Recognizing Low Support Autism: Key Signs to Watch For

#highfunctioningautism #autismstory #highfuntioningautisticboys #managingautism #highfunctioningautismsymptoms #identifyingautism #identifyinghighfunctioningautism #autismtherapized
Have you ever wondered if your child has autism? Maybe they are socially awkward, or they struggle to express emotions. When kids meet developmental milestones but still have social & emotional struggles, it's easy to be lost wondering what options are available. Often kids with high functioning autism ride the fine line between barely qualifying for autism or barely missing criteria for the diagnosis.
So, how do I know if that's my child? Being a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner & a mother of 2 high functioning boys, these were the same questions I was asking myself about 5 years ago. Since I'm further along in the autism journey, allow me to help you answer your burning autism questions.
In this video, I discuss symptoms of high functioning autism I observed in my own boys that led me to have them evaluated further & later diagnosed. Watch to see what I saw.
If you need to know what steps to take to have your child diagnosed, then check out this video: • Understanding Autism: ...
DISCLAIMER:
Just because your kid or a child you know has some or all of the symptoms listed in this video does NOT mean they will meet criteria for autism. It simply means you might need to have a conversation with your pediatrician to see if further testing is needed. Do NOT use this video as a diagnostic tool.
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[@hobgoblin4614]

Having high functioning autism is difficult. Many of us mask heavily (which is exhausting). Many people think we are/need special education while others think we are socially inept. When many people see someone with low functioning autism it's easy to say they are autistic vs. high functioning we are often viewed as weird or lacking social skills. When you throw ADHD in it makes it even harder.

[@Cyanmoon1]

Terms like high and low functioning are used to deny (respectively) support and agency, and speak to how useful we are perceived to be to society. They're medicalized terms that describe how non-autistic professionals see us from the outside, but they have no relation to how we experience our own lives from the inside. These labels are used by professionals but that does not mean that we have to accept and use them ourselves. I am autistic, with my own autistic experience, just like every other autistic person has theirs ❤

[@joerussell6021]

yes I agree that professionals used it. I had to go to the job centre, and a women met me and said "oh you are high functioning" because I was able to get there all by myself and that I didn't look autistic. By the end of the meeting, I was crying and rocking backwards and forwards and having a complete meltdown. So she then changed her mind. I just couldn't cope with the room.

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@Cyanmoon1]

@Mp stop trying to scam parents. Herbs will not 'cure' autism.

[@SmackedyDoo]

She is a healthcare professional.

[@Cyanmoon1]

@@SmackedyDoo that doesn't matter. The language she learned through her training is outdated and harmful. Even professionals can be wrong! As humans we can all be wrong sometimes and we should all be willing to learn how to do better. Also: the idea that someone is above question or correction just because they are a healthcare professional is dangerous.

[@megansandstrum8628]

Love all the actually autistic adults educating on ditching the terms high and low functioning. My autistic partner has to do this at her elementary school to people who have degrees in working with kids with autism. So many specialists are misinformed. The people who are the experts are autistic people! High functioning has always seemed like code for less disruptive in the perspective of a neurotypical person. If you can hold eye contact, engage in small talk, and have physically less noticeable stimming, high functioning...even though that same autistic person may not be able to live alone due to highly affected executive functioning. The terms just don't make sense. High/low needs and support are better but should be specific to the trait. High communication support could be technology that helps nonverbal folks get the words in their mind out to the world. High/low motor needs, high/low sensory needs, high/low executive functioning support, etc. Autistic people are extremely diverse in their needs in different areas of their life. So two slap on labels describing their functionality just doesn't work.

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@user-py2lh7zv3h]

There is permanent herbs to improve autism. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills.

[@dottyfulcrum]

I had no idea that a person wasn't supposed to be affected all day by something bad that happened earlier. Wow. No wonder my spouse looks at me funny when I say things like, "I'll be okay by tomorrow." I usually watch autism videos . . . because I have autism. :-) I lined up all the Dinky Toys (cars) in a long line down the fancy designs in the carpets. I always played with them that way. I called it Traffic Jam. You stirred up lots of memories from my childhood . . . in a good way.

