The Autism Test - Am I Autistic? Do I have Aspergers Syndrome?

Hello and WELCOME to my channel 😊✌🏻
I am Aspergers Syndrome and was diagnosed with that Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 10! I was really touched by the day I realised I was Autistic, I found INCREDIBLE relief and validation... you see I always knew something was different in me... I’ve always been extremely interested in talking and interacting with people, being noted in most occasions to be distracted and captivated by people interacting.
Taking my interest into adulthood, I am somewhat of an expert in understanding both Autistics and Neurotypicals... hopefully in the future I can use my skills to build bridges, inspire and help people.
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING AUTISTIC, ITS A DIFFERBILITY NOT A DISABILITY 🤩
Love you guys, if you want to talk check out my Facebook @AspergersGrowth and drop me a message, AND if you are new thank you so much for visiting my profile ✌🏻✌🏻

[@charimonfanboy]

Yes to all 10. For the ninth point, it's not just when people disrupt your routine by adding to it, it's also when they won't let you plan a routine in the first place by giving you stuff to do but not telling you when, using phrases like "when we're ready" or "at some point" or "probably morning, maybe afternoon"

[@ThomasHenley]

That’s a very good point, that can also be very stressful 🤓

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

charimonfanboy I am an aspie and my special gift is to piss people off.😌😌😌 I'm so proud of my talents.

[@ElaineWalker]

I take care of my mom, and when she says "whenever you can.." or "at some point this week.." I have to JUMP UP and do that thing right then and there, no matter how painful it is (although I avoided the errand where I was supposed to walk down the street and knock on someone's door to give them something, for about a year.. he finally came to our house), or it will either get forgotten or will drive me crazy knowing there is something lingering. Mom thinks I'm mad when I jump up and stomp down the hall to do that thing within a SPLIT SECOND of her asking, but it's only that I am immediately mentally crippled until it's done. But, yeah, if she said specifically, "I need it done by 3pm Thursday," I'd simply set my phone alarm to take care of it thursday morning.

[@NytheCreates]

Oh yeah, that get's me a lot too!

[@charimonfanboy]

@@ElaineWalker You can sort out a routine for things like that because you have control of when though. It is when they are in control of the schedule, like we'll be coming over to visit at some point on Thursday. Or; we're going somewhere tomorrow, and setting off when we are ready.

[@ThomasHenley]

Here’s A Simplifed List Of What I Cover In The Video: - 1. Relying On Your Emotions or Intuition Can Do More Harm Than Good 2. You Think About Everything Like You’re Scientist, For A Long Time And In A Lot Of Detail 3. You Are A Direct Talker Not Because You Want To But Because That’s The Only Way You Can Communicate 4. You Fit One Of The Two Stereotypes For Aspies - A.) No desire to communicate/high confidence/comfort OR B.) High desire for communication/emotional issues/very strong emotional and/or intellectual understanding/sensitive or shy 5. Panic Or Stress Comes Out Of Nowhere 6. Your Are Hyperfocused On Things You Find Interesting, Almost To The Point Of Obsession 7. You Find People In General Confusing And Illogical 8. You Hate Non-Verbal Communication And Can’t Notice It 9. You Feel At Your Best When In A Routine And Get Stressed When It’s Distrupted 10. You Find Complex Or Simple Emotions Hard To Understand And Notice In Yourself. This video allows for people to understand themselves, find relief and find likeminded people, THIS IS NOT some video to label people off and assume they are mentally ill. Autism is not GOOD, but not BAD, it’s a DIFFERBILITY not a DISABILITY ✌🏻

[@MrMattytube]

Thanks so much ☺️

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Aspergers Growth aspergers sucks! Bottomline!

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

Aspergers Growth you should make a video call, things aspies do that normies won't understand.

[@charimonfanboy]

@@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774 Thought you were saying Aspergers growth sucked then. But I agree that Autism is bad

[@pleasedontkillmyvibe2774]

charimonfanboy I just realize that after you pointed it out lol. But yeah aspergers is a difficult syndrome to have. Since it makes us socially inept in a society where socializing is the norm.

[@MNA__383]

These seem very true. I believe I grew up with undiagnosed autism. It was hell at times. I am seeking a diagnosis but have already helped myself a lot through videos like this.

[@ThomasHenley]

Hey thanks for commenting! It’s very difficult growing up as an Autistic, I hope you can get your diagnosis... It was very eye opening and relieving for me to get mine! 😊

[@Authentically.Autistic]

I DO get the opossite of meltdowns! I get so happy when I focus on my 5 senses and focus on all of the things I love feeling at the very moment with each of my senses. We are sooooooo sensitive that it feels uber amazing when we think for hours about good things we love. Your voice is one of those things. :)

[@Authentically.Autistic]

When I try to say something verbally, it's hard to manage the tone of my voice. I never know if my voice will sound the way I intend it to be.

[@ThomasHenley]

You’re are completely right! The focus we get is almost inhuman to neurotypicals. With the sensory stuff I know some people enjoy their senses a lot, but some struggle with them as well! It’s a very individualistic thing, Thanks again for commenting 🤗

[@srldwg]

​​@@ThomasHenleyI disagree with the concept of "the opposite of meltdowns". You are simply excited about the topic of you hyperfocus. Or something is simply making you happy. Happy meltdowns do occur, but that are not due to happiness, they are due to a heightened state of excitement. To the point where the good excitement turns into bad (uncomfortable, unhealthy) excitement - overstimulation. There a meltdown occurs. The focus on this tends to stereotypically be in children, but it happens in adults too. We just don't see it that way because they are adults. This is where we need to open our minds. Think about getting so excited over something that you love, you may start stimming (including jumping around), talking really really fast (a sign that overstimulation is occurring), getting irritable to the point of very extreme upset - while still expressing excitement simultaneously (too far into the meltdown for you or who you are with to understand - I thought they like this show, music, activity?) Then you get so tired you are all of a sudden completely out of energy, and don't want or have the ability to do anything.

[@GhostyToesty]

Wow....never thought I would relate to these. But I relate to AlL 10?!

