Poor Life Outcomes for Autistic People and How to Solve Them (National Autism Strategy)

[@AutisticAthena]

I love how Orion goes from "I can't imagine who could possibly want to watch this" in one post to "I'm addressing the bloody U.N." in another.

[@Rabaheo]

Sometimes I feel like living a life where you've been criticized so often, you develop a kind of dichotomy of "I'm terrible/I'm awesome" as our sense of self feels in the moment.

[@autumnishere420]

@@Rabaheooh yeah i definitely experience this 😅

[@Bugg...0_o]

Speaking of addressing those in power.... I live in one of the bad states in the U.S. I also have a lot of labels attached to me that would make it unsafe for me to stay here if things keep getting worse. I'm scared to get an official diagnosis because I've heard there are quite a few countries that make it hard to immigrate (Australia being one of them). As things continue to deteriorate here (and authoritarianism in general rising across the globe), I'm afraid the restrictions are just going to get worse. I've heard that if you can prove you won't be a drain on the system, you can immigrate. I'm really sick, so that's never going to happen, but maybe my daughter can at least get out when she's 18. The thing is, she is having a little trouble in school. It varies year by year with the teacher, and I think a diagnosis would help. She's only just turned 10, so she has quite a few years that a diagnosis could benefit her and could even alter the trajectory of her life. But I worry that because she is already diagnosed with Ehler's Danlos Syndrome, adding another diagnosis might make her chances of immigrating somewhere deceent much worse. Idk how many of Orion's viewers keep up with the chaos over here, (and that goes for his American viewers as well). Y'all know how we are able to see patterns. It's like no one realizes what a powder keg this is. And those who want to bring America back to a time where only cis straight white men had any place in society (a place worth having that is. The rest of us need to learn "to stay in our place" again),but those people, they are getting elected in local elections. Their statagy is to kill the tree by rotting the roots. And once they have people in all of these places, they can really make a go for it this time and actually succeed. It's terrifying. And I know that bad things would happen to me and my family, and so many who call themselves my neighbors would do nothing to stop it. (Except my one neighbor who is a neonaz¡ . He would join in, I'm sure. Our kids are friends. Smh. What a world.)

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

@@Bugg...0_o"I live in one of the bad states in the U.S." Are there any other, like, say, "non-bad" states in the U.S.?

[@AutisticAthena]

@@knrdvmmlbkkn No. It just changes who's getting swept under the rug and not listened to, who's shoving their ideology down people's throats. The left wants to say that they're virtuous, but it's virtue signaling for the most part. They're psychotic people on both sides, trying to radicalize as many people as possible to agree with them while frothing at the mouth... America is in SERIOUS trouble.

[@soundconjurer4380]

I'm an autistic person whom is housed and have a job. There's no way I did this out of knowing how to do it. It really happened by chance for me. I have people who are willing to make sure I don't fall through the cracks, but if no one had my back. I'd be homeless or dead. I live in the United States, neurotypicals barely make it now. There's no hope here for people like me.

[@soundconjurer4380]

I'm 35, I was diagnosed when I was 34.

[@isotope73]

Agree. I'm 50 and no one has my back. I'll probably be a statistic. I've already begun to have severe burnout with depression/suuicide attacks.

[@mlr4524]

Hang in there@@isotope73 - not easy I know. Unemployed at 60 and have no one except my cats, who give me a reason to be here.

[@asmrambioticfluid9467]

​@@isotope73I burned out just after lockdown and handed in my notice but by sheer fate landed a new job that feeds my soul. I hope the same for you.

[@Anotherhumanexisting]

That’s the scary part about the US job market and social system right now… even the NTs can’t keep their heads above water. Anyone with any kind of disability is extra fucked.

[@EmilyHaysisabutterfly]

Let's not forget, some families ( like mine) discard us because of lack of understanding and empathy. Or if one was raised in a narcissistic family like mine and we make easy scapegoats.

[@Djauntywanker]

Yep I have a narc mother she left and now I’m stuck with my dad who has Narc tendencies and is racist .and old . I feel like I’m living in hell . Im Almost 40 I really dont want to leave my cat and dog .

[@harperwiccan475]

​@@Djauntywankeromg samesies! im almost 40 myself, unemployed even though im looking for work, live with my father but im surrounded by closed minded conservatives in my family who absolutely have no idea who i am or cares enough to meet me halfway. everything is all about them suggestioning that I change myself in hopes to convince me to be like them, ya know... so i dont continue to be outcasted and socially normal for them. Clearly they have no understanding that all i want is to be loved and be seen as who i am, as is... exactly what is supposedly expected of me accepting them! its so ridiculous. im a fookin adult!

[@asmrambioticfluid9467]

​@@harperwiccan475normies don't find inner beauty in anything other than conformity, status and money.

[@thegamingps5110]

Exactly what i am going through at 33 and people telling me to do it ways have been doing tweaking since 6years old.

[@petranyberg5791]

❤ yes

[@runningraven]

Train freaking professionals! And don't disregard moms! We KNOW when something is different! Autistic bean is my third kid. She's wonderful, but different. One doctor I went to with the bean asked her whether she feels empathy. She obviously said yes. "Well, it can't be autism then." 🤦🏻‍♀️ As a baby, with OBVIOUS sensory processing difficulties, screaming at the top of her lungs for hours and hours..."Oh, don't be hysteric. Babies cry. It'll get better with time and patience." 😫 Toddler tantrums? Never had them! What she had were full blown meltdowns, and we COULD NOT ever figure out what triggered them. It was nothing like a neurotypical tantrum. "She'll grow out of it. Just be consequential." Or even the first assessment, at four years of age. "Well, there are certainly a few autistic traits she has, but it's not severe enough for a diagnosis. She'll grow out of it." At 17 she tried severely harming herself. In the clinic that was supposedly a mental health crisis center, the doctor said "Well, who decides what's normal and what isn't. I don't diagnose people with autism, it breeds prejudice." Meanwhile the kid and the whole family got increasingly desperate every day. We were at the end of our wits... but then we found a daycare clinic that was supposed to help her get back into school. They had a specialist there. She watched the bean for half a week, then asked me whether she could officially assess her because she suspected she might actually be an autistic bean. She did. Diagnosis confirmed by a second doctor. Proper help acquired. Autistic bean is freaking THRIVING! The whole family is. We love her, she loves us, and now we have the tools to actually help her. WHY DOES IT TAKE 18 YEARS AND THE STUBBORNNESS OF A BULL TO GET HELP??! 😫

[@cindyhoover9116]

Hi Running Raven, I’m in the the States, and my “beans” are 17 and 12. Goodness. My heart bleeds for you and what you and your family have been through. I only realized two weeks ago that my 12 must have ASD. But since it’s PDA, it’s hard for me to convince even people in my own family (my 17, my 33 daughter with 6 kids, even my husband, who I was junk just doesn’t want to accept it) that he’s on the spectrum. Pray for me as I’m only just now pursuing a diagnosis. (One place told me 5 year waiting list!) God Bless

[@Autism_Forever]

Many so called specialists are thrown off by mis-categorization. Autism vs Schizophrenic Autism. Autism as neurodevelopmental disability vs autism as symptom of schizophrenic disorder. We have Eugen Bleuler to thank for this mess. To this day many specialists are incompetent enough to think that Autistic people are incapable of feeling emotions. I suspect this is where they get this rotten idea from.

[@srso4660]

Females with asd are rarely correctly diagnosed, it typically takes years to find someone willing to test for it. I'm a 48 year old woman and just now received my autism diagnoses. I've been self diagnosed for over a decade, I realized I was autistic after both of my children (2 boys) were diagnosed. I went to several clinicians who gave me every diagnoses under the sun but refused to even consider I had asd. I actually had one Dr that said "Oh you don't want to be autistic, that's a terrible disorder" 🤦🏼 I finally went to the psychologist who diagnosed my eldest son, he was willing to do the testing and sure enough, I have asd. Again, this is a common experience for asd females. There are so many of us middle aged and older women who are just now being correctly diagnosed after years of being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, BPD, schizoaffective disorder etc everything but asd. I'm happy to hear your daughter was finally correctly diagnosed and is thriving! I wish you all the best! 💜

[@Autism_Forever]

@@srso4660 I was diagnosed at birth. My Mother was told that I am an imbecile. I don't know what is worse - specialists who think they know all or specialists who don't know anything :)))))

[@fernglade]

​@@Autism_Forever In my experience, the ones who think they know it all end up being the ones who don't know anything most of the time 🙃

[@AutisticAthena]

You know... I've been to Jail. The judge thought I was unapologetic because I was stonefaced during proceedings and he became emotional and aggressive with me because of it... And when I was in there, their idea of helping me with the sensory issues I had while I was in there due to the fact that they NEVER TURN THE BLINKING FLORESCENT LIGHTS OFF was putting me on antipsychotic medication that made my liver enzymes elevated, made me gain sixty lbs in four months and made my joints ache so bad that I shuffled like an old person when I walked. When I got out and saw a REAL doctor, they were HORRIFIED by what I was on, and said flat out "you don't need this medication".

[@AutisticAthena]

There's something here in America called Club House. They provide peer to peer and community support for people with emotional/cognitive/mental health disabilities and they're holistic. They address social well-being, physical health, employment support, legal and education assistance, as well as clerical support with paperwork, ect... And the members all have an equal say on how Clubhouse is run. It's not Autism specific, but it IS Autism inclusive, and my quality of life has increased immeasurably since I joined a year ago.