[@christianemichelberger8245]

Wonderful that you make videos about autism as a psychiatric nurse. I hadn't known that "high functioning" boys can flow under the radar as well. I am a 71 year old woman and physician and only was diagnosed with autism last year because I had had the suspicion that I might be autistic. To all parents out there who are afraid for the future of their "high functioning" autistic children: They can still have a successful life. I consider my autism to be a gift, I would never want a different brain, though some aspects are really difficult. Autistic people changed the world with developing computers, mobile phones, and launching rockets into outer space. Autistic people naturally think outside the box. It would have been great if I had had somebody who'd told me how to mimic eye contact (look at the nose bridge). When I look into somebody's eyes while speaking myself, I can't think. I will look at the other person though when they are speaking, that is no problem. What also helped me a lot was developing scripts for all kind of social situations, using etiquette videos. There are wonderful etiquette videos for kids. I think being autistic is no excuse for being rude. Social contact is still an area that could be better. On the other hand side, I'm not so much interested in what most people talk about, that is always a problem. And noise... oh dear. Any noise, even a bit. But there is help for this as well these days.

[@autismtherapized]

Great insight. I love the idea of teaching them to stare at the bridge of someone's nose. ABA therapy helped them learn social norms through various social stories; it was a sort of scripting. They would also practice using social skills with other therapists & other kids at the center. It was definitely helpful. Eye contact has improved, but still needs some work. I will definitely use your idea of staring at the bridge of someone's nose.

[@terriem3922]

I had a boss that wanted me to look in her eyes. She explained something for a minute and a half. I heard every word and could not remember any of it! I unfortunately lost that job, but she was nice enough to let me try to catch up for three months before I was let go.

[@christianemichelberger8245]

@@terriem3922 , oh dear! And you probably could have listened very well if we don't have to look into their eyes.

[@scottfw7169]

@@autismtherapized And right there is a huge defect that neurotypicals have - they can't even begin to comprehend how disturbingly bizarre eyes look, downright creepy, like something from a horror movie, or at least from one of those undersea creatures which looks like it should be in a horror movie.

[@alonespirit9923]

@@autismtherapized ABA therapy is, "Angel food cake texture is different from pound cake texture and that is wrong therefore the angel food cake texture will not be approved until it conforms to the pound cake texture."

[@mts.camilo]

What a great video! Your remark on how you had the opportunity to compare the siblings’ developmental milestones is really interesting. As I’m an only child and twenty something years ago the public notion about autism was just the very stereotypical one, I only received my diagnosis as an adult, but my parents told me pretty much all the signs your kids display were a hit here as well. Thank you for sharing. I hope your channel keeps growing and helping a lot more people.

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@yugoslava6409]

Story of my and my 23 year old daughter life !!!! The only thing is that we didn't know about our conditions until a few years ago. I am very pleased that I know now what is "wrong" with us, but struggles still remain. Whether you talk about it openly or keep it private, chalanges are there every day. People generally don't have time or interest to understand our struggles. Frankly, me too. My daughter, smart, well-educated, good-hearted young woman can be, more often than not, so difficult in her opposition - defiant-complaining and criticising mod, it is exhausting. I am of similar behavior, but I am working hard to recognize it and control it. But, it is impossible to shake it off. It is disability. We have to admit it. It is not easy for "normal" (neurotipical)people to understand it !!! Many of them are dismissive and non accepting to our condition!!!

[@katie1353]

This is a brilliant video, thank you so much. My eldest is nearly 12 and I realised years ago that he may be autistic - from a young age he would meltdown and bang his head on the floor in frustration, lashing out in anger as he got older, always very routine led and resistant to change, lots of sensory issues, repetitive movements (spinning, rocking, obsessed with swings), sleep struggles, high anxiety etc. His Dad (my ex) didn't see it for a very long time; problem being that he saw a lot of our son's behaviours as "copied" from me (despite our youngest NOT copying me). We couldn't have got an assessment anyway even if his Dad would support it because CAMHS/NHS wouldn’t see past "behavioural problems" so refused to help (we're in the UK) and going private wasn't an option. The more I read about autism the more I realised I'm autistic, and I was diagnosed late last year. My ex has now said that he thinks our son should be assessed, as some of his struggles are getting worse as he gets older (some struggles are getting better due to us already accommodating them), so hopefully we will get an assessment in the near future.

[@autismtherapized]

It can definitely be frustrating when your spouse is not being supportive of what you suspect. I am glad that your ex is now more responsive & willing to get your son assessed. It's not too late; there are still options available to help support him.

