What it's really like to have autism | Ethan Lisi

[Jon Mars]

"My inner feelings are unlimited, but my mind only lets me express extremes or nothing." That one line reveals a great deal for those of us with autism.

[Adapter Crash]

And schizophrenia might as well call them the same thing, super genius you mean a problem

[Snowcraft40]

Yes, it's the same with me. most of the time I'm numb. It's easier for me.

[Miles cunningham]

That line hit hard for me

[NidusFormicarum]

Yes. There is an unfinished peice for choir that includes the line "allting eller ingenting" meaning "everything or nothing".

[Jessica Roberts]

This. I can never articulate anything and it’s debilitating… but my inner mind is a world of feeling and vision and I struggle. So I like living there…

[Genderqueer Tears]

When he said “When I’m masking most of the time people don’t realize I’m autistic until I give them the Big Reveal” and then he does a little laugh as the crowd was silent, I laughed along with him and made me realize if it was a room full of autistic people we probably all would’ve giggled along because it’s almost like having to “come out” as autistic lol

[Blackloki]

Is it possible to be extremely social and still be autistic

[Wolfy 5Svn]

@Emma Oeliushe is the stereotypical autistic person…semi weird (to the rest of the world they’re calling it quirky) monotone (cuz its either extremes or nothing) white male and for him to have to explain that “its because i’m autistic” is redundant to the stereotype. normal society has zero understanding of what it means to be autistic cuz autism is a spectrum and we’re all unique on the spectrum just like all “normal people” are unique it creates an irony in itself thats just…speechless and funny to anyone that can see the redundancy.

[Ruth]

true

[Jessica Roberts]

I laughed too! And I don’t get many jokes…. I take them too literally

[filipeflower]

@Ellie #PutinsMommyNeverHuggedHim Your point being?

[Darien Superman]

“The main problem with being autistic in today’s society is that the world just isn’t built for us.” This destroys me everyday.

[Jacqueline Ohayon]

Same.

[Woodchipper Worshipper]

@YourLadBrennenell said. Diet won’t do anything but make um lose weight. Won’t stop sensory issues, won’t destroy special interests, won’t improvise eye contact

[Elizabeth Sorola]

AMEN! God bless Us.

[Emma Love]

I can definitely relate as I’m autistic myself and I have misunderstood and mistreated a lot.

[Christian Jones]

@Christian Schmid As a white, male, straight middle aged man all I want to say is... LOL WHAT???

[Winterbear🐻‍❄️]

I was bulliedin school, med school, residency because I didn’t fit in. They used to call me robot. Now I am a dermatologist! My autism helps me recognise pattern and help in diagnosing. I help patients by giving free treatments. People were not nice to me. I have been unhappy most of the time. But I am nice to people and I try to be positive.

[andi ..]

you are amazing

[Sy D]

Thank you gorgeous

[McGee Richardson]

I also saw his recommendation and approach Dr Oyalo for the herbs on KZbin. The herbs has so far work positive on my child’s eye contacts and speech improvement. My child social skill is good now and response to name has improved too

[MR]

@Winterbear🐻‍❄️ I had the same experience too in clinics and uni and the only hope that kept me living through it all was Bangtan.

[Winterbear🐻‍❄️]

Thank you everyone for saying such nice things. It makes me feel really happy inside. You are all very kind.

[Abu Huraira]

Autism means i miss what others catch And I catch what others miss

[Woodchipper Worshipper]

@Eva Rriskaa five year old IS a baby kid

[Woodchipper Worshipper]

@nah'meanthat’s why the spectrum is a fail. Autism shouldn’t just be one thing with varying severity. How does a slightly quirky smart person have anything in common who’s severely handicapped?

[Woodchipper Worshipper]

🙏

[Repent and Surrender]

Faxxx

[Jessica Roberts]

This!!!!!!

[Indigochild89]

As an autistic individual with ADHD diagnosed late because I’m female and a master of masking this was a very empowering. I was told I wouldn’t get far in life, I was lazy , too sensitive and self centred but here I am graduated with a 2:1 in psychology, awaiting to start my post grad and with the aim to become a clinical psychologist. Yes we think differently but we can also tech the world to understand us if they are willing to listen. I often get told I don’t look autistic because I don’t fit the stereotype.

[Nihilyte]

I’m looking to get diagnosed soon. It will be late (I’m 32) but this video opened up even more knowledge about myself. Many of my family think I am likely autistic but through environmental upbringing I’ve just overcame some of its challenges. Here I am just figuring out that those environmental challenges I’ve overcome is me masking, and to great effect. I am most certainly a master of masking, the average person who approaches me and talks to me would likely never know (and while undiagnosed as of yet, I doubt I’m high on the spectrum) but my family of course notices the small things that make it stand out. All of these videos is opening a painful window into how I’ve morphed my mind to work with the ‘normal’ world, and I do it well, but it’s to the detriment of my own mental well-being. It feels so horrible to display yourself differently from who you actually are.

[McGee Richardson]

There is permanent herbs to improve and heal autistim. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills. He is now verbal, responding to name and instructions

[King dsb]

Well your not alone

[Darren Debrecen]

Thank you for opening my eyes to see and my ears hear how my son thinks and feels.