[@joycebrewer4150]

I never heard of that! Where are they based? how do I contact them?

[@sarahsovereign4522]

Wow, compassionate vibes to you! Hope you're in a worlds-better situation now!

[@Autism_Forever]

Sue. For many millions. Don't miss your statute of limitations if there is one for your type of case.

[@GuitarTunings33]

Yes!! I have hyperempathy so I become hyper emotional if I get emotional but in between emotions I can be stone cold stoic and people think I have no empathy. I have hyperempathy! Sorry you went through that.

[@wanderingpanic7429]

I'm facing homelessness right now and have been fighting with the department of housing since June this year. It's very likely I will have nowhere to live come December through no fault of my own. I realise the current rental crisis is tough for everyone but the thought of having nowhere to live (again) as an autistic woman with other disabilities is terrifying. But no one cares. Thank you for continually showing up and speaking the truth on how screwed up the system is. Unfortunately I feel that only those of us who are neurodivergent are either listening/watching and we are the only ones whocare

[@CricketGirrl]

I'm so sorry. :-(

[@njay4361]

I'm in the same boat. Renting a room from a friend is keeping me off the streets but is not a long-term solution. Terrifying is the right word...

[@Maaracha]

I'm currently going through it. Nobody had my back and I fell through the cracks. 20+ years

[@wanderingpanic7429]

@@Maaracha I am sorry that you too are going through this and that you also have fallen through the cracks. It's not fair. I wish I could help but there really doesn't seem to be any help for those like us out there. In a perfect world, I would start a advocacy business of some sort for us and do what each person wants/needs rather than what others think we all need, because we are all different. But it's just too hard. If you are in Sydney, Australia Wayside Chapel has quite a few of my friends get off the streets

[@jimmyh3108]

I was going to say I was on the same boat,but someone beat me to it 😄..I have my sister helping me but she has four kids and a single mom and struggling with her job..and I'm trying to get diagnosed because I believe I'm on the spectrum and also have ADHD anxiety and dep..hang in there 👍🏻

[@hellequinm]

I tried 3 times to attend university, could not handle the social demand. I got sick every week, to a point where rather I focus on my health or die trying to graduate. I didn't know I was autistic at that time and it was hard to come to terms with that, I felt broken, weak, a total failure. Today I understand that it was all about demand.

[@zee1010]

This is exactly the situation I'm right now!! .....and have been, for the past couple of years. It really feels like there's just no place for someone like me in this world.

[@petranyberg5791]

I guess you didnt had problems with the studies, thats the sad thing

[@Love_Mel]

I'm the same Im held back so much because of the social demand.

[@MaryKDayPetrano]

A couple things helped me get through University - as an undergrad, I tended to hang with Indonesians and that helped lower the social demands, and in law school I tended to hang with an Native American Indian and that helped reduce social demands. If you're Autistic and trying to go to University, it doesn't really work to hang with Neurotypical Americans. That's real bad, and would cause almost any Autistic to be forced to quit.

[@hellequinm]

@@mariac-0 it's a tough life for us. I always powered through everything until my body became physically ill, I had an appendicitis and that went really bad. Took 3 years to recover from all the complications that happened after my surgery (had to go through 4 in total). My parents were more absent tbh. It's been always I and myself handling all the struggle. Just like you, I'm not exactly sure how I still exist in this world, but I do and looking back I see how much pain and suffering I endured, and this is my core stone not to give up. It's not fair on my younger self, I can't do that do me. That's why I seek help, got my diagnose and went through therapy to figure out how to make it easier on me. This is key for anyone, check if your uni offer programs from psychology students. Don't give up on yourself. You already went through so much, there's ways to make it easier on us. This year I'm doing at home study on a university that offer 100% remote grad. It was never about study, was always the social that kept me away. Hopefully I'll finally graduate in 4 years.

[@roblouw]

As someone autistic it's really hard for me to be as articulate as you are mate. Thanks alot

[@WHISTLEPEG]

This is brilliant! Thank you Orion, from a 68yr old self- diagnosed autistic in Canada. Why self-diagnosed? Can't afford the nearly $3000 for official diagnosis from our national heath care that I pay taxes for....and at my age, why bother. Please continue your videos and podcasts you, are very much appreciated!

[@celestialstar6450]

If you pay out of pocket, you may be able to claim it on your taxes (medical expense)

[@kated3165]

@Player-400 As Orion says, autism is just not well understood yet. It will be fully covered by Canadian healthcare, and the diagnosis and treatments will be more readily available once it is, but its unfortunately still one of those areas where medical science is still in its infancy. It will get there for our grand-children, perhaps children, but most of us will slip through the cracks.

[@kated3165]

@Player-400 Don't worry about M.A.I.D. Its not some free-for-all anyone depressed can access, nor can anyone use it to murder someone else. Its actually pretty strict. Its only for people who are ill beyond any medical help and trapped in perpetual suffering, but who are fully aware of the decision they are making of their own accord.

[@CuteCatsofIstanbul]

The support for late-diagnosed people would also be such an eye-opener; it would be like puzzle pieces finally coming together. 'Oh that's why they do that', 'oh that's why they react like that'. I grief for the years I did not receive any guidance, mainly on employment. Work has been true hell for me. I've had 15 jobs, all administrative background jobs despite having a master's in linguistics (which is perfectly fine for me, I love admin work!) I don't understand the world who wakes up and 'JUST' goes to work every day. It's such a complex topic if you ask me; from the commute to the actual being there, with different humans, different tasks, the roles people have, the ego's, the very big ego's, the office policies, gossip, expectations ... I also love to work hard, it's like game to me, but I now get that people don't like that. It's exhausting, it's overwhelming, work nearly killed me a few times. You quit and walk away wounded, with no hope and no money. It's simply awful 😿

[@tomtroy3792]

I'm 64 and retired from doing concrete work on my life the only reason I kept a job is because I worked so so hard but driving there was a job in itself and dealing with all the attitudes with the people at work was very confusing for me and stressful driving home with just as bad and less if I stopped at the bar and had a few beers I don't drink anymore I have found that Kratom has tooken the the urge for alcohol away I want to go back to work because Social Security is not near enough cuz I think I'm unemployable because of the way I am and I never know how I feel in the morning sometimes I can hardly walk. Bottom line is that I am scared

[@sonoftorin]

This is why I advocate for screening for adults. I guarantee there are tons of autistic people stuck in the US prison system as well as many other places.

[@georgespiese7388]

I’ve had hundreds of “jobs” at 72. However i had businesses where i was the only employee for decades! Sheesh!

[@sammymakeitmakecents]

I don’t have a diagnosis (I am fairly certain I am high functioning autistic, masked by being female with a high IQ and education). But you summarized my feelings about the regular work world to a T.

[@etcwhatever]

😢 im at the verge of having to quit. On top of asd symptoms i have a type of arthritis. I cant even live in my head...i keep getting pulled into my painful body 😢😢😢 my job is too stressful they force me to socialize all the time. I hate it. No clear rules fo4 my work...and it drives me crazy..i need rules and order. A rotine. None. My fave job was dealing with data...just opening and modifying accounts in the system.. but it was in banking and my colleagues loved gossip and backstabbing. Most of it went over my head until some started to be openly bullying me, including the manager. So i had to quit even the job i liked better. And yeah when we walk no unemployment benefit. 😢

[@gamewrit0058]

39:40 "As an Autistic person, there's nothing quiet about 500 keyboards." 😆😱

[@CherrysJubileeJoyfully]

In the US I was told that the people giving assessments CAN NOT TEST just for asd/adhd because they would be too busy to care for more extreme cases. .... so we're not getting diagnosed because so many of us were overlooked and ignored. So you're going to keep overlooking and ignoring us. We're not invisible we're expendable.

[@joycebrewer4150]

Oof!! I feel that Too! Got diagnosed at 59 because my sis-in-law can be a bear when she sets her mind to something, and she was determined that I squeeze in a few solid years of work before retirement. I had only a spotty work history at Best. It was a shock to her when the mental health worker who diagnosed me told her, "There's no treatment for autism!"

[@sandybravo1626]

Dear God you take too long to get to the point

[@hannahbrown2728]

​@@sandybravo1626 If one paragraph is too much for you why are you watching an hour long video?

[@sandybravo1626]

@@hannahbrown2728 I didn't. I stopped a few minutes in then left this comment about why I couldn't finish it

[@sandybravo1626]

@@hannahbrown2728 also, what are you talking about with "a paragraph"? I watched a portion of the video and commented on why I couldn't finish it. That's it

[@LinauLee]

Orion, what we really need is ASD school teachers. We need ASD doctors & psychologists. Maybe then we will find understanding. Channels like yours are utterly wonderful. It breaks my heart that things don't seem to change, because you are still hitting the same walls (lack of understanding) in school with your son today that we had to face with my son back in 2003. I am pretty sure, it's a group of neurotypical professionals that came up with that whacky DSM-5 in the first place. To them we are like ants under a magnifying glass, how will they ever get us when they are outside looking in? Plus, they really don't look very carefully before they decide we are too much bother. So they ended up making conclusions about us that are not helpful. I look forward to the day when we can turn to educated ASD professionals leading the way to understanding our ASD place on this planet. The key to our health is educating each other, like your channel. You may not be able to get them to understand us, but the more we understand ourselves the better we can handle ourselves in this world. hUgz from an old gal in Ohio, Lee

[@bensabelhaus7288]

My autistic sons fourth grade teacher this year has two sons on the spectrum. So far he hates his teacher, so he must be getting through lol He just does not engage him at all lol If he runs out of the classroom who cares. He'll get bored in a couple minutes anyway lol Bold strategy this year, we'll see how it plays out lol

[@ainedunne412]

There are tonnes of Autistic teachers in Ireland so it stands to reason their must be in other parts of the world. I’m one and there’s three in my school.

