The ABC's of Autism | 40 Terms You Should Know as an Autistic Adult

This video includes definitions for 40 important terms related to life as an autistic adult.
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FOR FURTHER STUDY...
Pathological Demand Avoidance: www.pdasociety.org.uk/what-is...
Autistic Inertia: autisticinertia.com/
Double Empathy, Explained: www.spectrumnews.org/news/dou...
Autism and Eating Disorders: embrace-autism.com/autism-and...
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DISCLAIMER: Taylor Heaton is not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional. Her services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. Please note that Taylor can’t take any responsibility for the results of your actions, nor any harm or damage you suffer as a result of the use, or non-use of the information available through her website, KZbin Channel, or social media accounts. Please use judgment and conduct due diligence before taking any action or implementing any plan or practice suggested or recommended by Taylor Heaton or Mom on the Spectrum. Please note that Taylor doesn't make any guarantees about the results of the information you may apply from her website, KZbin channel, and/or social media accounts. Taylor shares educational and informational resources that are intended to help you succeed in navigating life as an autistic adult. You nevertheless need to know that your outcome will be the result of your own efforts, your particular situation, and innumerable other circumstances beyond Taylor's knowledge and control. Taylor is an Amazon affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from affiliate links. Taylor is a Flare affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from Flare links.
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#actuallyautistic #momonthespectrum #autisticadult

[@JoeJoeTater]

I would add "shutdowns" to the list. They serve the same purpose as meltdowns, but with the opposite strategy. I shutdown when I'm overloaded with demands (especially the demand to mask) and stimuli. I get very quiet and terse. I try to separate myself from people and end whatever situation I'm in with as little conflict as possible. I seek out dark empty rooms. It's a survival strategy that replaced meltdowns because the "fighting back" strategy of meltdowns often made my situation worse.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for sharing this perspective!

[@lrwiersum]

I shutdown, I'm not going to act out, it creates problems which I don't need. Very quiet, get away !!! I run for my life.

[@otakuofmine]

I just suggested the same. I think it is an important term.

[@WilliamMcGrath_Madrid]

When I started learning about autism, the talk of meltdowns disconcerted me, as I don't have meltdowns. Then someone suggested that perhaps I had shutdowns instead. Yes, I tend to withdraw. If I can manage to get away by myself, that's the ideal. If not, I tend to get extremely grumpy. I think a good strategy, if you're going to be with people or in a noisy, crowded place, is to locate right at the beginning a quiet area where you could take refuge for a few minutes when it gets overwhelming. You could could even arrange it beforehand with the host. The bathroom is a stopgap, but you can't be in there half an hour. And as a last resource, mumble some inanity about catching the last bus, and run.

[@hairiseverything]

Taylor, you might not even be able to see the full extent (probably not) but you are doing such life-changing work for SO many people. This information is so fun to watch and easy to digest. You putting the time, care, energy, and love into these videos is creating a ripple effect that is changing this world and allowing Autistic people to, bit by bit, one by one, access self acceptance and healing and… love! It is nothing short of a miracle. I am so proud of you and in awe of you and grateful, for your thorough research and fierce leadership. I hope to be a similar kind of guide/mother/advocate, as I continue to educate myself. You’re freeing people, with the INFORMATION, and by living it all, by your beautiful example. Thank you, Taylor! 👑 💐

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I am a bit speechless here... 🥹 Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with me. I think I might print this out and keep it on my desk for the tough days. I so appreciate you!

[@hairiseverything]

@@MomontheSpectrum ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@danysanerd2383]

🥹💖

[@waynepalumbo8917]

Yes 100% agree here. :)

[@rhoward295]

Well said!

[@MarkoRiimala]

01:21 - #ActuallyAutistic 01:40 - Alexithymia 01:56 - Allistic 02:04 - ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) 02:37 - AUDHD 02:49 - Autistic Inertia 03:17 - Burnout 03:55 - Coke Bottle Effect 04:32 - CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) 05:11 - Delayed Processing 05:39 - Demand Avoidance 06:05 - Double Empathy 06:58 - Dyspraxia 07:18 - Echolalia 07:39 - Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 08:12 - Empath 08:55 - Executive Dysfunction 09:20 - Fawning 10:00 - Hyperfocus 10:12 - Infodumping 10:27 - Interoception 10:43 - Internalized Ableism 11:07 - Masking 11:31 - Meltdown 11:52 - Misdiagnosis 12:26 - Nervous System Regulation 12:48 - Neurological Difference 12:57 - Neurodivergent 13:10 - Paradoxical Effects 13:39 - Proprioception 13:51 - Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria 14:14 - Selective / Situational Mutism 14:31 - Sensitive vs. Responsive 15:03 - Sensory Overwhelm / Overstimulation 15:13 - Sensory Processing 15:23 - Special Interests 15:39 - Spoon Theory 16:00 - Stimming 16:11 - Uneven Productivity 16:51 - Unmasking

[@ItsDrMcQuack]

You're the best ♥️

[@adaptercrash]

Voice

[@-AnnaAnna-]

Thank you! This is very helpful 😄∞

[@mistylarosa9821]

Thank you!!!!!