[Darren Debrecen]

@Randy Smith thank you for replying, no and where can i pick it up or find it?

[stellaryellow]

My husband was just diagnosed with high functioning autism at 29 and I'm trying to learn everything I can to support him. Thanks for educating people on autism 💞

[Daniel Moore]

@ayon dash Being shy has nothing to do with autism. If you struggle to communicate with nonautistic people it's a sign you're autistic. If you are autistic you'll find it easier to communicate with other autistic people, it's called the "double empathy problem". Nonautistic people struggle to communicate with autistic people, it all goes in both directions. The truth actually is we don't know what autism is yet, what we do know is humanity will not survive without us.

[ayon dash]

@Daniel Moore i am very shy and can't communicate with others easily. am i autistic?

[Daniel Moore]

@Farid Khodaei I'll get back to you this afternoon as I'm busy for the next 6 hours.

[Farid Khodaei]

@Daniel Moore and his not attention to his name as well

[Farid Khodaei]

@Daniel Moore his 2 years old 3 months from 4 months ago He lose eye contact and Still not talking 😢

[Faisal]

"I actually have lots of empathy, I am just not good at showing it".

[zay jackson Tv]

@Mason Nix yes he was

[zay jackson Tv]

This comment happened right at the same time he said it

[SlowmoJo]

When I heard an explanation about cognitive empathy vs emotional empathy; yeah that was one of those light bulb moments for me. The other big one was masking.

[Steph Soo Hall]

When I was first diagnosed they said emotionless and lacked emotion and lacks empathy and I got mad I wanted to take the paper and rip it up. Inside I was screaming” you don’t know me! I’m not a robot!” I was feeling emotions and denial and took me a while to accept myself

[Turku mies]

I know this feeling all too well. When I am working and someone gives me a gift, I feel bad for not being able to let them know that I truly appreciate the gift. I just hope people would understand autistic people more, I know it will take some patience but we would appreciate it tremendously.

[Yannic Grawitter]

Being on the spectrum I can't fethom how much courage it must have taken Ethan to go on stage like this. Go Ethan!

[Raquel S.]

Pensei a mesma coisa, ele foi muito muito muito corajoso e confiante e falou muito bem. Também sou autista, e uma coisa simples como subir em um palco para alguns pode ser um desafio imenso para alguém com autismo. Eu jamais teria feito algo assim. Ele foi impressionante

[Reynard]

I have so much respect for Ethan.

[Prophecy]

Fathom*

[Cloud Kingdom]

Me too 😭 he’s so strong and awesome!

[Midean Stone]

He seems like a really nice person.

[Bolt-ActionBJJ]

You’ll find most people with an Autism diagnoses are some of the most kind hearted, caring individuals you’ll come across.

[spaceymonkeything]

most of us autistics are actually fairly pleasant

[filipeflower]

@Vanessa Milton Really? Can you tell us more?

[Vanessa Milton]

I went to high school with him, and he really is!

[MJ M]

“I may not think like you or act like you, but I'm still human and not diseased.” 👏🏾 Those who are actually autistic are awesome like this guy ❤️

[ColorfulSomething]

Maybe it's a bit inconvenient that he said "We don't think of it as a disease" because some people will say it's just his way of coping with the diagnosis. I actually learned that science itself says it's not a disease. It's a different neurological way of functioning, that is not curable BECAUSE it's not a disease. Just adding that. He's amazing for holding this speech

[Callme Rachel]

Fun fact: It’s often believed that more males are likely to have autism or Asperger’s than females. However, women are good at acting, covering up the symptoms. This can lead people to think it’s just a behavior problem, so many women are misdiagnosed or are diagnosed late.

[A.L.A]

Me. Recently diagnosed at 35. As are all 3 of my kids. 1 of those also have adhd like me. We are all different, yet similar.

[filipeflower]

@mydogeatspuke ...your point?

[Daniel Moore]

@mydogeatspuke Autism is primarily genetic, are you going to now tell me genes are not biological? They know with surety autism affects male and females variously, are you now going to tell me gender is not biological? Are you going to keep telling me the brain and nervous system have nothing to do with human biology? Are you going to tell me the biological approach in psychology is not biological even though it's called biopsychology? You clearly don't know what biology is according to what you've written, and you talk about being bias making you a hypocrite that you make the claim human biology has nothing to do with biology. There's overwhelming evidence through observance that gender is a variable, females being diagnosed at a later age compared to males is just one. One of the multiple reasons females are diagnosed later is because they are better at hiding their autism, numerous females have to have as many as 5 assessments before they receive an official diagnosis because during the assessment they hid their autism that the doctors couldn't see it. Perhaps you should read what I write before you respond, I quote; "the majority of females" Majority does not equal all females, so you're not very truthful considering how manipulative and misleading you are. Watch a Ted talk called "Copy and Paste" by an autistic girl.

