My Aspergers Story | Autism Awareness Day 2016 | Rhiannon Salmons

[@potatoO0o]

I have Aspergers as well. The older I get, more dificult it is to cope it with. Maybe because social situations are getting more and more complex as you age. I'm socially way behind my peers. My mind is very mature, I'm very understanding but socially I'm pretty much around 10-15 years behind.

[@missabi9052]

I relate to everything you just said, my mental age is high as my social skills are low O.o

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

ArtsyAbi me too! My social skill is child like

[@AntonioTarot]

@@missabi9052 me too, andd it's annoying i remember that always at the school i felt like weird and always i was like go away i don't need to talk with you.

[@rossmurray3168]

.. and me .✋

[@wa0187]

For me it started to get really hard when I hit puberty and things changed. I'm 18 now and I suffer a lot. I got my diagnosis at 17

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

They say Aspies are often rude. But I consider how NTs talk and act and I say we are no more rude than they. Differently rude maybe, but not more rude.

[@jannacrimando1425]

I get called rude a lot because my facial expressions and mannerisms get misinterpreted a lot, and I don't pick up on a lot of the doublespeak NTs engage in so I don't always respond correctly and it comes off as rude.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

@@hemprope4326 see? I rest my case.

[@hemprope4326]

@@ecocentrichomestead6783 Well at least you're willing to accept that you're a total POS!

[@aussiegamerdude6403]

Me too i get nervous grocery shopping because i hate interacting with a stranger in the check out i cant protend to smile and be happy people think im scary its annoying im very awkward with strangers im getting better though

[@ariannacarbone6275]

@@hemprope4326 Thank you for proving their point....

[@carriehopewell389]

I have Aspergers syndrome and I find that even though I have 2 degrees,people speak to me slowly and treat me like I am 'delusional' in some way if I am upset about a genuine thing.

[@annate4347]

That happens to me as well

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Anna Te they tend to over explain shit

[@rossmurray3168]

Me too, I don't understand why.

[@StridertheBelgianMalinois]

inestter

[@lily-ella2179]

I just don’t tell people-

[@ryanavery8174]

I did a presentation at my school about my life with aspergers and I got an a on it my principle wants me to do it in other classes

[@MandyJMaddison]

Congratulations on achieving an A for your presentation, Ryan! I think that it is a very good idea that you principal has, for you to share this with other classes. When people understand about how other people feel, and see things, it helps everyone to get on better.

[@ryanavery8174]

MandyJMaddison thanks for the compliment

[@summer-kh4jv]

that's really brave and congrats on that A!!!:)

[@ryanavery8174]

Summer Deaver oh thank you

[@ryanavery8174]

Alexander Liu last time I did it I got emotional

[@imaginedragons4675]

I have Asperger and sensory issues dislexia and other mental health illnesses yet I can still walk, talk fluently, I also do make up and look normal, yet I am autistic. So many people have it. The spectrum is so wide and everyone is individual just please stop making inappropriate rude comments that affect so many people!!!! Rant over. Be happy and stop fighting it's not good for anyone

[@kutay8421]

I don't care

[@johniversen1539]

I'm a big fan of your music, and now I am an even bigger fan of you because you came out, and stood up for us. You are awesome, and you deserve all the fans that you're getting because of your work. At first I was a fan at the first time that I heard your music. The first time that I heard your music was back when you put out radioactive. I heard it on the radio, and I was instantly a fan. I've been listening to all of your music since then, and I'm proud of all of the work that you have done putting your career on the line for the LGBTQ, and people like us with mental illnesses. I didn't realize until now that you had aspergers. I also have aspergers, and I used to think that I wouldn't amount to anything because this world wasn't meant for people like me who had aspergers, but now I know that you have aspergers, and you are a rockstar. So now I have hope for the future. Thank you for what you have done for the world, and I am so proud of what you have done for it. You are so awesome. I am sorry to hear about your wife, but my pastor keeps telling me in church that pain leads to perseverance, and perseverance leads to character, and character to hope. I have also lost a lot of people who were very important to me in the last five years, some to death, and some just left my life, but I am happy for the time that I did spend with them, and I am grateful for the pain in losing them because the best learning opportunities come from pain. You are such an inspiration to the people who watch your career, and to the people who listen to your music. I am so proud of you, and I hope that you keep your chin up, and cast your cares on God because he cares about you more than all of your fans put together. Keep up the good work, and know that there are so many people who care about you.

[@bummerdrummer3135]

@@johniversen1539 Dude, that's not the actual band... Just a fan who took their name and cover album for their own username and profile photo.

[@johniversen1539]

@@bummerdrummer3135 face palm emoji, lol I am so gullible. Thank you for letting me know.

[@sasharobinson1970]

I'm an aspie and I was wondering if anyone else uses music to block out noise because I tend to do this in classroom situations especially around computers because I don't like the sound of people typing. I was just wondering if it was just me or if other feel this way or do this

[@ElisaBenaggoune]

Sasha Robinson oh no I feel the same way too and I need some noise blocking headphones too

[@knightace2002]

I did that too.

[@emilymc607]

Sasha Robinson I do this a lot in the dinner hall at lunch as you can not hear yourself think

[@tammydoherty6372]

+ Sasha Robinson - I don't have Asperger's (officially - I just resonate strongly with some of the symptoms), *but* I often use music to block out the noise of other people around me. Especially when I'm out on my own at shopping centres or supermarkets (I also hate the nauseatingly bright, artificial lighting of those kinds of places). I don't do that when I'm accompanied by other people though, obviously (rude, haha). I wished I'd had the luxury of listening to music in-ear in computer-based classroom situations before, but that was strictly prohibited (we had to be alert to the teacher at all times). I think there are many people out there who are simply *sensitive* to their environment and all of its stimuli because they perceive more at a quicker, more condensed rate. Well, that's how it feels to me, personally. I generally don't like labelling people (because it limits and reduces them to a narrow bandwidth of personhood), but I've heard of a label named 'Highly Sensitive Person' (HSP). Maybe people officially on the autism spectrum might identify with that? Another thing I want to say is that our modern society is simply deeply unhealthy on multiple levels and is constructed in such a way so as to 'reward' people who fit the limited template of what supposedly constitutes 'normal'. If a person doesn't have 800 friends on Social Media, post daily statuses on same, go out socialising with friends at least once per week every week, or make idle small talk with anything with a fucking pulse, they're maligned as being 'weird'. Never mind the possibility that the person is simply an introvert, has solitary hobbies they pursue, needs a rest/relaxation, wants to go for a walk outside for a fucking change, or happens to be broke at a given time. It's ridiculous. I blame American culture for popularising this favoured stereotype of the ever-gregarious and garrulous extrovert. Fuck America for that. Anyway, another thing is that I don't like the uncertainty, unpredictability and potentially fluid boundaries inherent in having random strangers in my midst. Despite the fact that I seem to be able to read most people unusually well/accurately. Fuck, being a human being is hard sometimes, lol. :~)

[@PubliusAfricanus]

+Sasha Robinson ... I'm not an aspie but use headphones ALL the time because people today are just irritating, especially out in public. They play shitty music on their phones and cackle like crazy people. And don't get me started on their kids that they exert no control over whatsoever.

[@BeckyC123]

Had no idea there were so many amateur psychologists in the KZbin comments section - amazing how it's possible to make an in-depth & accurate diagnosis through someone's KZbin video! Thanks for being awesome and raising awareness! It's unfortunately quite hard for people who are not on the spectrum themselves to fully understand, so no doubt there are many uneducated (and surprisingly hostile) opinions thrown around. I feel most people with Aspergers almost learn to fit in in some social situations and mimic neurotypical behaviour to a certain extent, which can create an initial impression of looking 'normal' to others. I'd love to see a video with tips for getting a job especially when communication can be a huge issue.

