My Inner Life with Asperger's | Alix Generous | TED Talks

Alix Generous is a young woman with a million and one ideas - she's done award-winning science, helped develop new technology and tells a darn good joke (you'll see). She has Asperger's, a form of autistic spectrum disorder that can impair the basic social skills required for communication, and she's worked hard for years to learn how to share her thoughts with the world. In this funny, personal talk, she shares her story - and her vision for tools to help more people communicate their big ideas.
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[@ImanAliHussein]

Half TED talk, half stand-up bit. Both were pretty good.

[@LeriObba]

+Rage the Beast If you think he missed the message you missed the message. You fail.

[@kayannefernandes8245]

+Virginia IKR?!

[@NSEasternShoreChemist]

Great talk. Thumbs up from me.

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

NSEasternShoreChemist hey I am assuming you have aspergers since you are here. I just recently found out that I have it as well after I was going through what is called autistic burnout. I'd like to hear your story, how you got diagnosed, what your experience is like etc. All my life I felt like an alien and it's a great feeling knowing I am not alone.

[@matthewmullin9673]

Sometimes I wish I was around other people with Aspergers because they feel more authentic than neuro-typicals.

[@AlienRelics]

Matthew Mullin Look for a maker space near you.

[@aroaceaspie]

Hello fellow aspie AND homestuck :D

[@sevay]

Matthew Mullin let’s become friends 😉

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

I have aspergers too and I am the most hated person on the planet I seem to say the wrong things at the wrong times or I ask too many questions.

[@sevay]

@@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774 i'm experiencing the same exact thing every single day.

[@ultimatesteve]

when she said her personality switched from shy and awkward to defiant and cursing out a storm... that is me. i cant go anywhere.

[@amileengurumi]

I love it that the speaker is female. It's not often that females get diagnosed with AS because our symptoms appear invisible to others. Kudos to Alix for speaking here. As a fellow Aspergirl, this TED Talk has made me very happy.

[@derekg5563]

+Queen Nekoyasha I'm not sure why much should change if the speaker was male. As long as he had the key thing being talked about, asperger's, and a good story, there would be a lot to get out of it from anyone, I would think.

[@amileengurumi]

Derek G But more men are diagnosed than women. Plus, there are differences between male Aspies and female Aspies. I can NEVER relate to a male Aspie.

[@amileengurumi]

I think my main point is that a woman is speaking about her life with something that affects more men than women. It's just not that often that one would come across a woman with Asperger's. Throughout my life I knew many boys with AS, but no girls. It just feels male-dominated and seeing an Aspergirl on TED Talks is very refreshing.

[@derekg5563]

But again I'm not sure why that's important. More men having asperger's doesn't undermine the women that do have asperger's. Just like more men being six feet tall doesn't make a six foot tall woman short :) I mean I guess it could be startling to see a woman have something that you would expect men to have (or the other way around), but to me it would only be a pretty minor thing. If a woman is six feet tall she's six feet tall. General statistics have no relevance to the woman I would be perceiving in front of me; I'd just be perceiving of another six foot person as far as I'm concerned.

[@shaviolinist4995]

+Derek G She is just glad she can relate to someone with Asperger's, she's really not saying anything weird. Aspergers manifests itself differently with males and females, so it's easier for a female to recognize a bit of herself in another female Aspie than a male Aspie, that's what Queen Nekoyasha particularly liked about this talk, I'd say.

[@bryaannaalger7453]

I am a woman with Aspergers Syndrome and I have a lot of anxiety as well. A doctor once told me that Aspergers and anxiety walk hand in hand. I found out I had Aspergers when I was 21 years old, I found out I had Aspergers my whole life and was undiagnosed. Women can have different symptoms of Aspergers than men. I find that I am very emotional and cry a lot, I am very sensitive to loud noises and get overwhelmed easily. I have cried at almost every movie I have been too. I have health anxiety and think I am sick when I'm not. I also get very lonely and like Alix find it hard to make friends and keep a job let alone be interviewed by a boss. People with Asperger's are just waiting for others to enter our world.

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Bryaanna Alger yeah it's really difficult for us. I just recently found out I have it and its frustrating. I constantly make a fool of myself trying to fit in but whatever.