[@rhoward295]

Thank you for doing this!

[@user-uk9pd3gm9y]

Newly self diagnosed female with autism. Your videos help me so much! Thank you for doing what you do! ❤

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're so welcome! Thank you for the comment and welcome to the community.

[@michaezell4607]

I'm a male who is on the spectrum but according to the laws of social media I shouldn't be because ONLY FEMALES are allowed to be diagnosed with any illness/injury or disorder of any kind. I'm SO SICK of seeing females on social media presenting the negative stereotype that EVERY SINGLE ILLNESS OR CHRONIC CONDITION known to humanity is exclusive to the female gender when this is not truly the case.

[@chesneymigl4538]

I spent so much time thinking my inertia was from my ADHD before I had my autism diagnosis.

[@-AnnaAnna-]

Another one is 'Shutdowns'. Shutdowns are similar to meltdowns, they are caused by the same things. However, shutdowns include being unable to communicate (verbal shutdown), unable to think, holding your emotions in instead of letting them out, crying etc. They are basically less severe versions of meltdowns and more severe versions of panic attacks. When I shutdown, I often lose my ability to speak. It's very important to be able to tell meltdowns and shutdowns apart! /gen

[@IaconDawnshire]

I was diagnosed with PDD-NOS in my 20s and mostly ignored it because I was unaware of how Autism worked at the time. Until my friend noticed I was I jumped into the rabbit hole

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for sharing! PDD-NOS would be another great addition to the list... I'm thinking of doing a part 2 so I'm glad you shared this.

[@staceyruwoldt9158]

​@@MomontheSpectrummy diagnosis is the very same one as theirs said with respect and kindness 🙂 I got my diagnosis at around 4 years old.. That was in the 90's but in Australia the specialists had less understanding of autism and knowledge of it back then

[@AG-hx6qn]

Same here.

[@janejones5362]

I OWN being sensitive, and I stopped doubting my intuition. Its saved my life several times. When people are asking Whats wrong with you, why are you so hyper (bosses love it, lol), why do you speak so fast, why do you cry so easily, how come you can't plan things out, why are you so disorganized, why are you so naive, why do you test high in intelligence but get f's in math (my bugaboo subject), why do you talk so much, overshare, and you KNOW youre not this and that dx (abusive mother thought she could dx me-arrogance-SHE had me pegged as bipolar, and I know I'm not), then you start searching deeply. The lightbulb moment for discovering being autistic opened up a whole world.

[@kiaraeijo]

I was officially diagnosed with PDD-NOS at age 19 but before that, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at 17 and before that, when I was a toddler, I was diagnosed with Severe Autism, Severe Mental Retardation (now known as Intellectual Disability) and Speech Delay.

[@lrwiersum]

"You don't know.your own strength." HOW MANY TIMES have I heard that ??? I use so much FORCE !!! OMG !!! I'm the polar opposite of lacking muscle tone. I throw my whole body into things and it feels good.

[@tracirex]

irlens syndrome, POTS, MCAS, mixed connective tissue disease. Dr. Mel Houser in Vermont at All Brains Belong just put out a resource for autistic people and our health challenges.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@amandairvine3658]

5ha k you for your helping 🎉❤

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

Being a male empath is the big thing that kept me from seriously considering autism as an option to explain my experience. I knew I had a lot of oddities that lined up with autism and sensory processing issues, but as soon as I learned that hyper-empathy can actually be part of the whole package everything clicked. No official diagnosis yet (just exploring this possibility in the last couple of weeks). Thanks for all the info!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome! Thanks for the comment. Would be super interesting to hear more from the perspective of a male empath!

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

@@MomontheSpectrum heh. It’s been a journey in accepting that society’s definition of masculinity is bollocks 😁 A lot of “more easy to relate to women” where emotional sensitivity is more accepted. Mild gender dysphoria in teens/young adult, though eventually came to the conclusion that I am quite happy with being male, other people’s expectations are just a bit misguided at times (to be kind…). Difficulty in figuring out when/if it’s appropriate to address things other people are obviously feeling. It’s actually helpful knowing that other people are upset before they may realize it as it gives me time to prepare mentally for the eventual confrontation. It’s overwhelming for sure to feel everybody all the time, but it gives me a way to maybe help people or mention things to other people who could help better. Many cases of “hey Mindy, Margaret looks like they could use someone right now. Would you be willing to go check in with them?” It means I’m rarely surprised by people (even if I don’t know how to respond well to the situation) and have been able to become a “safe” person for a number of people over my life. Kinda rambly, but there’s some thoughts.