[@GEZZMOND]

Thank you man. You're helping me peice shit together. Love your work. I'm 44 and only started considering autism recently after years of just... Well I don't know,i have no idea how I've managed. It may or may not be the case, but I relate greatly with 99% of what you present. I'm very emotionally driven, that's part of my logic, but only recently came to terms with the fact that I've just been really lucky and no good at all at reading people. I also didn't realise until recently that I intimidate people with my intensity and directness, I've become more aware, but find it hard to control, it appears to be only good fortune and kind hearts with sprinkles of mousey people that has allowed me to behave the way that have for so long without any idea how I was being percieved, some call me charizmatic, others, another c word. I prefer the 1st one. Anyway. Great work mate. We never stop learning about ourselves.

[@ThomasHenley]

Gerald Raynier Thanks Gerald! There’s many out there that will call what I do a bad thing, labelling people to tear society apart, but it can be an incredible tool for personal growth and building bridges. I’m really glad you’ve found my content useful, I make this stuff for people like yourself and it makes me very happy to receive comments like this 😊

[@mikafoxx2717]

It's never too late to find out, my gramps is 74 and I think he has always had autism. I got to 24 before realizing my own, and I've realized that growing up, my grandfather was one of the only people I could be chatty with that felt natural. At his age, he's evidently gotten good at knowing how normal social situations go, but his possible intensity in conversations, his lifelong career as a dual electronics and broadcast engineer.. his criticality and bluntness of silly things and noticing of small details most don't.. my mother has joked that she wonders how she gave birth to a clone of her father, which really drills it home that we've got Asperger's. He's at least been more of the confident type whereas in more anxious. Both him and I have had depressive years in our past. Kinda crazy how much relatability I found in others with asp.

[@beelx-dragons8262]

This video is 3 years old now so I have no idea if you'll be reading this or not but I would like to thank you for making this video either way. The way you talked about the subject in general as well as the specific way you explained some of your examples was very helpfull, such as when you described having a hard time noticing a change of internal emotional state and being unsure of whether or not the emotion is intensifying or dying down. I'm still trying to do research and self analyze in order to figure out whether or not I am autistic because wait times for and the availability of the procedures required to get diagnosed are long/limited. In essence what I'm trying to say is that your more intimate breakdown of the standard questions finally made me understand what is actually meant by those questions. It also made me feel seen in a way I haven't experienced in a very long time. Thank you for existing and keep up the good work

[@joshswenson8390]

I expect that if I am diagnosed, I will also feel a huge sense of relief. Finding out my hunch is correct would just bring a huge wave of vindication.

[@MaraschinoChary]

You just described everything I’ve experienced my entire life so well! Thank you for the info, I appreciate it so much. I prefer “Very Passionate about interests” over “Autistic Obsession” too, lol. Nailed it! 😉 I subscribed, and look forward to your future videos.

[@ThomasHenley]

Hey! Thanks so much, I look forward to seeing more comments in the future from you 😊

[@dyingsun23]

That's a really good list and explanation, very relatable :) I think happy meltdowns are more common among people with low-functioning or non-verbal autism. Seems that the happiness keeps rising until they're overstimulated and sort of "go critical" and it's just too much for their neurons to handle. Good video, thanks for sharing :)

[@ThomasHenley]

Hey and welcome to the channel 😁 Yes, completely agree with that, it does tend to be among the more low functioning autistic people from my experience. I have had a couple happy meltdowns in my life, but definitely not enough to bother counting them on my fingers! Great to hear from you!

[@scottdrury7404]

Thanks so much for this. 9/10 for sure. This content has grounded me to my autistic nature, separate from the non-autistic world all about. An excellent tool to revisit to recalibrate myself.

[@El-ks4ff]

Thank you. This is the best explanation that I have come across. Really helpful.

[@hollywilliamson5039]

Thanks for the video, a great summary of my experience of life. On point 5, I have panic attacks from intense positive emotions like happiness or satisfaction: e.g. if I meet some great people or a great opportunity I have wanted arises or I get positive feedback, the balance is easily tipped to overwhelm and I end up crying, losing sleep and hyperventilating. Any deviation from my normal emotional range will cause these outbursts. I have learnt to delay the outbursts to when I am alone because it makes others uncomfortable.

[@bnChannel-ss5et]

I wish KZbin had a double-like feature, kuz then I would use it for this video. I've watched a bunch of your other videos in the past week but this video, well, it stopped me in my tracks. Your conceptual perspicuity is engaging. Your quirkiness is enchanting. Your kindness is profound. And I love how you clarified how you weren't being sarcastic; I totally got it, let's call it the double sarcasm problem (tongue in cheek), and I get it kuz I do it and qualify in conversations like you did, ugh, sigh, LOL, hmm, sigh.

[@Charliesgarden-rz3bz]

Great examples, thanks!

[@juliedeschenes4612]

Hi! First time in your channel. You are a very sweet guy. I need time to process what you explained and I’m gonna come back later on. Thank you 😊🏵🌻

[@roberttornay4677]

Best test I've come across so far.

[@MB-wk3he]

Thank you for the info, you are such a caring soul, and will do a very good teacher ;-).

[@lrwiersum]

Diagnosed at 65. Duh !!! How did I miss it ?? Oh, well. I have found happiness and great peace. All’s well that ends well.

[@Karinebeaudoin74]

Hello ! I'm in the process of getting a diagnosis for autisom at the moment . that's good to see that we are not alone in that even if it feel like it sometimes. Thank you for your video , I really like it when you've said number 5(high five) . That was fun :)

[@ThomasHenley]

Hey Karine! Getting a diagnosis can be a long and tough process, but we are here to support you! Life can be lonely and difficult for people on the spectrum, however you really aren’t alone and you can always reach out to me on Facebook page if you need help with something! Lovely to hear from you and thanks for commenting 😊

[@mj21576]

Thank you for this video. It's very helpful.

[@spoungebobonly]

You handle it amazingly!