[mydogeatspuke]

@Idont Care it's not just the cult of self diagnosed "neurodiversity" that do it. Most people with any kind of belief will favour "evidence" that confirms their belief and disregard anything that is critical of it as fringe or conspiracy. That's just what stupid people do, and most people are stupid. Some medical "science" (presumably you're talking about psychology as neurodevelopmental disorders generally fall under that umbrella, which is hardly a science, since it wasn't that long ago that doctors agreed women with a whole host of issues that would merit their own diagnoses now were hysterical because of a wandering, dehydrated uterus) is utterly bonkers and shouldn't be taken seriously, and doctors are people so they do still get things wrong and make mistakes. To think otherwise would be very naive. But yes, most groups that screech the same platitudes are no better and often demonstrably wrong in their beliefs. But they won't ever listen to sense.

[mydogeatspuke]

@Daniel Moore you claimed that men and women present and experience autism differently, and that this claim is backed up by "autism researchers and biologists." I'm not quite sure what a biologist would be doing looking at a neurodevelopmental disorder since there is no overlap in the fields, but anyone doing research would do well to speak with more than just those who confirm their biases. I am female, woman, sane, almost 40. I was diagnosed in my 30s. I scored 49 on the AQ50 (I believe the only one I didn't get a mark on was about teeth feeling strange in the morning, because I've always had poor dental hygiene and so my teeth always feel exactly the same), and scored very high/low on the sensory profile, way outside of averages. After roughly 8 hours of assessment with a clinical psychologist (none of which involved my family as some claim is necessary for assessment, which would exclude those like me who either do not have or are estranged from family) and another 40 or so with an occupational therapist, I was diagnosed. I always had all of the classic "male brain" symptoms, have always been "obsessive" and "obtuse," struggle to "let things go," "cold and uncaring," "robotic," etc. All things used to describe the "male presentation" of autism. I have never masked, never been able to lie to do so. Never wanted to lie, in fact I'm a chronic, compulsive truth teller. It's got me into a lot of trouble over the years. The problem with the Internet and social media at large is that anyone can diagnose themselves with anything by just watching a 20 second clip. The idea that someone could so convincingly "mask" their symptoms of autism that even those closest to them would struggle to accept a diagnosis is laughable. So many people live in a fantasy world, and so many doctors are easily mislead by manipulative people who've spend countless hours practicing how to "properly" answer questions and managed to delude themselves into believing this diagnosis is correct. Just like with all the "DID" patients in recent years. Many of whom btw have never experienced the kind of trauma necessary for that make believe disorder to manifest in the first place. At least with BPD you didn't need to be a Victim with a capital V, but that comes with so many negative stereotypes now that nobody wants the label anymore. A brain doesn't need to be identical, but official diagnostic criteria exist for a reason. All these "autistic girls" lists of perfectly normal human traits that have nothing at all to do with autism need to die in a fire. Alongside self diagnosis. Ridiculous.

[Trin Alexander]

I get overwhelmed with choices, i literally freeze up

[OX XY]

I have an autistic twin brother, and even though this guy is acting normal VERY well, I can tell hes not really being himself, and it's sad because the quirks of being autistic are some of the most fun and great things out there, and you cany know how true that is until you have someone really close to you like the brother who is my best friend. We share so many inside jokes and he is the most caring and sensitive person I know. It shocks and infuriates me that I've had people in my own family think he lacks emotion (by the way if you want to get in a fight with me all you gotta do is pick on my brother lol). It is so obvious that he just shows it differently. Great Ted talk

[Rachel Shazer]

"Some people think because of our ability to mask, that this is a cure to autism. However, all it really does it make us ashamed of showing our true selves" *Added to liked videos*

[Luna]

Yess also masking is so so so Turing It's like a fulltime job

[Flyboy]

Also, the 'mask' has to drop at some point because keeping it on is emotionally draining. In order to be a 'cure' it would have to be sustainable, indefinitely. And even then that only covers up a person's traits just enough to get by in a social setting. Social inadequacies are not necessarily even a big part of autism for some people.

[Potatoes in Drag]

From someone with autism, this is extremely encouraging to watch. It is true that autism is different for each person, but what makes us all the same is that we all misunderstood. I was diagnose with 5 different psych disorders, and psych meds are have adverse reactions with autistic people i soon found out. Most ant-psychotics, and depressants can have EPS, create ticks, random nerve firings, and worse yet can worsen the effects of the sensory overload associated with autism. We need more people like him, more research on autism so that those living with get the support they need not the harm it takes currently to get it.

[tranquil Nice]

to stand up on a stage is extremely hard for non autistic people and here he is doing it better than most i can assure you this is not easy for him

[Midad Elwaleed]

he's doing awesome!!! I have ADHD and I wouldn't be able to perform with this clarity and greatness

[Smegma Lasagna]

I can't quite agree with that. Autism is quite a broad thing. Symptoms vary.

[Eddie Ortiz]

He rubbed his hands on his pants a couple times to remove sweat

[Barbara Moran]

@Bella C I like getting spotlight too when I know I’m welcome I have been treated like autism poster child

[Summer]

I've never had issues with performing:/

[Natalie R]

i work with a lot of autistic and other neurodivergent kids and they have just as many strengths as weaknesses like everyone else!! i love the awareness this video has brought 👍

[filipeflower]

@Myra D Why does that matter to you?