[@shiumycheng5847]

Its 100% my story . i just knew i got it after 21 years of life , and more than half of the symtoms i even dont know its adnormal

[@elizabethbennet4791]

me too...I used t think it was the scoliosis...i have the shower fer she talks about. very painful

[@sandrajohnson8176]

Mine got bete once got an emotional support animal but very hard on me is relationships friend r family r romatoce I can't cope & just revert back to being a lonier

[@GenZLawyer]

I got diagnosed when I was today years old

[@megangentz3336]

I showed this video to my sister who has Aspergers and she started crying.

[@sissicarolina2457]

She's really funny! I loved her talk! And she can show Asperger's isn't some weird disease, it's just another way to interact with the world. Love her!

[@fredneecher1746]

A less effective way, which is why we seek a diagnosis and why we need extra support. That is, if you want to live in the world as it is. Sadly, it has become fashionable for many on the spectrum to demand the world change to suit them.

[@aIntergalactique]

I have asperger and it's pretty easy for me to talk in front of a crowd, it's really having a basic conversation that is a struggle.

[@Alice-ov3rd]

Finally! A woman who speaks with aspergers other than Temple Grandin. I wish we had more representation from a female perspective. I really relate to this so well.

[@wertpollwert]

+Alice Rose How about more men too?

[@toomuchinformation]

Peter House But more men ARE represented with ASD and it's good to see a woman, other than Temple Grandin, talking about her experiences. So many people still believe that women don't have ASD, because they only ever see that it's diagnosed in men.The 4:1 ratio grossly underestimates women with ASD. This leads to young women not being diagnosed with ASD and therefore can't access the support they would benefit from. It's not easy having ASD, but it's much worse when it's more likely to be unacknowledged and therefore less likely to be validated, let alone supported.

[@Dancestar1981]

Dumfries Spearhead it’s closer to 1:1 it’s just that research hasn’t caught up with reality

[@autofocus4556]

Why when the symptoms are the same?

[@actually_autistic]

There are plenty of autistic women on KZbin: Neorodivergent Rebel kzbin.info/door/daQVw-dxYuZb2GXHL7LSjAvideos Purple Ella kzbin.infovideos Yo Samdy Sam kzbin.infovideos Runaway Germ kzbin.info/door/lcG6e_ecgVqcVn0f5krJNgvideos Stephanie Bethany kzbin.infovideos Charl Davies kzbin.info/door/KXYTaXNKo7z6kjhNd0itWgvideos Willow Hope kzbin.infovideos Lushia’s Neurodivergent Life kzbin.infovideos Autistic Tyla kzbin.info/door/GQ78cJiMcJhMbpKhjunAxgvideos Sez Francis kzbin.info/door/EGrCJ075UyDw-PRObU5eQwvideos Rebranding Autism kzbin.info/door/krQAGJxuxInf5jNSRfrsywvideos Alex’s Asperger Vlogs kzbin.info/door/WznSj0MK3wY1mfSgpkgAtAvideos Kayla Smith kzbin.info/door/1FEfn93reBHUXMp0zr9gygvideos MindOfHerOwn kzbin.infovideos Princess Aspien kzbin.info/door/2ZkhMUYD37tboIJJgMz-MAvideos The Lone Aspie kzbin.info/door/eq25DxYdpzO2Y_i5n9w7uQvideos Anna Melissa kzbin.info/door/_Kuw4Ny3LdIik0l36Oojbgvideos AutiSIMSara kzbin.infovideos

[@SaintsBro217]

I'm fine with having Asperger syndrome simply due to the fact that it's enabled me to be highly intelligent throughout the years. Social cues may be slippery but I don't mind it.

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Navya Singh me too I want to hear others people experience with aspergers because apparently I just recently found out I have it and its really really tough. Most people say its blessing, but constant depression and anxiety is no blessing.

[@ichheieelsenorandorayashi4824]

I have autism. I use my condition for language and culture and history and connections and progression

[@KentoSky]

Hec yea

[@daphnea5447]

This was a great talk. My boyfriend has Aspergers, and although I'm 'neuro typical', I learn more everyday that will help me to be supportive of him. I love him with all my heart, ASD and all.

[@annieq8186]

I love her deadpan style.