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@cindyeisenberg8367]

In my day, the only Autism that was recognized was the children who were profoundly affected. The same thing with schizophrenia. I grew up with schizoaffective disorder and severely depressed. People like me had problems similar to that and nobody could treat it correctly. Having to suffer the bullies, a family who tried to help. But, were unable to help and would get upset with me when I acted selfish, or had problems with changes and stress. Nobody realized that all of this was real and the psychiatrists were so totally clueless. I didn’t have all of the schizophrenia type symptoms. But, my paranoia sure caused me problems.

[@autismtherapized]

I hate you had that experience, but I'm glad that advancements have been made.

[@cindyeisenberg8367]

@@autismtherapized So am I. People talk about “simpler times”. But, for people with mental illnesses, this was a difficult time. I am glad for my medications. I’m still disabled. But, at least I feel my disease is better understood. It doesn’t me I am treated better by the neurotypical people. But at least I am not staring “off into space” as much and don’t get into as much trouble. But, my paranoia still causes me trouble.

[@Savedbygrace363]

Thank you SO much for explaining everything so thoroughly!! How you explained it all is exactly how my son is.

[@mycupoverflows7811]

I'm disappointed that the Asperger's diagnosis was eliminated, because it helps those of us whose children do not fit the "autism checklist" at the pediatrician. I've been trying to figure out how to help my daughter for 16 years because she never fit the checklists. Thankfully I found a psychiatrist who evaluates and diagnoses adults. She's going to receive her diagnosis the day before her 16th birthday, but I'm really disappointed I wasn't able to find help for her earlier, and I believe it's because the definition of autism keeps changing.

[@autismtherapized]

It is definitely frustrating because it's all based on what is in the DSM. When it was updated from the 4th to the current DSM-5, that's when Asperger's was added into the blanket Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Sadly, with the next update, it can all change again. I wish there was a better way to standardize everything.

[@JoggingMyMind]

Hans Asperger, where Asperger's syndrome came from, has a very cruel past. he created the term to categorize autistic people into those 'worthy' and 'unworthy'. 'worthy' as in those that can be assimilated and taught to fit into a social model. his 'range' for autism was linear, as in those with 'more' and 'less' *visible* autistic attributes. and those 'unworthy' were killed. this is why i thought it was understandable to remove that term. the autism spectrum now is more of a circle. it accounts for the 'invisible' needs an autistic person has. in fact, its because of the linear idea of autism, that afab (those born female) folks are less likely to be diagnosed with autism. afab folks tend to learn how to mask (make themselves appear more allistic) at a young age. this means they learn to 'look' people in the eyes, suppress their stimming needs for emotional regulation, and camouflaging other autistic attributes. the previous autism diagnosis models were also based around amab (those born male) experiences with autism. autism presents very differently between afabs and amabs i, myself, wasnt diagnosed with autism until i was 17 because of my drs dismissing autism because i was 'looking them in the eyes' and was able to 'sit still'. i didnt even know what masking was before then. i still have a hard time trying to unmask, because it was ingrained in me through 'social failures' and bullying. but the constant masking also lead me to an autistic burnout, where i didnt leave the house for a whole year after i graduated high school.

[@mycupoverflows7811]

@@JoggingMyMind thank you for explaining the origin of the name. I appreciate knowing why it was restructured and included under the umbrella of autism. I self diagnosed at 42 while researching female autism for my daughter. My whole life, the struggles, not fitting in, meltdowns, overanalyzing everything, misdiagnoses of bipolar and depression, constant exhaustion, rigid routines, self hated and self harm, poor social skills... Everything finally fell into place. I also mask extremely well, but have been less so lately because I'm finally embracing the real me.

[@JoggingMyMind]

@@mycupoverflows7811 i relate to every single thing you talked about, its a real shame the situation you were in made an almost impossible obstacle course to being able to embrace your real self. im very grateful that afab folks are finally getting diagnosed earlier and earlier in order to receive the support they deserve. along with autism finally getting destigmatized with the help of autistic people sharing their experiences. in fact, its because of the autistic content creators on youtube and tik tok, that i can love myself the way i do now.

[@AG-hx6qn]

Exactly!! Just like with sensory processing disorder being ignored, there's a gap to be filled for those who don't seem to just have misophonia.... it's awful

[@Civileyez]

Excellent commentary. Unique perspective.