[Myra D]

Is it your job? If yes, what is your job title?

[CyanideSprinkles]

Thank you for sharing this. You are loved.

[Blake Bramley]

The masking stuff made me tear up. I have autism and it takes everything in me to try and hide it. Most people when I tell them I have ASD, they almost don’t believe me because I’ve gotten so good at hiding it. I was bullied a lot when I was younger and I had to try to hide how I was in order to not get bullied as much.

[Metamorph 73]

I will be 48 tomorrow and I’m finally putting the pieces together and realizing I’m most likely high functioning autistic. Years ago one therapist mentioned me possibly being on the spectrum, but after I mentioned that to a family member and was shamed and told I believe everything people tell me and I’m not autistic, I pretty much shelved my idea of it. The family member only knew of the stereotypical form. I tried to explain that there is a spectrum but she wouldn’t listen. I can’t deny it now though because it basically makes my life experience make sense. I’m female and able to mask very well. Probably why I don’t have an official diagnosis. There were signs all my life. Went through stages of feeling odd, outcast to downright flawed as a human.

[Joseph Mitchell]

It's been a year, have you been diagnosed? How are you doing? ❤

[Ki]

I have a cousin who is autistic, and I always thought he was the coolest ! Funny dude. Sometimes he would have bursts of emotion. I understand now that’s just how he expresses himself and we shouldn’t try to restrict that.

[Myra D]

Can you give an example how burst of emotion looks like?

[Plasma_Ambassador]

I was diagnosed with autism when I was 8, and it helped my parents understand why I acted the way I did, I've never hide my autism because it's who I am and if someone doesn't like that, thinks im inferior to them, or thinks I'm a disease, who cares what they think, i know I'm not.

[filipeflower]

Well said. I'm also autistic.

[E S]

My four year old has been diagnosed levels 2 and 3 on the spectrum (3 being the highest). He is the happiest, kindest and most gentle child. He stims when he is excited and I love it, it’s a physical expression of how he is feeling. He has a significant speech delay and didn’t really speak until he was three, but he remembers the names of hundreds of species of animals and loves listing things. I’ve been told when he starts school the teachers will be making sure the kids know the alphabet and how to count to ten, my child has known both since he was 1 year old and currently can count up to 340. Amazing right? But if you asked him a question that we haven’t practiced (like what he ate today or what his favourite part of the day was) he won’t be able to answer you. My child is autistic, but he is just as wonderful and valid as any other child. My hope is that he makes some kind friends that love him and know to take the lead in the friendship, boss him around in a loving way because my son wants friends, he just doesn’t know how to talk to them

[kiamavani]

Same with my son..

[Théoden King]

Be careful. Please just accept him for who he is or you'll traumatize him. You have an advantage here knowing that he is autistic. Don't force him to mask.

[Python9383]

This guy is truly amazing and an inspiration to the ones with autism and even the ones who don’t have autism. I have autism and I can tell you if you were to talk to me, you wouldn’t be able to tell. There are things I hate about being autistic and when some people find out I have autism they treat me a bit differently and I hate it. I sometimes get “praised” for doing simple tasks, or I get talked to differently or I get the special treatment. I just want to be a normal, hard working individual who makes a decent earning just like everyone else and treated no differently than to the people who aren’t on the spectrum.

[muahxxmadison]

I’ve been looking for the words for feelings & empathy issues and holy crap “my inner feelings are unlimited, but my mind only lets me express extremes or nothing” nails it

[Trumpet222]

Wow I feel this. This explains a lot

[Kaitlyn Gilbert]

One of my best friends has Autism. She is one of the sweetest, funniest, and brilliant people that I know! People haven't always been kind to her. There is name calling and someone cussed at her for being interested in his pencil. She has her struggles, but she is just perfect the way she is! It's great to hear someone say it like it is, people with autism are human beings just like us. Just because the perceive the world differently doesn't give anyone an excuse to bully, shame, and make fun of!! "I am human and I am not diseased"! Amen brother!!❤❤

[JLBis hated by 99% of YT only Julian and Rhea like]

You’re really kind , thanks for giving us hope in the world

[Daniel Moore]

The problem is not Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD etc. The problem is society's rejection of diversity, society's fear of what they don't understand.

