so I learnt to copy the people around me and the things I saw. This has led to depression and episodes of anxiety, as I now don’t really know who I am anymore, it’s like I remember a time when I was, but it’s so long ago I can’t really remember what I was like, just different, but I don’t like change, and everyone knows me as I am now. I only found out I had autism a few months ago and this made a lot of things click in my head, terrible hand writing, people (my parents especially) always getting annoyed at the way I spoke to them, feeling eyes on me no matter what I did, not understanding people’s cues and hints. I had a girl crush on me for years, leave apparently obvious cues and signs, and even after she admitted liking me, I still didn’t think she did, because I couldn’t quite fit the pieces together that way and it didn’t make sense to me. Words usually come out wrong, or different, or not good enough, and things go wrong, so I learnt to think things through thoroughly before I speak, but sometimes when I’m put on the spot I babble and speak completely wrong and alienate people. I love this film.

[@prophecyrat2965]

1:17 hea good artist tho😂

[@valxark]

Bro was born to be a r34 artist💀

[@seanthechallenger577]

Having asperger is like this: People think your normal and you're just like everyone else on the *outside.* But in actuality you know that you yourself are not normal on the *inside.*

[@simen30]

my head explodes of anger issues sometimes, either at myself, or others. Sometimes if the smallest thing a person do to annoy me it can make me really want to punch him, i dunno if that is the aspie or depresion but i really wish the issuses would go away so i could be normal :( there is no help nor medication i can use for it either

[@seanthechallenger577]

@@simen30 It's tough and it's not easy living with it, don't worry, you're not the only one.

[@artilleryfire6576]

Define normal

[@seanthechallenger577]

@@artilleryfire6576 There many definitions of normal, but in this case it's kind of like confirming with society mentally, physically, and socially. But this is my opinion of normal in this subject, what's yours? 🤔

[@artilleryfire6576]

@@seanthechallenger577 my opinion of normal is that its a meaningless word, since the definitions are all over the place

[@EricCartman421]

My girlfriend has a form as aspergers Syndrom, and she is the greatest thing to even come into my life :) I hope this will inspire men and women to look at people with problems like this and see them for who they are, I did...and now I'm happier then I ever have been in my life :)

[@tunaman7589]

DANDY PFP

[@shadysam7161]

@@tunaman7589 8 years later and this is all you contribute to his comment.

[@catorb6607]

@@shadysam7161 I mean, its the sign of someone with truly good taste. Space dandy slaps

[@viktorstrobovski8288]

I hope everything is alright with you two :)

[@EricCartman421]

@@viktorstrobovski8288 axtually no...she turned out to be a manipulative sociopath, hateful, racist, jealous of anything that breathed, broke me as a person, and I'm still dealing with the trauma and anxiety.

[@lychee_batz..]

This. This is the reason why Mary and Max is one of my favorite movies of all time. As someone who has Asperger's, I can completely relate to Max and him saying that he doesn't feel like he needs it to be cured and that he liked being an aspie was so powerful.

[@PyroGothNerd]

"I wish I could cry properly" is something I feel very deeply.

[@TheTabascodragon]

My mom came to me the other day to tell me my step-dad was in the hospital after a severe injury. Despite feeling very overwhelmed and worried about him I just sat there stone-faced, silent, and expressionless as she relayed the story to me. My mom understands me, and it didn't faze her, she didn't think twice about it; but I know to an outside observer who doesn't understand, that my reaction would seem incredibly inappropriate. They would say I was cold or even sociopathic. This is not the case. I can also relate with being deeply bothered by sudden unexpected stimuli. If someone touches me without my permission I often recoil to the point that it looks like I'm flinching expecting to be hit. Sudden loud noises often startle me so badly that I'll jump and drop whatever I'm holding at the time. I also have an extremely hard time understanding this world and its "normal" inhabitants. I don't understand cruelty, I don't understand war, I don't understand greed and theft. I don't understand inefficiency either. Often I see people completing tasks slowly and using non-optimal methods. I don't know why they do things the way they do, but I do know they often abhor any truly constructive criticism, so I have to keep my mouth shut even though it's very difficult. I work a Bureaucratic government job, and if it wasn't for the constant annoyances of human error and inefficiency I think it would be the perfect job for me. Everything is predictable and machine-like. I know I'm not like everyone else, but my "condition" has pros and Cons just like any "normal" personality type. It's not a disability, it's just seeing the world from a different perspective. I think acting like we're defectives who need to be "cured" is like trying to "fix" a computer because it's running Linux instead of windows. It shows a complete lack of understanding of not just aspergers but the human condition as a whole. If you can't understand us how well can you claim to understand yourself? If you can't imagine anything existing beyond your own perspective then what context is there for any of your experiences?