[@ThomasHenley]

Thank you 💙🙏🏻💙

[@vikdaddy]

I have all ten. I have just turned 40 and I am seeking a diagnosis. This video hits the nail on the head more than any other I've watched. It (almost) makes me tearful, but then my logical brain took over! I have been in a relationship for a long time, do well at work and have a family. On the outside I am a success. But I feel like I am being false all the time - like I am acting. I know how to get along with people on a superficial level, but it is all learned behaviour to me. It never feels natural. A lot of the time I feel emotionally empty and I wonder if I obsess over things to fill that void. For example I know I love my wife, but I cannot describe how or why in any emotional sense - but I can describe why on a logical level. I fall out with people all the time because I either upset them or misinterpret what they mean. I haven't made a new, substantial friend in over 20 years, but would love to build new relationships - but then I think it would be too hard work and it would stress me out. I have hidden 'tics' (controlled breathing, small thumb and finger movements, neck stretches, etc.) and feel like everything has to be balanced or divided by an even number, except if it involves my favourite number, which for some reason is five. Routine is vital, order is paramount and controlling situations is especially important. In the heat of an argument - usually as a result of an action I took because of my behaviour - I have been called "nasty" amongst many other negative labels, yet inside I know I am not a bad person. I hope I am not looking for a new label (aspergers/autistic) as an excuse, but knowing that I am would provide the biggest relief imaginable. Sorry for the long post.

[@heedmydemands]

Did u end up going for an assessment?

[@garyg6000]

Nice guy. Enjoy hearing you talk

[@ThomasHenley]

Thanks man! I enjoy reading your nice comments 😁

[@henrylang1769]

Really helpful video : ). It made me feel really confident.

[@ThomasHenley]

Henry Lång Power to you my friend 💪🏻

[@jasonreed1352]

Fricken love you. Long time no see. :) I think you seem to be quite in touch with your emotions, and being honest enough to recognize that they're ... difficult to verbalize isn't because you're not in touch with them. Emotions come from a necessarily differentiated part of our brains' functions. (And the emotional cognitive processes probably desire a more direct communication line with our logical centers, too. I surmise.) To me, it relates to emergent properties. One of those being our individual emergent conscious awarenesses that emerge from the collective actions of our multiple cognitive processes (which can tend to be subconscious... I'm trying to find a better word because "subconscious" IS appropriate, but it implies a singular "direction" (sub tends to imply under or beneith), when I believe we have subconscious and supracounscious processes.).). Anyway, I enjoy hearing your insights. And you're easy on the eyes, too. *blush* Thank you for sharing.

[@black_horse_lover2655]

Yes to most of these. Also, nice thumbnail!

[@ThomasHenley]

Black_Horse_Lover Thanks a bunch! I spent a long time on that thumbnail 😁

[@black_horse_lover2655]

Aspergers Growth I can tell.

[@spreadlove13]

Thx for the video buddy. Well put together. Nice bloke you are.

[@spreadlove13]

Scientific logical machine mode activated. 8)

[@ThomasHenley]

No problemo my friend 😁

[@tone3560]

Well said!

[@emilleoandresen]

This was helpful, especially the part about being bad at recognizing emotions in others and in oneself. I often don't understand what I am feeling or why I'm feeling it. This makes me worried and confused.

[@ThomasHenley]

Emil Andresen I’m glad you found that helpful, I know it’s not emphasised enough by autism-based KZbinrs but I think it’s one of the most significant things. I don’t thinks it’s possible to notice your emotions, but I’ve found it can be helpful to figure out your emotions with noticing physical sensations, behavioural changes and thought patterns. I can never know if I’m getting stressed or depressed until it’s at its peak, but incorporating all those factors definitely helps a lot. I can catch myself spiralling down, or getting overwhelmed, force myself to take a break/help myself. Hope this helps, drop me a message on Facebook if you want to chat about it!

[@turtleanton6539]

😊😊😊😊 great video 😊😊😊😊

[@stormr]

your really brought a ;ot of issues to light. thanks

[@ThomasHenley]

I’m glad I could be some help! Thank you for watching 😊

[@warriorminie6111]

Nice videos Tom! Keep it up! - Minie from Vientiane to Nong Khai Bus :)

[@ThomasHenley]

Thanks Minie! Hope you had a great Christmas! 😊

[@dakotagenus5386]

This video is awesome

[@sarahcouture24]

I always had to know why something has to be done a certain way, or why it needs to be done at all. I need to know the purpose of it to be able to take the action. My dad would try to teach me to build something, he would get mad because I couldn't just do as I was told. I had to understand the theory behind the practice.

[@riverdonoghue9992]

Aspie here. Excellent video.

[@carriebell3566]

I felt relief when I found out too. It does help big time

[@jandeusvult2920]

Greetings. Ever since I debuted this world I have been witdrawn. I indeed do prefer clear and direct communication. Its hard to stay coordinated with others over time, consistently, hence only a handfull of friends and yet I prevail somewhat. I have gotten a whole lot of insults over the years for not fitting in (smoothly) and a whole set of different questions, misunderstandings etc. I went now this year to seek help for a better understanding what this might be all about. The psychologist I was delegated was unsure and I definetly do not blame him/her. Social anexiety then and there. Scored high in a test regarding the topic and was going to get further help from specialists and I just got turned down last week due to overload in the sector. Looks like I Will be wandering about doing my things for a while longer. Robust and yet so weak, Im convinced Im a walking paradox. Holding a job for a prolonged period of time feels like a thousand chores, I quicly lose interest and every once in a while I have to go underground to get cannaworms to keep my sanity, because alchohol is garbage in my eyes. I wish others around me to know its hard to settle down. Im probably percieved dumb to others around me, sometimes its infuriating and other times my insides smile just a little. You seem relatively grounded, may you have any cents?

[@jandeusvult2920]

Great video by the way, got to give you credit for that, you gained a follower there.

