My Amazing Life In Having High Functioning Autism by Jeremiah Swisher

Talks about how I have been blessed in my life and how I was able to see the light at the very end of the tunnel starring myself: Jeremiah Swisher

[@kbrees88]

Jeremiah, I have a 6 yr old son and I have such high hopes that he will grow up and be as happy and confident as you. Autism is part of who he is, I would like to help him get the tools so he can grow up and be independent and cope with the "normal" world around him. You have given me hope and will serve as my inspiration for my son. Thank you.

[@darwinified]

Hi Jeremiah, what an inspirational video. Thank you for posting your story. My 6 year old son is on the high functioning autism spectrum. Listening to you gives me so much hope. You seem like a wonderful articulate young man.

[@rochellesmith5135]

Hi Jeremiah, Great video buddy! My son was diagnosed with Autism when he was 26 months old which was over a year and a half ago now and he is doing really well. You are a true inspiration and make me very excited at the thought of watching my son grown into a very smart and well spoken young man like yourself. Keep posting more videos :) Rochelle

[@ckstack2]

Thank you so much Jeremiah! I always tell others, you can listen to the doctors and the other professionals but we need to also listen to those with autism that can speak for those who can't! You are an inspiration!

[@gingerobyn]

Jeremiah, you have made me smile! I admire all your hard work and your desire to help others like you! I hope you are doing well in school and with your intentions to continue to advocate for people with autism!

[@karingudrun5319]

Hi Jeremiah~ Thank you for this video! My son had high functioning Asperpergers. He is awesome, and my favorite person in the world. I really enjoyed this video, it's very earnest, helpful and I think you have a very bright career and life ahead of you! I wish you all the love, happiness and joy in the world! Thank you for telling your story and helping people understand how blessed we are to have people like you that are so dear, and gifted. Lot of love. Karin

[@TheHosteenez]

Jeremiah, we need more people like you explaining it to us, and since it is obvious you are a terrific public speaker please keep it up! SPEAK UP LOUD & CLEAR and spread your positive attitude...I've watched so many videos on this subject & you were the first to project a positive slant (like in "the glass is half full" & "the best is yet to come")...am waiting to hear more from you AND about you.

[@teacherbakerful]

Well done Jeremiah! You explained it so well. All the best to you!

[@Determination212]

I've went to a screenplay workshop once. It was really amazing in how a director gathers and writes the scenes and the scripts in order to make it into a play.

[@thewritingowl]

Hi jeremiah, My son has autism and amazingly I now think he gets it from me, I believe I have AS now. You give me great confidence that I am doing the right thing for my son in fighting for therapy for him because where I live Early Intervention isn't taken too seriously, I hope my son turns out as well and that I can do as much for him as your mother did for you.

[@shaunalea823]

hi there my son who is 4 is high functioning autistic. u give me hope please keep up the great work u are doing.

[@jessiehallstrom3825]

Hey ^^. I just wanted to tell you that your video is amazing. You really inspire me to get my life back on track. I have autism. I will work harder from now on!.

[@RPSteve]

Hi Jeremiah. How are you bro? Great speech you got. I am an Autistic myself. I was born with Autism, and diagnosed with it at age 5 when I was in Kindergarten. I've had my struggles with autism, and also, it's done me a lot of good as well. And I'm always open to share my experiences with you or anyone who is Autistic.

[@spirituality1000]

Only diagnosed recently with Autism. I struggled at school but changed schools as I felt marginalised in one school. Over the years I managed to attend third level education, so I understand much of what you say. Good luck

[@mdeffinger]

I think the video is GREAT and definitely inspiring makes me sit here and change my thoughts about my daughter, as of now they are saying she is unlikely to talk but is otherwise a very high functioning autistic. BUT you clearly are able to talk and do everything else that someone without autism can do!! GREAT for you all i can hope is that my daughter follows your footsteps :-D Great 1st video :-D hope to see more and maybe with more information on autism in them so people can better understand

[@Determination212]

Insten, I think transitioning is hard in general. But it's one of those steps where you'll keep having to take higher and higher steps. No one said that life is ever easy and in the end of all your struggles lies accomplishment.. And I did view the story of your speech Mike as well I was fascinated.