[@Touay.]

Thanks for putting out these resources. as a late (self) diagnosed autistic, one of the things i struggle with is the 'lost' 50 years of my life. Hopefully, with resources like these, fewer people will have to deal with this heartache as they can find out they are autistic and adapt to it at a much younger age. (and I was misdiagnosed as not autistic 10 to 15 years ago ... which makes me really angry and sad)

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for sharing your experience here. I know what it feels like to grieve those "lost" years...

[@KittyInTheGarden]

Really helpful, thanks Tay. CPTSD is an official diagnosis in the ICD 11, which is the international version of the DSM produced by the WHO. I would also add Monotropism and person first/identity first language.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Monotropism is a great suggestion! I wanted to include it this time around but it didn't make the first cut... very interested in studying this term further!

[@waynepalumbo8917]

16:00 - Stimming - I bought an electronic drum kit and OOOOH MYYYY GAAAWWDDD...... I get to hit things with ALL my limbs, move around alot and there are PATTERNS! It's literally the greatest thing in the world for me right now...

[@FenjaWonderland]

Fawning 1000%! Internalized ableism 100% as well! also hypermobility and being an empath Thank you so much for all those terms!!!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're so welcome! Glad they are helpful to you.

[@Elisa98438]

Newly self diagnosed autistic female. I find this list really helpful! Thank you!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're very welcome! Thank you for your comment.

[@nate2838]

Hey, thank you so much for this! Definitions and descriptions that are relatable are absolutely critical when seeking help. I literally cannot overemphasize the importance of knowing which terms to use. Unfortunately, we live in a world of "tell me what you need, otherwise I can't help you", instead of "talk to me about your difficulties, and I will help you compare those to the resources we offer". I have literally given up on professional help because I don't know how to communicate what I need with the correct terms.

[@danysanerd2383]

Yes this! I'm going to screen shot this and put it in the list of things that could markedly improve in the world ❤❤❤ Maybe with any luck I'll be able to scratch out as positively contributing to at least one of them off the list. ❤❤❤❤

[@coleenocasturme]

Thank you for this. It's such a good point that reading it has made me realise how being AutiHD has played a role in my difficulties getting support for my other (more obvious / visible) impairments down the years.

[@waynepalumbo8917]

For the double empathy bit - my thoughts on this are that Non Autistic people can tell what others are feeling, unless the other person is Autistic. Then they can't read the person's facial expression and know them instantly, so maybe they don't trust them or fear them.

[@ThatAutisticBlackMan]

W, Wall-walking or walking close to buildings, sometimes happens when I have to go outside and i didn't plan to and I'm thrown into the task vs transitioning into it. Z, zoning out. Different from transitioning or blank staring but more like when the brain stops racing from subject to random memory but just sitting there "being" not as intentional as mindfulness but if that helps you "picture it" ...oh and P Punctuation lol because of the (parentheses to further explain, the quotes to give clarity, and proper use of !,?etc)

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@tracirex]

add in dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Great suggestions! Thank you.

[@summermazur3064]

​@@MomontheSpectrum And NVLD, too. Even though NVLD isn't yet an official DSM diagnosis, it is an important phenotype. I have both ASD and NVLD.

[@whitneymason406]

Having language to describe my life experiences has been a game changer! Definitely saving this video! 💞

[@MomontheSpectrum]

💓

[@Warspite03]

Yeah, I don’t think I had any of these words three months ago. Sure, I’ve caught up, but only because of three months of special interest research mode.

[@craigcarter400]

I acknowledge my problems with Autistic Inertia, Burnout, Delayed Processing, Demand Avoidance, Dyspraxia, Echolalia, Executive Dysfunction, Fawning (especially when it came to my ex), Hyperfocus, Infodumping (have learned to curtail it a bit as an adult), Internalized Ableism, Masking (but not as much lately), Meltdowns, Proprioception, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, Situational Mutism (at least when it comes to situations that cause high anxiety), Sensory Overwhelm, and Uneven Productivity.

[@BachBeethovenBerg]

EDS runs in my family. I also believe I’m an empath, as well as many other things you mentioned…

[@Sonieta03.]

Same here

[@leilap2495]

Great video! Uneven productivity and the spiky profile go together. We can very much confuse others (and ourselves) by our varying ability levels, depending on so many variables discussed in this video.

[@lisabmpls]

Thank you for this glossary/dictionary! I will revisit many times. I like to rewatch your videos when I'm having feelings (big feels). One of your early ones you talked about grieving as part of the process of a late diagnosis. I really appreciate the acknowledgment of that stage. I think my grief is more of the "who am I really" strain at this moment. So the Unmasking course is perfect for me right now!!! Working my way through it at my own pace...which I love. Watched all the videos, read all the info, and now I'm going back to work in detail. Cannot say enough about the helpfulness!!!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

So glad to hear this! Thank you so much for the feedback.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Lisa may I please use the last part of your comment as a testimony about the course on my website? I can publish it anonymously.