[@jmfs3497]

I think I have a combo of ASD and CPTSD. I liked being alone and uninterrupted as a child, but it felt like the kind of people that wanted my attention would seek it through negative reinforcement. I still feel like people see me as a tourist attraction or social conquest or someone that they want to bring out of my "shell" which I am not really in a shell. I mask, but that was picked up over a lifetime of navigating people. I like who I am and I like my friends, but people seem socially toxic to me when they want to "play" with me without knowing me. I like to be funny, but I have to learn when a person is joking, otherwise they all sound like they are telling the truth. I also find schadenfreude and commiserating toxic feeling if it is present in every conversation. I don't understand hierarchies or optics. I seems fragile and like a waste of time. I prefer to talk directly about special interests, and not play social games. Social games seem like a person is lacking a functional intellect to solve problems/puzzles, and therefore cloak that lack of intellect to distract FROM solving any problems. I'm kind of grumpy right now because a person flirted with me very directly for nine months and when I asked them on a date they projected onto me that I was only seeking sex, and I haven't had sex in 10 years so it was upsetting to feel like I'm running through someone else's egotistical gauntlet of their own creation. I am tired of masking as a defacto coping mechanism of people who are SOOOOO verbal about nothing direct.

[@biancat6172]

Hellooo firstly you are looking really well you look settled content I knew that with being bogged down with study work and dealing with feeling not at your best I think you were very rundown I get flu like symptoms I get cold soars ulcers when I feel rundown you immune system can get affected and you can get flu like symptoms when your low you did look a little pale in a couple of videos you seem full of colour in this vid like really well you have a new haircut to cool that's what makes you organic and athentic your showing us all sides of yourself including how you won't look or feel your best most days it's refreshing to watch so don't think I'm being insensitive by saying you looked pale or tired haha ty again for this informative video I love listening to how ppls minds work and how they deal with social situations and how they cope or don't cope with communicating with ppl I've got so much interesting facts from you and your personal struggles from time to time dealing with being asperges and how you say exercise and many other options and methods you can use or take or do to help your mind and body to feel better I get so much from listening to you share your experiences about your journey with being autistic and having Asperger's your openness and truthful Frank way you speak alot is just so fascinating I always relay some key points you say to my bf he doesn't like being told to watch things I said watch this guy and maybe reach out to him nope it's being over a yr and he hasn't watched your vids so I don't push him to watch anything so I just tell him what you say ect and he says thanks I'll take that on board haha i stumbled on to your video last yr for the benefit of me learning more about autism I've learnt so much and to understand my bfs asperges he has quite superior like qualities he possesses amongst other somewhat hard to deal with self absorbed self centered ways about him but he is really level headed and very clever smart highly intelligent extremely creative amazing photographer postives to this unique individual is endless I wouldn't change him for the world but maybe only one thing is he goes unresponsive for days months on the only option he has give me is text no calls no FaceTime no Skype I find text a curse and a blessing at the same time humour gets mixed up emotions get twisted but hey you can't have everything can you I just accept our set up we are 5 hrs apart which doesn't help our texting mix ups sometimes and trying to reach and connect with him when I know he is preoccupied or fixated on games or Netflix or family Guy or any tv show it is tough with the only method of text because I just want to see him and hug him he ignores his phone and just fixates on stuff I get pushed away when he feels depressed I understand though I can't hold this against him he is so special to me I forgive him and I won't ever give up on him......anyhoo I wish you the best your such a inspirational human being with so much wisdom under your belt for someone of 22 your very wise beyond your years and I think your a warrior you go through some challenging times with your depression and asperges syndrome and you just push on and move forward and just keep finding ways and methods to improve your well being that's why your a fighter and warrior I bet your parents are proud of you helping and sharing your experiences with ppl reaching out to ppl helping them to understand themselves ect x

[@ThomasHenley]

Thank you so much for your comment Bianca ❤️

[@RJ_Blackpaw]

Well, I'm feeling called out. Still unsure about seeking a professional diagnosis.

[@sarahcouture24]

Special interests... Intense passions...OBSESSIONs... I can definitely relate lol

[@cyberdream7326]

I stumbled into this autism thing recently by accident , and since then I can’t do anything other than acquiring more and more information to come to a certain point to determine whether i have autism or not, I’m still not sure because my personality type is “intp” in the mbti, the information never ends and i keep going deeper and deeper, from reading a whole a book in a day to countless youtube videos and articles, im also observing my self through out the day to analyize my behaviour, is what i am doing a trait of autism? The only thing that doesn’t fit well is that yes im isolated and have trouble connecting with people , but at the same time im really good at relating to what people feel, i can empathise with them, i can read their faical expression really easy, and im a good listener, and this is where im stuck, what do you think? I would like to hear what you say , thanks

[@fiercepudd2874]

I'm in the same spot I totally get how you feel. Where are you at with that now if you don't mind me asking?

[@cyberdream7326]

@@fiercepudd2874 dont care about the whole thing, it doesnt matter, it wont change anything , i am what i am , not interested in labels anymore

[@AngDevigne]

Thanks!

[@AstroTreman]

So I'm aware that it's taboo to have a nonclinical diagnosis and to self diagnose--BUT, holy shit: I KNOW NOW that I must have Aspergers Syndrome! It would explain so much about my life, and that really drives the point home and proves it out for me! I'm pretty jaded and narcissistic(I'm convinced everyone alive is a narcissist though!). I do lots of self medicating these days; is that common among Aspy's? I'm nearly 40 years old, and I currently live under my parent's roof again--hopelessly unemployable, also codependent on my overly critical, authoritarian parents and a generous, wealthy best friend who keeps us stocked in cigs and drugs.. for a very long time now. Like over a decade now! I worry about what I will do after my disabled parents pass away though! And I worry about running afoul of the law too, which has happened in the past! I'm a fucking trainwreck, if I'm being completely honest! My teeth are falling out, but I cannot afford dentures! So what can do with this potential revelation?? How can I get help??