[@virtualboygodot8251]

Cool name and profile picture dude. I personally agree with you in which no one is ever really normal. I think that the more normal you are, the more stale and bland your personality is, so good on you for working past your "cons" and embracing the pros of who you are. I feel like the reason why others react negatively to individuals who are different from them is because it threatens what they believe to be standard and what isn't. Change is a scary thing

[@gavinstaggs308]

People will never get how serious they were being on South Park, there was an actual message behind that story arc

[@soitgoes290]

South Park?

[@GriffinGuitartwelve]

@@soitgoes290 I think he's referring to the "Ass Burgers" episode, which of course, sounds silly on the surface, but I did hear that they put some truth behind the humor of that episode.

[@gibsonraymonda]

You mean being stuck in the matrix but with no way out? I miss drinking to take the edge off, but can’t even have that with the ocular migraines and seizure med. I just have to deal with everything being shit sober.

[@mcnugget1160]

South Park in general Great messages, great characters, great creators

[@felixt808]

​@@mcnugget1160 ehhh, the trans episode not that long ago was very bad honestly, but then again, back then while the episode was being made, people didnt really bother looking into facts. however nowadays id argue people care even less 😅 most hatred in the world would be solved by just learning about others instead of immediately hating them

[@gibsonraymonda]

I couldn’t cry at my father’s funeral. There are so many times I wish I could. Been this way for decades. I miss crying.

[@jeepmega629]

As someone who was diagnosed with Asperger’s this year, this speaks to me on a personal level. Thank you KZbin for recommending me this.

[@Saiyan_Goku]

"I don't want to be cured" *Marry proceeds to look for a cure Max... *mad*

[@Matts_Crazy]

I have 2 friends with Asperger Syndrome and it's really quite sad, the main thing with Asperger Syndrome is it's affects on people differ between each person, for example a friend of mine who has it says that their emotions change at random and they can't help it either, they also have trouble understanding facial expressions but more or less they think even the slightest of facial expressions towards sadness, anger, happiness, etc. means something so much more of they over exaggerate that feeling in others when taking it in, their moods change depending on the mood of the situation very easily, they are very very clumsy, they trip and fall and get hurt all the time, they get startled very easily at fast movements or sounds and I always thought that's just how they were until they confessed to me one day they had something called Asperger's Syndrome and hearing that kinda made my heart sank because something's I've said and done to them were wrong and now me and them are great friends, the really sad part in it all when it comes to Asperger's Syndrome is that you can't control your emotions very well, they get out of hand, I remember seeing them during class sometimes crying and I watched as they tried to hide and conceal it, I was kind of their only friend, whenever I got angry they got extremely sad pushing them to the point of tears and whenever I was sad they'd try and go unnecessarily high lengths to make me happy and now I know why they wanted to help me so much, I know why they cried so much, I know now that they can't control their emotions as well as most people can and they can't help how they take something's in and they can't control what comes out of it, to this day me and that person are great friends and I'm glad I could be, another thing people with Asperger's Syndrome do is when they see something they enjoy to a very high extent let's say anime, cartoons, movies, characters, music and so on, they tend to learn from that and act out what they see or show emotions from what they hear or act out. All I can say to whoever read this completely is that whoever you may encounter with Asperger's Syndrome, treat them nicely and they treat you nicely back most of the time, it depends on how they grew up, my friend had ADHD along with Asperger's Syndrome so some of the things they said and did were a crazy mixture of both but I hope I could've helped people understand Asperger's Syndrome a bit, it's not funny at all in my opinion after I had found out what it was and I hope no one here is suffering from it and I hope no one does in the future, if you read this, Thank You, I hope it was worth your time and I hope you have an amazing and spectacular rest of your day! ♥️😊