[@GretaCamilleGarbo]

I love your perspective & your optimism. :)

[@Determination212]

Well just never give up trying that's all you can do :) Keep positive, stay determined and keep modivated.

[@superkookoo6742]

I am 6. I haveautism too my mom and I watched this video together. It makes me feel better to see your story. I got honor roll this year and mom says I didnt talk until 2 years ago. now i talk and type but i type better than i talk. i like your video.

[@plasmatic3223]

I have high functioning autism, and I was in a special ed class with more severe kids. Some were a little high fuctioning. But I still felt that I was in a class of brainless kids. I am not trying to be mean or anything but I do have problems concentrating in class, and I give up on my worksheet without asking for help, or not saying anything. I stop writing or drawing. I recently got a new medication, and that changed me alot! I was doing things better.

[@hannahhorne1438]

noremaCW same thing happened to me. But my teachers were so mean to me.

[@Determination212]

@jeremiahswisher in where you are very severe with autism but you work yourself by being determined to hopefully reduce the severity of autism. There are stories in where people were able to reduce the severity. What you must do is break down their barriors and always support them. Have teachers and staff plus therapists suppor them. Plus another thing as that the child himself needs to be determined and never give up.

[@TheWilliam4632]

I have high functioning autism. I got diagnosted in 2009. I did not talk alot. But I still am having trouble speaking loudly and keeping eye contact.

[@matthmatthmatth]

You can make the difference .. just don't change.

[@Determination212]

with college that I notice is that it's a huge place to party because once kids move away from their parents for 9 months out of the year. Which actually is less then 9 months when you think about it. since summer is 3.5 months while winter break is one month. But getting back on course when your away from home. It's the time to go wild and get drunk and party. It's unfortunate as there are bettter things to do often times. But when there isn't much to do in a college town. Options can be

[@Determination212]

now onto the questions. I'm happy that I was able to inspire everyone as I really try to help out people. I want people to go through life and living a wonderful life with having autism. I know one main question that comes up all the time is do I wish I was normal. And I say yes and no. for ne I like being different and I like being unique. However at times I wish that I could fit in and be "normal" but I know I won't ever be normal. I know it's like what is normal?

[@Determination212]

Overall I enjoyed that I was able to inspire you all and I'm glad that I'm a great influence on people. I do my best to provide great change as I really do help out people with disabilities. I just know I've had a lot of life experiences and I enjoy helping people out by talking about those life experiences. And in the meantime if you ever want me to speak at your conference or go to some of your conferences just let me know. The only thing I would ask is for reimbursement as money

[@K0RP53]

@jeremiahswisher i really appreciate the response. my son has a lot of the red flags but what makes me wonder is that he is affectionate, he laughs, plays with his sister, and i wasn't entirely accurate about the flapping of the hands. he doesn't flap his hands but "twists" them. not all the time, but often. he responds to expressions, he knows what "no" means and sets down when told to. its almost like he just doesn't want to do what he's told at times. i guess ill just have to keep digging.

[@Determination212]

Another way to help is to break his barriors. Unfortunately there is no guarantee, however the only known cure to autism is by reducing the severity by breaking down barriors. So if your child wants to walk in the same direction/routine. Don't let him, or if your child just wants to eat pizza every day. Don't let him. Eventually by breaking their routines they'll have new ones :)

[@Determination212]

Part of Autism is based I feel on the wiring structure of the brain but a lot of autism has to do with ones will power to succeed in life which I feel is very important if you want your son to be more successful then he is currently.

[@Determination212]

with his father keep what your doing in being silent. But also keep directing your son and say hey I'm not always going to be around but you have your father in order to help you out. Basically keep showing that his father is in the picture and have his father hang out with your son at times so at least he can develope a better relationship. Then when it comes to making rules. Make sure that you both are on the same page so at least it doesn't break his routine pattern/barriers.

[@Determination212]

and I'll do my best to log on more to youtube. I just didn't realize there was such high interest. Which of course is a good thing :)

[@ninasaether1448]

Thanks Jeremiah for sharing! :)

[@littlenicky419]

Who disliked this video!!!!! I'm gonna pray for you!!!!

