Navigating your autism journey: embracing your authentic self | Sharon McCarthy | TEDxTralee

[@JRobinWhitley]

Thank you. I’m 62 and just now trying to accept my neurodivergence.

[@cyber_villager]

I am 32yold in the process of getting a diagnoses having had my first session yesterday.. I cried a lot at the end of this talk, thanks a lot for your kind and comforting words.

[@cyber_villager]

Btw I am now diagnosed with ASD

[@joannarigby1989]

I’m 36 and in the process of trying to get an official diagnosis of autism (I say ‘official’ as I know already that I’m autistic). Thanks for this video, watching this kind of talk helps me think about my own experiences and future. The more people talk about their autistic experience, the less stigma and prejudice I hope there will be.

[@Byscane1234]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I’m 67 years/o and didn’t give up - I finally have answers which now fill in the gaps. I didn’t/don’t fit the typical profile either. I’m now able to be kinder to myself realizing there is nothing wrong with me.

[@thechaostrials1964]

thank you. I am 59. just diagnosed. This is the thread that connects my entire life. I cannot being to explain the relief I feel. It's bittersweet. I wish I would have known this decades ago.

[@sarahodom7091]

Oh, the plastered on smile. I’m 53 and that was my life, the plastered on smile.

[@dthed11ms]

Sharon, I listened to your amazing presentation at least 20 times already. I feel like you're speaking through me. This is an amazing speach, it has given me the final answer. Yes, I am autistic and ADHDer. It took me 16 months to talk to my therapist, and finally, after watching the video, I realised that I belonged somewhere. I'm awaiting an assessment, just to see it on the paper. It's something that I own myself. There are two parts of me, the part which the world can see, and the part that only I experience. The most recent comment regarding my expression about being autistic felt like invalidation. No, you're not autistic, you just care a lot. Yes, I care a lot, but don't neurodivergent people care a lot? Finally, I achieved the first goal in my therapy, which was to find out who I was and why I behaved the way I behaved. I know it now, I'm certain. My second goal is to rip the mask off, and to be myself, to validate myself, and to listen to myself. I have a lot to forgive myself first, and I'm looking forward to my new life of being myself. Thank you,

[@tedxtralee2125]

Sharon, it was such a pleasure to have you speak on such an important topic. An uplifting and enlightening talk. Thank you for join us on our little Red Dot from the rebel county of Cork to the Kingdom of Kerry

[@jamesfinnegan7924]

What a wonderful personal and uplifting story Sharon. Thank you for sharing it and I know it will help so many people not only to better understand autism but also those seeking answers to their own situation

[@wolfdreams2000]

Sharon, thank you! I'm on the older side at 61 and undiagnosed, tho I hope for that to change at some point. I believe that Im autistic as well as adhd. Fantastic job, thanks 😊

[@Teasy_32]

What a soothing voice to listen to that important topic. I am about the same age, just being in the process of diagnosis. Thank you for that clear talk.

[@bggeorgieva]

Wow! 3 years waiting for an assessment !! You are such a brave mother and person. Admiration for keep seeking for those answers

[@TheRoadRunner913]

I had the pleasure of being in your live audience. Very powerful then and now. Open and honest. Well done 👏

[@CaolanMcCarthy-eu5ed]

Was in the live audience and you could hear a penny drop, phenomela talk

[@ninasunny4159]

Thank you so much! The more I can be myself, the morge I thrive and enjoy life. It was a long Journey and it never stops, But it is worth it!

[@janinemills6732]

So well explained. As a late and recently diagnosed female (47) this struck so many notes and is just what I needed to hear, thank you

[@bizbily]

you have such soft and calming voice Sharon. Listening to you I can recognise some behaviour in myself and others. Its so helpful to know and not judge myself and others but see it from the side of neurodivergency

[@carmelreaney1509]

Very compelling presentation - the world needs our neurodivergent citizens - for so many reasons!

[@williammicklem1480]

Such an important subject explained by someone with real credibility. Thank you Sharon. It fits in 100% with my Rule 5 …being your own GOvernor and being authentic. William Micklem

[@johnocallaghan4875]

Excellent speaker. Great easy to listen to tone. Thank you for bring this really important conversation starter to the forefront. Have no doubt it will empower people to seek their 'authentic self'. It certainly has left me with a lot to think about.

[@carolynlee6808]

Fantastic talk ! Already has me thinking about ways I can incorporate accomodations in my environments to support every person there! Thank you for such an honest and insightful perspective.

[@CaolanMcCarthy]

The piece about reflecting on our own past workplace experiences was very interesting, will need to look more closely at my practices from now on. Thank you!