[@ThomasHenley]

Hey Treman! It’s not taboo per say, as some people don’t feel the need to get a diagnosis and it can cost in some areas of the world. I’m really glad you got something out of this video though... I’m very jaded and narcissistic by nature, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t let it influence your actions in negative ways! Substance abuse is definitely an autistic trait and it comes along with our tendency towards mental health illness and our terrible life experiences. You shouldn’t be too critical of your unemployability, I think around 90% of autisitic people are unemployed... it’s hard to function and feel comfortable as an autistic. It’s quite a thing for me to give you an answer in this comment, but I think the one thing that pulled me out of my substance abuse and severe mental health problems was finding a meaning for existence. Work towards a goal that is close to your heart and gives you the energy to get out of bed and take on the world each day. You might have to do something soul searching and digging but it’s definitely possible. I know as far as you know I’m a stranger, but please feel free to check over my videos on my depression and array of life struggles... it may make my words more impactful. You aren’t alone in this world though man, and I hope my words can help you somewhat... if not try listening to Jordan Peterson, he changed my life. Much love and contact me on my social media if you want to talk more ♥️

[@user-yy4zb9fe1b]

Hello Thomas. I was diagnosed on the spectrum less than a year ago, at the age of 30. I started to hear about autism when I was in my last two years of public (primary) school. I often fantasize how my life would be if I received the resources that aspies are provided with today- in my adolescence or 'pre-teens.' How would your life be different if you were never diagnosed?

[@ThomasHenley]

I think my life would be a mess to honest... my mental health is bad enough as it is, but without a reason to why I was difference, I don’t think I would be able to navigate the world as well 🧐

[@Kronikalrag3]

Number 6 for me feels like intense conviction.

[@kepstein8888]

I know you caveated #4, but it it common to be either one or the other? Or are there a lot in the gray area between A and B.

[@paint_freckles]

Sorry, you mentioned autism and rage. My husband fits some symptoms and he throws his arms straight out to the side and really loud will say "Angie, we talked about that Wednesday why are you bringing it up again?" It will be over something minor. He has some other symptoms you mentioned as well. I wasn't sure if that was rage.

[@zXJulianXz]

Hey, I wanted to get your thoughts on health issues and university. You're a pretty healthy guy with a good exercise routine, but I don't exercise that much anymore because of health issues I've got since being at uni. I was wondering whether you had noticed that the increased stress of university had caused you more physical health problems than you used to have?

[@ThomasHenley]

Hi there! Nice to hear from you again. The only health issues that get in the way of my functioning is my agoraphobia, I get panic attacks in the mornings that stop me from going outside. It’s difficult to deal with, but I don’t really get any physical issues 😊

[@zXJulianXz]

@@ThomasHenley ah ok, no worries, thanks.

[@Ventsharm]

I'm soon to be assessed. Here are my symptoms, can anyone else relate?: I have ocd and I've had ocd since I learnt to walk. I tap things and move things or else I feel like something awful will happen and it will be all my fault. I use to hate showers as a child. I use to flap my arms. I use to like one set food bowl and hate it when it was changed. My anxiety got so bad when I was 6 that I couldn't even go out on the green and play with my friends. In primary school and secondary, I hated assemblies, and I hated getting awards because I was so terrified of shaking the wrong hand, because I hate hand shakes. And sometimes I would shake the wrong hand. I get overwhelmed when too many things are happening at once and I sometimes cry. I struggle to get jokes sometimes depending on what they are. When I was little I didn't get sarcasm, but I spoke to my friend a while back and she told me that when I finally got sarcasm, I wouldn't stop using it. I copied my auntie being a vegetarian because it felt like the right thing to do from age six and I'm still one now. I loved my mum reading me stories at night, and use to love the old lady in the vigegar bottle who wanted everything, but when she got everything, all she wanted was to live in the vinegar bottle again. I use to like watching the same films over and over again and I still do. Sometimes, I look at someone, and think about how weird everything is, how weird faces are, and bodies are, and how weird the world is etc. I have been obsessed with the following things: Aliens Quantum physics, particularly the god particle Time travel Video editing Hair growth Story writing Singing Bike riding Looking up bisexuality Looking up ocd Collecting mc donnalds food stickers I use to be obsessed with playing on ds Using walkey talkeys You get the picture, and all of these things I was obsessed about for years, and sometimes get fully into them even now. I hate eye contact, I'm not sure if I always have, but for the past 5 years I definitely have. I get obsessive over my friends, to the point where they actually think I have issues. I love stretching, and I love vibrations, like feeling vibrations on my hands, and I move my feet a lot and always have. I almost know I have it, but I'm so high functioning it's hard to tell.

[@lucyllewellyn2850]

I was diagnosed with aspergers syndrome at 21

[@catherinecarter8987]

Why do people refer to an assessment as 'diagnosis'? I thought dignosis is what is carried out in order to identify illness, disease or abnormality like a tumor or something like that. I dont want to be diagnosed like a mutant cell in a laboratory. I am hoping to be granted an assessment.

[@SunnyBunney]

I think my husband has Asperger’s or autism… I’m scared if I bring it up he will get upset. Is not being able to be a “leader” a symptom of Asperger’s?

[@ryanhowanyk2637]

Hey, love the video. Can you make that intro noise less loud? I'm using headphones, or at least I was because I'm dead now. Joking, but holy crap lol

[@ThomasHenley]

Hahaha thanks man, and yeah I’ll turn it down in future videos thanks for the hint 😁✌🏻✌🏻

[@Authentically.Autistic]

Yes! Yes! Yes! 100%

[@suzukitlr8777]

I'm yes to all 10. I'm a strong visual thicker I got diagnosed last year age 38 I'm all logic. I also am server dyslexic got diagnosed age 36. When I find sumthing interesting it's very hard to stop thinking about it.

[@ThomasHenley]

Wow that’s amazing that you managed to get diagnosed so late in life, how did you do it? I know how you feel but I definitely think not being able to think about something your passionate about is a positive thing! 😊

[@suzukitlr8777]

Hi when I was a kid in the 80s I was gust considered slow. Then At primary school stupid as cuddunt reed or right do maths make friend's cuddunt understand the social gatherings and the pointless small talk. At 6 I was interest in black holes Theory and all the other stuff list as long as yer arm. but as I understand now I couldn't Translate pictures into words. And all the other stuff that my dyslexia affects not just reading and writing. Then all through school I was humiliated and in bottom groups for everything even though I was thinking about new space propulsion systems and stuff. Left school with nothing bin in dead end jobs. I got in trouble at work it led to a diagnosis. But still I thought there might be something else I went to my doctor and he dismiss me me as saying everyone's a little bit autistic. Then 2 years later trying again and got diagnosed. I'm now waiting for court for pip.