[@Determination212]

is tight when I'm up at college. Anyways I hope that you all have yourselves a great day and God bless you all. Overall you all have potential and even your kids with autism. I know it's hard but part of who I became today is by having family and friends never give up on me. And I had to keep myself modivated. So when something bad would happen in my life. I just tried to think of something else great and exciting. An example would be finding out that I have four cavities.

[@Determination212]

the only thing I require is reimbursement for my travel expenses if I were asked to travel to a conference. However I do blog talk radio shows as well. :)

[@Determination212]

Thank you so much for your comment. Hey if you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask? The easiest way of course to get ahold of me is on facebook. In the meantime if you ever have any conferences that could use a speaker in your area. Just let me know and I'll see what I can do. Of course I'd need traveling covered/room and board covered etc as I don't have as much money as I wished I had because college as many know is very expensive.

[@Determination212]

And for the record I used to love playing with blocks on a side note. At this point in order for him to receive help you must give him a label. I don't make the rules I follow them. What you need to go is Go to your doctor your normally see when your sick. have him or her write up a report how it's important that your son gets tested. Then hopefully insurnace should cover it. if they don't fight it. Then when insurance covers it hopefully. take your son to get tested.

[@TZ3Z]

I didn't talk until I was 2 and I was diagnosed at 13 years old

[@Determination212]

Well the ones I now use currently are different ones. I needed an upgrade for myself. And I don't wear glasses anymore either.

[@Determination212]

To answer that question I think I'm going to make a video about this one. I've made a relationship video in the past but I'm going to provide a video talking about my relationship experience.

[@Determination212]

is that I'm great at burning people out when it comes to the subject areas in what I love which my three main areas of expertise is disabilities as I have autism, business, and politics. As I'm majoring in business and thinking about minoring or majoring in a political science related degree. In the meantime back to the questions as often times I get sidetracked.

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

Good video. thanks for sharing.

[@Determination212]

when it comes to having relationships ships with women. I have had a relationship with a girl before. It's just hard for me to find love at times. But to answer your question. I randomly chose to make a video based off your question. I had an original relationship video but then I made an updated one going more in depth about my relationship life instead of just talking about relationships. Those videos can be found if you check out my youtube channel.

[@Determination212]

on to the next step for my course of action when it coems to college. Overall in high school it does suck when many kids don't care about their education. But from my experience as he goes on from high school and maybe into tech school or a 2 or 4 year college. It actually gets better because from my experience being at a 4 year university. Kids in general aren't disruptive at all because if they are they would techically get kicked out of the classroom. Maybe it correlates to something

[@Determination212]

@jeremiahswisher Overall having autism may seem like a bad thing as I always do wish sometimes that i lived a normal life. But from my perspective it can be benefitical in having autism because if life were the same it would get boring. There needs to be different people in this world. Plus many autistics are well gifted. Your good in a few areas that you obsess in while other areas may be your weak point.

[@Determination212]

level and then of course you had a ton of students in college prep courses that were placed there because they under challenged themselves. They could have went to at least accelerated/above grade level courses if they would have put the time, energy, and effort. What I did when I was in high school is I forgot all about the losers and I kept my eye on the prize which was 1. getting a decent education which ususally decent grades are included. and 2. when I would finish high school I'm

[@Determination212]

overall I'm sorry I haven't checked youtube in a while as I'll do my best to continue doing that. I just didn't know my videos were super popular with an alarming hit of 2,885 views. That's pretty good. Overall at this time because I haven't made a video in a while. I'm going to take individual requests what video would you like me to make? another one about autism? one about business in how they run or operate? one about politics as I'm very active? just let me know

[@Determination212]

Secondly if your interested or if anyone is interested. I'm very willing, if time allows, for myself to do public speaking engagements. I have done online, phone, and in person speaking engagements. I just wish more conferences and more people gave me the opportunities to speak. I just often times think that many of the conferences stick to the same keynote speakers and I think it's important to often times try new people perhaps.