[@lisabmpls]

@@MomontheSpectrum yes absolutely! I’d be honored!!!!

[@lisabmpls]

I'd be honored!!! Yes, absolutely. And feel free to use my name.@@MomontheSpectrum

[@anneschellenberger785]

Thank you for all this clarity!! I have many signs of neurodivergence and many on the lists of ASD, but I don’t want to dishonor those who actually have been diagnosed by self-diagnosing. Hearing your definitions and many stories you have shared in other videos has shed light on many parts of my life that have never made sense. Even if I do not get an ASD diagnosis, you have helped me greatly to understand and have compassion on myself for being different and not able to keep up with others’ expectations. I’m just starting to notice my own needs, how much I’ve ignored them over the decades, how that has led to too many meltdowns and burnouts and confused friends and family. I can’t imagine not masking, and know it will still come in handy sometimes, but I’m looking forward to the relief of letting down my guard in safe places and learning how to rest and recover. Thank you for the inspiration and invitation to get to know the real me, and find joy and wonder in the way I’m made!!

[@anickglobensky-bromow9820]

in the book Unmasking Autism, the author goes to great length validating self-diagnosis. If you strongly relate to the ASD definitions, your assessment of yourself is totally valid, and as I have come to understand, valued also in the autistic community. You are not taking anything away from us professionally diagnosed by seeing yourself as autistic. Your feelings are valid

[@VanessaAsay]

I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am for the information that you provide & the insight into my own self that you have made possible. I’m 43, and a few months down the neurodivergent rabbit hole, but I’ve found some of myself again through your work. When I say I feel like you’re saving my life a little at a time, I truly mean it. I’m inspired by you. Thank you for all you are doing!!!

[@Julie-lh5jb]

Wow Taylor! This was a truly brilliant video, I have watched a few times over. What an amazingly useful video. I love how much thought and effort you put in to the stuff you create, it really shows. You are doing a fantastic job helping so many people. Thank you so much ❤🎉

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for saying this. I haven't put a video out in a while and I was down on myself because a lot of others creators put stuff out weekly, but I've been taking a lot of time on this because I wanted it to be really meaningful. Thank you for sharing this with me it means a lot.

[@jordinja]

Even after watching yours and others' videos on ASD to understand my daughter's diagnosis, then my own, this video showed me that there's still so much I don't know, even after going into research mode on autism for the past few months - your videos are always so well researched and informative, and your delivery is wonderfully articulate and engaging. Thank you for everything you do.

[@emilbirb]

I think you make absolutely fantastic videos for newly diagnosed individuals. This seems like a difficult video to make because they're not all medical terms or found in the dictionary and therefor their definitions are debatable and often personal. There were a few things that I really wanted to add to/give feedback on, Alexithmia is not only having trouble putting words to emotions but also (and/or) being aware of having them at all/identifying how you're feeling even before having to put words to those feelings. Autistic burnout, specifically, is not the same as as an allistic person's burnout. That is not to say either is less/more serious than the other, but they are two very different experiences in very different brains that come from different places, and I think it's important to differentiate between the two. (You did describe an autistic burnout but didn't refer to it as an autistic burnout, and I'm annoying like that) I think, when talking about executive dysfunction, it's important to mention that it is the task-starting driving force of the brain, to the point where it can make you physically lose control over your body when attempting to "go do something" or even move a muscle, which absolutely destroys lives, and there is a truly impressive amount of ableism surrounding it and has autistic people ending up in very abusive situations with ignorant allistics. I understand that this video had to be condensed in some manner but I don't think we can afford not to address that. Tbh my definition of a meltdown is literally a completely different thing from your definition. But I have the same problem with how other autistic people describe shutdowns, this sometimes feels invalidating to my very extreme experiences with autistic catatonia but I suppose it's very individual and I wouldn't want to invalidate others so we should probably just stick to the idea that people experience these things differently and there isn't a set definition. My most important missing terms are shutdowns, auditory processing disorder, and sensory processing disorder. Though you did mention sensory overwhelm and (delayed) processing, SPD and APD are legitimate conditions of their own that are huge part of autism, and people should know about them so they can advocate for themselves. Edit: reading comments and realizing this video indeed also did not address functioning labels and learning disabilities.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@logicalameetsworld]

You did some really impressive work putting this together. I personally would like to see the medical community do more research to diagnosis those with less physical symptoms (ie Aspies) sooner. I'd also like to see neurologists and psychiatry development a guide to use as apposed to one for mental health. Just my typed out thoughts.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kiaraeijo]

There’s a lot of terms that I didn’t know. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is one that is pretty accurate for me because I sometimes have trouble accepting criticism and I believe that my form of stimming is talking to myself.