[@690_5]

This was playing on TV one day when I was younger. My Mother started watching along, and was very unhappy... I'm tempted to show it to her again, after all these years. I've lived 21 years with autism now.

[@radicool8328]

The end when he mentioned crying hit me so hard. I have aspergers, and when I dont cry when something horrible happens, I feel like a monster. I try to force the tears out of myself. I know this is cliche, but I've never related to something this hard before.

[@johnbrown2163]

Sad, we resort to name calling and being bullies. You're a human being and it makes you Beautiful.

[@michaelcs4183]

To be honest the bullying wasn’t the problem, at least for me. You can tell when somebody is trying to fuck with you and you learn to take it in your stride. The real problem for me was that I felt like everyone just looked down on me. They pretend to be your friend but the truth is they feel so sorry for you that their behavior feels patronizing and condescending. It’s like “I don’t need your pity, nor do I need some fake friend standing up for me.” People hardly understand who you are and they take that as an excuse to treat a grown man like a frail child. It’s depressing.

[@LilChoppa64]

No. Aspies are victims of bullying, as an Aspie myself (maybe misdiagnosed) I can confirm that Aspies ain’t strong, social or charming enough to be bullies.

[@Cerberusballs]

That's me. Jesus Christ on a trampoline, that's me at 1:39. Someone once told me that my handwriting looks like it came from a serial killer. I actually thought that was pretty funny, though.

[@Luculencia]

Mine is legible but it's really awful, if I don't concentrate really hard when writing it's not even legible.

[@ESousa-dn4vs]

Me too

[@RVGmetallicasaw]

Understanding emotions was hard at first, it still kind of is. I realized that the emotions themselves are nearly irrelevant, in comparison to what causes them, and how people act when affected by them, and so over time I thought about such things a lot, and developed a sense for understanding what causes them, and how people act when affected by them. The faces people make when affected by emotion became easy-ish to read after that, but mostly I just listen to what they’re saying, and how loudly and harshly/softly they are saying the things. This helped a lot. I still don’t feel most emotions like others, but this is okay. When others fall apart, and get overwhelmed, I can clearly think and plan the path ahead.

[@rwthomas23]

13 years later, and this vid is still helping people understand what we're going through. Thank you.

[@mrs.sandman.9166]

1:40 Always hits me in the relatable side of things. I've always been extremely sensitive to sound as an aspie so then m sense of organization in loud areas tends to be chaotic. Its amazing how brilliantly written this scene it is as (not perfectly) closest to a good representation of this disorder in animated media.

[@gustadood9166]

Me: Sound-sensitivity high five! Also Me: *gets startled at the clap of the high five.

[@DeanNickChase]

My sound sensitivity comes in fits and spurts. One week I can operate normally and tune out what I don't need to pay attention to. Another week, I just can't focus on anything specific, and another week, I hear *everything* and it's too loud. For those times, I just play some music to help drown out those unwanted sounds.

[@hubblebublumbubwub5215]

i cry all day because i can't solve a rubik's cube

[@marxjester9802]

Hubblebub Lumbubwub sand, but when it came to the I Spy computer games, I was solving them for days. Don’t even get me started on my Pokemon Trozei days.

[@blob5907]

its easier to solve in black and white

[@FridayFroths]

The thought of being aware of crying and when you are supposed to feel the need to cry, but being unable to, no matter what, is incredibly sad. I have always had this strange emotional block when it comes to events that I feel I am meant to be happier about, or feel something more profound, like I know something is actually amazing and I celebrate it as if it is, but I so rarely actually feel it. I’m not incapable of any one emotion, I just feel like I am never at the level I am meant to feel internally.