[@NinaKlos]

I didn't think I related to her, but then I read this comment and realised that people say this to me all the time.

[@ichheieelsenorandorayashi4824]

That's a style of humor. Neurotypicals do it all the time. It's not a sign of Asperger syndrome or autism

[@kernofgort]

I love this. Both my sons have ASD. The eldest has Asperger's. He is one of the most creative, loving child I've ever seen. This gives me a bit of insight what he can achieve, despite his difficulties. Thank you for this video.

[@FaolanHart]

+Brian Keeler (Kern Of Gort) I have Asperger's myself. It's always gonna be a obstacle for him. But he can achieve great things. I wish them all well ^-^

[@DavidAKZ]

+Faolan Hart {Animal Above The Man} I don't mind. As Alix says, who cares when you can have an affair with Calculus that last longer than Americas got Talent.

[@itsmagdalenaaa]

+Brian Keeler (Kern Of Gort) I'm assuming that I have the same thing. I had cognitive delays as a kid and I'm one of the oldest kids in my class, and aside from that I am incredibly talented in art and music.

[@Corbald]

+Brian Keeler (Kern Of Gort) I spent most of my life as an undiagnosed Aspie. I can't tell you how hard it was for me to try to fit into the cookie cutter image of what people expect a "Socio-Normal" person to be. Fortunately, I won't have to tell you, you'll see it yourself as your sons grow up. I say 'Fortunately' because it is, and always has been, my belief that there are (at least) two distinct and equally valuable neurotypes which inhabit the Human condition. We have been overlooked, all these years, because we are quiet, introverted and unassuming, but we are starting to recognise our own, explore our uniqueness and grow, together. One day, we won't be a "Neurological Condition" or a "Learning Disability," we'll be recognised for the valuable contributions we put forth to aid our fellow Humans, and to advance our civilization. Let your sons know that they aren't alone, they aren't isolated. They are members of a powerful Neurotype, with prestigious lineage which reaches back into the best parts of pre-history!

[@AspergersversusNeurotypicals]

+Corbald WELL SAID MY FRIEND.

[@lilac_austen]

I was diagnosed with ASD today. I needed this.

[@ichheieelsenorandorayashi4824]

I have autism spectrum disorder too

[@Bennahr_Fett]

same here (Nobody cares lol)

[@Salakert]

Yep, reading and listening to a lot today. I knew something but couldnt tell. I thought early onset alzheimers before.

[@FaolanHart]

Huge thumbs up from a fellow aspie.

[@DavidAKZ]

+Faolan Hart {Animal Above The Man} Er, neurologically diverse - of you don't mind ;-)

[@makaylacastlewitz6220]

Me too. I'm so glad I'm not alone. 😢

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Makayla Castlewitz seems like there is alot of aspies online but not many around my area. Some say aspegers is a gift for me I don't know because it's tough socializing. If you don't mind me asking what is your special interest?

[@makaylacastlewitz6220]

@@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774 well I would have to say....drawings and animations

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Makayla Castlewitz that's cool I used to loving draw. My dad discourage me from drawing. Said I draw too much so I stopped. Plus I just found out I have aspergers and I have no special interest at the moment. Sucks!

[@taylorcraig9289]

I'm a teenager with Aspergers, and this video makes me feel a lot better about my situation. It seems like no one else around me understands or is going through something similar. I've never had anything to relate to until now.

[@w6467]

I have high functioning autism myself, made it through medical school, and then had a career in medicine that pretty muchcleaned flamed out due to other physical problems. And in part due to my inability to pick up on the very subtle social nuances of dealing with sick/injured people . I wish I had people around me recognize my condition earlier in life and guide me towards things that I enjoy doing like physics and engineering. Thank you for giving this talk. It was very difficult for me to give talks, but even with high functioning autism… The more you do it, the easier it gets. but it takes a lot more practice. Keep doing what you're doing, the entire autism spectrum disorder community is supportive of you.

[@bethhughes4709]

I wasn't diagnosed til I was 17 with Asperger's syndrome.i kept being misdiagnosed.i also have other issues like depression that make dealing with everyday life more difficult but I'm slowly learning how to cope.Thank you for this speech was very informational.