[@dextersimmons9911]

MAN I STG to feelin erbody emotions like a sponge

[@MrMattytube]

Could you comment the list of things? I dont have time to watch the whole video. I’d really appreciate it!

[@ThomasHenley]

Purple Blur Of course no worries! I’ve included a list in the comments section 😊

[@black_horse_lover2655]

Purple Blur You can also speed up the video.

[@hunnitdolladash]

This helped

[@sarahcouture24]

I don't know why people get all bent out of shape about labels? I like to be able to identify things and have a conceptualization of what they are to understand the world and and create a mental map of reality, and I'm sorry but labeling it kinda makes the organization process more streamlined... I was very relieved when I was diagnosed with BPD despite the stigma. It helped me know what the heck was going on with me. Ain't no shame in the label.

[@pityparty9955]

I can’t afford to pay for an official diagnosis. So I seek information all the time. All these points fit. Now what do I do? Can’t pay a therapist so must I remain miserable and confused?

[@ThomasHenley]

I think it’s a great idea to talk to other autistic people about their experiences. It’s true in the UK this stuff comes for free, I know it’s not like that in the US. Maybe watch a few more of my videos or listen to the podcast. I post stuff that has actually helped me deal with every aspect of being autistic, so I think they may help 😊 If worst comes to worst and you’re stuck, just message me on my social media’s, I’ll see how I can help

[@pityparty9955]

I’m an Aspie. Don’t want to talk. Want to DO.

[@TarkMcCoy]

Hey, J.J. Abrams payed big money for lens flairs like that!

[@missydavis6678]

What if after years (I'm 45), and lots of training, I changed? Learned some different ways than I had before? Am i still autistic?

[@ThomasHenley]

Autism is neurodevelopmental, so if you are autistic you will always be. It’s likely that you’ve learnt a lot of social skills, coping mechanisms etc… and have learnt to mask your autistic traits 😊

[@missydavis6678]

@@ThomasHenley I know...sometimes I just don't know where I belong.

[@avarie_9268]

Could someone have all these traits and be only hypersensitive? I relate a lot to people with asperger and I have certain traits but I don't think I don't understand people face expressions? Thank you:)

[@ThomasHenley]

Yeah of course! Many people can have traits of Autism, but not be inherently Autistic. I know many people who display more characteristics of Autism than even myself. The main thing to remember is that traits are manifestations of brain function, some can display them from personality types or from experience. In terms of internal cognition, which is what you are referring to by understanding facial expressions... well that it is usually a very Autism specific trait! But it’s not necessarily something people will see manifesting in yourself. Having a lack of understanding of facial expressions may impair social ability, but other traits like shyness can also do the same thing. It’s a lot about internal processes, and if you think like an Autistic you may fall somewhere on the spectrum. It’s just not enough to display characteristics of Autism, there needs to be some abnormality in how you perceive and think about things which expresses itself in behaviour. Hope this helps! 🤗

[@avarie_9268]

@@ThomasHenley It helps alot thank you:)

[@rustyk4645]

Everything except the Routine thing. I actually Hate routines: I try and do the same things a little bit differently every time! Maybe That's my Routine....🤔

[@dakotagenus5386]

I'm in luv

[@agnesagni]

Oh, shit! I had my earphones on and you bursted my eardrums in the first two seconds!!! Why do you have to do this? If you are looking for an audience who suspect they might have Aspergers, then you are well aware of the issue of sensory sensitivity. This feels like a brutal abuse to me, I am still shaking.

[@blasianboyxdful]

😮

[@dewagusti9437]

Have a cousin thats hellbent on me branded as autistic not because I fit the symptoms but its due to the fact that he heard someone who he wanted their respect so he agreed with them. Just saying that if you don't know what it is, it means you stop thinking about it because you don't know what it is

[@trevormolina6064]

The confident stereotype really hit home. I'm completely okay sitting home alone, diving into my favorite obsessions only to wake up back to reality remembering "Oh I have friends, I have a family, there are social expectations around me and people are requiring certain needs of me" and so on. And I generally am relatively joyful and content with life even though I definitely am a little different from others. So even though I can neglect the expectations of relationships, I generally tread lightly, and always be kind whilst staying in my own bubble as social activity's are incredibly transactional and tiring. I especially feel this with routine. If people want me to do something it generally has to be right when I wake up when I haven't decided what I'm going to be stuck doing for the rest of the day. Otherwise this can feel very debilitating and tiring. Like all the energy being sucked out of my soul lol.

[@DBGRIZZZ]

How about fast data input/output? Mental processing speed. I cannot sit through a you tube video (even yours) at normal speeds. I always use 1.25X or 1.5X speed. How about impatience in getting to the point? An aversion to "beating around the bush"? How about being such a good debater that you can virtually almost always destroy any opponent, using logic and analysis? How about noticing slight spelling and grammar errors in whatever you write, and you edit it to perfection, even after you post something? How about being extremely adherent to rules of grammar? In terms of logical analysis, how about the ability to break a concept apart, into its many components, and work your way through whatever issue that might be, to a happy conclusion (most of the time)? I imagine the subject of religion might be difficult for an Aspie...due to the many implied and subtle belief systems one is expected to believe in. So, what about over-analyzing religious doctrines? That probably falls into the category of over-analyzing any so-called grey area concepts, concepts that aren't provable by math and/or science. I have just described myself, and I am 3 days from turning 68, and the more I watch videos such as yours, the more I am becoming convinced that I am "one of you"--yet, since I have never been evaluated for this, I can't draw any absolute conclusions, but contemplating it all is very interesting--and entertainining too. Thoughts?