[@Siders2032]

Becky C Your keen sarcasm is a unique talent for Aspies.

[@e.a.coldrick]

@@Siders2032 Hold on... I cant tell if you're sarcastic or not. I have autism/aspergers/asc/asd, whatever you wanna call it, and I'm hella sarcastic. Maybe it's just cos I'm British...!

[@TheAspieWorld]

Another Aspie channel reaching out to do a possible colab video? Let me know, :). I have just over 6K subscribers and I think a colab would be awesome.

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+The Aspie World that would be great! :) great to see other people in the same boat as me :)

[@TheAspieWorld]

+Rhiannon Salmons Hey, awesome. Email me [e-mail]

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+The Aspie World I'm on it now :)

[@TheAspieWorld]

Rhiannon Salmons Awesome, :). Do you have Skype?

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

I actually don't :( sorry

[@plunderclat221]

I'm a 38 year old dude diagnosed 3 weeks ago. My 14 year old daughter is just like you. She'll do any thing, try anything, fight anyone, is hyper-intelligent, is very popular etc... and I know she could be aspergers but she functions not only highly, but exceptionally... and so thanks to the misperceptions, she goes under the radar (or does she? :D). I just don't want the masking to bear on her the way it has me... I'm on a come-down from masking for 30 years and I can't describe how much I've overloaded upon realising. I can't sleep atm. I don't want that for her... people look at what you can do and think we can't have any problems so when you do, people are passive to your struggles.

[@tasneem12ta]

Amazing speaking and very sorry to hear that all of these horrible things happened to you. Always stay strong and always be who you are and consider your Asperger as a gift. Am glad you are feeling better and you are an amazing girl and you will always be. It was a pleasure to listen to your talk.

[@ammonmckay2503]

I'm 26 and just found out I have asperger's :-/ I'm putting myself through a hell of alot of self development programs to be more sociable. studying the art of body language and learning to get out of defense mode has changed my life dramatically. I was heading towards self destruction as I couldn't stand being alone anymore. Thank god for people like you :-)

[@gpmd6969]

Ammon Mckay

[@cooterqueen]

Ammon Mckay hi... how did you find out you have aspergers? did people notice symptoms in you or did you start to notice things yourself?

[@cooterqueen]

Ammon Mckay thank you for replying. I am 90% my bf has aspergers or autism but he gets offended if it is mentioned so I'm really trying to learn more about it. Did you see a doctor for a final diagnosis?

[@cooterqueen]

Ammon Mckay do you feel your life becoming easier now that you know why you're different?

[@ammonmckay2503]

No one wants to admit there is something wrong with them. There's a book called 'connecting with your asperger's partner' that will help. I cried when I read it as I realized alot about myself and how I unintentionally pushed the ones I love out of my life. I would suggest the best way to help your partner would be to suggest help through logic and not force or push change on him as this will cause stress and withdrawal. aspies are very stubborn and in our heads we're always right. If u can help him see his problem he will look into it himself and make it his special interest to improve. just remember to suggest not enforce.

[@chrisherbert2461]

You ever get stressed in large crowds of people like me?

[@Thebaildude]

I do, I'm 17 and have Aspergers and when I am anywhere that is crowded I will get real overwhelmed and angry. My head will get hot and I'll start getting real anxious.

[@chrisherbert2461]

It's stressful being in large crowds of people

[@pikachuchujelly7628]

I hate crowds. My version of hell would probably be a mosh pit at a loud metal concert.

[@philippinesball5058]

I'm not and I have Asperger's. As long as I don't get lost or trampled, I'd be fine.

[@aaron22528]

+chris herbert yep it is

[@onceinabluemoon315]

Glad you were able to share that. I had a lot of bullying when I was younger too and I didn't understand why. But I was very shy. One kid had special needs in my class and I wasn't mean to him but I was always so curious about him. Now looking back I do think he had autism. My parents are still in denial that I have Asperger's and I'm 35. I didn't get the support growing up and I was left to myself to raise myself basically and I was treated the complete opposite of how you should work with an aspie child and it really did mess me up as an adult. If it wasn't for my BF I would be a recluse and afraid of the world right now. He's not an aspie but has helped work with me in my social awareness and it's been a constant battle to remember everything he says. I finally started to meet with other aspies in my area to get help in how to function so I can at least among people. But I still have a lot of anxiety and feel like I'm alone quite a bit cuz I can't share how I feel openly. :(

[@alexbaker8473]

Your perfect the way you are.. The difference with YOU is as you said, passion, empathy and love.. This is why we think differently. Our passion is intrinsic, our drive to understand relentless and our love non exclusive. Frame of mind is everything and it's not you that should change, just think of this common saying, "stick and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me".... Why suffer word's when they have meaning? It's not our responsibility to follow dogma but it's our responsibility to make this world better. Stay strong and remember it's easier to teach those younger than those older. Stay strong, get your confidence back, be YOU and have control of yourself 💞

[@savagesage3196]

before I look at my Asperger's as a excuse and negative but this actually made me want to embrace and be proud of it. I have this video and you as a support so thank you so much ❤ much love to you and everyone with this blessing

[@benwilson2099]

i have autism aspergers and i cant relax around people i dont know and always panic when things change i was diagnosed with it when was 21

[@Dejawolfs]

aspergers doesn't just make you different. it makes you more intelligent than other people. and if there's something people really hate, it's someone who is better than them.

[@strawberryshortcake5505]

as someone with autism this superiority complex is 🤮

[@Dejawolfs]

@@strawberryshortcake5505 in what way is this a superiority complex. if i can complete a task in half the time with the same quality as someone else takes, naturally i am superior at this task.

[@strawberryshortcake5505]

@@Dejawolfs you're saying that you're better and smarter than others just because you're autistic. get over yourself

[@ostapbulava4927]

Thanks for telling your very relatable and touching story. I was diagnosed with Aspergers about four years ago (when i was 15) while my depression was being assessed. When i listen to other peoples personal stories i find myself nodding my head because of how much their experience practically mirrored mine. When I was in Elementary School I was always alone and honestly didn't even want to be around other people due to my awkward social interactions and the anxiety that I felt as a result. I believe you mentioned that you had a higher maturity than those your age. That reminded me of my High School experience where I couldn't stand many of my peers that were the same age as me so i began to sit with my brother and his friends who were seniors on a regular basis. Also I have never been able to keep friends even when i get them. It's like after the school year ended I would step into restart mode and then have to start from scratch at the beginning of each and every school year. I'm still trying to figure out where i fit in this world, no one in my family is very supportive and they always say that i blame all of my problems on Aspergers or they dismiss the things that I claim are a part of Aspergers (trust me i've done my research lol), it's almost as if i am trapped in a never ending spiral that continues to spin faster as the years go on. This experience has been so peculiar that i decided to write a novel about it. :) i'm glad to see more and more people talking about Aspergers (and Autism) openly. I hope you and others continue to do so because people like myself are surrounded by a whole lot of neurotypicals who never stop and wonder how it would feel to be in my shoes. PS: I'm still learning more about myself and i was wondering if other Aspies have the issue of having a mind that is always thinking too much, so much if fact that it messes with your concentration as if you have the attention span of toddler.