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Beth Hughes I just recently found out I have aspergers. I have no social skills. I suffer from anxiety depression and and OCD. I seem to always piss people off for no appearance reason.

[@sachinmistry1]

How was she able to get in front of a crowd and not stutter? She must have had years of practice. This has been a very great speech and she clearly explains the struggle, but is accepting of the situation.

[@navyasingh4490]

Sachin mistry because she knows she can be accepted by people sitting there

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Navya Singh hey since you are here I am assuming that you also have asperger. I just recently found out that I have it after I was going a period of severe burnout where I couldn't function and I didn't know why but now I know. All my life I felt like an outcast and it really makes me feel a whole lot better knowing that I am not alone. So I'd like to hear your story and experiences with aspergers. What is your special interest, do have the anxiety and depression that comes with it? Etc.

[@navyasingh4490]

@@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774 I started to fall in depression when I was 15 years old because that tym my best friend leaved the school and I don't like to talk to any one and like to live alone that time I get bullied some times and fall in depression

[@navyasingh4490]

@@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774 I m in depression till now and now I m 24 years old

[@navyasingh4490]

@@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774 and I was very good in mathematics but I have lost all interest in studies

[@halcyonsikes7018]

So liberating to hear someone talk about lucid dreaming the way she does. I had my first lucid dream at 8 or 9 and I NEVER forgot it. I pursued it for 20 years until I finally had a breakthrough by overcoming my fear of sleep paralysis and go through that to lucid dreams. I have found my world and I have found a treasure that most people dont even know about. Whats so weird is that I can go to sleep and lay in bed and shake from worry about daily life, what I am, what I am not, what I did do, what I didn't do. I m living in a nightmare during waking hours. But in my lucid dreams I am trouble free. I am myself without trauma and mental illness and whatever else I am, both me, my mom and my doctor has suspected aspergers but when I was sent for evaluation at the mental health clinic in my area, I was shut down because I had been an inpatient there before and they observed "exeptional social skills" I feel like I am skilled socially because I use my brain instead of my heart, and I don¨t know whats going on, but I have been called too weird all my life and I know by myself thaat something is wrong with me. but I have don't have that missing piece of the puzzle - I might use more thinking time to process a situation where someone is emotional and needs support; but i AM very good at reading between the lines and giving advice and support. I feel like I am floating in space with no grounding anywhere, and it hurts.

[@romantiachristiana5147]

You talk about the communication blocks. I find blogging a wonderful way to get ideas over without the social inhibitions. I enjoyed your talk and love your "wicked humour". Carry on!

[@Dancestar1981]

Anthony Chadwick yes it is gives us the time to pause and collect our thoughts without pressure

[@javierafigueroamoraga8316]

Or journaling

[@JuJuLuvsYou]

This just made my incredibly stressful and awful day so much brighter. Thank you. She is an amazing person.

[@M3Bella]

ADHD, aspie, and cheering for you all the way from Egypt, lady!

[@tiffanymarierileyjager7551]

Living with Aspergers and adhd myself, I felt a connection to this lady watching this as I relate to her a great deal.

[@charmainebeutel5897]

I just have found out what has been wrong with me all my life, knew I was different but did not realize what was wrong, I have all the symptoms of the disease, was beaten and punished for being so shy and quiet as a kid, never have been comfortable around people or have social skills , have always a fascination with numbers and the list goes on. Thank you so much for talking about this.

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Charmaine Beutel I just recently found that I have aspergers also. If you don't mind me asking do you also suffer from depression and anxiety?

[@DanniBby]

It’s NOT a disease, that’s a false misconception, it’s a different neurotype

[@KevinKileyChannel]

I, too, have Asperger's. I remember going through a lot of similar ideals. Through a rather traumatic life, I have overcome some of the obstacles. I have come very far since then. I am currently 19, and a PFC (Private First Class) in the US Marine Corps. My social skills have improved since joining, though I still don't understand the behavior of my peers, and I, also, lack inflection in my voice. They sometimes say I'm monotonous. I scored a 95 on the ASVAB, which is the military exam to test the individual to determine which MOS or job field they can go into, like an aptitude test. My MOS is 6336 Aviation Electronics Technician on C130s. Thank you.

[@Black.Sabbath]

Are you still in the army?