[@Determination212]

Hey everyone I know there is a lot of questions. If I do miss a question please let me know and I"ll be happy to answer your question as it's a lot to clump together but I know I can handle it :) I love answering questions. and it's something to do to help people and it helps keeps my mind off politics as I can be quite obsessed with it. however since the way youtube works. you'll have to read down and then go up type of a thing.

[@Determination212]

I just posted a video not too long about about college living. The easiest way to get all my videos is by simply subscribing. The next videos I plan on doing I think is either doing a public service annoucement about my internship that I start this monday or I'm going to talk about employment. I eventually plan on covering both topics.

[@Determination212]

pretty limited. however college is supposed to be the best four years of your life but in reality it's only the best four years of your life if you prioritize on partying instead of focusing on school in my perspective. Overall I hope that helped answer your question.

[@Determination212]

disability help and support services. In a big city there will be probably more services to help out your son. Overall if you get your son offically diagnosed it would force people to help him out more as they will know directly the problem/diagnosis. Your specialists can argue that they don't know what's wrong with him. It's unfortunate but for him to receive more services he's going to need a diagnosis.

[@Determination212]

@k0rps3gynd3r care of. in the meantime please read messages backwards to forward as that's how youtube is apparently set up for my responses. As I love helping out people as much as I can :)

[@Determination212]

@k0rps3gynd3r please check out my comments backwards to forwards on the bottom. youtube in the way you message is a bit messed up as you must read from bottom to up.

[@sbsman4998]

I am not sure why your dropping your left shoulder Jeremiah, but is often associated with scoliosis. It has been 6 years now since this video was made and I wonder how your spinal curve is progressing, any back pain, breathing difficulties???? Scoliosis is one of the easiest conditions to cure by hanging from an overhead bar often, with time, control and diligence of course.

[@Determination212]

because I have four cavities I made a joke about it that at least I'm getting my teeth fixed over my birthday as a great present I guess in a way minus having to pay for it. But I made a joke out of it saying that it's time for road repairs for my teeth as it's important to fix up the pot holes of decay. :)

[@MovieChannels]

I have autism and selective mutism.... they are often mistaken for each other, but I have really messed up genes.....

[@Determination212]

@k0rps3gynd3r Your welcome anytime As I do my best to help out people :) Your best idea to keep digging. is to maybe get some tests ran by doctors?

[@Determination212]

however because of my disability of autism in the way that I think. It's just hard to fit in sometimes with other peoples interests. Maybe it's a steretypical view but many autistics are very smart at certain areas for their obsessions including my own. Maybe that's why I burn people out? I know many people party in college but I really don't like the idea of partying like every weekend as I'd rather maybe have a little fun once in a while. But what's funny

[@katherinegonzales82]

you rock!!!!!!

[@miked31784]

You did a great job on your speech. I hope you get a chance to view my story (and series) as well.

[@plasmatic3223]

It's funny because when I was in Kindergartenmy teacher was teaching me how to spell words, and I threw a fit because I couldn't spell the word "said', and "the."

[@Determination212]

congrats. maybe you need to friend me. But overall I didn't mean to confuse you. But I was born non verbal. I was low functioning at first. but then I worked myself up to be who I am today which is a high functioning autistic

[@Determination212]

Because more and more kids are getting diagnosed with autism and the government doesn't know what to do with these kids. If doctors can some of them might want to try to diagnose less kids but not on purpose because many governments are simply running otu of money and having autism is at really high levels. I'll tell you this. Do whatever you can, try to get your kid diagnosed as quickly as you can. Apply him on wait lists

[@kadafiel-kardah2929]

Are you reading off a screen or are you talking from the head???? I can't tell. Anyway, you are an inspiration for others. Keep up the good work. You are truly unique, most autistic people do not like public speaking and writing books .

[@Determination212]

@k0rps3gynd3r and what you must do is keep pushing and pushing. There are many ppl getting diagnosed and it may be easier to diagnose less people with autism. If you need me to walk you through the process step by step let me know. However your best shot is to move to a bigger city possibly and then get involved with a couple disability organizations. Then your chances are better that you and your son will be taken better

[@Determination212]

I started talking at about 5 or 6 saying small words/making noises etc.

