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

In recent years, we have begun to see a shift in the perception of and attitude towards autism and ADHD, from judgment and dismissal to autonomy and respect. But how much more work is left to do? And what is it like to discover that you are neurodivergent in this changing climate?
In this TEDx talk, Sharon McCarthy used a combination of personal and professional experience to provide insight into what it's like to discover that you are neurodivergent later in life, highlighting the barriers late identified people face on their path to self acceptance, and outlining the simple changes we can all make to frame neurodiversity as the strength it truly is.
Sharon is an author, lecturer, autistic person and ADHDer, and mother in a neurodiverse household who strives to empower people to become their authentic selves, through the use of autonomous, individualised, autistic led supports.
Connect with Sharon McCarthy on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook @AutismFm
This talk was given at TEDxTralee using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. We would like to thank and give credit to:
Production crew: M.Edia, Tralee, Co.Kerry
Video editor: James Maher
#ADHD #change # education
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Thank you for watching Sharon McCarthy 's TEDxTralee talk This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@JRobinWhitley]

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

[@highdosepassion]

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.

[@highdosepassion]

Btw I am now diagnosed with ASD

[@sarahodom7091]

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

[@zeromonster3381]

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.

[@anturasmor-homecomingkerry7099]

Delighted that you took to the stage in Tralee to present such an important talk. Well done Sharon and best of luck in the future.

[@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

[@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

[@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 😊

[@bggeorgieva]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnbillings5260]

The end hit me hard.

[@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,

[@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!

[@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.

[@ciaranprior7059]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@carmelreaney1509]

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

[@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.

[@Andre_Ons_Marshall]

Brilliant talk, thank you

[@sharonpowell2825]

Fantastic. This really was thought provoking. Well done .

[@sadhbhmccarthy9046]

Fabulous talk! Amazing speaker!

[@SamuelLoughlin]

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

[@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

[@deirdreomahony7481]

Well done Sharon , thanks for sharing your story x

[@thomassheehan5932]

Wonderful presentation

[@joangarvey1279]

Wonderful, honest and informative.

[@Smlychck15]

Thank you 🥹💜🫶🏻

[@olliefitzpatrick8884]

Fantastic talk Sharon....very insightful

[@lisamcdonnell7645]

Amazing Sharon

[@pagreen_eyes_red_rose3758]

Very powerful ❤️

[@iuliavedislav2571]

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

[@JennyMurphy-vn9gw]

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

[@BryanCarrKerry]

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

[@somhairlebrennan9490]

Fantastic!!

[@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.

[@SamanthaGJones]

❤❤❤

[@trevorscully2439]

👍

[@vickisullivan7676]

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

[@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.

[@higherground337]

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