[@KevinKileyChannel]

@@Black.Sabbath Not Army. But I am still in the Active in the military.

[@L808drumz]

I have Asperger's and I am female. this woman is very inspirational, and nails it. An insight of how it's like to have it. people with Asperger's shouldn't feel ashamed of having it. people should accept other people having it, if anyone disagrees with others trying to accept it or puts someone down for something they can't help those are the ones that should be ashamed, I've been bullied for having it when I was younger sever horrible people who were the lowest of people put me in a state of suicide, just because I had Asperger's and I was different. Then i denied having it for 3 years..and recently accepted having it. I know people can't change, but respect is a valuable aspect of an individual person. no one should go though that for something they have no control over, for their brain being wired differently, and simply being different..

[@lubo7699]

I think none of us is ashamed of being autistic

[@navyasingh4490]

Yes God has made us so what can we do

[@lubo7699]

just can I know what any god has to do with that ?

[@ichheieelsenorandorayashi4824]

Heyo, I have autism

[@techmedia1360]

Nobody should "accept" people just for having aspergers. It's human nature to ostracize people who are abnormal and in this case have a problem with their brain. Anyway, you yourself wouldn't want that to happen either because all your relationships would be formed on lies; virtue signallers, empathizers, etc., people who tolerate you but will never actually like you as a person (at the very least, if you have only mild aspergers, they will find it harder to like you). It's a harsh reality I have to deal with every day, with severe aspergers.

[@MrTantraMan]

This is more of a stand up comedy routine but MUCH better.

[@StarlitSwamp]

Agreed. I'd rather pay to see stand up psychology !

[@philtrem]

She should be a comedian. The humor was top notch, omg!

[@Fomantistoboggan]

You should watch "If I" by demetri martin. He has a brilliant mind and just happens to be a comedian.

[@alicewong9935]

The problem with us is that we’re smart, but we don’t understand how human, so no one wants hire us, because they don’t like to interact with us, I can’t hold a job because people don’t like my inability to socially interact, not because I cannot do the job, which is completely ridiculous and not a valid reason to let someone go.

[@maxxh5331]

I have Asperger’s syndrome, and it has taken a toll on half of my life. I try to live life like everyone else, which has worked for the most part, but there are still some minor struggles, so I enjoyed hearing this TED Talk.

[@juliangelner8065]

BINGO! That's what I've said about my Asperger's - It truly is a gift.

[@iknitbecuzmurderisfrownedupon]

Fantastic... I’m 62 years old and only now discovering I’m an aspiring woman...my entire life is now understandable, and yet, I feel I’m just starting out living who I really am... I’m so grateful you were able to accomplish so much at such a young age...

[@shriswamiramanand]

As a medical professional, I am so inspired by her life, persistant, and her dedire to help people with ASD. plus, it's just hillarious talk.

[@NeurodivergentRebel]

This is a very powerful and well thought out presentation. Truly moving. LOVE it!

[@MiyahSundermeyer]

I have Asperger's myself and I am a visual pattern thinker and I have an eidetic memory.

[@YungHippie]

Hello World: with Miyah Me too!! I am 15 years old and I remember music and numbers extremely well. I know pi to 215 digits and I memorize 200-100 digits a day and this is done by my visual memory. Music; I remember the bass and everything and I sometimes see colors. It is beautiful and no one else understands my reactions to music, the colors and feelings I receive from it. I have not been able to memorize pi because school has me so busy. I remember almost every date in my history book. I forget the number only if it does not interest me. I have sound sensitivity, etc. Nice to see someone with the same thing! No one relates to me. I hope you answer back and tell me about your experiences with a memory like ours.

[@YungHippie]

Hello World: with Miyah My interest is piano. I have been playing it for 1.5 years and am playing pieces like Moonlight Sonata Movement 3 and Fantaisie Impromptu. This obsession has taken over my life.

[@YungHippie]

Hello World: with Miyah I also speculate you are an adult. How did you get diagnosed and do you have any advice for me?

[@Dancestar1981]

Hello World: with Miyah me too

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

She tells funny jokes.