[@lsmith992]

Fawning is used to get through the over attention we get from bullies in order not to be bullied , I think. It sounds like what I had to learn to do.

[@with_compassion]

Auditory Processing Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Dyscalculia, Vasovagal Syncope, and one that may seem odd, but important- Boundaries. (...i know there's more!) This video is very helpful, thank you. I'm very glad that there are Closed Captions options for Deaf & Hard of Hearing & Auditory Processing Disorder & the like.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for this feedback! I appreciate your time.

[@lrwiersum]

I had to hug myself and rock back and forth to make it through this video. I very rarely do that.

[@erynmorgan1717]

I think this is going to be a video that I am going to be watching and re-watching again and again!! Thank you Taylor, you are an inspiration for me in my journey of discovering my auDHD, my husband's auDHD and my two teens 19 and 18 (in 4 days). We had no idea and now we are discovering a language and coping skills and a deeper understanding of not only ourselves but each other. We give each other a lot more grace now we are starting to understand why we feel and behave the way we do and not feel shame over it.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

YES!!! That's what I love to hear. Always give yourself and others as much grace as possible! So glad to hear you're learning vocabulary to better support yourselves. Thanks for sharing.

[@otakuofmine]

that is wholesome to hear (that u can work together on it).

[@kateshiningdeer3334]

"Am I ever going to know who I am" just hits so hard! I was diagnosed at 42, I'm 46 now, and everything I know about Autism I have taught myself (or learned from people like you!) Nobody is teaching adults how to deal with this stuff, especially in MY area, I can't even find a therapist with actual training in Autism. I feel like I've been masking for so long, putting forward the face other people want to see, that I don't know who I am at all anymore. Good to know others feel the same way - it's less lonely that way.

[@madisonlaurendas]

EDS girly that’s newly realizing she’s autistic as well - THANK YOU for including that linkage! Both diagnoses are incredibly hard to come by and there are SO many people out there caught at the crossroads/likely unsure why they feel like they’re struggling so much. I hope advocating for the comorbidity helps folks live with grace. Also - chronic pain and overstimulation?? It’s a nightmare combo; zebras with a touch of the ‘tism are badass and deserve to be seen as such 🔥

[@JeremiahSenner]

It's just remarkable how well you people with autism and ADHD understand me.

[@vickiamundsen2933]

I'm 66, have been on a 30+ year journey to find out who I really am. Four years ago I began writing a memoir, and as I was putting together some vivid memories of childhood I was like, holy crap, I bet I have asperger's. Now I'm learning more about the spectrum and am considering getting a professional assessment. I don't so much need medication, but strategies for becoming more my true self are much needed. I appreciate your page and this video in particular. :-)

[@catiaafonso3587]

My mom doesn't want to accept my autism diagnosis. I was diagnosed about 6 months ago, at 29 (woman). It has been so hard and painful knowing that she never believed in my great sensitivity to certain sounds. And she gets angry if I want to tell her about my autism, or if I want to explain my difficulties to her. He always says that I can't use autism as an excuse, and that I have to treat myself. I never used autism as an excuse. It's an explanation. I'm really sad, but I'm going to give up talking to her about my autism for now. Today I live with my fiance. I feel safe and accepted by him.

[@globalketoflavors1876]

I don’t normally comment on videos but I stopped dead in my tracks when you said Ehlers-Danlos. If anyone would have seen me, they probably would have thought I saw a ghost. I recently was diagnosed with a close genetic defect cousin of Ehlers Danlos, called Loyes Dietz. It is also a connective tissue disorder and causes hyper mobility, amongst other things. All of a sudden, you flipped my world. The journey of wondering if I’m autistic came to a close. That helps me soooo much with my advocacy for my daughter to have my mind completely settled. Thank you x100!

[@gayleo.9967]

Oh, bc there’s often confusion between ADD & ADHD, definitions for: - Attention deficit - Hyperactivity - Impulsivity 😊

[@angelalovell5669]

I'm at 9:18 and need to take a break. The EDS thing rea;lly really got me, because my joint pain was apparent to me by the age of 3 but, like the ASD and ADHD, it was entirely igtnored in favour of "She's just attention seeking/loud/spoiled." Not getting basic medical care... SUPER spoiled. And when I approached a GP in my 20s to suggest EDS and ask for a referral to look into it, that doctor looked me dead in the eyes and said "Never say that to another doctor ever again" It's the best description I can find for my hypermobility and joint pain, and I've been doing research for over 20 years now, but this physician told me to never even MENTION to possibility to another doctor. Not only is that medically abusive, it's completely illogical and discriminatory. Because of my delayed processing, I just sat there, shocked. I still don't have an EDS diagnosis, or ANY diagnosis relating to this issue, even though I've been in pain 24 hours a day for years and it started 30 years ago. But no, I should NEVER mention this to another doctor EVER AGAIN. Because they might... what, explode? FFS. So yeah, massively triggered, gonna go do something else for a while. BUT I LOVE THIS VIDEO!!! THANK YOU TAYLOR!!!! I SHALL RETURN!