[@TheSpoonieMystic]

My son showed me this. I relate to so much. I'm almost 43. My parents and teachers treated me horrible . I was a horrible person to them. But I never lied, except rare times to protect someone. I didn't steal or manipulate like my brother whom everyone loved. I was abused by my partners. When you don't know you're different, you're easily used/ manipulated. However I cry a lot, hormones and all that. I also oddly enough prefer nonverbal communication and enjoy animals and human babies/ toddlers because they don't lie, they communicate well. Humans lie. Well, my cats occasionally manipulate 😄!! I have told my kids, emotions I read well, I had to, to avoid angry adults. You can feel anger when you walk in a room. I can't However read motives. How people use, manipulate, etc. I can't get it. I can't read agendas, bias, intentionally deceptive plans, so I avoid people.

[@bobjoe3044]

"I cry when i cut onions but this does not count" 😂😂😂

[@BOOMaFYERS]

i have aspergers. And this is exactly how i feel and its hard :(

[@honkhonk8009]

ha

[@skyemegakitty]

I'm sorry that sucks. Life can be very tragic if we don't plunge ourselves constantly into the future. Don't give up. Keep fighting.

[@SingularPanda4]

Ok

[@LegitMan335]

*hugs*

[@laurasohn8332]

I have ADHD and I'm pretty sure I'm sure I'm somewhere on the spectrum, but I really don't care that I might be autistic because I've learned that I can use it for good in some ways. I see details that other people might miss on a regular basis. For instance, I can spot every four leaf clover in a whole patch of regular three leaves, I have a good sense of empathy that helps me to connect with people who are closest to me and while there are times when I slip up with my mental set backs, I find that in many ways, autism isn't exactly a curse it's more of a gift that is often a little too big for the people who have it. They just need to find the things that they can use to channel their side of the spectrum into that can help them figure out what they can do with their talents. Once they have that, they'll be surprised what they can do

[@rymacreeks2k07]

virtually every trait of adhd is also a trait in autism and vice versa, they’re so unbelievably similar

[@RhymeswithSpecialNeeds]

My asperger's syndrome was much worse when I was younger, but since my early 20's I slowly learned to mimic what "normal" behavior was to where now I can socialize just fine and never lost the unique, eccentric aspects of my personality. The coffee and cherry pie still shine immaculately on the dancefloor but the flaws of my being worked themselves out mostly through age and experience. People often don't realize until much later that I'm on the spectrum. You got to hit that sweet spot right in the middle where the extremes are being a milquetoast pleb that sells out the first chance they get (pick a mainstream movie star/youtuber/musician, what-have-you) or being a helpless hopeless weirdo that doesn't contribute to society (Chris Chan)

[@polloprestigioso]

I've been looking for this movie for 8 years, since 2012, just opened youtube and here it is..

[@guitargatekeeper]

its called mary and max

[@gizmo6506]

Austim is diffrent from everyone the person who made this big props on how the animation style is

[@jec6918]

Wat

[@shorelinemafiaiglives9750]

This is about Aspergers, not autism

[@gizmo6506]

@@shorelinemafiaiglives9750 ik that but I was just saying but I did like the animations style alot

[@AYYEPIC]

Sir Spegeta same spectrum, different diagnosis

[@shorelinemafiaiglives9750]

Lucifer Von Satan gotcha

[@Teauma]

Now I really want to re-watch Mary and Max. At the time, I was so uninformed about mental health, it seems crazy now, 14 years later, having dealt with bipolar depression and anxiety for the last ten years.

[@BlphBain]

obviously this video is very aged but as someone with autism, it’s a serviceable explanation to neurotypical people who don’t think it’s a disability. i especially like the last bit about, “curing” it would be like trying to change your eye color.

[@ba780YT]

So true! I can relate to this video extremely well on pretty much everything. I can understand facial expressions though.