[@lcortes7255]

Hello Jeremiah, My son is 2 years and a half. He has autism, he repeats words, but when he feels he is alone he labels shapes, colors, numbers and the alphabet. Do you know why he does not do it when we are closed to him? Also, he is very attached to me, he loves his father and brother, and he is very close to his grandparents and teachers. Were you very attached to your mom? did you have aby secial diet? sorry to ask you all this stuff but watching your video I feel so happy. THANK YOU

[@Determination212]

overall when you say autism and selective mutism. Could you please define that? I understand with having messed up genes. I know with having autism and not having many close friends. Often times because we have a hard time reading emotions. There are times where I have a hard time reading even my own feelings and emotions as scary as that sounds. But I do know that often times I have a hard time telling the difference to when someone is either tired or sad.

[@K0RP53]

@jeremiahswisher hey there, you seem very smart. is it hard to learn new things for you? i am so worried my son has autism and i dont know where to start. he has alot of the warning signs. flaps his ands almost constantly, intricately lines up blocks and sorts them by color. spins wheels on toy cars and tricycles. i dont know why he does these things, i dont know what caused it. i just want to know what to do to help.

[@hannahhorne1438]

A few weeks ago I just found out that I have high functioning autism. I was shocked. I wanted to hurt myself but I didn't. I'm 21 years old and I still live with my mom and gamma. But I'm probably going to be the big loser for the rest of my life. That explains a lot why I was bullied and mistreated. Why no cute guy likes me. Etc.

[@Determination212]

First you have to love yourself. With Autism, I know it can be hard. Sometimes I have a hard time just fitting in. If anything, I wish I had more friends who I had more things in common with. Sometimes, I feel that with my disability that I fall through the cracks as I have a hard time relating with people sometimes. For instance, when I was 21, I was passionate about doing well in school. For me, whenever I've focused on something, I tend to be too focused which sometimes can create obsessions. If anything, I did this video about 7-8 years ago and I find it amazing that I was able to get 16,000 views. I probably should go back to doing videos as I took a long break from it. Because I inspire people like you, I want to continue to work on my passions. However, right now working and going to school full-time so it does take a lot of time out of my day. I hope to graduate with my masters next Spring so that I have more time to do things like making more youtube videos and maybe even perhaps attending a couple of disability conferences. Anyways, in time things will get better. I think as you get older and hang out with older people, people tend to tolerate diversity or individuals with differences. I remember learning that there is nothing wrong with being different as being 'normal' is just a button on a washing machine. Finally, I think you are a unique person and that you are not a loser. What you decide to make in life depends on what you want out of it. For instance, if you like to travel, make it happen. If you like ballet, make it happen. Sometimes our biggest criticizer is ourselves. Try not to be so hard on yourself. Plus there's nothing wrong with living with your Mom or Grandma. For starters, I'm 27 and I still live with my parents. The two reasons for it is that I'm social and I like being around people and helps me save money when cost of living tends to be high. And why no cute guy likes you is because you haven't found the right one yet. I know it takes time, but would you rather go fishing for a number for some guy to break your heart or would you rather wait a bit and find the one? Sometimes the best things in life come with patience. If you are looking to pursue a relationship and find that special someone, it becomes a part-time job in of itself. If you want something, it's important to be proactive. It's easy to give up, but don't give up . If you want a boyfriend, I'm sure there's one out there that's a near perfect match for you.

[@hannahhorne1438]

Jeremiah Swisher thanks. Your message got me emotional. And I do like ballet I'm starting back in April.

[@WenLiann]

Hi Jeremiah, have you every had relationsip with regular girls before? What will you tell girlfriends, partners, or spouses of Apies about AS, and what do you think a regular person should do ro not do while building understanding with you? Thank You.