[@helenbarrett4432]

Yup I have ME and POTS which are clearly the same bs family, and LOADS of my friends have ME and/or EDS... and I'm like y'know what... we're all a little bit on the spectrum, aren't we?! That's why we're friends!

[@helenbarrett4432]

Oh and the side of my family that has history of post-infection neuro autoimmune disease inc. ME is the side I'm SURE I get the ASD from too lol. Hope you're ok and really glad all this is being better recognised Xx

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for sharing this and I'm so sorry to hear about the invalidation and awful things you've experienced. I hope you continue to find ways to support yourself and get the care you deserve.

[@bethanythatsme]

Thank you, so much, for sharing & caring so deeply for the neurodivergent community ❤

[@MomontheSpectrum]

you are very welcome. it is truly my pleasure and I am grateful every day to do what I do!

[@robertnewberry7799]

Hey Taylor, YES, YES, YES! Autism and empathic abilities, or more to the point, ESP, or extra-sensory perception, go hand in hand. In other words, it is the physiological difference between autistic and holistic brains, which gives the fully developed autistic brains, abilities. The "experts" try to say that ESP abilities are not real or possible, but that is rubbish. It is real, and, in my humble opinion, is what causes things such as, exhaustion after social situations, and "mind blindness", or as I call it, "spatial distraction " Also, I just realized, after you mentioned your son, that the little boy in the opening of the movie, 'Mimic', directed by Giullermo Del Toro, who mimics the sound of the creature with spoons, is autistic. You can easily KZbin this particular scene if interested.

[@Warspite03]

This is a great video that will be super helpful for anyone getting up to speed with the lingo. Thank you once again for the content!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're very welcome!

[@lrwiersum]

Nah, I'm not autistic...........holy crap that list is my LIFE !!!!

[@boxleyBox]

Holy cow! This is an impressively clear and organized list- just how we like it!😁 It must have taken significant time and effort to compile and simplify everything so well. *Thank you* for this resource! I’ve thought it plenty of times before, but I don’t know if I’ve ever said it out loud: You’re a talented educator; thanks for sharing all your hard work!😊 P.S. You are rockin’ the summer vibe right now! *LOVE* the hair!!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

HI BOXLEY BOX. 😄👋 Thank you for all of the lovely encouragement. 💓

[@scottmoot2969]

Shared with sister 65, I'm 58. It's Cliff's Notes key for Neurodivergence for Dummies. Rock On

[@WilliamMcGrath_Madrid]

Fawning. As you talk about this on the video, I'm like... she's describing me. Moment of revelation. I just deconstructed my life. Bullied, so you try to be normal, you try to become someone else, you try to show that you're a good little boy, force a smile, aren't I just such a nice person? Defense mechanism. Not that it works, the bullying doesn't stop, but you give it your best, and it becomes ingrained, baked into your persona. William? Yeah, that guy who's so nice, so pleasant, so polite, always smiles when he says hello. I just realized that I'm really crying out in terror: "Please don't bully me". Just seeing it face to face exposes the Wizard as the little man behind the curtain. No, that's not me, it never was.

[@janejones5362]

Autistic inertia.....I was soooooo hard on myself with this. I just called myself lazy, or unmotivated. It took getting hurt seriously (mean person), to give myself permission to rest when tired.

[@catymiller2270]

Thank you so much for this video, it’s so helpful.

[@kellyschroeder7437]

Awesome, thanks !!! 💞👊

[@brittnyrv5087]

Yep. Just had trouble with a coworker and couldn't even explain why or voice my problem. Just walked away. Can't wait to hear from the managers.

[@christinemalaka8636]

WOW Great video! So much spot on info, so organized and clearly presented. Huge Thanks!!

[@RynTheWitch]

Thank you so much Taylor, recently diagnosed AUDHD I have been soaking up a lot of info about it, and apparently, there is still a lot I need to figure out, and it does help! There is so little info for adults, it is disconcerting! But thanks to youtubers like you, we can get helpful information and support!

[@darbydelane4588]

Superb work.

[@waynepalumbo8917]

Fawning - I started doing this early on in my life because i wanted people to like me. It caused people to take advantage of me.

[@gigiromz]

Great video Taylor thank you for your amazing educational content it means more than you know ❤️

[@Jynxedlove]

So I actually was recommended for an autism evaluation after an EDS diagnosis. My symptoms of ADHD are similar enough to Autism they think it might be a combination and it was only figured out because I was finally diagnosed with EDS. I had to seek out a world leading doctor on the disease to get a diagnosis because when I was getting diagnosed only about 10 years ago it was unheard of and never talked about. I'm finding a lot more primary care physicians familiar with it now. It's great that your brought it up in your video.