[@Pillboxing]

I got diagnosed over twenty years ago now. At no point did I ever think to myself "Gee, I'm so glad I can't make eye contact with people, I just wouldn't be myself if I could" or "I'm so glad I have a personality like a cheese grater and can't read social cues or faces" or "I'm so glad this is all I can think about and I care more about it than eating or sleeping or showering". I love my analyitical ability, but the only reason I was diagnosed was because I NEEDED to change and improve. I can't imagine glorifying any of those qualities or tying your sense of self/self worth to them, what's the point in a diagnosis otherwise? So you have a shield against criticism?

[@BlphBain]

@@Pillboxing i understand your struggle, i hope you come to terms better with it.

[@Pillboxing]

@@BlphBain but by being proud of that I'm letting Autism define me? I'm proud of who I am despite my Autism (and the fact I've overcome most of it and changed), not because of it. How could I be proud of something I had no choice about and put no effort into achieving?

[@ba780YT]

@@Pillboxing It’s annoying to see the autistic pride marches in my city, because it’s a bunch of people taking pride not in what they’ve done or overcome but in the fact that they are part of a minority group. But they’re free to express themselves if they want to.

[@Eclipton]

I can relate. To me, having Asperger's is both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing in the sense that I'm smarter than normal people, yet it's a curse in the sense that I can't socially interact as well as normal people can. As for the part of there one day being a cure, I don't think it'll happen until Christ comes back.

[@Hypergen-]

Eclipton Neurological Disorders will never be able to be changed. It would require so much rearranging of the brain structure that you would no longer be you. So yes, it is very unlikely that there will ever be one.

[@nathangemmell2013]

People use to think it was impossible to walk on the moon. Evolution and the future is full of surprises. I myself am an aspie and I hate it, unlike max I would like a cure and not feel confused or stressed anymore.

[@rgp1289]

I agree with everything you said except the Christ part lol. I have aspergers syndrome as well.

[@Account.for.Comment]

It is not much as that aspies are smarter than most people. It simply that thinking more deeply at some subjects make us better at understanding them than most. Problem is we still need other people to give us the opportunity to use those knowledge.

[@MizantropMan]

Same. In highschool I used to have this recurring dream about a ball of darkness, reaching out with tentacles, getting all over me, and I'd always wake up screaming and run out of my room. I'm now 20 and I feel like the darkness from my dream has come for me, it's reaching out, right about to grab me and swallow me whole, yet from this I cannot wake up. All the memories bring me pain, for it was better back then. I was younger. Still had time to go. Now there is no time. I'm lonely. I love being with people, but I also scare them away. I feel so useless and frustrated all the time. Whatever I do, I do not feel like I'm progressing. I cried out of despair. Those were my first tears in 5 years. No therapists was ever able to help me. If I'm with people, the darkness stays away, but not many people want to be with me. It hurts. I want them to accept me, to see with my eyes, to understand, but... I can't. It hurts. My cat died. I had her since I was 11. I liked that cat. She was fluffy and warm and was always there. I had to bury her. I wasn't sad. Couldn't cry for her back then. It's as if everything is falling apart.

[@c.aldersop]

"I try and squeeze but nothing comes out, I cry when I cut onions but this does not count" me too max... Me too...

[@JP-sm4cs]

I've managed to cry before but only when I've gotten over something that was making me. Like the crying isn't during the main phase of the sadness bu almost like a 'sadness climax' if that makes sense. I think a lot of us struggle with depression and assume it's just our regular condition when in truth were just fed up of being outsiders to our own species.

[@blob5907]

"I try and squeeze but nothing comes out, I cry"

[@skeleguna.k.adefinitelynot4656]

I can cry but only from my left eye and it happens rarely

[@eliseo5416]

Is it normally for people on the spectrum to not be able to cry?