[@MiyahSundermeyer]

Yes and that's what makes a good public speaker. Why I have found that some of the best people with autism that give good speeches know where and when to make you laugh. I have also found that you make people laugh when you are trying to be serious

[@supersmart671]

jokes are funny by definition

[@alexrcanez]

This is one of the few accurate, solid lectures ever on TED. Other than that, bits and pieces of ideologies and beliefs that often just fit in the TED agenda. Well done and thanks.

[@predicate]

Please tell me she's pursuing a career in comedy, this was the most hilarious thing i've ever seen!

[@TheJohn93226]

Fellow Aspie here and I was diagnosed late in life at age 34, sadly, so I have had difficulties adjusting to that... I'm an educated IT-Engineer, and I'm working as such, and in my spare time I do fitness/bodybuilding at a higher level ... It's what keeps my happy and sane! :)

[@josejimenaz]

Me too I bodybuild to as well as an aspie

[@LuvBugBlaqkHart]

I've never felt so inspired in my whole life. She's truly a beautiful and strong woman 💚 From one aspie woman to another, thank you! And you're a fucking badass!

[@abbygailvalcourt6577]

I’m just in awe about how articulate she was up there! She is truly a source of inspiration for me!

[@marymagdalene3004]

And, for sure, she did her homework and worked very hard and long in crafting that speech which, as anyone who has delivered a good speech will attest, you have to do including about 50 or more rewrites to get it smooth and pithy. No one stands up and delivers a speech as she did by hastily writing one and not practicing it "'til the cows come home" and with a good speechwriting coach at arm's length.

[@blooowlz3047]

Beautiful and smart woman. Thank you!

[@elizad4373]

Alix, you are so, so fantastic. I have Asperger's Syndrome (high-functioning autism) and it was so nice to hear this talk and be able to relate, especially from the perspective of a woman. Good luck to you :)

[@rajx82]

One of the best ted talks I've seen! Really touched by your story, you are amazing and very inspirational!

[@cloudana]

Absolutely incredible, so well spoken and it was such a joy to watch. What a lovely human being.

[@pokedoc101]

she's amazing! keep it up and dont stop being you.

[@brianadean1798]

Thank you so much for your courage and passion!

[@TsukiNaito1]

I'm suspicious I have Asperger's. The older I get, the harder it feels to communicate with my peers, even after decades of learning and learning how to adjust. What she said about people with ASD having great ideas but a hard time communicating them hit home. 😭😭😭

[@frostychickenprods]

I too am a lucid dreamer who had been diagnosed with Asperger's...AND MY personal heroes are George Carlin and Stephen Colbert! (People often compare my comedy to Colbert). (Whether I officially have Asperger's has been debated and we're still not quite sure. But I definitely have similar symptoms and it's very hard to talk about. Though I could actually have more of a Tourette's/OCD/social phobia. The difference for me is language is actually my strong suit. Wow, though. The courage to talk about this publicly! Amazing coincidence that I was just thinking about all this and stumbled across this! AND!! This vid was uploaded on the premiere date of The Late Show!

[@frostychickenprods]

And the showering thing too!

[@M1NDCR4WL3R]

Shoes make me feel like beeing trapped. I like the fact that she isn't wearing any in the video.

[@elizabethharo6787]

Me too. Hate shoes and socks.

[@ashleyklug4538]

loved this! you go, girl!!!

[@terismyth4151]

Cool Ted Talk. Great speaker and I can see she is passionate about helping people with autism. My son Andrew is also on the spectrum. He wants to help others with this diagnosis also and is writing a piece of music while taking college courses to graduate. Good luck to you and your career Alix. We need more people like you and Andrew to make the world a better place.

[@lillicup]

she's adorable and a huge inspiration to me - thank you so much! I actually started going to theater school for about a month now before being diagnosed with a light form of asperger's... yeah.... so really thanks a lot this talk is actually making me feel so much more hopeful! You're amazing and I wish you all the best! :)

[@Feralfrenzy28]

Thank you Alix for your bravery to stand in front of a crowd and talk about yourself. You are awesome! And thank you for talking about AutismSees; I just went to the website and that is EXACTLY what I could use right now. I was laid off from my last job, and have been unsuccessful at attaining a new job. I also wanted to say, you're definitely not alone in the misdiagnosis part. I also went through that, with lots of pills that did terrible things to me. I was finally diagnosed Aspie last month, and have had wonderful results with this new therapist and anxiety medication. I'm feeling more alive than I ever have. :) Thank you again, Alix!