[@katemmacoo4368]

I loved this video. You have explained AS so well. You're AS story is very reminiscent of my own. Good luck with the rest of your life, you deserve to be happy, have lots of friends and not be judged for who you are. xxx

[@scottevans1953]

I'm a 67 yr old male who is just figuring out that it very likely I've been on the spectrum all my life. This awareness has been very useful in understanding myself and others. I enjoyed your honesty and willingness to share your story. Best of luck to you. You're awesome.

[@maiazohar149]

I have aspergers too. I have to do school online and I'm too scared to leave the house. I wish I had more people to talk too thanks for making this video

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

maia zohar I am in the same boat. In public situation I'm so anxious I can't even think.

[@STARGAMER-tv1mb]

You're a great speaker Rhiannon, thank you for sharing your story

[@Sapphire-pq7zb]

hi I'm 15 and I just got diagnosed with Aspergers and I'm watching videos like these cause I'm kind of anxious but I wanted to say you are so beautiful!!! :O

[@d1lan66]

idk why but this makes me emotional bc u are 19 now and u wrote this when u were 15 and just got diagnosed probably trying to “cope” with it. i wonder what u a doing now.

[@williambentley5508]

Rhiannon Salmons, I wanted to say thank you for posting this video and sharing your experience with Aspergers. I have high-functioning autism and I find it hard to talk to people, even if it's people I know, and being in new situations. It is really encouraging to know that I'm not alone in this; you reminded me that autism isn't something to be ashamed of and it isn't a curse - not a day went by when I didn't wish I could make it disappear. I'm now proud of it again and wouldn't change it for the world. But most importantly, it's amazing and commendable that you are raising awareness for autism when it is such a misunderstood condition. I hope you will carry on providing this space of understanding and I wish you all the happiness in the world.

[@EAEA1314]

I am very proud of you Rhiannon! This is my first time watching one of your videos. I am a Behavioural Therapist by profession. And I just wanted to tell you, you are doing Great. You are a beautiful young woman....so keep your head up high and never allow those that are ignorant to bring you down.You go girl! Eilaf

[@marschile123]

Thank you so much for being so honest with your story Rhiannon. I hope that you are doing well and continue to be the confident young lady that you are. I have a 17 year old son with Asperger's and he seems to have led a parallel life to yours but here in America. Many of the experiences that you shared are so similar to what he has faced throughout the years. This has given me a renewed hope and response towards my son's plight. Best wishes and God Bless....

[@MissStripedpirate]

I always got physically sick when sleeping over at a friends, i'd usually throw up.. Never got why until i got diagnosed at 15

[@MissStripedpirate]

***** are you trying to 1up me? hahahaha

[@MissStripedpirate]

***** You just have to recognize that you are still the same person and nothing is going to change :)

[@MissStripedpirate]

***** Maybe explaining it as best as you can helps, people usually fear what they don't know..

[@MissStripedpirate]

***** How would you get hurt?

[@MissStripedpirate]

***** Well, you could just choose who you're gonna tell. I only say it when I think the person can take it or i just don't care.. Also they will only make fun of you if you're ashamed of it's otherwise it's no fun for them anyway.

[@wildwood143]

You are a real trouper for sharing your story. It's important in your life as you grow as a woman, become a mother, to have a good support system when things will arise with your children, in work and with your family. There are many people I have met with PDA, one in particular failed to tell me she had a ASD and PDA until it was too late. I asked her to help me with a project which put me in an awkward position with dealing with a group. When I needed her help, she was gone and she told me why but it was too late. PDA can cause havoc and instead of facing an issue can cause you to run. If you deal properly with your diagnosis especially the PDA issue, put tools in your toolbox( meaning life skills that are taught to you) you can lead a good life. Thank you for sharing your story, you are a beautiful person on the inside and out, keep shining sharing your story. The only way to stop ignorance and people being in denial is to show people with it. When we show people with it, it makes people understand that people with ASD are not really strange, scary or having something abnormal. You are wired a certain way, it's not a disease, just different. I am the mother of a talented artistic teen son with an ASD and a mom to a wonderful young lady who has ADHD.

[@ryanavery8174]

I have Asperger's syndrome and I was hanging out with some autistic kids today

[@sarahgardiner1735]

This is beautiful, (here I am commenting 2 years later finally coming to terms with being comfortable with my autism lol) watching videos like these have helped me so so much. I am seeing that other people like you have grown up in similar harsh social conditions that I had and it helps me to feel so much more okay with it all. Hats off to people like you.

[@darklocks2533]

I was diagnosed with having high functioning Autism just this past December. I've had it my whole life obviously but I was never properly diagnosed. Thought it was always suspected by my parents. My dad use to work with Autistic children and noticed that I did a lot of the same things they did. Like I obsess over certain things I have repetitive behaviors such as taping a lot pacing and rocking. I get really angry sometimes. I also have trouble talking to people and making and keeping friends and being in social settings. (social anxiety)I'm 20 and I've never dated because I never know what to say to people or how to act. Being diagnosed as an adult. I didn't really have much heads up on it. So I never really learned how to deal with it. My therapist suggested that I seek additional therapy and maybe go to some support groups but I'm not sure I would be so comfortable talking to some stranger. I'm a very private person and asking for help as never been easy for me. I'm also afraid that they'll over analyze what I say and make into more than what it is. Or I'll start talking and it'll all just come out.

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+Kylena Clevenger thats very interesting to hear! My youth worker obviously works with a lot of autistic people too and she can sort of detect and pick up on it in undiagnosed people too. I do things like that aswell! & same, anger is massive issue for me. I'm really sorry to hear that, I know how it feels to struggle to keep friends and socialise for long periods. Aww bless you :( Well hopefully one day the right person will come along for you and you'll know exactly how you feel / how you should act etc. Yeah I get you, dating intimidates me a lot aswell and I haven't had masses of experience. Oh yeah that sounds scary, groups are not fun to be in. Yep I can relate to you! Oh yes that's exactly the same with me, I'll be talking to someone and when I got silent to get my train of thought back I'll think 'what the hell are you doing Rhiannon?! Why are you blathering so much?!' aha. Well thankyou for telling me this and know that I'm always here.

[@darklocks2533]

Rhiannon Salmons Thank you I think social situations are the most hard for me. I got overloaded and crowded easily and I never know what to say to people. So I either talk to much or not enough so I sort just try and let other people lead the conversation

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+Kylena Clevenger Yeah I understand. I can fully relate on that one! Yeah I think it's natural to do that, but I can assure you that with time and a bit of positivity, things do get easier. If you ever need any advice then I'm always here :) my social media is always written in my description boxes aswell.

[@darklocks2533]

Rhiannon Salmons Thank you. Has it gotten easier for you to handle social situations? I haven't got a lot of friends the only ones I do have I haven't talked to or seen for months. I would like to go out into the world more I just don't know how.

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+Kylena Clevenger Yes it really has. I think that if you give yourself some time to think and reflect on life / socialising and stuff, you forget about the anxiety it causes and start to enjoy it a little more. I don't have many friends either hun and I relate to what you're saying, well maybe you could message them and tell them that you'd like to see them, and start off with something that's easy and simple like hanging at each others houses or something just nice and laid-back, then ask them if they would help you to feel confident in going out with them so like to the cinema / movies, to a cafe, to the park, anywhere you like. It's important they are aware that you're struggling and find these things hard. But friends really are a precious thing and the most special ones to us will understand us and love us no matter what :)

[@theresag1969]

Rhiannon, I am much older than you and see myself in you. As a child, I had nocturnal paralysis, OCD, excessive focus on cleanliness, agoraphobia, hypersensitive to sound, noise, tone, autism, and chronic pain. I had no idea this was really a form of autism. I can tell you that your self-awareness is very intimidating to people who are not confident. They think about how they appear to others where I bet you are more concerned with what's going on in your head and what you are doing. Their perception of you being weird is simply you being around what society say is normal. In reality, these NT (NeuroTypical) people are much weaker and insecurity than you and they wish they had your confidence. I can't comprehend jealousy but NT seem to have a lot of this kind of thing which seems to be their strong focus when they interact with others. Just focus on your productivity, learning, and being a good person you will be happier. I obtained two professional degrees and one was in medicine when I changed my focus and understood that my neurological system was different from "normals". I am very happy that I'm am different because I have been a benefit to society and other because of me being different from others. The constant criticism of your uniqueness is simply this thing called jealousy designed to knock you down to their insecure level. You are fortunate to have loving parents. Stop trying to be " normal" you are "wonderfully unique", embrace it.