[Emma Love]

That is so true

[Jesus is Lord & Savior]

@Ellie #PutinsMommyNeverHuggedHim Don't have too much confidence in your own agency. Americans seem particularly prone to that error. No, you CANNOT determine your own destiny; you CANNOT invent your own set of FACTS. I think I addressed a similar comment earlier. Your initial statement, though it may sound amusingly erudite to your own ears, reveals the GROSS prejudice in your heart. A lot of these folks voted for Trump for one reason only, because he cast his lot with the anti-abortion movement. They used him, as he used them. I would recommend a more comprehensive pro-life platform involving GUN CONTROL but ALSO outlawing abortion-on-demand. Certainly NOT all Christians in the USA are Trump supporters. Nor are all Republicans btw. Former Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, a centrist and a believer, refused to have anything to do with the Trump movement. Besides, you FORGET about so many African-American pastors who are critical of Trump and what he represents. NEVER FORGET the role of the churches in the Abolitionist and Civil Rights movements. OK, I understand that young people today are interested in 'retro' politics, which may account for the rediscovery of Karl Marx. It's true that Marx sent a congratulatory telegram to Abraham Lincoln when Lincoln was re-elected in 1864. But Marx NEVER did any heavy lifting on behalf of social justice. The churches DID, and STILL DO. ........................................... Now it's not as though you didn't have 'idols' of your own. Whatever a person puts before God, that is his idol, functionally speaking. Clearly God does not interest you very much, so why are you caviling? Quite possibly never were part of the fold, if you think this way. Those who sit in pews are not sanctified thereby. Jesus said that unless one is 'born again' he/she cannot see the kingdom of God. Not to see is not to perceive and not to attain. Be sure that being 'born again' is a metaphor for spiritual regeneration, NOT a peculiarly culture-bound and quintessentially American expression of religious subculture!!! For the Bible does NOT mention America even once, not even obliquely. No, you Americans asre NOT the 'chosen people', though you often tell the rest of the world that you are, and send in troops uninvited to reinforce the point. I can understand why you would like the current guy in Rome, Mr. Bergoglio, because he is P.C. on most issues---------------being an ecclesiastical politician by trade. The theology of Mr. Bergoglio (a.k.a. 'Francis') is heretical, which should endear him to you. He has said that 'good atheists' may go to heaven. However Jesus, being God, has said that NO ONE is good except God. To think otherwise is extremely presumptuous. : (Romans 3:23) 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' (Psalm 53:1) 'The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice.' Gnosticism is all about the illusion of having 'special knowledge', of being a cut above the rest of humanity. It's the perfect religion for snobs.

[Jesus is Lord & Savior]

@Ellie #PutinsMommyNeverHuggedHim I do not live in the USA!! Attend to your own business as a country. Try to hold yourselves together if you can. Each 'side' has plenty for which to apologize, but I don't see people in a mood for apologies. I did study there, and was converted at that time (1982). I am by no means unacquainted with American Christianity. Your effort at simplistic reduction is ABSURD, given the ACTUAL cultural and subcultural DIVERSITY among American Christians. Don't forget that African-Americans have lively churches of their own, pillars of the community in fact---------------not to mention countless IMMIGRANT churches. Bear in mind that Christianity came from the JEWS, that Europe was originally PAGAN-----------besides which there is NO SUCH THING as a 'white race', from a scientific perspective. If you do not understand Christianity, you do not understand Fascism either. Try reading Zeev Sternhell (the Israeli historian) on this subject. Don't use the F-word as an epithet to LABEL whatever you find unacceptable. That's not political science. Republicans do the same with the S-word ('socialism'). It's plain silly. The essence of Fascism is the SUPREMACY of Government over ALL aspects of life, so that the interests of the Individual are submerged in the interests of the State. Check it out. Trump may want to be dictator, but that in itself does not make him a fascist! Xi Jinping of China is MUCH closer to the mark. Have you ever analyzed Chinese propaganda? Trump is not smart enough to have organized ideas about anything, political science and the Bible included. He just knows what 'works for him' and has no sense of 'fair play'. THIS is why he should be expelled from US politics, not because 'abortion rights' need protection. There are no 'abortion rights'; they are made up by humans to justify killing other humans, whose existence seems inconvenient. What needs to be respected is a woman's right to say 'no' to a man. But once she has said 'yes'. neither she nor the man have any 'right' to say NO to the child which 'accidentally' develops in the womb as a result. What is welfare for?? If a lady is abandoned, PAY her to keep her child to term. Make the rich pay. They have more than they need.

[Daniel Moore]

@Burning Frost 🔥 Ok, I’ll delete the response

[Jesus is Lord & Savior]

@Ellie #PutinsMommyNeverHuggedHim Remember His precept, 'by your standard of measure it will be measured to you.' He has not appointed you as Jude over the Church.

[Helen Patz-Perrone]

Thank you for informing everyone that we DO have empathy. Recently, someone close to me accused me of lacking empathy because of my autism, and not calling them for a few weeks

[Rainbow_T]

As an aspie myself I am very proud of this guy for making a stand, telling Norms about us and educating and raising points that need to be heard! You did amazing up there, be proud of yourself ❤️❤️

[Aspie Moto]

@Crit_DMG You would get your point across much more effectively if you told us why you feel the term Asperger's is so harmful instead of expecting us to research it based solely on your stated opinion. I find the term to be a helpful shortcut for identifying a set of traits or tendencies in a way that many (or perhaps most) people are familiar with. Sure, shortcuts usually have problems of their own, but I'm curious why you feel this one is so damaging. I'm also curious about specifically what damage you feel it causes. Sure, I *can* do my own research but because all of our lives are so busy these days, I'm not likely to unless I have a reason or motivator to.