[@emilwandel]

​@@bensabelhaus7288What does it help of the professional people are autistic themselves when they learned to hide themselves, they learned they are wrong and all care guidelines don't include autistic people. In the worst case they reject people even harder because of internalized rejection they have been taught.

[@friednoodles666]

i'm still in my early 20s and i've already been homeless 2 times since i was 17, for multiple years in total. it took me 5 years to find a safe place to live and now that i'm alone here i have no consistent help, as someone who never had help to even get a license let alone be able to afford a car, i survive on a meager welfare sum monthly. i'm alone almost every day all day except if i'm lucky and get a house visit check from a case worker. i survived extreme child abuse, was rescued by CPS, and now sit here feeling like i'll never have anything to show for it because seems like nothing and no one in power exists that is compassionate and able to meet me halfway. i am extremely aware of how little i'm worth to society, including my own family. and my crime is my autism. i cannot win.

[@kryssalou]

this is too real

[@purplepheasant4776]

I am sorry for the abuse you endured. I hope you find counseling or a good friend to help you cope. No one should be alone. Autism is a communication disorder like any other disorder it can not be helped. Maybe you can take one small course at a time based on low income to help you gainful employment, support, the attention that every person needs.

[@Scorched_Earth]

As a 43 year old late-diagnosed autistic mother of five autistic children, may I say that you, Orion, are truly doing god's work with this kind of content. You have PERFECTLY delineated my experience, and what I am facing in trying to advocate for my children. Thank you.

[@ALADDIN22091978]

Great video . I think for a few autistic people, especially , those who have an early diagnosis, they may have a better outcome , especially if they have a good support network including the environment. However , the world is more competitive and demanding , which is likely to work against autistic people, despite increasing awareness. Most autistic people might have other neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD. Late diagnosed , neurodiverse people , might have developed secondary comorbid mental health problems. Highly educated, highly intelligent autistic people , are likely to be diagnosed late . Highly educated and highly intelligent people who are autistic does not mean a better outcome , especially if the diagnosis occurs as an adult . Support is biased towards children and their parents .

[@thesaddestdude3575]

Im sure i know why, society is cracking down harder and harder on standing out and not performing socially. it wasn't that bad when i was a kid but now with the internet bullying can follow you anywhere and if you're just slightly different you are quickly ostracized and degraded. Everything in the world is becoming more and more superficial.

[@fluffycloud3529]

Yeah, and why is the world so competative and demanding? What is the one system that commands us to be like that or else we get left behind and end up homeless? Capitalism. It's a big, systematic issue. The more people we can make aware of that, the more we can fight for the community focused, socialistic approach that would make lives better for not only autistic people but every person that needs a little bit of support (and everyone needs a little support here and there). Going back to caring about each other instead of chasing a vapid idea of perfection.

[@fluffycloud3529]

@@thesaddestdude3575 Check the comment I wrote below you, in case you didn't get the ping. I think that is the origin of why things are like this

[@tomtroy3792]

I self diagnosed myself at 50 years old after reading Temple grandin's book animals in translation if I was diagnosed at a young age I might have used it as an excuse for not trying harder to be like everyone else

[@DappsJames]

25:00 thats so spot on and profound. My therapist agrees, autism is about the only condition where it is incumbent on the sufferer to adapt themselves to the world. I would absolutely become an autistic employment lawyer, and never bore of absolutely rinsing the NT opposition

[@Dancestar1981]

And then if you have the ASD and combined ADHD dual diagnosis it’s even worse plus those fcuk ing Covid jabs that caused rage in us like roof rage when we never had it before

[@MaryKDayPetrano]

OMG !!!!!!!!! I actually had the U.S. Magistrate, Gary R. Jones, who sanctioned me $43,000 for my immutable Autistic language and language processing traits WRITE IN ONE OF HIS ORDERS, "she suffers from Autism." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His decisions were "adopted and approved" by Chief U.S. District Court Judge, M. Casey Rodgers. !!!!!!!!! When you tell me I "suffer from Autism," as you say, you are Ordering BY FORCE OF A U.S. FEDERAL COURT ORDER that I have to adapt myself to the Neurotypical world and rules. But, I'm AUTISTIC - I HAVE A DIFFERENT BRAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@maxwolters]

I am 29 and was diagnosed 2 years ago with both autism and ADHD. I live in The Netherlands and I am glad I am. Reading some of these comments makes me sad. Just want to throw out here, in The Netherlands, we are taken care of. I got psycho educational therapy after my diagnoses. This morning I seeked help again because I am suffering autistic burnout. I was able to choose from both a personal personal specialized guide and/or psycho education. Keep up the great work Orion. I love your videos and will receive your book any day now!

[@orionkelly]

I hope you enjoy reading it.

[@rita.amstlv]

Hi, it is not moonshine and pink roses everywhere in Nederland. I have been bullyied more or less all my lifetime. It is exhausting, it is very difficult.

[@rural_girl555]

id rather move to the Netherlands because my country (south africa) is hostile to autistic ppl and are way behind and backward with autism education system. ive been treated very badly and felt like an outcast because of my autistic traits and literally everybody ( except for my 2 close friends) hates my guts. I plan to go move there in the near or far future. really tired of being treated like an outcast or a criminal throughout my life.

[@kariannep1548]

I was reading the comments before I watched this. I’m 72 and I’m on the spectrum and only recently diagnosed. Self diagnosed but there are siblings and children with autism. I suspect my mom was too. I was definitely abused and isolated in junior high through high school and didn’t talk about it. I got through, married, and had 2 kids. I divorced twice. Now days I wonder if by getting married at 18 with having direct attention to nesting saved my life. What wrong path could I have taken by my fawning? My masking was exhausting but I could do a desk job like crazy, I can meet with the public when I have a structure to follow but I’m totally unable to mingle, chat or network. My grandson and his wife are here from Miami and I went to breakfast at his other grandma’s. There were about 15 family members there. I feel so confused in gatherings and I talk to loud and get over animated. I feel polite tolerance. I’m so exhausted that I declined the invite with the same people to watch the Bills game yesterday. I felt bad again when my daughter asked again and I said I don’t like football. My daughter countered that it was to see my grandson and his wife while they’re in town. I did yard work and feel awful guilt, I felt shamed again for being me.

[@jackiehubler7168]

I feel the same way about myself and I have the same experience with the family history. I resent the medical professionals and mental health providers for not listening to people and refusing to connect sensory and motor issues to autism and why it wasn't understood. It is hard to understand how intelligent people could miss this . I could have had a somewhat better life as well my boys and other members of my family. I haven't seen an apology from professionals as of yet. I think it would help me feel better if they openly admitted they were responsible for delays in understanding autism .

[@paulrudd1063]

Seriously Orion, we need you as a representative of autistic people in Australia! I cannot express how much I agree with every single thing you said in the video.

[@nataliyahorbachova9953]

When they bypass you every time for promotion because there's always someone even if less experienced and less professional but always more "socially interactive", "communicative". Or because they've asked several points of reference before promotion and of course there are at least one or two who said "We don't know what's with her but we don't recommend..."

[@keylanoslokj1806]

Its so sad that in NT its mostly the corks that float. It's not about skills or work ethic

[@Jenn12141983]

I am a 39 year old autistic female presenting person and I was diagnosed only 3 years ago, after my 8 year old daughter was diagnosed at age 2. I suspected it for years but was dismissed for many of the same reasons as you were. I’m thankful that she will grow up and be able to get the supports that I never had, but I mourn for my younger self too. I continue to be invalidated by people in my life and it really sucks 😢

[@kls701]

same age as you sister and I was diagnosed 3 years ago as well. Same thing happened to me.

[@LexMouse]

My autistic child was recently admitted to hospital. Those people were very kind and trying to help but they just had no idea how to handle a child like mine. They were trying to go ‘by the book’. And it made the experience one of the most traumatic we have ever had to date. At one point I honestly thought to myself - if I wasn’t here to advocate for him, what would happen to this child? Things need to change. Just going a little slower, considering what needed to happen, turning the lights down, quieter machines, listening to him when he said he needed pain relief - they didn’t believe him when he said he was hurting. I had to try make all this happen myself. It all would have made a big difference. Oh well. You keep talking about this Orion. It really matters. I mean it matters for everyone, but it especially matters for the people who can’t speak up for themselves because they are not able, or are not believed when they do speak up 😢

[@alanguest1979]

This video should be watched by every decision maker at every level of government, local and national, should watch this - AND TAKE NOTE!

[@casperssleepsalot1417]

When ur bullied ,it don’t make is easier for us ,than u get mocked n called a lier . When I hear things like that n I’ve been through hell and back, but I will fight till the day I die.

[@sergekronz]

I hope you get some people to understand this, I feel burned by life as a 57 year old autist that also only know what his difference is for a few years. I got disability retirement at 51, I feel lucky for that, at least I don't need to face work days anymore, but I guess it came too late. I am writing a photo book to make difference accepted, the gains will go to my Country's Autism support. Thank you for your work.