[@myrasanchez2959]

Hi Jeremiah...my son Josh is 8 and was diagnosed at 5 with high functioning autism. He is a regular 2nd grader and has held his own si far. The school us considering special ed for 3rd grade due to his need for one on one and redirecting. Not sure how I feel about that. Thank you for your indpiration. Any thoughts on the issue of special ed? Thank you, Myra

[@Determination212]

@k0rps3gynd3r a lot of hopistals have doctors in where they diagnose people. Overall another thing to help is as a parent your already stressed. I would get ahold of one of your local disability organizations. they can help you with the process when trying to get your kid diagnosed to find out whether or not he has autism. from what your telling me it does seem like he has autism. you need support because the government and some of the doctors aren't on your side.

[@Determination212]

okay now onto the question that nihillyer posted about "stupid kids" Overall to answer that question, ehen I was in high school I have experienced much of the same problems. The thing about high school is that it's very segregated with the whole idea of click and social groups. Unfortunately I had to deal with a lot of the losers. Because half the people from my experience in at grade level or college prep courses wanted to get a decent education and it happened to be our learning

[@K0RP53]

@k0rps3gynd3r im terrified that this is going to destroy his life. i have tried to get help from specialists around where i live but they drag their feet and act like they aren't interested in helping. i live in a really small minded town in Kansas. there isn't many places to go for help around here. all i have found out is that its genetic and some are worse than others.

[@Determination212]

@RPSteve I've been doing alright and you?

[@Determination212]

I'll do my best to rock :)

[@Determination212]

@ Diana I think your son is so used to having you around and he probably thinks that either you understand him more or he can get away with your answers more because you might be lighter with the rules verses his father. I know that's a situation even for regular kids because if Mom is easier then Dad or Dad is easier then Mom. Then the kid is going to always go to the easier parent that they can get by easier with. Overall I think for him to have a better relationship

[@DecypherSINY]

Kudos to you Jeremiah for coming this far... Facebook: Decyphernyc we support Autism Speaks

[@Determination212]

maybe it's the whole idea that when you have to pay for your education then you actually give a dam about it? because from my experience if an education is just handed to you and the teachers are up on your butt about turning in an assignment. someone might not really try as hard since there will always be someone to pick up after them. But in college at least people are a lot more respectful. I've had very few cases in where someone wasn't caring about their education. The only problem

[@Determination212]

@k0rps3gynd3r and try to break down his routines and barriors. Your goal as a parent is that you want him to still be himself as I stress being yourself. But you want to try to correct his behavior a bit for what is more acceptable under societies standards and then hopefully he can maybe at least live an independent life. It still may seem like hope is narrowed but I have been hearing more and more stories like mine

[@Determination212]

@matthmatthmatth Of course :)

[@mdeffinger]

just so you know autism and challenges go hand in hand some like to sort some like to do networking some like to tinker with engines on cars.... they are probably smarter than you and i are just do not have all of the same capabilities in the things that they have disinterest in... such as sitting still, feeding themselves, walking, talking, they sometimes cant but they sometimes just dont feel the need... My daughter is the smartest child i know yet cant speak :-D

[@Determination212]

@k0rps3gynd3r Overall I'm sorry to break this to you but there are people in life that might not be the most helpful. If a specialist is unwilling to help out. Either pressure them to help your son out or try to find some new people. You do what it takes. Overall for your sons sake if you want him to receive help or more help. Your going to need to move your son and yourself into a bigger city in where there are stronger

[@CantWeedThis]

they have really fancy names for "nerd" these days

[@Determination212]

@k0rps3gynd3r to receive governmental help and services. Get on board a couple disability organizations and get help from them. they'll be able to go throught the process with you. I know there is a chance your kid doesn't have autism but from what you are telling me he's showing direct signs as I don't mean to break it to you. Autism may seem like a bad thing but it really isn't. What you must do is work with your child

[@Anglynn74]

I was a late talker and walker and I like routines, that's not autism, that's normal for a lot of people. Autism does exist but many kids think they have it because they're told that they have it. If that's constantly ingrained into someone's brain they'll eventually adapt to the specific disorder. Don't over analyze everything you do, or how you act, just be yourself, no labels. You come across as an average person to me, much luck to you.

[@joyange1]

LMG: Everyone else could spell those words but you couldn't and that made you feel inferior to every one else and that make you mad with yourself for not doing it or did you feel like you where singled out from the rest of the class?