[@theinfinatewisdom]

What an Outstanding Woman! Bless your Heart!

[@01302]

Big thumbs up from someone who's just been through a really low patch in life, and who's therapist has brought up the idea of ASD. This speech was brilliantly funny and inspirational. Thank you.

[@Batutu0]

This Ted talk proves that people with Asperger can make a great stand up comedian too!

[@JamieHumeCreative]

Lucid dreaming is wonderful. 💜 Alix, thank you. I;m grateful you communicated the fact that we are taken advantage of and often are just a resource for other peoples success. I know this was seven years ago, but this is still true. I'm glad you are out there making a difference. ADHD/Dyslexic and Autistic.

[@jenmorricone4014]

Alix! THANK YOU for helping me understand. hugs!

[@frogmatt33]

Aside from the very important subject matter, which is presented clearly, easily, and when not, sensitively. You definitely have an amazing talent for stand up. Your timing and delivery overall is immaculate. You truly are a great speaker. I am inspired. I hope life has provided you with whatever vehicle you need to thrive. Thank you.

[@jefferyford5309]

Alix gave a beautiful talk about the inner workings of her mind. I'm much more of a verbal than a visual thinker so it was fun learning how she processes her thoughts and life. Being a verbal thinker really helped me to make my TED talk titled, “An Autistic Genius Discusses How Differences Make Us Special.” I can't imagine translating from visual to verbal as much as many visual thinkers have to do. The beautiful thing is that there is great beauty in both ways of processing. We need more people like Alix in our world! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@TheLightzZ]

This is so inspiring!

[@juliaeve]

She's amazing! I love her!

[@blommydan]

What a lovely young woman. Thank you!

[@deeds3611]

Thank you for sharing your brilliant mind. Great talk, inspiring, and I really liked the jokes.

[@t2dwarrior209]

I'm an undiagnosed aspie & over 40yo. 7yrs ago they felt I was very high functioning at my screening but I didn't proceed on with an official diagnosis. The eye contact issue, lack of inflection in my voice, my full-time pokerface, and lack of body language makes it very obvious that I'm on the spectrum. My communication skills are horrible. I do have my special abilities though.

[@Cabutronize]

She must've been so nervous. Especially at the end it became more apparant. But she gave a wonderful talk!

[@titusorelius9458]

A powerful, driven, highly intelligent, highly successful woman tells her life story and not a single word about toxic feminism. Bravo TED. Also, this person has no shoes.

[@jonathandennisp]

+Titus Orelius well that carpet thing looked quite comfy to stand on.

[@titusorelius9458]

Jonathan Pickering True

[@Timeistheonlyessence]

I honestly don't think feminism is toxic at all. I think there are stupid feminists and perfectly fine feminists. About 90% are fine, 10% suck.

[@marliesjee06]

+Titus Orelius im not hating at all, trust me, but what is wrong with some feminism? (-:

[@araless]

+Titus Orelius That's what you took away from this? Really man?

[@ellygreen244]

I have aspurgers. My special interest is litrature and I think mostly in poems and monologues. Because of this my masking is impeccable and I didn't get diagnosed for a longtime.

[@joannekwalker]

Thank you Alix for sharing I have an 18 year old son who needs to see you on ted talks. He is struggling with life as a teen.

[@otaku5869]

Hello fellow Aspies. I love lucid dreaming. I've only had two in my 19 years. Wish i could have more. I have dreams on most days. That's good cuz i love dreaming.

[@firefly7980]

Love this!

[@FootballofOregonBro]

I have aspergers and everyone seems "oblivious" to life around them.

[@apm77]

The famous line that if you've met one person with autism then you've met one person with autism is very much in evidence here. The next person you meet with asperger's will, as likely as not, think in words more than in pictures, use very expressive body language, and struggle more with executive function skills than with social communication. I worry that videos like this might lead people to take one person's experience as representative, when they couldn't be less so.

[@Saerek]

You have a good point. However, all of us with autism share one thing in common. The inability to subconsciously navigate and communicate socially with others. It just doesn't come natural with us. Other than that, we are as different as any one else on this earth.