[@leilap2495]

I would like to mention that these signs can be applied to lower support needs adults too, as my symptoms have not changed much over the years. My son and I are sensory seekers, so we seek novelty. Everything else you said was consistent, but I do hide my struggles better. My son has higher support needs than me, and the other son is being assessed for lower support need autism. My eye contact has improved over the years with practice, but more eye contact = less ability to hear what the other person is saying. Being lower support needs still means we have support needs. “High functioning” is an outdated misnomer. I got into PMHNP school right after I was diagnosed, so it was rough! I was not adequately accommodated by my program and still reprocessing the decades of life that had come before it. I hope to go back to school to get my second NP degree so I can better help other neurodivergents like myself and my kids.

[@JoggingMyMind]

please dont use the term high functioning, please use high masking instead. we work so hard to mask in our daily lives, and it takes so much energy for some to even appear neurotypical. we may mask enough to look allistic, but once we go home and have no eyes on us, we cant preform basic tasks like brushing our teeth or showering-- because we used all our energy masking in social situations. those are the same people you call 'high functioning'

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@JoggingMyMind]

@@bolinhong2598 There's no cure for autism and anybody who tries to sell you a cure is lying. dare i say it, autistic people need no cure. we are deserving of love and compassion just as much as anyone else. its okay to be nonverbal. its not okay for someone to not provide accessibility to those nonverbal. *its not okay for adults to force toxic curebie pseudoscientific BS on autistic children.* if there was a change in your son to make them look neurotypical, they are masking. nothing was 'healed' they are suppressing their autistic brain to make you and other onlookers happy. this can lead to an autistic burnout if they cant even unmask around their parents, that are supposed to do everything to support them. autism is from a childs brain forming in a neurodivergent way. herbs cant 'heal' the way a brain forms.

[@boglarkazajzon9827]

exactly

[@lisadesertwoman5213]

Yes, that’s right.

[@scheimaa172]

Well, i doubt her boys are already masking at a young age.

[@jamietweedy3822]

Just wanted to note that you said they had trouble articulating their emotions. For me, it isnt that I have trouble articulating, rather I have trouble identifying. Like I might feel generally bad, but I don't know why. I have to think about all the things that could have bothered me and then guess which one is the main source of discomfort and then guess how I feel (angry, guilty, disappointed etc.) I am mostly guessing, which makes it difficult to resolve the feelings when you don't know the source of the exact nature of the feeling.

[@autismtherapized]

Hi Jamie. I meant what you said. Maybe I didn't articulate it correctly 😂. They struggled to identify how they were feeling, which often led to a meltdown.

[@jamietweedy3822]

@@autismtherapized It is a subtle difference. Same as the myth that people with autism lack empathy. It's just they usually have a delay in processing so they appear unfeeling (at least in my case) or express it differently. I went undiagnosed for a long time bc I read autism symptoms from the point of view of parents of children with autism and I didn't relate. When I saw the viewpoints of people with autism it made way more sense. Not being critical of your words or viewpoint. Just saying it can be confusing for neurotypical parents of nuerodiverse children (as I am sure you are aware.)

[@autismtherapized]

@@jamietweedy3822 Great point actually. Maybe I can interview you so I can help gain & spread awareness. Let me know if you'd be interested or know someone who would be. I can admit that I have a lot to learn; but I do want to learn for my kids. I also want others to better understand as well 😁

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@mycupoverflows7811]

I always try to give my kids choices and narrow things down. It helps to give them words to choose from. Do you feel good or bad? Bad. Do you feel mad? No. Do you feel sad? Yes. Do you remember when you started feeling sad today? I've recently realized I'm also autistic so thinking like them certainly helps me understand how to communicate with my kids (I believe most if not all 6 are on the spectrum, but we're having one at a time evaluated so I don't get too overwhelmed).

[@debbiekoenen6684]

P.S. to my earlier comment...By the way my hat is off to you for having 3 babies at once. Triplets makes you an expert in my book. Take care dear.

[@autismtherapized]

Truly appreciate the love!!

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@Torby4096]

I could not understand how my little sisters could keep playing happily while Mom vacuumed. I had to hide from that horrible noise!