[@chaotichoe2759]

I when I was bullied I was the same. I remember that one time I was going on a trip, And these boys behind me were pulling my hair I asked them to stop politely *3* times. Then I turned around to them and screamed stop. I got in trouble *I WAS THE ONE WHO GOT IN TROUBLE*

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Jean P us aspie are the kindest people on the face of your earth and yet we are the ones who get treated like shit.

[@MultiNico35]

@@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774 thats so true.

[@mercuria2563]

It’s a terrible reality for a lot of autistic people. We are bullied for not being able to fit in, when there’s nothing we can do about it. But when we react to our poor treatment we are being out of line- and It’s not easy to face years of harsh treatment and be expected to quietly endure it. We may have autism, but we are still people with real life feelings, and sometimes we should be allowed to express the pain that has gradually built up from being victim to constant judgement.

[@JordanJSparks]

This is beautiful, I think I have determined that explains the way I think as well. I suffer with insane lifelong anxiety and I'm so happy you're spreading Autism and Aspergers awareness

[@BRUTALSHANZ1988]

Wow.This is something that completely caught me off guard and I was totally unprepared for it. I'd kept this to myself for so long now but at 28 I just have to accept the fact that I have Aspergers.Aspergers to me is a taboo.For years I've always been in denial but it will always be a part of me.It will never go away.2 things that I hate about having Aspergers is loneliness and depression and it seems that I am not alone.Other people share it too. Another side affect is having no confidence in myself and a lack of self esteem.Having Aspergers is a curse and at age 7 it was placed upon me.Having Aspergers sucks.

[@shereeclinton8741]

Nemechek protocol

[@gee2541]

It’s not a curse. People deal with different conditions all the time. I know it’s hard but self-hatred isn’t the path to take and there are ways to build up your self-confidence. There are so many “taboos” in society but I have hope that society is more accepting now than they were before. Good luck to you x

[@elizabethrichardson5769]

Thank you so much, Rhiannon, I was officially diagnosed with Aspergers last November, but the diagnostic process began in 2013. It's scary how similar our experiences are. You are so strong and I accept and support you 100 percent! It's so inspiring for me to hear your story, so just thank you so so much!

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+Elizabeth Richardson Aww hun you're SO welcome!

[@hazyquebec12]

I have a 4 year old with Aspergers and I really appreciate your video. I loved hearing your story. Thanks for sharing

[@DavidAKJohnson]

I must have seen this video 5 years ago and never said about how much Aspergers has both affected me in so many good ways but also so many challenging and difficult ways as well. I’ve been heavily stressed with life at the moment and struggling to understand my place in the world, trying to make sense of my current reality and even questioning some serious spiritual beliefs and problems I’ve been dealing with, it’s been a sensory roller coaster so I’ve just tried to find some like minded folks on KZbin who, while we all may differ on the spectrum in so many ways, there may be some things we can probably understand better from each other than how neurotypicals would understand. 5 years later, I hope you are doing well Rhiannon and coping with this situation to the best of your ability. It’s hard but we all need to realise just how exceptionally unique our minds are. Some of the most greatest thinkers, inventors and creators have Aspergers so never discredit your capabilities of truly wonderful things. And let’s encourage those who may suffer from the severe end of Autism to integrate their skills and passions as well. Just because they may have higher difficulties and more dependance required than we do doesn’t make them any less human than we are. We are in this together 🌎 🧩

[@salenaculpepper5746]

I have a hard time with relationships and trying to make friends and also cause I don't get out a lot. I like meeting new people.

[@gabeangel8104]

Thank you for doing this video. I came across it by mistake but have followed your channel because of it. I was undiagnosed with autism all my life and am still really struggling to accept it. I find it hard when people say they wouldn't want a cure because I can't see anything but hurt and struggle that has come out of it for me. I am only accepting it enough to admit I have it because a friend who is also autistic has helped me a lot. Listening to you had helped me so much because I relate so much to do much of what you said and what you went/go through. Thank you for talking about it all.

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

Aww you're welcome, I'm glad you stumbled across it, I hope you enjoyed it :) I know the feeling, trust me. That's such a shame to hear, I'm really sorry you've felt that way for so long :( I promise you it does get easier and things become much less painful to deal with, just remember that you are still the same person as you were before the diagnosis, the diagnosis doesn't change anything about you, it just gets to the bottom of how your brain is wired and it gives you a bit more of your identity that you otherwise weren't aware of for your whole life. Thank you, honestly it's my pleasure and I'm so glad this video helped you and you found comfort from it :) always here. x

[@Dubsackjack]

They knew how to get me to react too, that's why I was suspended 20 times in fifth grade, have c-ptsd, and generally wish i was the only person on the planet. It was tough for me, i wasn't diegnose until I was 23, and by then the damage was already done. Years and years and years of bullying, abuse from siblings, severe abuse, and punishment from teachers and parents constantly. People can be very very terrible when they think they are in the right. I suppose one good takeaway from my experiences is that I never assume I know why someone acts the way that they do, and try my best to give them the "benefit of the doubt." But sadly, I can't decide whether or not I like people or not. Should I blame them for what happened to me? I don't want to blame myself. I want to move on but these festering feeling pop up all the time and I'm afraid I'll end up hurting people. I never liked to be hurt, but for some reason, I really want to hurt others. it's just not right what happened to me, and I don't know how to move past it.

[@ChloeBridge]

Hi Rhiannon. Thanks for sharing your story. My six year old has recently been diagnosed with Aspergers / high functioning ASD through CAHMS - sounds like a similar process to you with a 14 month wait time and the games and the assessor talking about random things in her life (no guinea pigs though, for my son it was holidays). He is too young to understand right now, and I am mulling over when is the best time to start having conversations about ASD with him. From your video, it sounds like you have benefited loads from having an official diagnosis and now have a better understanding of the things you sometimes struggle with, which has made me confident that I should be open with my son about his diagnosis when the time comes - I just want him to have a happy life and to reduce his anxiety in any way I can.

[@user-scorpiara]

" the continual maintenance of okayness "...love the phrase

[@RobH1093]

I'm 22 years old, and I was diagnosed with Asperger's at the age of 5. Some of what you said in this video is similar to what I've been through. I used to be pretty open about having Asperger's with people when I was in school, but pretty much all throughout secondary school I was really badly bullied, and by year 11 I was made to feel like having Asperger's made me less of a person, so I begun keeping it to myself and only told people if I felt they needed to know since I didn't want people to treat me as being less of a person if they knew. While I still have difficulties from time to time, and I've got a long way to go, I'm slowly but surely learning to accept my Asperger's as being a part of me, and watching this video has helped me with taking another step towards this acceptance so thank you for that.

[@eo6637]

My parents also said that to me "If you skip school we are going to prison"

[@charlieputhfan850]

E O sameee

[@charlieputhfan850]

Ana Munitić lol I think that person means skipping school, not homeschooling if u skip school your parents can be arrested.