[@kristinar.6600]

Don't u think anybody who heard sth for the first time takes it as a representative? I think more videos like this on the matter would solve that problem. - _-

[@zecchinoroni]

I am autistic and I am kind of bad at thinking in pictures. I am horrible at drawing, too.

[@soulz2003]

Why is it that we as aspies/ASD have to accept social norms? Most people don't think like us!

[@Catlily5]

Hopefully, if they are interested in Autism they will watch more than one video.

[@theresedignard4267]

Standing O for this one. What a great soul.

[@shonaharris9328]

What a delightful young woman! She’s so authentic and witty and intelligent. She’s tearing down some stereotypes about folks with Asperger’s. 👏🏼

[@Bathna33]

This broke my heart...

[@lilcigga2537]

She's hilarious. I've never been able to hold a decent conversation with anyone. Unless it's one of my 2 closest friends. And even then I kinda have to try. It's like I don't have that innate ability to be socially normal. I wish I was, because I hate what I am. Although maybe if I had a formal diagnosis I might be able to cope with it better.

[@bletherblabla7365]

Absolutely fantastic Tedtalk Alix! I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was very informative. I wish you luck with your company and much happiness!

[@BairdAtypnoc]

So glad to have found this speech. I am going to look into the tech she speaks of...it sounds exactly like what I've found interest in. Using technology and video/audio interface to help individuals who, for one reason or another, are struggling with socialization. To help with eye contact, identification of cues, appropriate responses. I loved the humor in this, too!!!

[@hanan.z9213]

she is amazing and her sense of humor is above and beyond I bet she will make a great stand up comedian if she wants :D

[@sergiogomez4482]

Outstanding individual, Strong spirit!

[@jeromyjoye]

This was wonderful. Well done. I’m very outgoing and I love giving talks (it was part of my job for a long time) but I have difficulties telling when someone isn’t paying attention or knowing when a conversation is over. It’s terrible. I have to have structural notes to a presentation or engagement. I often say I’m like a cruise middle-you have to keep me on target. I have have exactly one friend. He teaches me about football and I keep him up on everything else. He gets me. I even left the r/Aspergers discord because I’m terrible at maintaining friendship because I really don’t ever feel like I’m part of any kind of community. I was in the Marines. I didn’t feel really “part” of them. I never have really felt like I’m part of a group. Take care of yourselves.

[@BoomerActual]

What a strong and brave young woman.

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Pfft

[@regntonne]

Loving this.

[@jewelslove2200]

I LOVE YOU THANK YOU FOR THIS YOU ARE AWESOME AND YOU ARE NOT ALONE WE SUPPORT YOUR MISSION

[@tiffanydalejansky1400]

Fantastic!! Your family must be very proud of you.

[@faus585]

This is such an insightful, funny talk. Really felt inspired and learned a lot from it :)

[@omnoms2445]

"My personality switched from being shy and awkward to being defiant and cursing up a storm" Well if that wasn't me to a tee.

[@pugazhenthi6868]

Congratulations Alix!! You are colorful and smart!! Thank you for this video.

[@marlaadamson1633]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@charliechristianson]

thank you. I have a son lief with aspergers, he is 22 now. he did not talk till he was 6. loves math an chess wants to be normal. this is so hard for him. but for the most part he is happy. he just not found what he is looking for. an I thank you again. this help me

[@p65rcfz28]

Fellow aspie - I just went through half a box of cleanex from bawling my eyes out over this. What a brilliant and inspiring young woman. I have the same dreams :-)

[@rorysmith9382]

I have aspergers too.

[@JaeNiece55]

Thank you 💝💞

[@anuruddhalogin]

Brilliant personality !

[@miriamschuman311]

It's not just the communication blocks that are so common with people with ASD, it's that most of the world isn't smart enough to get your brilliance. When you connect with your tribe, those innovative, brilliant, geniuses, you'll be heard!

[@AspergersversusNeurotypicals]

THANK YOU ALIX, well said. I'm standing up (in my imagination) in the audience too, clapping and woohoo'ing.

[@suzi7385]

Nicely done! That takes courage!

[@erikstallman256]

You are a gift from God! Thank you for sharing, and please keep on sharing.