[@teresawesterlind1677]

I am a retired RN with decades of experience that included pediatrics. When my son suspected his son had autism and asked for my opinion I had nothing for him. I knew nothing of it and had, to my knowledge anyway, ever encountered a child or adult with autism. They struggled to get a diagnoses for their 3 year old non verbal son. They had no access in their state of TN to an affordable diagnoses, so they moved in with us in CA where there was a new program at the local uni. They applied, were accepted free of charge for an assessment for their son. He got his diagnosis and we got in home treatment for him. The difference that made in the outcome of my grandson also affected the great outcomes of his two autistic younger brothers. I learned so much about autism by being immersed in it and loving three little neuro-atypical boys. You hit the nail on the head when you say the healthcare community world wide have a deficit when it comes to autism understanding.

[@okitssteph]

Thank you for every single word of this. This is my life experience. All of it. I’ll sum up the failure of the health system here in the States with this: at 28, after I had dropped out of grad school due to severe mental health struggles (meltdowns I’m pretty sure), the first psychiatrist outside of the university told me right before I walked out the door at the end of the appointment “You’re not normal for your age.” 39 now and on my way to diagnosis. Now I know it’s not all my fault. And you Orion have helped me immensely. Thank you.

[@jeremiahinyangotu4023]

26:57-27:01 i can relate, because 8 months ago, I had this group project for my entrepreneurship module, and I got too scared to ask to be in a group, because 99.9% of the class (except me) were all popular and extroverted. And so, this one particular Monday morning, I was *gonna* ask the lecturer if he could put me in a group, but then I realised that he was all the way at the top of the classroom, and suddenly felt embarrassed that everyone would know that I'm too socially awkward to asked to be in a group, so I just sat frozen in my chair, and looked down to the ground in shame 😭

[@SilverMoonbeam2]

On the healthcare issue that’s what I’m currently dealing with. I refuse to go to any kind of doctor unless I legitimately think it’s something life threatening. And this is horrible because I have chronic diseases that are supposed to be monitored. But I can’t even count on one hand the times I sought help and actually got it…through my entire life experiences. So I’ve learned how to treat myself now. I even know how to do stitches now. And that’s sad.

[@sksk-bd7yv]

I didn't go to the hospital when I had a fever of 41,2° C and pneumonia. I have a kidney stone that sometimes give me extreme pain, but I treat it with the help of Dr. Google alone, bc it's still safer than Swedish hospitals. Swedish doctors, nurses and teachers gave me severe ptsd. If you're ND - don't come here! But if you find a safe place for us - please Tell Me!

[@Baptized_in_Fire.]

Most chronic diseases in humans and animals go away when fed a species specific diet. Humans are Apex predators that evolved thru ice ages eating fatty red meat from ruminant animals. Hope that helps. It's not sad that you can treat yourself, even if how you got there is sad. It's resilient, admirable, and a ton of other positive things. Keep learning and building these skills. It could save a life. Maybe yours, maybe someone else's. Have a great life! You're awesome 😎

[@Skyjamb]

Doctors a long time ago 30-50 years knew nothing about autistic kids. Now the adults trying to find a diagnosis is unbelievable hard. Why is it so damn hard, I mean it's 2023, but it still feels like it's the early 60's.

[@ildyivy]

Because this world is controlled by wicked people in high places. Our world only seems advanced but it’s actually quite barbaric. Depending on where u live, have u seen how unhealthy some people look? It’s not an accident, it’s by design.

[@RV19924]

I’m 31 I self diagnosed myself a couple days ago. I’m so relieved to find you all beautiful people ❤

[@fluffycloud3529]

Just finished watching the video and it only solidified what I've already seen. I'm going to try and become an experience expert and make it my goal to speak at every police station in the country, as well as big companies and as many schools as I can. The more people understand us, the better we as people can help each other

[@sksk-bd7yv]

Go, go, go! Speak up for us! But do it safely, in a way that doesn't harm you. When you find out how to do all of this - please tell me.

[@Rizuzua]

I'm not embarrassed to say that a shorter life is alright to me. I welcome it because I'm ready to enjoy paradise wherever it is 🙎🏾

[@keylanoslokj1806]

I always had a feeling I will go to hell both in this and the next life. Talk about luck😂

[@musicmamma]

Me too

[@sksk-bd7yv]

Same here. Longing for this life I never asked for to be over. I lived like that for forty + years. Now, things have changed for the better. Some days I really look forward to my future. Things got so much better once my daily life was adapted to my needs.

[@SummerOf1987]

I swear

[@Lbf5677]

It's average lifespan,so the average between two people...one who lives to 90 and one who lives to 20 will have an average Lifespan of 55

[@neurodiverselabor1672]

Hi Orion (you've got the same name as the ship that brought me to Australia). As a very late diagnosed Autistic and Autism mum and migrant, I have a few specifics: Dyspraxia, difficulties in sport, in our sport driven culture is a big one for us and more common amongst Autistics. Not enough research is done to help Autistics who struggle with Phys Ed and fitness. It is genetic, we are not just couch potatoes. My older daughter (self diagnosed Autistic ADHD) just got her ancestry genetic test back which gave her ethnic make-up. It also says, based on her genes, she is more likely to be introverted, a picky eater and her muscles tire more easily after exercise, all of which is true and is part of Autism. So where is the Integration support at schools for kids who struggle with sport? The issue is lost in the noise about an obesity epidemic and difficulty with sport is seen to have a moral cause. As an Autistic I excel in maths and tutor students (I don't teach in a regular school because of my issues with hierarchy and the social and sensory environment, especially chit chat and power politics). I have never called a kid who struggles in maths a couch potato or made them feel responsible for their issues - when will there be a similar level of understanding for kids who struggle with sport? My younger (diagnosed Autistic) daughter couldn't walk until she was two and a half, but was constantly bullied in sport at school and I was always complaining to the school, but sporting culture and Phys Ed is so competitive that the bullying always returned. I sent my kids to several specialised fitness programs after hours but these weren't subsidised and were closed down when they failed to make a profit. As a migrant Autistic/Autism mum, I get in involved in research advisory groups looking into the needs of Autistic children in immigrant families. Migrant children are often diagnosed later and end up with more social/learning issues. This is partly because so much research centres on white boys. Information about Autism isn't targeted towards ethnic communities (it's not just a matter of google-translating a brochure) and there is a lack of peer support for migrant Autistics and Autism parents, including educating and supporting extended families, since extended families play a bigger role in the life of Autistic kids from CALD backgrounds. Because many newer migrants come from poorer countries which have directly or indirectly been impoverished by European colonialism, old fashioned attitudes towards disability and Autism still hold sway with many migrants. Stigma plays a part in delayed diagnosis, isolation of families and hiding Autistic or disabled family members. More will come out of the Disability Royal Commission. In 2019, Father Dominic Valanmanal from Kerala state in India planned to visit Australia to conduct a residential retreat for Autism parents from India in Philip Island Victoria. But this priest blamed Autism on parents' "sins". An Indian Autism dad successfully petitioned the catholic church to cancel the priest's visit. My point is: why does the Australian government allow people into the country who practise hate speech towards Autistics? Why didn't they step up and deny Father Valanmanal a visa? The Department of Home Affairs refuses visas to Nazis and others who practise racist hate speech. When will they offer Autistics a similar level of protection? Nothing is being done to make it easier for older immigrants to get a diagnosis. Autism is assessed through looking at social differences, but migrants are made to feel "othered", that our differences are because we are non-Anglo - if we are stressed we are made to feel like hysterical foreigners eg Mediterraneans. If we are shy we must be repressed by traditional families eg Muslims. If we have trouble communication people assume we can't speak the language or have cultural difference etc. These assumptions are prevalent and seem to explain away differences, so make it harder for an adult migrant to gain a diagnosis. No research has been done on this and I have complained directly to Autism researchers when i have volunteered as a research subject. One researcher has promised to contact me later this year with a view to starting Australia's first ever research project specifically into the needs of CALD Autistic adults. It sounds great, but the lack of CALD Autism research to date is nothing to celebrate. Hundreds of submissions were made to the Australian Bureau of Statistics to count ethnic identity and LGBTIQ+ people in the 2026 national census, but there were only 2 submissions made to count Autistics, one of which came from me. We have to stand up and be counted and start somewhere.

[@blondequijote]

I think the question in ur 4th paragraph has an answer in a similar line fo thinking to ur own. Nazis are bad because they are anti-semites. Show some stats about autism in the semitc community / culture and how being anti autist is anti Semitic. Then the govt has to take it srsly.

[@MaryKDayPetrano]

OMG ! Sports ! When I was an Autistic kid, schools and camps always played the Neurotypical game of "Red Rover." That's where two opposing lines of people lined up in a big long line locking hands with each other in the line, and the lines faced each other a distance apart. Then the line up for action would call out "Red Rover, Red Rover, send so and so over." And, the line upon whom the demand was made, would expel and shove the named person forward and push them to "go over." The side who made the action demand was allowed to use their body and locked hands with the next person in their line to block, push, and even hit the person they demanded to be sent over - "anything goes" so as not to let that person "break through their line." Now, being Autistic, I was always very disproportionately demanded to be "sent over." And, it was open season on me, where I was always knocked down on thre ground and hit hard and repeatedly by the Neurotypicals in the line of the side who demanded me, and almost without exception I got black eyes, nose bleeds, and worse. And the teachers and camp counselors saw nothing wrong with this. It was Neurotypicalized VIOLENCE they were allowing and encouraging be used against me, in "Sport," and those Neurotypical adults in charge SAW NOTHING WRONG WITH IT !!!!! I was physically injured and very traumatized by being forced as an Autistic person to play in that Neurotypical game.