[@ciaranprior7059]

Sharon, so great to see your talk again, just as inspiring online as I remembered it live from the stage, well done 👏

[@MarkDunham-yv3gp]

Wish I'd been able to see this live, follow your page and wonderful to see you having this platform!

[@SalmonOfK84]

Absolutely amazing talk and incredibly powerful message, thank you!

[@ASMRtists]

Thank you, Sharon. We need to share these kinds of experiences and views more. I totally agree and hope the world will change for the better soon. Thanks for sharing this.

[@deannang455]

I feel your struggles. I find it very difficult in social situations, loud noises and obsessions and analyzing everything are my normal. It is really hard to find help for this. I would love to be more selfless and respectful. The social thing is so challenging to figure out and just feel easier alone. I still get lonely.

[@iuliavedislav2571]

Fantastic, Sharon! So powerful talk, your voice is medicine! Keep up the good work!

[@sadhbhmccarthy9046]

Fabulous talk! Amazing speaker!

[@sharonpowell2825]

Fantastic. This really was thought provoking. Well done .

[@AlanWarren-yv7sh]

So sorry it took so long for you to get the message you needed, but I'm glad it worked out and after listening I definitely need to take an extra look at myself

[@kittykatfancy]

Thank you. I think neurodivergence is a better term and welcomes more people under the umbrella of what this is. The core of it is not feeling normal, feeling like you're different from other people, and because difference is so often judged, feeling inadequate because of it. It's sometimes or always spending every ounce of your energy trying not to make waves and to figure out what people want from you instead of asking what you want for yourself. You can get so lost and hopeless. I have to reread texts I've written or small videos I've made to hear my own voice. It sounds like a different person. But she's really pretty beautiful. I just don't connect with her yet. Too deep in the well. I'll get out. It just takes so much damn energy and the world is exhausting.

[@SamuelLoughlin]

Amazing, loved your delivery and gave me lots to think about

[@olliefitzpatrick8884]

Fantastic talk Sharon....very insightful

[@johnbillings5260]

The end hit me hard.

[@joangarvey1279]

Wonderful, honest and informative.

[@BryanCarrKerry]

Very important and insightful talk from a wonderful speaker. Well done Sharon

[@Smlychck15]

Thank you 🥹💜🫶🏻

[@deirdreomahony7481]

Well done Sharon , thanks for sharing your story x

[@JennyMurphy-vn9gw]

Well done Sharon! Wonderful talk, I was hanging on your every word

[@lisamcdonnell7645]

Amazing Sharon

[@thomassheehan5932]

Wonderful presentation

[@inclusivecork4859]

Well done, Shaton!

[@bibichen100]

Positive and non judgemental approach, great speech Sharon! However it is a shame that a label is the only route considerated to have access to self -understanding, self-awareness and respect… I’m neurodivergent but I don’t have a diagnosis and I think that it’s not the diagnosis the answer but education about neurodivergence.

[@pagreen_eyes_red_rose3758]

Very powerful ❤️

[@kataratify]

I’ve had my diagnosis for a while but I’m still trying to unpack the “plastered on smile” and internalized “just push through it” When I got the diagnosis it was presented as a “now we know what was wrong with you!” …I’m terrified when meeting new people to show them anything.

[@Onz70]

Brilliant talk, thank you

[@SamanthaGJones]

❤❤❤

[@somhairlebrennan9490]

Fantastic!!

[@drusillahalliwell]

I am a 56 year-old woman And I just found out About 3 1⁄2-4 weeks ago That I was autistic level 2. I was diagnosed with ADD Back in the 70's when they still call it Back then the doctors didn't even think ADHD An autism Could be morbidity And back then they couldn't decide whether I had autism or ADD So they gave me medicine for ADD Which make me like a walking zombie Did not work the medication As I am not something to be cured I am not defective And I like who I am Although some other people may Disagree That disagree is their problem Please stop trying to cure us we don't need cured The things were able to do far outweigh the difficulties in the long run once we accept who we are Because of most people I went through my entire life thinking I was broken And now I know I'm not I'm so happy that I got my diagnosis I just wished I would have known earlier At least now I know I can be kinder to myself Love your tedx

[@higherground337]

The "well-meaning" comments are the worst. They tell us that who we really are is something to be ashamed of.

[@trevorscully2439]

👍

[@ciaramc29]

Far worse for girls, many are misdiagnosed. My child was like your son but didn't get diagnosed until 12 years old only because a teacher pointed it out.

[@vickisullivan7676]

Nice, optimistic thoughts and lovely talk. But so painfully unrealistic and unobtainable currently in the US, especially for late dx'd women.

[@Meghan3]

Like me.