[@liquoriceprose163]

Ana Munitić I think it's more of a British thing but I'm not all that sure.

[@StridertheBelgianMalinois]

yay

[@Ariancia.Thystarian]

This means so much to me. I'm turning 30 this year, and I always loved school and built my whole future around it. I'm done with uni now and I just stopped functioning. It feel like I losing myself and I always been so confident... and lately doctors, old classmates and even I, because of them, started to question if I might have Aspergers. I been rethinking my whole growing up process, mainly to find out why I suddenly lost my self-worth even if my self-confidence still is on high, and I keep coming back to the 3-4 years of bulling that happened when I was 10-14. I know who I was but I couldn't understand why my classmates hated me so much. My conclusion as a child was that maybe I was acting to much of a school police, trying to make sure everyone was following the rules all the time. So I did my best to only police myself and no others... didn't change much they still bullied me. I kind of gave up on making friends of my own age and I did feel more comfy with my teachers and grown ups anyway. And I always keep joking that I was a 60 year old lady in a child's body. My classmates had decided that I wasn't like them so I accepted it and toke it as I of course then was better than them, even if I had nothing to back that up with then the fact that I love school and was pretty good at most subjects beside language. Now I'm losing that "wall" I created to protect myself and under it seems I have a mountain of self-worth issues and anxieties. And they are going to assess me to check if I got Aspergers but with the whole "quiet, shy, no confidence" thing I found in most personal stories I really was starting to feel that maybe this wasn't it anyway. But the way you speak, the confidence you had as a child, the knowing who you was and what you wanted... how you lost that when they basically toke it away from you... reminded me so much of my story. Even if I'm going through it so much later in life.

[@FoolyLiving]

It's nice to see a girl with Aspergers. I have two boys with Aspergers. One is turning 19 years old, and the other is 3. Btw, they don't use the term Aspergers anymore, they just call it high functioning autism. I believe that's a mistake, because I really do believe Aspergers is completely different from autism, imo. Aspergers should be a stand alone diagnosis, not on the spectrum, because all Aspies have similar traits.

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

Yeah you don't really hear about many aspie girls! Ahh that's interesting to hear, hope your sons are doing okay :) & yeah I know, they aren't diagnosing it as Aspergers anymore which is so ridiculous, I totally agree with you!! Aspergers is it's own condition and saying 'high-funcitioning autism' is too confusing to be honest. :/

[@MultiNico35]

Its just a clasification isue. Nothing else. I have asperguers sindrom and considera my self a normal man.

[@tiagopimentel6492]

I have autism spectrum disorder. When I was a child i couldn't look into people eyes when I was speaking with them and I was shy. I was bullied and I became negative and depressed and the reason was that I was scared too show who I really was. But the moment I changed my mind and start to become positive and watching videos and doing self study what autism was and learning social thechniques My life started to change. So much that the bullies wanted to become back friends with me and I started to have more friends. I started to test my limits and going out of my comfort zone. I did at 18 years old back the autism test with psychologist and my autism is now so low that it isn't considered like a handicap. I can have a normal life. I have my secundary school degree in the administration. I have more confidence. I feel happy with the life I have. People told me that I will never have a degree, a girlfriend and that I was gay but I proved them wrong because that negativity of them made me more motivated to achieve my goals. I failed a lot but I have never give up. Because that is the type of man I am. I believe what you think is what you attracted. So if you are scared of been bullied and hate people. you will attract hate and bullies. If you believe the world is wonderful and you are grateful and you believe you can have a lot of friends. You will attract that and that is the law of attraction. There is no stronger power then the power of positivity. You don't need to see yourself as a sick person with autism but see autism as a gift because it gives you other talents that others don't have. We have to learn to be grateful where we live and what we have because there are people who starving of disease and Hunger in many parts of the worlds. As long if you have friends, family and a roof on your head you are richer then most of the people in the world.

[@alecviby7271]

I also have aspergers and ADHD and OCD I'm hard of hearing and mute but I like someone is talking about it. This is my friend writing this I can't

[@theofficialwatermelon8583]

You really have the shit end of the stick.

[@shayj3379]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share.. truly a blessing to those whom have loved ones whom are dealing w/ Autism/ Aspies, and recently diagnosed. TY

[@GutsAndGall]

I watched the whole video. Throughout the whole thing there have been so many things I've wanted to say, but maybe another day. I am soooo glad you've found yourself again and that you feel confident again!!

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+MindOfHerOwn Aww I appreciate that so much! Aw bless you yeah maybe :) and thankyou so much!! That's so lovely of you, I am too :) Thankyou for being so encouraging and caring

[@johniversen1539]

I love your hair. I also was diagnosed with autism. I aged out of school, but I am still trying to get my diploma. I won’t give up no matter what. I could live off of disability if I wanted to, but I know that I have the ability to work. I was very distant from others because I didn’t like being around other people. I was probably depressed at that time, but I remember in school, I would be eating my lunch, and trying to read a book, and it was virtually impossible because they sounded so loud, and everybody else was acting like there wasn’t a problem, but it fealt like my ears were bleeding. I am more comfortable working in darker areas than in well lit areas. It used to be that I couldn’t look beautiful girls in the face because it fealt uncomfortable, so I would look at my feet, or away from them whenever I talked to them, but I trained myself by forcing myself to talk to them by looking them in the face. It started with me looking at them, and then I started talking to them while looking at them. I think I may alsohave PTSD because of all of the abuse I’ve father figures I had, and then later when I did get a family that I loved, and I thought they loved me. I suddenly lost my sister, mom and dad. When I lost my Dad, I lived with my mom in a summer cabin where we barely had enough food to survive, and it was infested with bugs, and mice, and shrews, and was very cold in the winter. I’m on my own now which may lead to depression again. It sucks to have what you’ve always dreamed of, and it’s taken from you in an instant. I don’t understand when people are serious, or when they are joking, so I often have to ask. It’s hard to act the way that others expect you to act when you have no idea what they are feeling, or can’t tell how they feel, and your senses are heightened. I sometimes get panicked attacks when people talk about abuse, and about how my Mom left to go to Africa, and how alone I am now that they’re gone.

[@maccifyme]

I just started watching this video and I have to leave for a while, so can't finish through it, but one thing got to me: When you're talking about how you were seen as "bossy" among your friends, even though you didn't mean to be. I can relate so much to that! I suddenly remember how I as a kid, say 7-12 or something, every now and then got really sad because I would be in an argument with my friends about me being too bossy, and I never even realized it! I'm starting to read about it because I might be having aspergers or something similar...

[@pengu.3694]

Sophie-Jay Shore alphabet boy

[@Siders2032]

Yessir! Me too. That part is IDENTICAL to my experience. And all my elders foreshadowing my demise in friendships as she described. "If you keep acting like that, you aren't going to have any friends.". I have multiple vivid memories of my Mom saying, "No one is going to want to be around you.". It stuck in my memory, and haunted me later on when I was having friendships hot waves. My specific strategy for socializing could be a very interesting testimonial for many people. I'll be curious to see if, perhaps, it's not all that unique. I'll reference this video in mine, and post a link here.

[@sarahrose52]

Hi Rhiannon! Thank you so much for posting this video. I'm 22 and I got diagnosed with Asperger's yesterday. I also come across as neurotypical or that I don't seem like I have Asperger's (which is why it's taken me so long to be diagnosed). This video and your story was so reassuring to me for a number of reasons (of which there are too many to list). One of my main concerns is that people won't take my diagnosis seriously or tell me that I'm just saying I have it as an excuse or for attention. I have a lot of very supportive people in my life, so there's probably not a basis for worrying about it, but I'm just so glad that you've been able to answer some of my concerns before I've even told many people about my diagnosis. You've helped me to be more prepared for the possibility of people disbelieving me and you've said some things that will stay in my mind forever and encourage me to stay true to who I am. Also, I think you're a really great and strong person! Thank you. xxx

[@Ddstairclimber]

how did your diagnosis come about???