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@debbiekoenen6684]

Hello. I just found your channel and subscribed. Thank you for starting your channel and sharing about your precious sons. I hope more people who have concerns can find you, as I believe you will help many people through this and give them the understanding that is necessary. I'm a 64 year old woman who has observed things in many children throughout the years that were not diagnosed mainly because they didn't know what they were. I didn't either, but knew something was off. I have been having concerns about my 3 year old granddaughter since she was 1 1/2 years old, as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (she checks most of the boxes that you discussed about your sons). I do know that girls and boys are different, but also have similar symptoms. About 5 months ago I brought up my concerns (mostly because of the frequency of the meltdowns) with my daughter, who stated even if her child has this disorder, she doesn't want her labeled. This tells me that my daughter knows too, but doesn't know how to deal with it. Channels like yours will shine the light on this topic and hopefully will let the parents/families know it will be okay but not to ignore it and gain understanding. You are an Earthly Angel! Thank You!!

[@autismtherapized]

Really appreciate all the love. Exactly what you have experienced is what motivated me to start this channel. If you or your daughter has any specific autism questions, I'd love to help answer them.

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@Lionessliving]

I'm insulted with HF definition. Outwardly I appear to manage my Autism but the reality is I have to work so much harder to live in this cruel NT world. The bullying from society, both professionally and personally, is so destructive mentally and emotionally. We are totally misunderstood and denied support both financially and professionally because of this ridiculous terminology.

[@hobgoblin4614]

One thing you have to remember is autism is a spectrum. The definition she is giving is based on her experiences of her children. Other people with autism may experience more/less/different severity.

[@chrissame]

@@hobgoblin4614Yep. My Autism is mild. I.e I don't have severe sensory/social issues but I still have my challenges. While I understand and empathise with people who mask their challenges to a great degree, People shouldn't speak for everyone. One of the reason's I don't feel completely at home in the Autistic community is due to this culture idea that "You have to be this way to be autistic "There is no mild autism etc." type thing.

[@user-py2lh7zv3h]

There is permanent herbs to improve autism. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills.

[@sriley2464]

This is so incredibly helpful. Thank you.

[@autismtherapized]

So glad to help!!

[@AG-hx6qn]

High and low functioning as terms are a personal thing to decide to use. Although many people use this in terrible ways, many people do not. I doubt you're one of them. Until we have a word that we largely agree on, which we need one due to be in a spectrum, we'll run into frustrating amounts if comments of people trying to changes others speech. I'm autistic and have sensory processing disorder, etc. And though I fully support moments of acceptance, I reject the parts of denial of Autism not being "normal" and coming with many problems. I think saying 'low functioning' indicates a problem which triggers some with the belief that Autism isn't problematic. Thanks for your video. In also a parent with a child likely on the spectrum as well.

[@AG-hx6qn]

Movements of acceptance* apparently my keyboard thought that other word was better. Lol

[@strictnonconformist7369]

"Spectrum" is itself a defective term for us autistics: it's more a multidimensional tensor of various traits, that can't remotely be put on a single line.

[@acourageousmind]

Thank you! Very informative video!

[@nooneasked6379]

hii! great video just wanted to say it's best not to use labels like high or low functioning autism bc autism can affect people in a wide range of ways in different situations . Better to use high-support/needs or low- support/needs :)

[@autismtherapized]

Really appreciate your perspective. Thanks

[@autismtherapized]

Just for context, I only used that term because that is the term I was told when my kids were diagnosed. Also, when I was in school getting my nurse practitioner degree, that is the terminology we learned when differentiating between the different levels of autism. It was never meant to be anything more than a label to clarify criteria being met. Just wanted you to see my perspective as well :)

[@nooneasked6379]

@@autismtherapized I totally understand. It's not an entirely offensive term, only semantics on an individual level. The care you have for your children and educating others was always clear!! Have a nice day :)

[@autismtherapized]

Gotcha. Thanks. I appreciate that. Never thought of saying it that way.

[@autismtherapized]

So would my boys be considered low-support needs? I am thinking about updating the terminology & want to make sure I do it correctly?

[@v.m.8472]

Parents with high masking children are often high masking as well.

[@alexandralawson9578]

Great point

[@niqueysim]

Did you also have your daughter assessed? I ask because based on other videos I have watched, autism presents differently in girls. She may be “high functioning too” but just presents differently.