[@rita.amstlv]

I watched yesterday a documentary of a Dutch teenager who had been bullyied at school for years. He couldn't take it any more and he ended his own life (age 16). I am an old aspie and I have been bullyied actually all my life more and less (mostly more). When the NT's never accept you and keep bullying and also trying to crash on me with a car which has already succeeded once with a leg broken on 2 places, then you can say that it is a miracle that I am still alive. Orion, I want to thank you for great content!!

[@Lion-rf8xi]

Yeah I've had a few people try and murk me. Kinda wtf is it about me that attracts psychopaths.

[@soundbeast4957]

yes my friend...I've had SOOO much frustration with being isolated by my family and doctors.

[@soundbeast4957]

btw, in texas, they are bunching ALL students into the same class...like 50 of them, bad ones, good ones, illegal oes that don't know english, ones that do know english, disabled ones...all of them...my question to my siblings who are teachers, got offended when I asked what happens to the ones who need help learning...dude, it makes no sense at all...

[@dawnhughes9942]

A problem I've seen as an autistic parent with an autistic son is a lack of support for the parents. All the funding goes to kids, which is important, but what I've learned is, if I'm struggling as his mom, he struggles. We are so closely linked. You can't care for one and not the other. It's not enough.

[@visionvixxen]

Yes! This is so important. It’s like attempting like a drug intervention but so much more complicated without the intervention part it’s it’s a exercise in futility and confusion. First of all adults on the spectrum are not dead and sometimes they are functioning members of the society, grandparents and parents, and if they don’t understand themselves and get help, they’re not in a position to help their kids this means understanding themselves resources you know help with jobs like help with their relationships a lot of things and then helping the kids, but it doesn’t just start from helping the kids in the school system if everything around the kids This functional and lacking resources and just the human level it’s not just about kids like people and nursing homes to middle age to college age to kids are valuable and deserve recognition and help and thus intern to be in a position where their valuable members of society and help others so the dialogue needs to switch from being just about kids to like to their families to everyone to even old people and even neurotic and the people involved in the autistic person, space and understanding them like, it’s it’s a whole dialogue and it’s a whole lot of help. Thank you for your comment.

[@visionvixxen]

“There’s no backpack where you can out your autism.” 😂Truth.

[@visionvixxen]

Social communications and interactions at a level that is diagnosable now this is really hard when you’re I don’t want to say smart, but you’ve been educated a good school raised to work really really hard. You’re a female who didn’t even know what was up and this was five times as hard to mask and learn to be human, and if someone thought you talking on site, they would say he’s an extrovert. He’s greater communication you know he loves people in that place. You’ve gotten medical school school where you’ve gone to Ivy League school where you’ve worked 10 times as hard to the point of being depressed and anxious, sad and luckily, you’ve never been suicidal even though you had ideation because you always had the support of your parents at least, that is a very hard place to get diagnosed from and you even gaslight yourself like I wanna be sure I don’t just decide I have this but I’m seeing enough family members and I’m seeing 25 years of me being treated with depression bipolar with medication and to no avail I think I won’t even say I’m hoping I strongly think these aspects of whether they’re so personal and so embarrassing to even admit yourself it might admit defeat we’re being weird or trying even less certain point when you’re 50 they can’t be ignored and you can’t keep doing the same thing so basically I’m at the place where I know I have to trust. My insurance isn’t gonna cover it. I have to be willing hope to find the right person first of all again waiting through all the information of like is it a psychologist is a psychiatrist I’ve had neuropsych testing. Do I need to ask for the AOL? Should I wait for my insurance as my insurance not gonna cover it Some days I can’t even formulate my thoughts like all of it overwhelmed me and I’m upset that I’ve been trying to figure this out for the past five years but at some point find someone cough up the three to $5000 and take a risk and hope that getting that diagnosis will help you be clear and change your course of your life so maybe it’s doing work for people in this round so one day they can actually have a life even if you were not able to or you know going back to school but being sure that you’re not gonna try your hardest and not be seen and be kicked out and be like $60,000 in debt or even help to realize your limitations and your gifts and guide into doing something that you can support yourself withand will keep you from having meltdowns or falling apart. I hope this isn’t too long but I just want to say thank you for your work and I really want to be a part part of it takes a lot of bravery and it’s so necessary.

[@visionvixxen]

Educational professionals so many times I would get scholarships or go somewhere and my mind would unravel it. It wasn’t always performing the same or even ADD drugs wouldn’t work. It was so sad and so demoralizing like it’s one thing when you’re not trying it’s another when you’re trying each time and each time is your redemption and you care so much and your desperate to try to get the help and it wasn’t there and you were gaslit for it and then you go before the board. This is happened so many times in my life, I won’t say what schools but they say we think it’s best you leave or we don’t know what’s going on or they think you’re intentionally doing something to not turn your assignments in on time and you’re thinking I also don’t know what’s going on but I’ve been cursed and you just want to figure out so bad this needs to change like there is so much trauma around this that I wish sometimes I was super low functioning. I know that’s bad or I don’t care Because I would have hopes and interest in doing things, but then I was missing the scaffolding. I didn’t know what I was missing others didn’t know and was like I’m wasting peoples time and I’m disrespecting them and I thought of myself. I tried not to myself. It’s just like you Absorb that and that really needs to change. It’s been five years now that I will not get up and do anything and it’s not just I don’t wanna get up and do anything. I’m not gonna go through that again to work on whatever this is, it seems so big and I don’t know where my place is or where the start with the usual medication and counselors or career counselors in, you trying to get into school for a different profession or even dating none of that stuff works so it’s just me and the autism and I have no idea where I’m going from here

[@visionvixxen]

What is the hardest thing with having this and being in school when I was a kid and taking algebra or chemistry I was in the school were so many didn’t care that the teachers would deal with my question and I usually had to ask several times for different angles sometimes I forget a principal and have to re-ask and re-ask and at one point it was click Other times I’d have to do it with them or have them do it for me, cut pace and coffee and sometimes when it got to things like physical problems, you literally have to executive function assemble permutations of ideas. That’s why I couldn’t do it, but you know changes if you’re not in the situation where you’re literally the top student because everyone else is a wreck or because you just care and it’s texting the teacher so no teacher has time to stand over your desk and ask all the questions and the tutors aren’t educated about it and here’s another thing. It’s good that we’re able to record, but you need to take that back and for me for example if I’m missing one major gap in my knowledge, the rest doesn’t go forward so I’d be stuck and there’s always a time when I knew I’d fallen behind and it should probably drop it and not go on, but I used to not and then I learn I had to learn over 20 years when that has happened and it’s too late and I have to start over again and make sure to get the bits and pieces or even learn like I just have to get through this subject. I have to take a teacher for which test the facts or they don’t use computers I literally Felt so dishonest, but I had to learn where I feel and where I can find the holes in the system which I can ensure I’ll pass the class and you were talking to Val in the school and someone who got into several Ivy programs so that part is really hard and they need to know autistic and they need to know when we’re asking these questions you know how our brains work and this is what we’re paying them for. I mean education isn’t cheap anymore. We are paying them for this and we’re just as loud as everyone else so even having universities were, we can learn this way you know and not fall in the gas after spending hundreds of thousands of dollars or more points were embarrassed and looked upon discussed and the changes are personalities. All of this is so I have no idea what it’s gonna look like and what it’s gonna take, but I do know moresciences, I’m making money and having autistic children they’re gonna be finding such things so at least that’s a plus because only money makes the world go around seems

[@wadz668]

I'm fascinated by the statement that autistic people have a shorter life expectancy. Before anyone takes that the wrong way, I AM autistic and I see this as both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in the way that hopefully my suffering will come to an end sooner and a curse because I haven't done all the things I want to do in this life. I also may never get the opportunity to do so anyway. I strongly do feel that the stress of trying to maintain employment will be the death of me.

[@musicmamma]

Yes!! I've had 9 jobs in 7 years, since I bought my house. Before that, my last stable job was for 4 years, in dietary. Is it me? Or "regular" people!??!!

[@SummerOf1987]

Yes, it’s kinda weird, really… even more when you know it’s not all about health or lifestyle but even more about the fact that autistic people have a 9x higher suicide rate than neurotypicals…

[@Lbf5677]

It's based on suicide rate so you, individually, will probably live to 90 years of age. But another autistic person will commit suicide at 20 for example. So your average lifespan would be 55 between the two of you.

[@dtroutmann]

As an adult with autism in America this podcast keeps me alive really appreciate your help keep continuing no matter what

[@lasalaverria]

Hello, I am Neurotitypical and i really appreciate your channel raisin awarness it is the best way to buid the world all of us deserve.

[@sksk-bd7yv]

Wow! 👍👍👍

[@natalierochon]

thank you for raising awareness about autism there are still so many people that don't understand autism or disability

[@rita.amstlv]

Yes, I am 60 plus woman with the diagnosis: BPD, depression, anxiety and schizofrenia. The professionals have missed that I am aspergers, I have all the traits of aspergers. It's frustrating

[@LittleSeasonSojourner]

WOW! I'm one of those too, though I'm just 50 this year. I got the BPD Diagnosis when I was 35 and it ruined my life. I was never BPD, I've ALWAYS been on the spectrum.