[@AoiUsagiOtoko]

1:38 this whole sequence really hit me because it's so intensely relatable. especially having a really sensitive startle reflex...the world jumpscares me around every corner lol i love this movie, i love seeing a genuinely well written and compelling autistic character. though i don't relate to all of max's symptoms specifically (i cry at the drop of a hat 😅) i can relate to so much of his experience and outlook and that's hard to find when it comes to neurodivergent characters in movies. the characters in this are very...real, so to speak, despite the cartoony visuals

[@chokkymiilk]

This video is sad and beautiful. Thanks for sharing

[@Mc_high]

Me as an apsie myself, i am mostly confused about the world and have a hard time to understand my emotions when it comes into serious situations. Like in texts or in real life talk. Sadly one of my family don't understand me. And thinks I'm a rude person. Witch I am truly not. And I also hate my saver anxiety attacks- and depression doesnt help it in the mix. My emotions can be wierd but Idk if someone relates to this. Its like one hour or maybe like half of the day your happy and doesnt show the emotion but like inside ur happy. And then later on u feel down. Or some miner thing happened and u just quickly feel sad and just dunno what to do. (Again idk if anyone relate-) But I'm also vary happy to be an asipe too. I am an artist that I have a wild imagination. And also make people happy with my art and fantasy! I'm sorry if I am telling to much about me.. ;-;

[@IrisReeves]

Same here, you really are not alone!

[@kielopolen1245]

Same

[@nicnacker712]

Thank you for sharing. I can relate. I haven't been diagnosed but, I've had people get close or who are tell me they believe I might have aspergers.

[@Mc_high]

@@nicnacker712 your welcome, maybe go to the doc if ur cerious about it. But don't want to its okay! Sorry if i don't give out good options ;-;

[@nicnacker712]

@@Mc_high No. Your sharing is help enough. Thank you very much. When I build up the strength to, may go get checked out.

[@ChestersonJack]

Holy shit... oh my god. I don’t know what to say. When I was young, very young, long before I was diagnosed, I watched this movie while my family was out of the house. I did not tell my parents I watched it, for I feared they would be mad because it mentioned sex. But this movie stuck in my mind until this very day, and I never quite understood why. I... this.. I just don’t know what to say. I never remembered THIS. I remember Maggie saying how her cousin told her about sex, I remember how he passed from drinking expired milk, I remember how she tried to visit him as an adult, I remember her wedding. But I don’t remember this. I am overwhelmed. Is this why this seemingly inconsequential movie stuck with me for so long? For a scene I did not even remember?

[@johnwilkesbooth334]

Oh my goodness, I remember watching this in my childhood and have been searching for this film ever since. Thank you.

[@420Akillese]

I don’t know why I got this in my recommendation but was well worth watching. Very informational. A clear explanation. Great video!

[@TheAlienGangster]

I guess the KZbin algorithm can now finally guess my disorders

[@scheduledmaintanence1616]

We’re reaching that point.Wait till our diets and behavioral routines are up...

[@plebisMaximus]

@@scheduledmaintanence1616 They already got my diet down. I get recommended cooking videos all the time.

[@robertadamsx2]

My mom suspects me of being on the spectrum. After seeing this, I don't blame her. I relate to a lot of things in this.

[@niceguyofgames9490]

As someone with Aspergers. I resonate with this a lot. I have a hard time crying when I should, I have difficulty understanding that some problems can’t be/don’t want to be fixed. I don’t have difficulty with facial expressions, but I do struggle with WHY they are making those expressions. I do agree that I hate the word “cure” in terms of Asperger’s. I’m not sick, I’m just different. Granted I know there are some people worse off than me who would welcome a way to help them, but I don’t feel like I need to be “cured”.

[@povang]

As an autistic person, this is almost describes me perfectly.

[@dr4g0n4l1]

I love this, but hate how it ended too abruptly.

[@desperatemohammedantheworl5833]

The full film is easy to find.

[@boogeythegorilla7330]

I was approximately diagnosed with high functioning autism/aspergers as a pre-teen. This is relatable in nearly every way. I don't realise it, but I facade these symptoms to try to look normal. It has helped me with social situations, although uncomfortable. Thanks, this video has brought light to what I've had issues with.

[@joppytoppyr7409]

By far is, and always will be my favorite animated video about ASD.