[@autismtherapized]

Great question. I did not because she has never shown any of the social or emotional issues noted in autism. She makes friends extremely easily & is great at helping her brothers identify & process through their emotions. Matter of fact, she is actually more mature & advanced than most girls her age.

[@kutanra]

​@@autismtherapized That was me too, though I did have some traits like preferring to play alone, I could seemingly just as easily play with others and advanced maturity is actually a pretty big one for young autistic girls

[@autismtherapized]

@@kutanra Did not know that. I will definitely keep an eye on her to see if I notice anything. Are there any other traits you have that I should pay attention to?

[@kutanra]

@@autismtherapized Its tricky for me as I have ADHD too so as a child my ADHD stood out more in regards to time blindness or types of stimming, but girls *tend* to have more subtle stims like chewing (pens, hair, nails), bouncing a leg, or humming/singing. My autism was more internal as a child (symptoms vs signs), I wouldn't 'meltdown' at changes in plans or uncomfortable clothing and would externally seem to roll with it but it did cause me anxiety which showed as nail biting and hair chewing, I didnt really realise as a kid that I was anxious because as you said, introspection is difficult with Autism so these 'spontaneous' meltdowns are actually us not realising we are stressed until we hit that tipping point. Usually if something upset me, it turned into playing, reading or just spending time by myself to decompress later. I'd advise looking into Masking if you haven't already (I haven't seen your other videos yet) since it's very handy to prevent your boys from unhealthy masking. As I've gotten older I've had to put in a lot of work to realise my authentic self and reduce my anxiety and improve my general quality of life. Of course it's very possible your daughter is neurotypical and any signs she may show are picked up from seeing her brothers, or you watching for it. A couple of good resources are Mom on the Spectrum and The Autistic Self Advocacy Network, also Molly Burke's video on Social vs Medical model of disability.

[@heathers7265]

​​@@autismtherapized that's what I was wondering too. Because girls autistic traits tend to be much more subtle and unnoticeable. And it seems the odds would be that if her twin brothers are autistic then she probably is too (of course there is also a possibility that she's not). Girls tend to be better at masking and trying to blend in with their peers.

[@theautisticpage]

We usually prefer support needs vs. High Functioning. High functioning suggest that we don't really have anything wrong. Also it suggest that those with level three support needs are somehow less human. Ger involved with the community to learn more about us. We are experts. Very often a clinical approach is VERY, VERY wrong as very few medical providers have the correct information though they may be legally "certified." The only providers among psychologist, doctors and counselors that I have not had to teach were specialist that only treated autism. I hope you take this well as an autistic adult i educate. This being said excellent video. I subscribed. My channel is, the autistic page.

[@autismtherapized]

Thanks for the input. I think you misunderstand. I am actually not taking a clinical approach. As a mother of boys with autism I see it as a way to distinguish between levels of support similarly to the way autism used to be divided into Aspergers & autism. I have never seen any of the labels for levels of functioning to mean that the autistic child or adult is "less human" or "doesn't have anything wrong." It would be synonymous to me labeling myself a middle-aged woman since I am in my 40's. Another woman might label herself differently, but it doesn't mean my label is disrespectful for how she identifies. This is a conversation I will definitely look into further. No matter which way I go, I'm sure someone will have a differing opinion. I really do appreciate you for sharing your perspective.

[@autismtherapized]

I do want to emphasize that I am not trying to be offensive & I welcome the education!!!

[@Lyandra01]

@@autismtherapized Here is a video to give you a perspective on why many adult autistic are discouraging the use of the phrase “high functioning autism.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXrHe2B_i7OWlck

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@rosariomartinez2887]

Great video. Thank you. I also say High functioning.

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@lulumoon6942]

I felt like a feral animal in my most "unsupported" moments, and learned the hard way how to mask... Not thrive. : /

[@soumilimondal1884]

Hi mam I want to know mild atisum/ highfuncting atisum same or different categories?? Plz reply mam

[@autismtherapized]

I've never actually heard the term mild autism before. I'm getting an education from other people below. Maybe someone else who understands this better than I do can help answer your question.

[@autismtherapized]

Hello. Mild autism would be similar to high functioning, or (as I recently learned is better to say) low-support needs autism. Hope that helps :)

[@bolinhong2598]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect.