[@ThomasHenley]

Hey! I think each autistic person has they’re own skills... fast mental processing and data stuff has never really been forte for example. However, given my own space to think I can usually problem solve my way through anything I think the analysing of things like Religion is of particular interest to many autistic people. Religion is often quite perplexing to our logical minds, and our general aversion to social norms helps us analyse many things freely... sometimes things most people take for granted Honestly, you remind me of a man called Peter Baimbridge... he was recently diagnosed very late in life and would probably agree with a lot of things you’ve said. You kind find his interview on my channel if you have the time, and don’t hesitate to get in contact if you need more info or advice 🙌🏻

[@RHODZ3Y]

1️⃣✅2️⃣✅3️⃣✅4️⃣🅱️5️⃣✅ 6️⃣✅7️⃣✅8️⃣✅9️⃣✅🔟✅ You made number 4 multiple choice, so I technically didn’t get 10 😜

[@ThomasHenley]

It might sound fake but I was bothered about the multiple choice one as well! Good to hear from you 😊

[@emileedhouse8367]

bro you have the same skull features as me lol

[@paint_freckles]

Can you describe this"rage"

[@ThomasHenley]

What rage? Sorry this video was made a while ago! 😁

[@sneezn.cheekan8122]

9:16

[@jonesderbyshire8787]

Are autism and Aspergers the same thing?

[@turtleanton6539]

I think autistic obession is accurate😊😊😊😮

[@class66]

This is someone I know. What do I do? Shall I tell him...

[@ThomasHenley]

It can be difficult to tackle these situations, I think it depends on the type of person they are and the strength of the relationship you have with them. Maybe ask them if they are autistic and when they ask why you asked you could tell them you a watched a video on it. Obviously you gotta decide whether to or not, but if it’s the best interests of them and they are struggling with a lot of things it may help in the long run 💪🏻

[@class66]

@@ThomasHenley yeah tricky, he's survived 40 yrs so what's the trouble. He does get upset when I 'notice' habits he has like his flow in tasks and repetitive behaviours.. Now I kinda realise its normal for him and its the way he copes with life. Anxiety is a problem for him, he's always wanting to be somewhere else.. And clockwatching, even when 'relaxing'

[@elbanti]

Thinking, thinking, overthinking and more overthinking has kept me paralysed doing nothing for 47 years. Always wanted to start a business, still want to start a business, do you thinkI can START a business OMFG back to bed to watch videos about how to decide *everything involved in starting a business* and videos about why my brain wont do what’s required to start a business.... or anything in life! Ah. Bed. Doona. Snuggle snuggle safe internet-time-consuming cocoon.

[@ThomasHenley]

I emphasise with you greatly with the feeling of being overwhelmed all-day every-day. I definitely think you can start a business! It will take a lot of work, but if you do your research it's completely possible :) By the way I love you cover songs, you a great voice! Would you ever consider coming on the channel?

[@elbanti]

Aspergers Growth Oh my gosh thank you so much! Yes wow I’d definitely consider it, terrifying but one’s gotta grow right? Eek! Hehe.

[@stanleyhood4343]

I have found that my life is better without the meanies and the people who hate me.

[@ThomasHenley]

Power to you Stanley! There too many good people in the world to bother about about the arseholes 💪🏻

[@EricMeatlikeaking]

all the people that have aspergers sounds like they have a british accent. what is with that?

[@ThomasHenley]

Eric M I am British so that might be why! From my experience though, aspies can sound a bit posher or ‘intellectual’ sounding... now that may be because we like pronounce things clearly, but it could also be that we aren’t as good at picking up accents without effort on our part.

[@EricMeatlikeaking]

@@ThomasHenley oh ok so maybe all the aspergers i have seen on youtube really are british. but the other thing is that.... i just feel like if it is so common why is it not more widely known about and talked about???

[@The_Scouts_Code]

Intro too loud...

[@jdt8983]

i Sure hope I'm autistic - otherwise I have no excuse

[@rustyk4645]

😂 You Legend!

[@s0cializedpsych0path]

You should need to HAVE autism, to work with the autistic. It isn't a pathology, it's evolution. NTs INSIST on pathologizing it, out of a sense of narcissism. However, we have sharper senses, in fact, we sometimes have synesthesia, which sort of equates to an extra sense, we think more efficiently, we're more honest, we have the focus to make further advances in science today.... we are better than them, and they will never admit it... they can't. It's a grim reality to realize that your species is evolving, and you don't carry the new gene. However, when you consider the way they treat us when we're children, they sort of deserve their coming obsolescence.

[@rustyk4645]

Harsh. But Fair, in many ways 😁 I would say Autistic people carry more Neanderthal genes, thus are better suited to smaller groups. The Social Imagination of Homo Sapiens allowed organisation into groups of 500, but they needed to invent Imaginary Gods to do it. We do not suffer from those Illusions, but are thereby limited to groups of around 20.

[@Krillmyself1234]

Autism

[@CAM-fq8lv]

Thanks for this video. Helps us NTs understand our aspi partners. Aspis cannot lie. Impossible. This was my experience married to an aspi for 30 years.

[@dextersimmons9911]

to the T

[@Believe30]

Sorry, i can't understand what u r saying. For get it

[@sizlax]

"You shouldn't put labels on people" The same people: "We need infinite new genders to define and separate people!!!"

[@davef2975]