[@tmamone83]

Way better representation of ASD than "Music!"

[@laurensweyn]

My parents often had loud phone calls or conversations, or loudly played music when I wanted to get something done. I would have two options: torture myself by staying where I was, or take a walk outside/ask to turn it down and almost always offend my mother, who would make me feel terrible about it, like I'm some sort of freak for not being able to deal with something so trivial. There was, sadly, nearly no way to sneak out of my room without my parents noticing.

[@dlyonthescreen2657]

I kinda always just thought of being an apsie as a kind of personality, we aren’t aliens after all

[@betternow1906]

Yah was just diagnosed with it- I don't really believe it. I'm not 'special' I just think differently.

[@Nekotaku_TV]

Better Now Who said you’re special?

[@Nekotaku_TV]

I sure do feel like an alien though.

[@Taurus1337]

I think any diagnose or "disability" are just personality traits that aren't necessarily negative unless it's very severe.

[@nolanueno1060]

As Autism this what I have 1. I have special interest in think that other worldly like Star Wars and Godzilla. 2. I can say things bluntly without thinking first. 3. Sometimes I have trouble communicating my feelings to others. 4. I prone to anxiety in social situations. 5. I like hanging out with woman that do with man. 6. I have very creative imagination that like think new things and stories. 7. To release stress I reenact scenes from movies and tv to help calm down. One unique thing I do to help me get through my anxiety and confusion is that I imagine myself talking to my childhood hero Ahsoka. I look up to her ever since I was a kid and I truest her with my feelings.

[@kanedamikami7771]

They just want to be accepted how they are, they don't need a cure.

[@Ryan-Petre]

I don't think society will ever alter itself to accept a minority of people like people with Aspergers. I think you can only achieve acceptance on a surface level, but the fundamental tension that exist between non-socially conforming aspies and wider society cannot be erased. It's a nice idea, but it's just not pragmatic.

[@gokuafrica]

@@Ryan-Petre Plus if you're a dysfunctional human who can't earn then society will only view you as a liability

[@Maksie0]

@@gokuafrica Unless we get rid of capitalism, of course.

[@gokuafrica]

@@Maksie0 and ofcourse that's never going to happen

[@Maksie0]

@@gokuafrica Never say never!

[@PhilipsLS1300]

I used to suffer with a light aspergers syndrome. I had learning difficulties at school pretty much the entire school-life. School lessons were quite hard especially maths. Whenever I used to listen it felt like I stopped listening and whatever she/he said I would forget because its like I wasnt interested or I just couldn't hold it all in. I also had a social issue where talking to others was quite hard and following directions was tough. It was hard talking to people I didnt know. But luckily I spent a fair few years living above a club that my step dad and mother owned. It got me a job early too. And being around people in all age groups for so long actually helped. I went from saying a quiet hello to actually having conversations with them. Then I was serving drinks behind the bar and handling money which was a bit tricky but I had support. Then college opened me up a bit more and getting the busses and meeting new people. Right now I have a sturdy job, a nice small home, I have a car and plenty of money saved up. Money saved from having a shallow social-life but kind of balanced. I think my advice is, is to try find people who suit your hobbies and tastes and slowly move from there. I think if I grew up in a normal home it might have slowed me down. So even though it wasnt the right life-style for a teenager it did have some benefits to me. I suppose there is different levels to it. But theres nothing wrong with me and noting wrong with you. You just see things a bit differently

[@NeluThat70sKid]

I happen to have Asperger's too, but I love the animation here, it brings back nothing but fond memories watching the "CBS Children's Film Festival" when I was a kid some 30 years ago. It consisted of these original half-hour cartoon shorts from all over the world (China, England, Czechoslovakia, just to name a few) :)

[@benfletcher8100]

I like coming back to this video every now and then. It gives me confidence when I’m feeling crappy

[@xiaox3293]

I watched this movie when I was 10. To this day, it still stands as one of the most brilliant movies I have ever watched. I think it subconsciously taught me a lot about the world around me, and impacted my world view.