[Dr_Doorknob]

@Crit_DMG Why is it harmful? I can’t find any reason, it’s just a name of a condition that many including myself live with.

[Crit_DMG]

hi um, could you not use the term "Asperger's"? it's really harmful and you can do a research for why. sorry I can't really write normally rn i want to sleep and am not a native speaker, hope u understand/nm

[David Gvir]

I see a good, sensitive person, whos struggling to fit in our weird, fast paced society we call normal.

[Katerina Mikaelson]

@Wolfy 5Svn Why are you telling me this?

[Wolfy 5Svn]

@Katerina Mikaelson🤣😂 autism is a spectrum disorder for social and communicative skills..sometimes it looks like adhd and sometimes it’s impactful to the point that they struggle intellectually. i know this because me and my brother are autistic and we both have aspergers 😂 which typically includes higher functioning which he received as mechanical skills and mine was being highly gifted intellectually.

[dusia]

yes im gonna cry yes

[Jimmy Fantage]

@Lorenzo Temussi weird comment

[Saurya Shrestha]

Autism is different tho.

[Zombie Chicken]

This chap expresses the challenges very well and is a joy to listen to.

[Don Winslow]

My nineteen-year old daughter is high-functioning autistic. I'm thankful to this brave, young man for sharing his story.

[Aspennie]

@Pardon My French I can live alone and be independent and feel like smashing my head into a wall. Autism is a spectrum. Every symptom is a spectrum.

[Pardon My French]

@Luna you have to watch out for yourself as well! I pick at my fingernails and skin around it, I think of it as more of self stim behaviors though. Just make sure you're not hurting yourself or bleeding, don't want to expose your body to harmful pathogens in the environment. Be well, my friend!

[Luna]

@Pardon My French true! I also had an exercice addictions and an*rexia just it felt like I störst could have control of something in this stressful unpredictable world ,and rn I have problems with skin picking and other stuff but atleast it doesn't harm others

[Pardon My French]

@Luna I think there are plenty of different ways to deal with stress. When I was about 10 years old, I would get super pissed and punch walls (that behavior was quickly punished naturally haha). But when I look back, not only was that not a good way to deal with things when upset, but it put my health at risk (I'm sure I fractured my hand at some point). We all have different coping mechanisms, but if said coping mechanisms put the individual or other's health at risk, then it might be time for some kind of replacement/intervention/counseling.

[Luna]

@Pardon My French personally i would be considered "high functioning" (though I don't like that label) but when I was younger I would dmsh My head into walls of vite myself,then I learned to mask and only vite My nails for eg or go to the bathtoom and cry when everything became too much

[Raylene Phillips]

You are wonderful! I’m a 50 year old woman who just realized I’m autistic. My daughter was diagnosed almost 20 years ago and it still never occurred to me until now. Miss diagnosed depression all these years. When you said my inner feelings are unlimited, but my mind only lets me express extremes. That resonated so deeply inside me. Your ongoing talk about not being defective just human, is exactly what someone needs to hear when they are realizing this about themselves. I’m so thankful I watched your video. You are incredible being, and I appreciate you for your words and your bravery.

[James Nicoll]

Diagnosed aged 54 , I find this so helpful. It brought a tear to my eye. Thank you so so much.

[JLBis hated by 99% of YT only Julian and Rhea like]

What kind of doctor or testing does this diagnosis?

[Felipe Jaramillo]

I was diagnosed 2 years ago when I was 51 years old and I feel the same as you.

[Paul Beaney]

I was misdiagnosed for a long time with bipolar. It was simply because i am incredibly good at masking and copying, no one saw the sheer stress this caused. I was considered very social but it was simply my ability to bounce off other people and steer a conversation through borderline intellectual manipulation. Im not proud of that.

[McGee Richardson]

There is permanent herbs to improve and heal autistim. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills. He is now verbal, responding to name and instructions

[Carmyopteryx]

My friend worked with low functioning autistic kids for many years. I understand what he is saying about not needing a cure or treatment, just acceptance. Sadly the children my friend worked with need around the clock supervision and some of their stims involve self harming behavior. I absolutely believe that finding a treatment to help them would greatly improve their quality of life.

[Claire Lesaffre]

It's because of society, for me it's not low functionning people... the "treatment" will be to live in an alternative community, with pairs that just give you the freedom you cannot ask for because the doctor thinks you are sick. Autists are kind and will be constraining themselve BY LOVE FOR HUMANS to give you what you want and try to "get better". One day I hope we can find each other and stop talking about diseases and anormality. Everyone deserves to be treated as an equal, and the only thing stopping that is fear and misunderstanding from the majority with th scalpels that calls itself "normality" when they're just different from us.

[Annie Harrison]

Low-functioning is not the PC term to use, either say high-support needs or low-support needs. I get helping them if they're seriously hurting themselves (and it does affect their quality of life). But autism is not a disease that needs to be cured. It's not always easy to deal with, but it's not a horrible thing.

[kevin w]

What a brave young man. Thank you for your story.

[Game Time]

I applaud this young man, he showed great courage to be on the stage, but his talk was an important one to make. We should all be more educated about autism and dispel myths and stereotypes.