[@EmelieStenberg]

I also have asperger. It's always interesting hearing other peoples stories :)

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+Emelie Stenberg It is very interesting indeed, I love when other people on the spectrum reach out to me :)

[@Jo3sX]

Love this. I also have Aspegerers, way easier to talk to a camera. Sometimes. Autism Awareness Day kind of seems patronising, but then I guess they help people understand. I really struggle with narrowing down Aspergers. I'm diagnosed, but feel like I'm also bipolar and have ADHD. I can only talk to people who approach me and have the same interests. I can only concentrate on one thing for 5 minutes, unless I have an obsession in which case I can focus none stop 6am to 9pm. For example, I thought I'd try KZbin by making a vlog EVERY DAY. I did so for a few months, got bored, gave up and spent a month depressed feeling like I'd failed, and then moved on to making other videos and eventually Software Engineering. Anything I focus on, I'm natrually good at, and everyone tells me that I am, but it's usually when it gets to a point of being responsible for other people that I get anxious and run away. Then I eventually burn out and get depressed because I failed. I argue with anyone that doesn't agree and feel like a narcissistic prick sometimes. I feel like I'm always right and know more than who I'm talking to. Don't know if you can relate at all?

[@SixMillionDollarGasBill]

Your hair is fantastic!!! I can't stop looking at it. Have you ever thought of toning your gold blonde to strawberry? One of my special interests is colour mixing :)

[@HeWhistlesTunes]

I just discovered that I have Asperger's and it's nice to know that I'm not alone with the way that I think. I'm 25 and everything makes sense in my life now. I always thought there was something wrong with me but now I know it's not myself. I really do appreciate the fact that you uploaded this video. Makes me not feel alone.

[@Edgelordess]

I have a similar story except I' don't know how school in UK works, but I was dignosed in sixth grade, so I think I was dignosed as a much younger age. And I think the younger you are dignosed, the easier it is the cope becuase once your a full grown adult, you can no longer make certain changes. I was bullied and pulled out of high school, also struggling with ASD, and at the time I didn't consider ASD a problem. I thought I was more bad ass. I also struggled with a learning disability. I couldn't read until ninth grade (I mean I could read but at a fourth grade level, which is really fucking sad) and I wasn't good at any subject, except art and sometimes english. I have this birth defect that may also play a key role in that as well. Anyway I was put into a speacil day school, which was the worst decision I made in my life. I couldn't get along with anyone becuase we couldn't have talked to eachother on a intellegent leve;. These kids had more behavioral issues as well, or were severly mentally challenged. After graduation, I hated myself and I hated my disorder. I had no friends and starting college was a huge fear becuase I didn't know how to deal with the real world after being in a bubble for three years. Like I still can't keep friendships, except online ones. I always ask myself, "oh I wonder how long this one will last." It fiucking sucks and sometimes I wish I was never born.

[@-tm1ph]

hey , don't ever wish that you were never born, there are people that love you and care about you💕

[@LadyMcGiusti]

Aw, honey...believe me when I tell you, it does get better. I'm 45, and I didn't even realize I had ASD until my own son was diagnosed last year at age 7. I went through my entire life being abused, mistreated, and misunderstood by everyone around me, even my own family. And the entire time, I thought it was my fault, because that's what I was told. And much like you, I went through suicide attempts, severe depression, anxiety, and extreme loneliness. But sincerely, you get to a point where you just say to yourself f*ck this sh*t, and f*ck these people, and you become best friends with yourself. It's much more difficult for other NT people to hurt you if they sense that you DGAF. And you know what? The right people will be drawn to that. And you may meet another Autistic person, much like yourself, who you will be able to guide. And that just may be the thing that saves that person's life. Please don't give up.

[@ando7365]

TheChibiFangirl I was diagnosed in prep because my teacher told my parents to get me checked

[@chuksk8592]

Year 4 is about 8-9 years old

[@TereseCam]

Thank you so much for your video. My six year old daughter has Asperger's. I have been working diligently to research more about Asperger's and how I could be such a support system for her. Thank you for your video it gives me such insight. I want to be able to support my child as best as possible throughout these very important years of her life. I know that having Asperger's can be quite complicated into adolescence and your video helped open my eyes to things. I know as a teenager I had my fair share with issues of bullying and I remember how difficult it was growing up that way. I can only imagine how it is for somebody who has Asperger's to have to travel that same path of peer acceptance. I think you are amazing and woman and you were doing so much with the community with the platform that you have on social media. And I truly appreciate that. I only hope that when my daughter gets older she will be able to look up to people like you for support within the community. I was so touched to hear how support if your mother has been. I hope that my daughter will look at me the same way when she gets older. I also wanted some insight and advice on what your suggestions were on when and how to explain to my daughter that she has Asperger's. What do you suggest is the right time and how to approach the subject with her. I want her to always have that self-confidence I see a lot of my daughter and you. She's also very outgoing and fearless and has lots of confidence within herself and my husband and I are so proud of her for that. After hearing your story makes me realize that there could be that struggle with social anxiety. I want her to have learn about herself to understand herself more to have better coping mechanisms in life and I want to do it in a way where she will maintain as much self-esteem as possible. ❤

[@bubblybluesoda]

Dude I have high functioning, and my favorite color is blue, and I didn't know it was the awareness color...

[@instant_mint]

"continual maintenance of okayness" That's what I'm scared of having to deal with for the rest of my life. I don't know if I'm on the spectrum or anything, but I've had so many periods of mental health issues and severe anxiety and I currently suffer from stress burnout... I just wanna believe that I can reach a point where I'm actually feeling good, living my life, not having my life governed by anxiety. I wish someone could just show me how, because I feel like I've tried everything

[@ninflower]

I experience my frustrations inwardly however I do project my opinion when I'm on the brink of a meltdown, especially if I feel deprived of my needs to soothe myself. I enjoyed your video ❤

[@tomwaters1897]

I have never admitted to being aspergers I know that I am and your story is almost identical to mine up until secondary school , where the bullying got worse and my interpersonal relationships got worse , I was treated as the problem with my social and personal issues , later depression and ptsd, only recently as an adult I have realised I have aspergers and going through the diagnosis at the moment , I came by this video surely by chance im 26 and you have spoken my struggle how I couldn't have , thank you

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

Thank you for telling me about your experience. I'm sorry to hear that you had to go through everything you have, I really understand how you feel. I hope things have somewhat improved now? I'm really glad you related to me in many ways, and I hope the video helped you. I wish you all the best with the diagnosis and for the future :) & it's my honest pleasure. Always remember that you are one in 7 billion and no bully can ever make you any less of a person.

[@noahpierson6437]

I'm an Aspie too and proud of it!

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

So you should be! As am I. All the best :)

[@hyphendash5815]

me too.

[@LinXiaoChaun]

Thank you for speaking out! (Yes, I watched your entire vid.) You have brought forth so much; I feel so blessed with your sharing. Although never having formally received the A diagnosis myself, I long ago recognized that I, too, am on the Spectrum. I can personally connect with so much of what you say about yourself. I am glad that you are sensible of your parents' acceptance and support, and the self acceptance you now embody. Temple Grandin has said that she would not trade away her "condition"; I admire her and I admire you. Hugs!