[@MIOLAZARUS]

Thank you for this great video❤❤❤ Its so helpful.

[@thomastoadie9006]

Just to throw this in here: There’s a term I prefer to use that’s very similar to your “double empathy”. It’s “inter-subjectivity” or “intersubjectivity”

[@ummesalmatahir6745]

Thank you for creating this channel. I'm 25 and just now realising that I could be autistic. I have now persued a diagnosis and have been referred for an assessment, and I'm doing all the research I can to see if I resonate with anything that explains me more to present to the psychologist. This was soooooo useful to put myself into words. Xx

[@suzannetunnicliffe2422]

Thank you for your help.

[@anastasiyakozlova619]

Taylor! You are so generous person! Thank you so much for doing such a tremendous job for us!

[@rhoward295]

Wow, you put this so succinctly and clearly. Thank you!

[@catcraddle65]

Thank You ❤️

[@coleenocasturme]

Thank you for including EDS in this list. I had been wondering for a while about how many ND folks I'd come across who also had Hypermobility / EDS issues. Then, about a month ago, @JessicaKelgrinFozzard (apologies for spelling!) did a video about her ADHD diagnosis, and mentioned that ADHDers are something like 4 times as likely to be hypermobile than the NT community. It was that video that made me decide to go for "official" diagnosis as AutiHD, and your inclusion of EDS on this list is more evidence / ammunition for my journey. Thank you! Also, just thank you for making all your videos. I'm not always up to watching them, because I have such a big emotional response of recognition and (self-)empathy. It's this response that has convinced me of my self-diagnoses. thank you and the rest of the online ND community for creating such essential resources.

[@nuni6158]

Empath notion was important to come across with for me. I have been stalling my self-diagnosis, and one of the reasons has been this trait. For some reason I thought that this was far from being an autistic trait.

[@christalintentions]

Thank you so much for this. I’m new to this discovery and all the terms. I’m usually watching a video and a term is said and now I have to go learn about that intermittently. This also helps explain more to my family! Thank you again.🙏🏽

[@jbullets5198]

So helpful. Ty Taylor for your continued diligence and attention on this subject. The list broken down is super helpful as well. 🙏💖🙏

[@TinEE189]

Thank you so much for this video. This is so helpful, and the additional info in the description I'm definitely going to making use of all of these. You are literally a life saver. Thank you ❤

[@wild.forestflower]

I can’t believe 1 in 5 people are neurodiverse! I hope the world recognizes the danger of pesticides (and stops using them) which is harming the environment, health of the soil and neurological development.

[@craigcarter400]

Moving to a new environment from WA to AZ & NM has helped me learn how to be myself and then after several months of that I found my GF that I’ve been with for almost a year. It feels as though that when searching for a partner it is vital, but not necessarily required, to find another neurodivergent individual to have that in common with. Everything else can be the same as neurotypicals finding their partners I.e. Common Interests, Physical / Emotional attraction, etc.

[@allisgrace1313]

Wow! This video is amazing! And thank you for making a PDF available as well!!!

[@OhCorrica]

Your channel is so helpful! I was just diagnosed this week at 32.

[@laurahoman7083]

Thank-you. This is very helpful.

[@waynepalumbo8917]

"Say what you mean so that I may understand you. Mean what you say so that I may trust you." - Like... I get why people dance around things and aren't up front with how they feel, but sometimes people are honest but i have never been good at telling the difference of when its 'appropriate' to be honest and when its not. I learned early on that when someone asks a question, they don't actually want the answer, they want you to tell them that whatever they think is correct. Its exhausting, why start a conversation on something if you're not actually interested in the topic? I mean i guess i do kind of know why people do that.... its because people are afraid of what others think about them. I'm always worried people are mad or upset with me. And i think the fear comes from not being able to instinctively tell. So if I can't tell, i fear the worst :(

[@acapps2]

thank you so much for these videos - they are so helpful on my journey to understanding myself. the misdiagnosis is real - I gifted-kid’ed and masked my way through school, spiraled downward in college, and burnt out so hard in early adulthood I had to seek treatment. I was diagnosed with GAD/ED at 25, it was refined to OCD at 29, and got my ADHD diagnosis a year ago at 30. the only one I ever felt like actually fit my lived experience was ADHD. on the outside, a lot of the things I do look like OCD behaviors, but I never connected to the way other diagnosed OCD folks described their internal experience at all. learning the ASD terms “perseveration” and “IS (insistence of sameness)” was like a lightbulb going off - finally, an explanation that perfectly captures what I’m doing AND how I’m feeling internally when it’s happening! and explains all my extreme sensory issues that doctors just point to ADHD about! and the communication issues in my relationship because of my rejection sensitivity! and how I take everything literally, and struggle with ambiguity, and sequencing, and on and on! it’s honestly exhilarating to realize I’m not broken. my therapist and psychiatrist are supporting me in referring me to a psychologist to get the formal evaluation/diagnosis next week. it’s scary, but exciting. I’m very thankful for you and other AFAB folks on the spectrum for sharing your experience.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

So glad you're here! Thank you for your comment.