[ATIS]

I can feel his genuine sweetness and it made me cry. My brother is the sweetest most content soul and I wish everyone could be like him.

[Chloe Ma]

Omg this is very related to me. I have autism too, and I do mask myself as a normal person. I am very sensitive and emotional,and I used to burst out often. When I am older,I started to worried about people will think I am a weirdo. Good thing is that I have friends who don't mind me acting different. So don't worry, I am fine.

[KinnikumanUpLoader01]

I really appreciate this man's explanation. If we took more time to understand what Autism is really like, we could learn something new.

[Annie Harrison]

I definitely relate to this. It's hard to remember that being autistic is not a bad thing when it's been beaten into your mind that you have to be normal to be considered successful and not a burden to society. I'm glad this guy isn't letting neurotypical people bring him down and acting like being neurodiverse is a bad thing. I respect people who don't want to have autism (because I feel that way too a lot) and we're not a monolith.

[Pippa - The British Acting Coach]

Fantastic talk - really insightful. Thank you!

[Dr Sermed Mezher]

The bravery and candour he displays in this talk give me goosebumps. Simply inspirational.

[aliciamosby]

On behalf of my daughters with Autism, Thank You! Thank you so much for sharing your perspective. It makes a difference!

[kingofyesterday]

What an incredible TED talk! I am proud of Ethan!

[Goobian]

I am a female with autism. I am a very nice person, very thoughtful and sensitive. But I have had to learn empathy in some forms. I used to be a flirt, not understanding why it was so inappropriate. i suffered consquences, and feel guilty thinking about saying things like that again. People would act uncomfortable, but not say anything. I couldn't read their body language, so I didn't know. Then, they would yell at me and say how inappropriate it was. When I would say I didn't know, they would act like I was playing dumb and act even more mad. But fortunately I can read people now and that problem is resolved. I am grateful for people that understand me. I always want to grow and learn. Sometimes the hard way is the only way to learn things.

[Rebelious Catlover]

I had this same problem as a teenager and I made people uncomfortable and some thought that I was doing this on purpose as a joke or something. While in reality I swear I didn't know what I was doing. I hated myself for it and started avoiding any interactions and it did give me some peace. People are just so fast to make judgements and it's overwhelming

[Surfer Rosa]

@mitchmarq42 mitch, that happens between us neurotypicals too. Human relations are extremely hard even if one doesn't have autism. In my experience, most people don't have enough empathy or intelligence and are too quick to anger and judge others negatively.

[mitchmarq42]

Even as a guy, I feel that so hard. You ask what you're doing wrong and they can't even comprehend that you don't just 'get it' and think it's some stupid joke.

[Arinee Berrinee]

@Muskaan Sinha This sounds interesting! Can you tell me more about it?

[Surfer Rosa]

@Danny Livas Danny!!! Sending you my best wishes, autism is a blessing in disguise

[Tia Ryan]

Ethan, thank you for this. This was raw and real. I'm learning about autism and how to help my son cope daily.. I don't wish to change him, but to ease his life.. great presentation.

[Mr Writer]

I’m 35 and beginning the journey to understanding autism. I’m not yet diagnosed but looking back on my life, everything now makes sense.

[Tony Bernardo]

Thank you for sharing. This is a good reminder that society is structured too rigidly and we need to make room for different forms of expression, feeling, and thinking. Normal is so overrated

[McGee Richardson]

There is permanent herbs to improve and heal autistim. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills. He is now verbal, responding to name and instructions

[Judd Bourne]

What a brave young man! He is giving a voice to all the heroes on the spectrum. So much more compassion from those who have autism than the people who consider themselves ordinary . Let these angels lead our country, we would have so much more.

[Cindy Dob]

I hate bright lights, loud noises and other overwhelming sensory. I am completely onboard for creating environments that are calm and less stressful.

[Jukeboxzero007]

It is my MISSION and GOAL to CREATE such a place.

[Jukeboxzero007]

I am with you on the creating environments calmer and less stressful. I never expected nor will I expect people to change their own systems and environments (that work for THEM) just because of a condition of a minority of people. To each their own, only there isn't (that I know of) a place FOR the 1% of people on the spectrum that focuses on BUILDING their talents and skills. The current system treats autism like a DISEASE or mental illness that needs to be TREATED or CONDITIONED OUT of society. What a dangerous precedent and/or misunderstanding that perception creates. How would they like it if their BRILLIANT and UNIQUE child was treated like psychopath or scurge on society, when basically they just want to LOVE and BE LOVED for WHO THEY ACTUALLY ARE. Not for what other people WANT them to be. Conditional love IS NOT LOVE. (Period)

[EpicVideos]

Nightclubs with bright lights, loud music and tight crowds are designed to give people a feeling of anonymity, being part of a larger group and ecstasy. That's what you need if you want people to dance away their thoughts. However, these are not the only kinds of parties - there are in fact many types. Often smaller more refined parties will have quieter music, more space, and a greater focus on conversation and food. Perhaps these are the kind of parties that someone with autism should attempt to seek out.