[@rita.amstlv]

Okay, I get it, very funny indeed. If you would be bullyied for all your life 24/7, even physically harrashed and here around where I live, people shouting enz. enz., then you would know how that is. I totally get it when people choose to end their own life after a lifetime being bullyied. I cannot smile about your joking of being aspie

[@SoLongSpaceCat]

​@@rita.amstlv I think the person who responded to you was trying to empathise with your frustration by saying that's been their experience too

[@Maaracha]

They miss a whole lot of people. I'm one also.

[@kellyschroeder7437]

Thanks Orion. It does make me sad that it’s taken so long for me to be diagnosed (58-59). If I look back w little fragments of memories esp frustrating interpersonal and work situations I’m like “oh my gosh” - ASD - no wonder I’ve been so demeaned and struggled so much to be understood as well as understand others ….

[@rcarrick355]

This doesn't just resonate. This screams out. You need to be hired to help with these strategies. Thank you for all the info you broadcast and the book you wrote!!!

[@keylanoslokj1806]

They want us genocided. Don't delude yourself. The elites already see their NT normie slaves as "carbon to be eliminated". Imagine how they view us who are also emotionally taxing to them, and introduce extra medical care needs. They'd much rather see us gone.

[@asmrmetalman1061]

Society has a material interest in addressing this because if you do not pay for it through social services, you will end up paying in the form of psychaitric crisis intervention, or prisons (Its said that autistic people are overrepresented in prison populations)

[@LittleSeasonSojourner]

Eugenicists have no problem with allowing things to get worse.

[@MaryKDayPetrano]

Yes, and all society is doing by not paying for it is shifting WHO PAYS to other people. For example, in the U.S. there is a revolving door of Bankruptcy Court for Autistic people because someone has to pay for Autistic people and if the Autistic person tries but fails to be able to pay these extraordinary Autism costs, then every so often the Autistic person is forced to go through the revolving doors of Bankruptcy Court. Again and again and again. Or, when the California Bar Examiners accuse an Autistic person with specifications of "being evicted" from housing, for the Autistic person (1.) obeying the advice of disability organization and agencies ("fawning), (2.) in good faith trying but failing in the face of an around 86 % U.S. National Autistic unemployment rate to earn income to pay the rent but failing, and (3.) having the effect of shifting the costs of Autism the U.S. is not paying for to landlords, Society CAN'T SEEM TO ARTICULATE OR UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM !!!! The problem is, (1.) You, Neurotypical Society, are not funding Autistic people, (2.) the costs of being Autistic DOES NOT EVER GO AWAY - IT CONTINUES TO EXIST AND TICK UPWARD IN $$$$ AMOUNT whether or not you, Neuroptypical Society, choose to ignore it, and (3.) by choosing to ignore it and not fund the supports and costs of Autism, you, Neurotypical society, SHIFT THE AUTISM COSTS ONTO OTHER PEOPLE !!!!!!!!!! SOMEONE has to pay for it. When the government does not pay the lifetime costs of Autism, IT DOESN'T SIMPLY GO AWAY !!!!!! SOMEONE ESLE has to pay for it. Neurotypical society does not understand this.

[@scottstarkman6321]

I would say one of the most difficult challenges/sources of anxiety for me as a child was gym class. I believe outside the relatively more structured, safe, and predictable environment of the classroom, it can be difficult and/or distressing for an (especially, undiagnosed) autistic child. I believe all children (especially those not yet diagnosed as autistic) should be assessed for their relative comfort and ease and overall enjoyment in regular gym class and be given the opportunity to participate in equally physical activities but those which are more geared to those with, for example, the social challenges and struggles of being autistic. Interestingly, my most positive and memorable activity in gym class was when we did square dancing. It was one of the few times boys and girls mixed, and I feel also there was a certain degree of structure and "rhythm" (and messing up the various moves!) that made it more comfortable, more enjoyable, and more safe for me as a not-yet-diagnosed autistic boy than the more typical competitive sports where one can feel more judged and also possibly more subject to ridicule.

[@benjaminvoss7987]

You are helping so many with your openness and sharing your story.

[@kitty_ab]

I would like to see police and health professionals to have some sort of training on how to deal with those who are nerodivergent.

[@Baptized_in_Fire.]

Police shouldn't exist

[@shannonlyons887]

Im in discussion with RDP in Canada about an art project to solve an issue of direct prejudice being recommended as a response to autistic self regulatory behaviour as part of the curriculum. I deeply appreciate this talk.

[@emilyj2842]

This was therapeutic to watch. I have had so many of the same thoughts and experiences. I have been failed in the diagnostic process (undiagnosed until adulthood), employment (unemployed), and in getting necessary care and supports (healthcare professionals completely lacking in autism education, lack of access to disability services). Thank you for articulating these ideas. ❤

[@sksk-bd7yv]

This is so important! Society is ki💥lling us! Teachers, doctors, nurses - You Must Shut Up And Listen! You must change, because you are ki💥lling us. I live in Sweden, and school + healthcare for our tribe sucks. It's so brutal I now have severe ptsd.

[@jackiehubler7168]

Me too in the US.😢

[@IsidorTheNordicGuy]

Samma här, känns för jävligt 😢 PTSD behandling som ej funkar för den är utformad för NT personer och gör mina symtom värre. Tror jag kommer dö i förtid….. hur har du det idag?

[@sksk-bd7yv]

Jag vilar efter ännu ett försök att vara social. Nope, kostnaden är inte värt nöjet. Jag behandlar min ptsd helt på egen hand. Mycket, mycket säkrare än svensk "sjukvård" med sin korruption, apati och barbari.

[@JennaGetsCreative]

I'm 35 and returned to school last year. I'm self diagnoses ASD at the moment and I've explained it to my doctor and expressed my concerns that I can't afford assessment right now but I think it might be helpful. What I got was "there are things we can do if you find transitioning from school to work difficult." Great, but what if I burnout this year trying to finish school?

[@jeremiahinyangotu4023]

47:07-47:21 I'm starting to look at all those appointments I had with this one learning support centre after I finished primary school in vain. I personally feel like the support I got was too consuming for me in primary school, and that it should've stopped at secondary school, but it didn't. And also, I didn't even consent to going to those appointments, and all that happened there was yoga, "interventions" in terms of how to act "normally". And even that one time 4 years ago, when I had this "review" of all the learning support I got, I told the lady that I didn't like having the learning support assistants around, because they kept telling me what to do, and that subsequently there was severe pathological demand avoidance building up inside of me; but my dad was there like "but, there just trying to help you". WHEN HE WAS THE ONE TO CONSPIRE WITH MY OLD SECONDARY SCHOOL TO FORCE ME TO HAVE THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE!!! 😡

[@Buggy_The_Spy_69]

Hey, I am first - this is a first. 😂 Great video so far. I am 16 and only just been diagnosed with asd.

[@turtleanton6539]

😊😊🎉😊😊

[@nullifye7816]

I'm glad this is getting talked about. I'm in the category you're addressing. The rigmarole I've haid to go through in trying to get even an assessment for autism makes it remarkable that anyone gets diagnosed late. It must be the more "obvious" cases for the most part I guess, and it's sad to think that many others suffer quietly without recognition.

[@Thilosophocl3s]

Tailoring the approach would include making the latest autism research/findings part of continuing education. A lot of continuing education in the US is hosted and presented by the fields that they focus in. Optometrists have optometry conventions, but more and more are including occupational therapy, and to a limited extent, vision therapy and a other various specialist areas. You've got me all kinds of worked up. I had no idea 3 days ago about whats been wrong with me for my whole life, and to learn that i can learn more about autism from TikTok and KZbin than medical personnel already know, just serves to continue weakening type of authority i can assign to them.

[@a.miller6988]

Thank you for touching on uni, from the noise of keyboards in the library (also frantic writing sounds in exam rooms) to the lectures being based on a single learning style. I struggle with audio based learning, and that was the norm at the uni I went to. Ended up flunking out of first year bachelor of science, despite having an scholarship, because it got to the point I couldn’t handle the noise and learning style and stopped leaving my dorm room. 2 decades later, I’d love to go back for engineering, but I think the same hurdles would remain. More time in a noisy exam room, or even in a lecture hall won’t help. In Canada.

[@OwenLeBlanc-l7h]

I ended up finishing a law degree and loved commercial law. The small attention to detail that we have has been a strength. Although face to face negotiations can be a bit rough at times.

[@softconstruction]

So so much to agree with, to think about. And real talk. Our lives experiences of this are exhausting and then we're expected to advocate, educate, and pass as typical enough in our daily lives. And dead on about expecting the answers in the "engagement " without already listening to what we've been saying. Huge probs for what you've said about uni. It's outmoded, it's impersonal, and often unhelpful. If we succeed it's despite of everything, not because ... anyway, preaching to the converted but so grateful for your voice, acceptance and appreciation.

[@alexisscarbrough4083]

I was researching stress and autism when I received my autism diagnosis. My anxiety has been going through the roof, so I wanted to find ways to calm my nervous system, keep the brain from shrinking, all that. When I learned that at 52 years, undiagnosed, I was kind of a miracle, I felt stunned again. Back when I was getting help for CPTSD, i scored on the ACES so high, I thought it was a miracle that I wasn't a junkie or dead on the streets. I thought my brain and nervous system more stunted due to trauma, and now I find out that I was a little genius and abused for it only to grow up, hearty and strong enough to make it past 39, somehow.