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+Arthur Ogawa Ahh you're very welcome, thank you so much for watching all of the video! Aw bless you, I'm glad you think so :) Yes, a lot of my family are quite clearly on the spectrum also but don't have a diagnosis so I know what you mean! That's awesome that you could relate to me :) Yes, my parents have been so amazing through it all and have never made me doubt myself. Yes Temple Grandin is such an inspiration, I admire her so much too! Thank you, hugs back to you and wish you all the best :)

[@MitchellShilling]

I was born on April 2, 2001 and I have Asperger’s syndrome too!

[@crystaly.santiagocora]

MitchellTheFurryFan2001 it's cool that your birthday is on Autism Awareness day! 😊

[@luminemerr8988]

Friends!

[@ConserveMore]

Thank you very much for posting this video. I'm a mom who is trying to understand my daughter's behavior. It's very hard to relate to her sometimes. Like you, she doesn't "look" different, but she acts different. Your video helps me to feel like she can grow into a eloquent, socially aware, beautiful young lady (she's only 7 now). I think I also had some of the tendencies of Aspergers as a child, but forced myself mentally to overcome most of them. It was very hard and took years. I hope you find much love and success in life. :)

[@Oddpistachio1]

If you have trolls, be nice to them. Trolls want you to get upset. If someone is mean to you, don't be mean back. That will only make a bigger fight. Nothing annoys a troll more than someone saying something positive to counterbalance the negativity. I hope this helps. :)

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

I know. Trust me I am fully aware of all of that already. :)

[@Oddpistachio1]

Okay. I just thought I'd send some positive vibes. lol ;) God bless.

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+Odd _pistachio1 yeah hehe I know, thank you for doing so :) hope you're well.

[@Oddpistachio1]

You're welcome. I'm doing amazing. I'm talking to one of my favorite KZbinrs. ;)

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+Odd _pistachio1 aww, I'm flattered. ;) how sweet of you, hehe. ;) :)

[@actuary530]

Thank you very much for posting this video. I have a daughter who may be an aspie and what you described in your video mirrors her personality and life a lot. And having your story in my mind just gives me inspiration because as of current things are pretty depressing but have a chance of getting so much better! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

[@dreamlessdemand]

this video helped me a lot. i can relate to all, if not most of what you mention, thank you. i wish you the best for the future

[@KittiKooZz]

I was diagnosed with Aspergers just under a week ago and honestly the stigma has forced me to pressure myself. I'm scared of being alone in the future and through the rest of my education. I guess it explains a lot of my quirks but I'm so self conscious and I feel my family pay extra attention to those tendencies related to Aspergers. This video has really helped me understand I'm not alone and I have a long way to go. But the stigma with Autism Spectrum has really placed a weight on my shoulders, I can't understand myself right now and although I'm trying to accept it, I simply cannot. Did you ever have issues like this with family and acceptance? I hope I can soon be a proud Aspie like you, I will get there some day :)

[@ipmpage6092]

I have aspergers also along with PDA , ADHD and OCD and anxiety x fab video x

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+India Poppy Thank you for reaching out hun, I really understand how hard it can be with all these conditions weighing down on you - thank you lovely x

[@shannonsmith924]

This video seems like a few years old but I just found it in my recommended section and watched it, you remind me so much of myself and my friend. Having aspergers is something one definitely needs to come to terms with personally. It's a lot of the unique personalities of someone and also a lot of the flaws that come with it. Amazing yet extremely difficult. I would always get into arguments, mostly cause I rambled when I talked I had no filter of understanding not saying things a certain way and my wording of explaining things was very odd. If I talked when I was emotionally connected to something things would be harder for those around me to understand, I would know what I was feeling but it was near impossible to express it in ways other could understand. I would be rude, ignorant, joyful in situations when I shouldn't of been. I would start to just pull myself away from situations, not let myself interact with them. No one would understand why I couldn't understand that I was hurting them. And that stopping that or changing it without fully understanding why I was doing it, was near impossible. (Here I go rambling, lots of us do it with aspergers, we just want to much to express our feelings. But have more difficulty doing it.) Thankyou for sharing your story. Life is a journey, amazing and horrible at times. But you are you. Keep being you. :D

[@kellyoconnel795]

You are lovely and sooo like my 10 year old son Corey who has aspergers and probably PDA. I'm hoping he will watch this video as he is not at the 'Aspergers and proud' stage yet. Keep being yourself :))

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+K O'connell Aww, thank you. I wish your son all the best, I'm right there with him - I know exactly what he's going through. Hopefully he will see it at some point and I hope it helps him. I will :)

[@likesmilitaryhistoryalanmo9568]

I live in south Suffolk and I am 53 and have Aspergers, one of the problems I find is though that there are a lot of charities for people with Autism, the problem is that around 99% of them are aimed at children and their families. Of cause I can understand that people will want to help children, that is only natural but it seems the adults with Aspergers are being put on the side-line. Living on my own like I do I find it important to get out to meet people and chat, but the coffee morning I have been attending for the last 11 years is now shut and there are few to replace it in my area

[@kalingrace6289]

This was a lovely video; thank you for sharing! You sound like you've struggled with some of the same problems I have, and I'm very glad I stumbled across this! :)

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

Aww thankyou, you're welcome! Ahh that's great we can relate to each other in that sense :) thankyou for reaching out and I'm glad you liked the video

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

"so much empathy and love"... This is where the bothersome thing comes in for me. I am aspie and an introvert (being an introvert helps me escape the stress sometimes). Neurotypical people think, because we don't show emotion that we are only interested in ourselves. "cares more about own feelings than that of others", "Has trouble with empathy", likes to center conversation around themselves" are statements I have heard. And yet, I watch neurotypical people an think the same about them! We have a very different world view that isn't driven by emotion.

[@knightace2002]

I'm an aspie and a capricorn and i've just now realized it's hieghtened some of the traits a capricorn has :D.

[@idontcaretbh2999]

I don't have asberger's but I just want to say that I get that part near the end where you were talking about losing yourself because of trying to focus on relationships. I've been there, it's a kind of dark place to realize you have blindsided yourself by trying to be socially confident, when confidence really doesn't come from getting into a friend group. Edit: Now 8 months later, I want to say that balance between alone time and having friends is SO important! Neither extreme is ok.

[@ThePureBoredum]

Hiya, I don't mean to sound mean at all but as someone hella on the spectrum, please never forget that in comparison to A LOT of people, you've actually had it pretty easy. I'm so happy for you that you got diagnosed so early and was able to get the help you need and that you had such a great support system from your parents. Again, this isn't meant to sound mean but it's just something to remember.

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

ThePureBoredum thanks for the comment, I appreciate your kindness. :) I know it wasn't meant to sound mean, however I would just like to point out that I didn't go into detail nearly half as much as I would have liked to in this video. Growing up, I had so many personal family issues to deal with and I was exposed to things no child ever should be. And when i started getting bullied, it was absolutely horrific and so traumatising to deal with; hence my anxiety today. Believe me, I am the not the kind of person to sit around moaning like a Martyr, playing the victim - I am such a happy-go-lucky, positive spirited person and I know that it could ALWAYS be worse. I have a lot of hope for my future :) but in saying that I don't think it's fair to compare people on the spectrum and whereabouts they fall on the scale of how hard their life has been. But thank you for the comment, I know you were just trying to give me something good to think about xx

[@erin9412]

"People have it worse" is not really a good thing to say to someone who is sharing their struggles.

[@tommychappell6359]

Erin Allerton can you explain further? what struggles?