[@anickglobensky-bromow9820]

Thank you, this video is such an important resource for me as a very recently diagnosed 38 yo

[@ericwelvaert4780]

Great dictionary, Taylor. I knew most of the terms, but still learned much. Thank you.

[@katpablo]

What an amazing list you have put together here. I'm so very thankful. In the past year your videos have helped me so much in better understanding myself 💛

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Awesome! Thanks so much for your comment. Glad to have you as part of the community here.

[@lrwiersum]

Single best Autism video I have found !!

[@lrwiersum]

Had a good cry after this video.

[@B13._]

Thank you for your part in Changing the world ❣️

[@RambleMaven]

I wish there was an alternative word for course because every time I hear it feel like a high pressure stressful demand and I’m automatically repulsed 😭😭

[@michaelhaardt5988]

Connecting things: Sensory processing issues include increased or decreased perception. Decreased sense of force or orientation in space shows as dyspraxia. Increased sense of empathy shows as empath. Increased perception of mechanical food properties or taste shows as ARFID. Different signs and names, same root cause. The perception may also vary aka "but you ate this before and it was fine!", which can be confusing.

[@markjackson6026]

Great list, I have something to add to it though. Misophonia. I learned this recently from I'm Autistic, Now What? s channel. For my whole life I could not shake the feeling of disgust and anger primarily over eating sounds (there are others, but this was the biggest trigger), so much sometimes that I had to physically remove myself before reacting outwardly. Knowing this term has helped me immensely because I realize it's a diagnosed condition and I am not the only Misophonic person out there, hopefully it helps someone else too. Keep up the good work.

[@shiny6123]

I haven’t finished watching your video yet but I want to say that your hair is so beautiful today! Did you do it yourself? Those earrings look great on you . 😊 Now I will finish watching your video thanks for the video.

[@susyQ564]

Great video. Thanks soooooo much for your hard work. It must be sooooo much pressure. thanks for being you.

[@enlightenedanimal]

I've had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome for a while and had no idea that there was a connection with Autism! Newly diagnosed at the very late age of 56, after my kids, both on the spectrum, kept telling me that I definitely was also on the spectrum! Thank you for all the great information. :)

[@stalkerlohh]

Thank you for Your channel...now at 32, self diagnosed everything make so much sense in my life and what has been going on for whole of my life...i feel tremendous new space and new energy in me...Thanks again for making these videos, these are life changing and helps a lot. Thank You one more time 💚💚💚

[@MandaPanda254]

This is super helpful, thank you

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're very welcome!

[@JENTHINKSO]

This list is excellent. Another term for this list is "interoception".

[@agblife]

Hi everyone, thanks Taylor for your videos. I'm currently being assessed as an adult female. We are going through all the different questionnaires, and your terminology video is highlighting certain things from my childhood. It finally all makes sense. I have cPTSD and social anxiety as underlying issues due to childhood trauma. I am also diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND). I'm starting to think that perhaps some of the FND symptoms are linked to being autistic. To what extent, I do not know as yet. A diagnosis will follow soon. Just hearing your explanations put things into perspective.

[@arianawolfmare]

It's funny, never made the connection with EDS, CPTSD, and being an empath to autism before. Just realized this year that I'm autistic and I'm still stunned. Thank you for being one of the resources I've found that clicks well with me!

[@emmynoether9540]

New subscriber here. Thank youbso much for creating these resources, Taylor! ❤️❤️❤️ I'm still learning and trying to figure out, whether Autism is what I have, because I am definitely neurodiverse, but still haven't found the right diagnosis yet. My psychiatrists have been unable to talk to me about this in depth, so I am trying to learn on my own. There are definitely symptoms/ttaits, that my mom and her mom have/had too, so it's also helping me understanding them better.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Awesome so glad to have you here. You might find my Big Autistic Resource Guide helpful as you navigate your experiences and seek out more information: www.momonthespectrum.life/the-big-autistic-resource-guide

[@JayBurkhart]

OMG!!!! The Goblin tool tip. Thank you so much! I didn't even realize I had an issue until I used this tool! This is amazing!

[@talitaza8862]

Taylor, you are so precious to us. Thank you for all your work with this. 👏👏👏💖

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you so much 🥹

[@katiecarnahan538]

I hadn't heard of the goblin tools before so thank you! Because that's just amazing.