[@jasminegoins4899]

I just found your channel and subscribed. I'm a s stay at home Mom. My 3 year old was recently diagnosed. I noticed something was different about but wasn't 100 % sure it was autism. He's "high functioning" and I'm working to advocate for special education for him. If you've went through this experience of Special Education can you consider making a video? Thanks

[@autismtherapized]

Hi Jasmine. I did go through the Special Education program with one of my boys. I will definitely be making a video about it because there are some things I wish I had understood better after going through that process. Thanks for the video idea

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@ldryland]

We always wondered if my DS has autism but we've never had insurance that covered being tested. He's now 19 and we have a much better insurance. Who would we go to to get him evaluated?

[@autismtherapized]

I would recommend seeing a clinical psychologist- make sure to let them know you want him evaluated for autism because there is a separate test that is typically performed. You can either google clinical psychologists in your area, ask your PCP, or call your insurance company to get the name of someone in your area

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@mycupoverflows7811]

We're part of a health share that does not cover autism evaluation. I found a company in my area called Spectrum of Hope and emailed them. They sent me a list of about 20 professionals who diagnose autism in my area and I chose one who diagnoses adults because my daughter is almost 16. We paid out of pocket $840 for her evaluation, which is 100% worth it to me.

[@autismtherapized]

You can take him to see a clinical psychologist. They would be able to provide testing

[@gejost]

Out of curiosity why does video start with music? Your videos are really informative. Why include an emotion manipulator that can affect many people differently? (I have ADHD and am sensitive to it)

[@autismtherapized]

Just felt like adding it. I stopped adding it after a couple videos

[@bolinhong2598]

After using Dr Oyalo herbal remedy whom I met his recommendation about healing autism on KZbin channel, I can testify that my son is now completely ok in speaking, behavior and social skills. He read, played with friends and followed instructions by himself.

[@denisedarland3345]

We don't like terms like high and low functioning. The autistic community prefers high and low support needs. Even that can be frustrating. I have low support needs but that doesn't mean I don't have needs. Just a thought.

[@doesnotFempute]

We? You don't speak for me. Stay in your lane.

[@JoggingMyMind]

@@doesnotFempute that's understandable that you don't want to be spoken for. people trying to ditch terms like high functioning are just talking about how harmful a term like this is. its a term for what neurotypical people see on the outside of someone masking to fit into society. it doesn't account for the support needs after all our energy is drained after masking. which is why afab folks are diagnosed much less, because they learn to mask at an early age-- and dont even realize they are doing it. making them look neurotypical. and for people unable to mask, it doesn't mean they are any less of a person than one that can. i hope this was helpful :)

[@denisedarland3345]

@@doesnotFempute We as in the autistic community IN GENERAL. If it doesn't apply to you then you could stay in your lane or just scroll past. Thank you. Have a nice day. :)

[@bolinhong2598]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect.

[@Maryaminx]

If there's one thing you can say about the autistic community, "we" is not a word you can whip out to describe it.

[@melaniehubbard3646]

My food has too be separate on the 🍽.

[@autismtherapized]

One of my sons is like that. The other one has to mix everything together.

[@lisawhitehall1870]

I do that...

[@hh0520]

please use the phrase "on the spectrum" instead of high or low autism

[@alexandralawson9578]

Yes I agree

[@AG-hx6qn]

It's describing where they are on the spectrum, not a demeaning thing in the context used.

[@joerussell6021]

Hi, high functioning is very offensive! I'm 53yrs old I'm ASD, ADHD. You needs to change your words. We are all over the place, you should say good days and bad days. Never high or low it's based on needs. When I'm rocking back and forwards I'm stimming it doesn''t mean I'm less of a person. You need to do some more research before your next video. I know you mean well, but use of language is very hurtful.

[@JoggingMyMind]

yes! i use high masking to refer to myself instead of 'high functioning'

[@autismtherapized]

Thanks for the education. As I learn, I am making changes because my intention is never to offend anyone.

[@joerussell6021]

@@autismtherapized Thank you. I'm a late diagnosed female and my daughter is also autistic. 😊

[@bolinhong2598]

My son has suffered autism spectrum since childhood and has battled with it all his life. But recently taking Dr Oyalo herbs have helped him get rid of it completely, his speech is vital and his social skill is perfect.

[@user-py2lh7zv3h]

There is permanent herbs to improve autism. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills.

[@Buddhamaniac]

Please stop using that term. You're not helping by using it.