[@alexipoo3973]

ThePureBoredum I get what you were trying to say but you're invalidating her experience, just be respectful :)

[@gee2541]

This comment is really unnecessary tbh. She should be allowed to share her struggles and they shouldn’t be diminished just because people “have it harder.” That’s an unproductive mindset and encourages people to feel shame about their trauma. Let’s not do that.

[@brandsthatcreatelitter1648]

I think women have a very distinct advantage in terms of never struggling to find a partner. All the Aspie girls I know have normal boyfriends and are either married or in a relationship. In the case of guys, that is zero. It’s something positive for women with Aspergers to be thankful for. Asperger’s is hard, but when you know you’ll always live and die alone, not many things in life are harder💪💪💪♥️♥️♥️

[@citcat299]

I understand and agree with you that people shouldn't ask questions if they haven't watched the whole thing, however it IS very long. Many people don't necessarily have 40 minutes spare to watch one video, but may really want to learn about the condition and your perspective (which is why many people may only watch part of the video then ask questions). May I suggest that maybe you could also include a shorter say10 minute summary of the video at the end, or in a second video? I am aware that you are in no way obliged to do this, but this seems to be a very popular video and it would open it up for more people to be able to watch and ask questions. Maybe like TED Talk style?

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

Yeah, I'm fully aware of that and I understand that. But it just really annoys me how I have to keep answering the same question. And yeah I might do a follow up of it at some point.

[@connorkingwell4748]

citcat299 it's a complicated story I also have Asperges (autism ) and it's not a story told in like 15 minutes

[@snackmula]

You're such a beautiful strong woman, I have aspergers aswell and I'm very high functioning, people really underestimate you thinking you're an idiot because aspergers now falls under the autism spectrum, but I'm happy to find another strong person who can get through all this because the bullying can be hard throughout highschool and etc.

[@aliciavivi2147]

My birthday is on Autism Awareness day

[@HaleyTaylorAnn]

I just want to say thank you so much for making this video. I was diagnosed with Aspergers when I was 3 years old, but I found out myself back in June of this year. I honestly feel like people get offended over the fact that I'm autistic and sometimes people treat me like I have no common sense or like I don't know anything because of it, and it hurts. When you were talking about how you were kind of re-finding yourself I got emotional because I'm in the same boat. Despite all the hurtful things that people will say to me about it, I'm proud to have it! I feel like if I didn't have Aspergers I wouldn't be who I am and most of my personality would be gone! So I just want to thank you so much for making this video. Sending lots of love. :)

[@SmGLeGaCy]

Hey rhiannon, i also have aspergers as well and it makes me feel unique

[@kelseyavenue6740]

I honestly don't understand people that would make fun of any type of syndrome! Or just anything in general.. I'm studying Psychology at University and I'm very interested in autism and aspergers so I more or less know what it is and how it affects people with those syndromes.. I think you are very brave to share your story and I think it's awesome that you promote it and are not ashamed of it as some people are.. You have all my support and I'm so glad you made this video! :)

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

+Kelsey Avenue Nor do I hun!! Ahh thats awesome, I hope you're enjoying it! :) thats so lovely to hear! Not enough people show empathy / interest for it so it's great that you do :) thankyou so much for your encouragement and support, that means a lot! I'm really glad you liked the video and I hope it helped you in someway, thankyou so much again :) x

[@thereallifeofaspiegirl5695]

I love your channel, it always makes me smile :) xx

[@rhiannonsalmons4776]

The Real Life of Aspie Girl that makes me so happy, thank you

[@barachel6469]

Rhiannon Salmons we can be KZbin buddies like ur so relateable and awesome and beautiful I most definitely subscribed. not to be awkward but can we be friends plz😬

[@Myrtone]

@@barachel6469 There used to be more videos on this channel.

[@callumbrazzo5713]

I loved your story and appreciate it. I am an autistic man clinically diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome but define my own identity. I am human and so are you. I stand with you.

[@sunlife3242]

You're very pretty, maybe they're jealous of you

[@oishiiyum]

As someone with asd (an aspie) I related to lots of points in this video, especially your struggle with finding yourself and how you felt like you had to censor yourself and be a completely different person around people. Thanks so much for sharing! x

[@Matt-pn1ce]

hi your video inspires me I only just found out I have autism at age 24 after feeling different my whole life but not had the assistance,

[@Matt-pn1ce]

It took me a while to get diagnosed but it's definite now and found out July but people need to be aware .but it's more social anxiety and not speaking much. I am trying to stay positive and watching your video really helped me, I think your very brave and a lovely young lady , don't let trolls put you down. I lost my job also on August 6 barely a month after finding out I'm on the autistic spectrum, I told the company I worked for as my autism was affecting work and the college ( I was doing an apprenticeship ) advised I told them and 2 days later they got rid of me because of the autism, i feel overwhelmed with everything at the minute.

[@Matt-pn1ce]

It was affecting work so told them

[@flacisebulcivike8403]

Arre999 why would you Sauder without heat or insulation?

[@Bonkel35]

Zilhah Hadad wtf

[@flacisebulcivike8403]

Arre999 why would you doe anything without what is needed?

[@gavinyanto1371]

Hi. I was diagnosed as minor autism (according to my mom) and I'm also considered as Asperger as well (maybe because I could memorise something in seconds, such as in musical notations, foreign languages - in case in Russian!). Just like you, I was also severely bullied during my school time in Jakarta, due to my lack of how did I communicate to each other and also sensitive to the noises during the class (that makes most of teachers were upset and punished us in one class. That's why I was so scared and afraid when the teacher were so angry and upset, even though I didn't make any mistake, but them). I feel sorry about you, but I'm so glad that you encourage yourself to share your genuine testimony.

[@carlyndolphin]

Good video. I have Aspergers and mild dyslexia, I'm a normal good looking guy and have been fortunate enough to become a self made multimillionaire. At school my teachers thought I would never achieve anything lol 😂

[@jonwinder1861]

i doubt your a millionaire

[@carlyndolphin]

Jon Winder I am. If I’m honest it’s overrated

[@jonwinder1861]

@@carlyndolphin What do you do for a living

[@ryanrichardson1794]

I have aspergers too and I loved your video. I found everything so relatable, keep up the good the work and never let anyone put you down.

[@jetta.josh4]

oh hey I've got Aspergers too. No friends tho

[@shaniad1a7]

I am an Aspergerian, I really like seeing so many other people who are making videos about their own story and experience, it helps give those who don't really know what it is, gain knowledge and more understanding of it. And I ramble on about things too, I've gotten a lot better at being straight forward with people, and getting to the point of things. It's actually just your brain compartmentalizing things though, when you think in tangions it is pretty awesome, cause those who are more nuerotypical people, don't really have that ability, and they will get frustrated when you do it. That's why I like talking to others who also think in tangions, instead of those who can't, conversations are deeper and a lot more fun that way.

[@molz9981]

I have asperges and I’m proud ! I love you 😍

[@juiice]

Rhiannon you are awesome. You seem so self aware and confident. I can really relate to a lot of what you're saying and believe I also have aspergers with demand avoidance traits but I'm having trouble getting a diagnosis as I suppose I have spent a lifetime trying to be neurotypical and the people I speak to seem to think ASD is obvious by looking at someone and is only evident in train spotting boys not mums in their mid 30's 😡. My son has an aspergers diagnosis and my daughter is on the spectrum most likely PDA but is apparently too young for a diagnosis. If they turn out half as articulate and genuine as you I'll be over the moon. Anxiety is a big problem at the moment for all of us, I hope that over time we will learn how to live in a world set up for neurotypical people. Thank you for sharing your story 🙂