Signs Of Autism--Marno's Story--Getting Diagnosed In Japan Is Not Easy

I finally sat down to tell Marno's story of their journey in getting their autism diagnosis. In Japan, it's not easy. There is a lot of hoops to jump through, and a lot of stigmatism. I hope this helps others in recognizing the signs for autism, and to see that autism is not a burden, but a blessing.
Here is the link to Marno's artwork video: • How Drawing Helps with...
Marno's little sister's channel ‪@makingthingswithlittlem‬
About Life With Marno: This is a channel about Marno, a half-Japanese, half-American, living in Japan. They are non-binary, and struggles to be accepted by some. Marno enjoys drawing and spending time with her best friend. They want to be a manga artist in the future. Please enjoy this look into a unique life of a child who has to deal with two cultures, two languages, and being non-binary.
#lifeinjapan #familyvlog
Follow Marno on Instagram: / marnoarts7
Or, Facebook: / lifewithmarno
Email inquires: [e-mail]

[@yukidogzombie4708]

also thank you for looking out for Marno

[@nyanya3]

Interesting. Thank you for sharing

[@longestbeann]

As a queer and autistic perosn I love seeing parents so supportive like this.

[@lifewithmarno]

@@longestbeann my mom is the best. She was a special education teacher before moving to Japan. So, that’s a big plus for me. Thank you for your comment.

[@7potatoesmore]

While on the one hand, it's nice to come across more content on neurodiversity in Japan, I would be concerned about what and how much you share. A friend, classmate, future employer, etc. may come across this video.

[@lifewithmarno]

Marno’s mom here. I do worry about it as well. But, nothing will change if we always hide. I worry everyday about Marno’s future. If I share my concern, others won’t feel alone and we can come together and make a change for our children’s future.

[@7potatoesmore]

@@lifewithmarno From what I've seen, I do think you have the best of intentions, however, I follow a number of channels by adults with autism and there does seem to be a lot of concern about parents oversharing things. Generally, the complaints seem to be about parents who appear to use online platforms to shame their children, which I don't believe applies to you, but, this is the internet, so, you know, just be wary...

[@JonBrase]

Having recently been diagnosed in my late 30s, I like hearing about kids being diagnosed young. Even though I've had few of the sensory struggles that often go along with autism, having a better idea of what makes me me before adulthood would have been a huge help. For the most severe cases diagnosis in late infancy/early toddlerhood is generally agreed to be helpful, but for less obvious cases, the two critical times are puberty (where social complexity takes off, particularly for females), and age 18 (because of the transition to adulthood and also because diagnostic options are more limited for adults). Given that there's a history of learning disabilities in your family, have you considered the possibility that you yourself may be autistic? Autism is highly heritable and less obvious cases are often mistaken for other conditions (possibly explaining your family history) or missed entirely.

[@lifewithmarno]

My mom has no sensitivities. The only thing she has trouble with is crowds. She gets very stressed in crowds. Other than that, my mom is pretty much ok with everything. My dad, on the other hand, has some issues. But, I think it’s more ADD. It could be a combination of things. Thank you for your comment. It’s very informative.

[@JonBrase]

@@lifewithmarno ADHD commonly co-occurs with autism. Sensory issues of some sort are very common, but what senses they affect and whether they're hypersensitivities or hyposensitivities is quite random. Crowds can be stressful both due to sensory and social issues (if you have a habit of sticking your foot in your mouth and care what other people think, crowds can be terrifying. Fortunately, I myself don't care too much what other people think).

[@wisedred]

Quick question, why sometimes say "she" and sometimes "they", while (I assume) referring to her? I'm not native in English so I don't know about all its intricacies but it stuck with me. Is it to distance yourself as you're narrating her story？ Also I agree, the taboo around mental health issues in japan needs to be stopped! Stay strong. EDIT: This was very rich in informations. Thank you a lot for sharing this story!

[@lifewithmarno]

@@wisedred my child is non-binary. Which means Marno uses “they” “them” pronouns. Although I support that, I sometimes forget and say “she” “her.”

[@wisedred]

@@lifewithmarno oh alright

[@Briezyl]

What color and style of Loop earplugs did they choose? I love what a selection of colors and noise blocking levels they come in.

[@lifewithmarno]

A clear/white color. I use them all the time. They help me a lot. Thank you for telling my mom about them.

[@yukidogzombie4708]

as a autistic woman I feel bad that autism is still view as a bad thing

[@lifewithmarno]

It’s even worse in Japan. There’s barely any support. Parents hide their kids and refuse to acknowledge there is an issue.

[@yukidogzombie4708]

@@lifewithmarno that is really heart breaking