[@darongw]

Great video! It's hard to be a self advocate but also important to addressing these issues. But you got to takecare of yourself first. I have been struggling with this balance. I'm on the Diversity Advisory Committee at my work and I have focused on Autism and neurodiversity. As a late diagnosed Autistic adult it's important to me. But at the same time it's hard and really draining. Right now I'm leading a team reviewing our hiring process to try to make it better for neurodivergent people. Good work and I have been given awards for my work. But it's so draining too and I often want to just focus on my job and have more time to rest...

[@josephineramirez2826]

I know how true is. Because I went through it myself. I am 55 years and I got diagnosed almost 2 years ago.

[@connied8507]

The public education system should understand that people learn differently. There are auditory, visual, and kinetic learners. Autistic people have a hyper focus on narrow interests. That is a trait of a genius. It is necessary to teach to reach the auditory, visual, and kinetic student. Acceptable social skills to resolve issues should be taught to all students.

[@DonTheBass22]

I'm unemployed, live with an elderly disabled parent, have no friends, have an alcohol addiction, SH, have had daily thoughts of death for years, and already attempted to unaIive once... but I was barely diagnosed last year 2 days before my 36th birthday. My country's support towards ND people is non-existent and understanding on the part of its people is poor at best so yeah, I have already lost any hope for a future.

[@reii3714]

literally almost my same situation, just a weed addiction instead. been living with my elderly mom, unemployed with 0 luck, absolutely no social life. days are miserable I can feel my time coming

[@DonTheBass22]

@@solarhydrowind Not a bad idea at all. It would also be good to try to get a diagnosi, as it can make things less hard, though I understand there's barriers depending on where you live.

[@visionvixxen]

To be honest, I hope I’m not offending you by saying this gonna pray for you.

[@TauvicRitter]

I love your comic approach. Its really necessary to survive in this crazy world.

[@AnnaAlvarez-b6p]

Thanks so much for sharing this It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in a lot of these struggles cause the world can be quite a lonely place

[@FerTaylor106]

ASD Life expectancy based on research - 58 yrs. Uk NHSs mental health support - available for children and Teens; limited for adult males; none for adult females. UK NHS Covid treatment for ASD - DNR UK housing and social housing (not group housing) - ASD does not qualify as disability. ASD most common cause of death of adults - suicide. ASD research shows increasing numbers of late diagnosis females dying - cause - suicide. ASD life expectancy - 58 yrs.

[@ALADDIN22091978]

For ADHD worse , in the U.K, it is not possible to get diagnosed with dyspraxia as an adult. I also have autistic traits combined with dyspraxia and ADHD, diagnoses as an adult.

[@keylanoslokj1806]

I doubt i will even reach that. Im 33 and feel 70. I see me hitting the bucket at mid 40s😂

[@sksk-bd7yv]

Yup, that goes for Sweden, too.

[@wildfireamv]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention! What an exciting development as an aussie

[@ChaoticAnswers]

I just watched the Four Corners episode of the failure of the NDIS to protect the most vunrable. Its so heartbreaking.

[@allythearts5439]

I got my diagnosis yesterday 😂❤❤❤ I'm autistic officially confirmed. Knew all these years though but I'm glad it's on paper now ⭐

[@TheSilentChloey]

Undiagnosed and you're absolutely right the book was thrown at me when I was younger and I'm 99% sure that I'm autistic.

[@adzmac515]

Every point you have made is 1000% true in my experience also. This was quite distressing to watch but I was determined to hear it all. As for the drugs, weed made me comfortable in my body and improved my fit in the society. My most successful period of my life was done stoned but that made me a criminal and forced me to clean up my act. With abstinence I have lost everything. My career, my home, my family, my physical and mental health all gone. The Family Law Court process destroyed me and I agreed to give away everything just to get out of the process and now I’m really suffering for doing that. I don’t know why someone didn’t spot what was going on and pull it up. I nearly took my own life because of how bad I was deliberately made to feel by my ex wife’s female narcissistic barrister who has moved up the ladder since and is also known to have badgered fellow practitioners to tears, (total bitch). I was traumatised which was also used to prove what a bad person I am as I couldn’t communicate and demonstrate my true caring nature. I love what you are doing, thank you for dedicating your energy and expertise to this important conversation

[@micheals1992]

I use cannabis/weed to process my emotions. I've been on the brink of suicide before because I didn't really understand my feelings and the reasons causing my suicidal urges (that time I realised my masking and obsession to keep other people happy was making me extremely unhappy). Cannabis saved my life. I only use cannabis as a last resort it does improve some social awareness but for me the reduction of my struggles associated with alexithymia is extremely useful. I don't use cannabis on a daily basis as it worsens sensory issues for me. I don't buy cannabis anymore, I grew my own. I don't use allot though, I have one with 12% THC 5% CBD and another with 5% THC and 12% CBD (if the seeds spec sheets are to be believed, they seem to be but I don't have a lab to test that xD).

[@jeremiahinyangotu4023]

23:56-24:09 we have a similar policy in Ireland called "D.A.R.E." (disability access route to education), and like you said, they don't disclose why you're offerd the supports. I think I had it worse than anyone, because when I had those meetings with my guidance counselor in my last year of secondary school, she didn't bother telling me that all the colleges I applied to had to be registered with the D.A.R.E. program. And so, I was forced to give up my first college place acception, because there were "no special needs supports" (even though I didn't consent, or really need them, because i'm only mildly autistic, and i've been craving to live more independently since I started secondary school, because I feel like i've been extremely infantilised since being diagnosed autistic at 3 years old). And although I *did* apply for this other college, I had to take 2 buses for 2 hours just to get there, so my dad forced me to give up my place there, too. And keep in mind that when I was applying to a third college, I had to constantly call up the national college application board, and when that hadn't worked, I was depressed, and crying in my room. And although I *did* get accepted into the third college, they deliberately a round offer, because I put them second, because I put the second college first as per my mom's request. And even when I *did* ask for help from the support services from the third college, specifically with the social aspect of things, because for a marketing assignment, I had to carry out this focus group, and considering the fact that my dad never lets me out of the house to hang out with people my own age, that wasn't gonna happen. So anyway, they were super sloppy with their services; they had this humongous turnover rate with their staff, so I was practically in limbo. I mean, the lecturer was understanding, and only had me interview my sister for the focus group, but the point of this whole tangent is that, what was the point of me sacrificing the anti-learning support college, when the current college I attend has farcical learning support? 🙄😂

[@mooreanonumbers]

We have a boatload legacy institutions that were designed to literally beat deviancy out of people, then the same people who run those institutions wonder "why [insert outgroup] does badly with cops/medical system/judicial system/prison/etc". Well... duh. Those systems were always designed to make life a living hell for whatever the outgroup of the day is. It was never about crime, the truly successful career criminals are ruling you and me, not getting randomly shot for walking strangely.

[@sksk-bd7yv]

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@Baptized_in_Fire.]

Thank Goodness someone gets it. The government hates you and wants you unalive.... After they take everything they can from you

[@visionvixxen]

True. I’m a harmless young woman who had cops assault me when I couldn’t get my body to get out of the car when they were pulling in my arm to take me to jail because I was “refusing to obey” by asking them to let my poor mom to get her car insurance information which she didn’t have with her so that she wouldn’t have been charged for a double ticket I’ve never gotten in trouble with the police and in our area there there to protect and serve but lately they’re hovering behind things to give you a ticket for the most in things to make money and not just a little money like $600 worth of money I thought I was living in the twilight zone, and my rights were so violated. He was pulling my arm out of his socket, threw me in the back of a jail and only stopped when my mom said she needed to call the police chief because they couldn’t take me there without my asthma medication we still had to fight $1000 fine And I’m surprised, but there is trauma like anytime I see a police car behind me. I’d like to get out of the way to not give them an excuse to solve me in this. This makes me really worried cause I’m I’m pretty good but what if you had other issues or you spoke a different language or you had a hearing problem they could kill you and not all the police out there are nice and they’re not undergoing counseling servicesor education about people they’re just it’s really really scary so yeah something has to be done because we could get thrown in jail we could get killed we can get traumatized and we are and I still wasn’t able to take that guy to court was not fair what he did he not be allowed to be policeman ever again it was psychotic

[@filthism1659]

Im 39 now and I was misdiagnosed as a kid with ADHD and as an adult addict with bipolar just getting diagnosed at 35 was eye opening and did really change my life as I had already raised my son who was diagnosed as a child thankfully I see the difference in him the help he got his whole life and the fact that its too late for me makes me sad I just keep working keep my head down keep marching on wish there were more help in the USA for adults with autism

[@ErinMokhtar]

To Orion: You are such a unique advocate; very articulate and insightful. You are realizing your potential!! I'm learning more from you then years of training, classes, and reading. We all struggle in different ways; and I hope a new compassion is emerging at least in the younger generations.

[@chrisadamsmusicuk]

I went to a ten week normalization and keeping yourself safe scheme where I told the CPN every week I was undiagnosed autistic, I told her I knew 100% i was and was on a waiting list, after the ten weeks she refered me to psychology for a borderline personality test, i have since been assessed ( I went private ). So I am now a diagnosed Autistic adult, at 60 years old. I have argued with doctors who have looked at me and raised an eyebrow saying " I dont think so ". The reality is unbelieveable, I am waiting for my full report to comethrough, I will be discusing this with these doctors and will beasking them what they can do to improve their understanding .