You are one of a sadly growing number of individuals that, based on your own diagnosis, have become a self proclaimed expert. Morally, you only have the right to expound on the traits you personally have and how they affect you. By people like you turning a diagnosis into small bullets, you are feeding a huge number of people who will suddenly falsely proclaim themselves on the spectrum, when in fact they are not! "Self Diagnosis" is not successfully accomplished my simply listening to a You Tube video or taking an online test. A fair and honest diagnosis is a very intense process that takes at least months ( or longer). First, there a MANY other things that have a large number of traits that are the same as ASD (ADHD being one). ADHD is NOT under the spectrum, even though almost all of it's traits are shared with Aspergers/ASD. So you you just rattled off to people also could be a diagnosis for a number of other issues. A very large percentage of people who Self Diagnose........GET IT WRONG! Hence there are a number of people walking around thinking they are Autistic and they are not. That is a very dangerous move! To get the help a person needs, they need to know the correct diagnosis. People honestly seeking answers or people looking for a trendy label just to get attention......there is a HUGEt problem of people believing all the false "experts." I ran into a lady the other day who walked up to me and boldly proclaimed "I have Female Aspergers!" and she went on to tell me how she watched all these videos on line and she related to them. WOW! There is just no where to start or deal with such people. She would not believe me that 1.) Aspergers is no longer a diagnosis (it went away in DSM-5) and the ASD criteria are very different than what was Aspergers in the DSM manual. 2.) There is no such thing as "Female Aspergers". Again, because of all the videos on You Tube talking about how women have be under or non diagnosed because they present traits a bit differently, she believed that there was obviously were female and male specific Aspergers. She is a classic example how all these "Are You Autistic" videos are dangerous. All said, it is a nice service to make people more aware of what ASD is and what it entails. However, it should be mandatory for all channels such as yours to open or close with a disclaimer that you are NOT an expert, your information should not be used to self diagnose and is for educational purposes only, and if you feel you may have ASD, you should seek professional advice. And yes, I am a person fully diagnosed with Asperger (under DSM-IV) and, currently taking part in a ASD program, reconfirmed as solidly on the ASD spectrum (Level 1). As such, I can and will only relate my traits and issues and how they affect ME. I ALWAYS tell people that EVERY person is unique and what impacts me may not impact them, and do not use my traits and challenges as their diagnosis. The same falls true for you. No one person has ALL of the ASD traits to the highest level! There are things with you that are mild, and some severe. So you using yourself as the yardstick for a diagnosis is fully wrong. Did you bother to tell people that there is ASD Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3? Did you bother to explain how some could fall under level 1 or level 2? Did you explain a person with ASD could have co-morbid issues not associated with ASD? Did you alert people that Aspergers/ Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of the most misdiagnosed disorder in the mental health community and more often ASD is diagnosed AFTER being misdiagnosed with many other things (it has replaced ADHD in that respect)? Do you know that statistically, only 61% of the time, when you receive a diagnosis, you will receive the same diagnosis when you go some place else? Hopefully our heart is in the right place and you simply took the wrong approach. But think carefully before tossing out info. Make sure your are speaking from YOUR experience, and there is a LOT more to diagnosing the watching You Tube.

[@ThomasHenley]

Dave F Look dude, if you checked out any of my other videos you’d know that I’m big on getting people to get an official diagnosis. Right at the start of the video I say that that these traits MAY suggest that you are on spectrum, they are the traits I’ve picked up on from my many years talking to autistic people and analysing myself. I never claim to be an expert, but i have done A LOT of research into Autism during my university degree. My mother is a special needs coordinator for a large part of North Yorkshire and writes a lot of the diagnostic and treatment guidelines for children. I’d encourage you to do a little more digging before you come up with these fairly inflammatory assumptions and accusations. KZbin is a platform that prioritises more relaxed and opinion based videos, people can always read off diagnostic traits with ease. The funny thing is I shot a video about the importance of getting a diagnosis only a few days ago. Just as you don’t think I’m being ‘moral’, I’d say grouping someone who spends their time trying to help others into the ‘problem’ and writing accusational KZbin comments without digging further isn’t too ‘moral’ either. You aren’t doing anything by annoying people in the comments section. If you really had motive to help others you’d be doing something a little more productive with your time and produce your own content. Easy to judge, not easy to do. Despite this, I hope you are having a good day. Just please ask questions and look more into what people are about before spreading negativity.

[@studon350]

Wow! Makes wild and inflammatory statements, accuses someone of pretending to be an expert and then basically goes on to do exactly that themselves! You need to refocus your energies and stop being so bitter. What is it that makes you the expert. I was more than happy with this video. I was interested to hear the observations of someone on the spectrum. Then I read through the comments. 99% were people relating etc. Then I came across this rant! Spewing references and venom. Obviously you have a chip on your shoulder? You should maybe check that on before you jump on the keyboard.

[@lauralejeune6733]

Ah yes, a woman walked over to you out of nowhere and just 'boldly claimed' she was autistic because she happened to watch a video such as the one you're shitting on. They say autistics lack imagination but this is a 10/10 for creativity, it's just not believable. Try again. Female autism does exist. You've just taken the term literally. It doesn't refer to a diagnosis, it's just a difference in traits to the classic ones we know about it males. 'Female aspergers' is just aspergers in females. Although aspergers no longer exists in the DSM anymore, it's not as if the name change erased the existence of the condition. Same condition, different name. You're being pedantic (or perhaps just taking this too literally due to no fault of your own?) but females on the spectrum do present differently. I'm actually getting assessed next month by psychiatrists who specialise in autism in females so no, it's not just KZbinrs. If it wasn't for channels such as Thomas's, I wouldn't have known about these traits to seek out this assessment. Awareness is incredibly important. Videos like this plant seeds and give us information to go off, at what point did Thomas say he was an expert or that he could diagnose anyone? He's sharing information, that's all. Without autistic KZbinrs, undiagnosed autistics would continue living difficult lives with no explanation of their difficulties. I don't know why you're so bothered by this anyway. Find a better hobby than being the gatekeeper of the autistic community.

[@simikatra3434]

Been waiting for over a year for adult ASD assessment, And if it wasn't for videos of actual autistics talking about their own lives and experiences I would not have the the knowledge, incite and courage to push for answers. I know who I am now, after many mental health diagnoses that never felt right. I now know. And I am very grateful to people like Thomas here, for helping me understand myself and in doing so other's, something I really struggle with but I'm learning.

[@rustyk4645]

Interesting Statistic at the end there: 61% of the time if a person diagnosed in one place went to another place, they'd be diagnosed differently.😮Wild! So this whole Field , like the theories behind many behavioural/neurological disorders, are not really Scientific or Consistent. My son was diagnosed with Autism, but I fully believe, had there been more slots for funding kids with ADHD, they would have steered the Diagnosis towards that. I went to my GP asking for a diagnosis on whether I was Autistic and they didn't even know what test to give me! Institutions manage these Labels according to practical and economic concerns, so I wouldn't get on a High Horse about who has TRUE CERTIFIED AUTISM and who is just Sef Diagnosed, because, as your statistics suggest, it's all quite Arbitrary anyway....

[@biancas.4717]

15:40 just made me subscribe 😄 (had already liked the video 😌) love your videos and your humor!! 💕 i'm still very much confused whether or not I could be autistic, over the years I have observed and learned so much that now I don't know anymore if I'm just masking my way through life or if I'm actually just an alien xD 🥲... also for like half of the things on this list I thought thats just normal for everyone 😅 anyone else?

[@markknutson4853]

If you've got it then what