[@DelicateSire]

Thank you for making this video. I hope that change for the good starts to happen for us all, everywhere. We deserve to have a higher quality of life. We have so much we can contribute if given support. We have value because we exist, and it is time that value is reflected in the collective. ❤

[@StridentSloth]

I'd like a specific city to go to that is exclusively populated with people on the spectrum. That would solve a host of problems I've encountered.

[@sksk-bd7yv]

Oh, I just wrote a comment about how we should have our own country! ❤❤❤

[@EricMHowardII-yh1rn]

Thank you for opening up your figurative heart educating me with understanding. Keep up the great work.

[@josephineramirez2826]

This is a good topic Orion. Specially now because the number of Autistic people is like to go up in the years to come. Thank you for talk about.

[@bbrexuk]

Thank you so much for making these videos. You cover topics and perspectives not covered elsewhere. It helps me to know that this stuff is being talked about. Thank you so much. Keep on.

[@ChaoticAnswers]

After years of occasionally but persistently being kicked out of pubs or bars made sense. Im so friendly and have never been in a fight. I would always leave with no resistance but very upset as i walked down the street confused especially with a loud and agro dude allowed to stay and i didn't. Slight stimming? No eye contact when asking for a drink? My awkward gait i have when i walk?????

[@rosejames8057]

The university of Washington has a satellite university in Bothell, Washington and there is a part of the library that is mostly windows instead of artificial light and there is a strict rule against laptops that make any noise. It is so blissfully quiet!

[@freecat1278]

I see the system as being like one of those haunted houses at the amusement park. The clerks are like the corpses that pop out of the coffins; they are there more for ambiance than to process your claims.

[@RecoveryGuyJames]

I have just now recently come across the possibility that I may be extremely Neuro divergent given the extent of my struggles co occuring with my perceived success and abilities. I admit though it doesn't feel like much of a benefit but rather a serious afflicting burden, and a lot of that I have deduced is due to the lack of societal awareness on how to interface with this condition. I myself have had a complete misunderstanding of what it is only to find now I score off the charts amidst the criteria of assessment. I would also be considered "high functioning" though I've come to question the parameters on how they assign functionality because though I can communicate effectively, even exceptionally at times, it still feels like no one understands what I'm trying to say. I've come to grow quite fond of your channel, and I hope to find more support groups for adults within my location, as well as potentially spread awareness with some form of media outlet. Thank you for all that you do, God bless all the fellow Neuro divers out there.

[@ronoldcross8189]

Years ago, a young autistic man was shot, resulting in a lifetime of a paraplegic life, arrested and charged. His crime - being autistic on his own property and (of course) " acting strange" and not properly following the shouted instructions from the police. Turn out he was never a threat not threatening the police. His responses were perfectly normal for an autistic person but not the norm for nondivergent persons. Needless to say, there were legal action taken on his behalf. But the damage was already done. Education and awareness on the part of the "normal" people is lacking. It hasn't changed very much. The professionals and police are given more instruction in awareness. They seem to sleep through much of it. Bandaides do not fix the problem.

[@filthism1659]

If I'm remembering the right story I actually think it was his carer who the police shot if I'm not mistaken super sad story tho either way what they did to both of them

[@harperwiccan475]

Orion, even though your audience here is mostly on the spectrum, I took a step back around the 36 min mark to assess the great information and advocacy you're trying to get across. I fully think that when NT's listen to this, its nothing but complaint after complaint... bickering and more bickering about how much more work they all have to do and because its such a complex issue for every person, given each and every person has individualistic needs, the NT's im sure are just saying to themselves "eh, look, we're already doing our best... please just go on your way and leave us alone." It makes living in this world and society so much more infuriating, psychologically taxing, and the loneliness is excruciatingly painful. I'm sure we are all tired of waiting for our turn but how much more, how much energy should we keep doing when even the most prominent established organizations aren't able to turn the tide for us?

[@jackass315]

i have often wondered , is it just my fault ? am i lazy ? when every institution you interact with fights you your whole life its easy to be convinced you are the problem

[@martinkaczynski8526]

Unfortunately that is extremely dangerous. - As we learn from a young age that we are the problem. - As where ever we go we get the message that we are unwanted and not welcome. In the end it really does affect your mental health and you try to change who you are. - Probably for the worse.

[@musicmamma]

I agree!!

[@kayjay-kreations]

Hi Orion, Kerilyn here, the room looks awesome!

[@margyritchie2702]

My AMAZING Son Od'd RIP Michael Ritchie 01/10/82-01/20/19 I Thought I Was Most Proud Of Your Brain Until I Realized Your Funeral Had A Sort Of Theme. Michael Was The Nicest Person I Ever Met! Now I'll Cry/Vomit You'd Be Here If You Saw What Happened

[@Nancysoulshine]

🙏🙏

[@visionvixxen]

I LOVE hearing every point you’ve brought up. Like an answer to prayer- you are answering so many of our questions as well as so much of what we’ve needed to communicate.

[@jeremiahinyangotu4023]

23:17-23:18 i wasn't bullied in school per se, but i was teased a bit. In 11th grade, there was this group of boys that kept poking and taunting me, because i was "too shy and quiet". And from 11th-12th grade, there was this one guy in particular that kept teasing me; one time in PE, I was sick of playing basketball with the girls, because they were lazy, so i switched over to playing football with the boys, and the guy i mentioned earlier kept making fun of me with "you're rubbish at football". And that other time in PE, when class was over, and he came up to talk to me, and i told him my name, and he mocked my voice, because i had speech problems as a child, which affects how my voice sounds; and so, i ran away in embarrassment 😭. And the final incident with that guy was in the middle of 12th grade, when he stuck the tip of a pen in the keyhole of my locker; I had to get a teacher to get it out, which resulted in the plastic padding around the keyhole to fall off, therefore leaving my locker naked 😂. I mean at my old secondary school, they're only now building a sensory room; maybe if it was there when the school was built in the first place, i could've gone there whenever i made the mistake of hanging out with the popular kids (99.9% of my year group 🙄) at my school, which led me to the mischievous boys that teased me in the first place, and overall i would've been happier being alone in a secure environment to stimulate my mind while being alone, instead of sitting alone bored (which I had to do, because you're not aloud to use your phone at school 🙄)

[@keylanoslokj1806]

So yeah. You were bullied. Doesn't have to be by 80 people to count as bullying. Just one is enough. I had 7-8. You had one. Another has 15. Number barely even matters

[@Dancestar1981]

I was bullied my entire life

[@spiritswan]

Wise words Mr. Kelly!! Please share this video with educators/schools. 🙏

[@JustinStewart64]

Thanks for the all the hard work that went into making this, I appreciate it!

[@mason4615]

Thank you for the effort in spreading the word

[@FaethorFerenzcy]

I was once in a "Taskforce" for inclusivety at my then current workplace. It was known that i am diagnosed as autist. But sadly i lacked that one course about inclisivety another person on the "Taskforce" had. So i got lectured about how i can only talk from my own perspective and that i have no idea about autism in general. Sometimes i wish, that neurotypical person could see the irony in his statement. All in all, i got booted cause the person lecturing me was my direct superior. "He disturbs the peace and inclusivety at the workplace. Also he is not able to adapt to the new course of management". It is frustrating. Also i am unemployed since then, feeling like i am in a vegetative state since i don't even get to the part with a first interview. Only jobs available near, "supported" by the state are as Programmers or in IT. Also you need the experience to do those jobs. Both things i do not have and due to my financial status am not able to get (besides that, it is not a strength of me and i already have a very diverse CV.) So yeah Orion, good video, even when you're in Australia and i am in Switzerland, i can relate a lot to the topics.

[@andoryuu3]

I think a big challenge is that you can't identify an autistic person by their appearance, and this makes acceptance in a mostly natural way hard to achieve. Being singled out is a big of part of the problem. Thinking out loud here, but often times I find that if I spend time with people one on one for a bit and get to know each other, I sidestep a lot of the crappy misjudgements that could go wrong. This in mind, I had a community support idea that may or may not work. The general idea I had was to have people volunteer for something and have the event set up to be a 50/50 split of autistics and non-autistics, somewhere along the lines requiring one on one collaboration or pair work in a group. I'm sure that if segregated afterward, the non-autistics could together identify commonalities in their autistic peers, and so could the autistics about their non-autistic peers. A group activity isn't going to trick any of us into thinking there's more of us than there actually are (feel good lies about demographics would confuse people more), but it would create a handful of potential community allies. Interesting that Microsoft has a total separate hiring process for autistics. Instead of a one day interview, it takes place over a week. Less pressure to perform in one short burst (a common stumbling block for me), and less harsh judgement. Similar concept to the one on one bonding I mentioned. Because it's a diverse spectrum, going by textbook understanding doesn't seem totally ideal. Autism Speaks claims "If you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person". Yeah, I'd agree. There's an underlying unconscious thing about the spectrum though that allows us autistics to click with each other in a way not as common with non-autistics. Post diagnosis, I look back on my friendships and realize some of these other oddballs like me were on the spectrum too (they too got late diagnosis). I don't struggle to communicate with them. We generally just get each other's odd manerisms.

[@mixtresskatgranquist9898]

Love this submission! As a 32 year old woman seeking autistic dignosis there are so many things i could add. Having gone to my psychatrist and stating i think i am autistic because of reasons. And then being told that i have ADHD. Well might i point out how big the overlap between those two things are . I could go on ........ for ever