[Puss in Boots]

I absolutely loathe loud noises. I remember going to a birthday party for a family friend. I ended up surrounded by a bunch of rowdy drunks, and so my mom and her boyfriend(who was especially confused)found me in a barn by myself, headphones on, watching Beastars on my phone. So many voices, so much music, and combined with social awkwardness and no one who really shared my interests, talk about a recipe for disaster. I also brought a Stephen King novel with me just in case this happened.

[just another anime profile pic]

So glad my work has what they call the zen den, low lights, no noises, and the door is locked so no one can come get you until you are sure you can handle the world again

[Ashton Butler]

This video helped me have a better understanding of my condition. I’m still embryonic in the understanding of autism and how it may affect my life daily, but personal experience and videos like this help.

[Theekshana Bandara]

Thank you, Ethan. Thank you a lot. You made an inspiring speech. You are loved by everyone ❤️

[Maya Angelou]

Bravo ❤️ thank you - yes, spectrum of human being, not a disorder. I wish everyone would have so much empathy, kindness, & gentle attitude like you

[Pardon My French]

the "D" in ASD stands for disorder. Please do not glorify autism, I have seen the damage it does to individuals and families

[Mylene Correa]

Beautiful human being. Thank you for these words Ethan! -Mylene (parent of two humans living with autism)

[Adam J3ns3n 2.5.]

Thank you Ethan. I’m autistic and adult. I recently broke through my wall. Seeing left me in tears because i see myself thank you for articulating our pain and our world. Btw i got a sweet spinner dude. perfectly weighted. Take care Ethan.

[Lasnight]

It's nice to hear this message being spread, and all power to him for doing so, cuz it cannot be an easy thing to do. That being said, being someone who lives this experience day in and day out, this talk doesnt feel like it was directed to people like me (which, for the record, is fine) as all of this basically comes like common knowledge to me, though I am painfully aware of the fact it is not for most ppl.

[Disaffected Male]

ASD L1 here, I sing beautifully. Really well, I have perfect pitch. BUT I'm so socially inhibited that I can't even begin to think of allowing anyone else to hear me sing even though my entirely logical mind is well aware I'm pretty darn good. I struggle to mix with others enough to buy groceries so there's no chance I'd get up on a stage and show others what I can do. This guy has balls.

[McGee Richardson]

There is permanent herbs to improve and heal autistim. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills. He is now verbal, responding to name and instructions

[brightpage1020]

Thank you! Congratulations on a great presentation. What you said about feeling forced in certain situations to mask your coping mechanisms broke my heart for you. I hope the world comes to a better understanding soon, including the gifts, as well as the challenges… so you don’t feel so obligated to play by our rules. The analogy you made about PlayStation and X-Box was perfect. It really helped your idea click for me. I have a secret for you that you probably already know. Most folks I know - no matter what their particular challenge might be - feels the need or desire or pressure to mask at times who they really are inside for fear of being ostracized or worse. I hope the world gets more comfortable for everybody and stays authentic, less “party face”. I have a toddler son who will be tested soon. He is so sensitive and gets upset and cries if any other kid is crying until he sees us check on them and make sure they’re alright. We call him “the Sheepdog Brother”. It really helped me understand him when you talked about the extremes of emotion that you feel underneath because I can see that in him. A few nephews and a niece have been diagnosed and are a bit older and I’m so grateful they’re in our family because seeing how their families function give us some examples and some insight and preparation. I’d hate for them to be made to feel less than human. Thanks so much for sharing your perspective. Very brave. And very handsome hair indeed. Cheers to your success! May it prove to be one of many in the trajectory of a long, healthy life for you.

[LighterBird]

"I can't stand loud noises" "The world should also adapt to autistic people. Thank you" Audience: wooooooo *Loud clapping*

[Dylan Chylinski]

This is funny, but brief clapping an cheering for me wouldn’t trigger anything but a joyous burst in myself and I also believe it’s that way for most. Im not trying to speak for all my friends with the tism, just how I understand it from my own experience.

[Ruben]

@Levi Bull I am too, But you can see my profile that I'm jacked up 💪💪💪💪

[Ruben]

I love loud noises sometimes

[filipeflower]

@Daniel ...what?

[The Morning Sun]

sorry...

[Cosity]

Thank you Ethan, this was so well put and very educational!

[agerven]

Impressive talk Ethan, well done and thank you! I'm probably wrong, but thinking about it makes me feel that core autists are extreme in stimming, and so-called high-functional autists are trained and capable in masking. I hope that in future the world may adept and provide more and better opportunities for all people, regardless of how their brains work.

[Ken Makinen]

One thing to keep in mind is : If you meet one person with autism, you've met ONE person with autism. Everyone is different, and it's important to realise autism is used for huge range of people. Some are very successful and have great love lives, while others are devastated they can barely function. There can also be people with multiple diagnosed conditions. Some desperately do need a cure or some kind of treatment, others do not.The issues are complex, so it is essential to deal with the autistic as unique individuals and not make judgments or assumptions until you get to know them.

[Joseph Getachew]

My little brother suffers from autism, and sometimes it makes it kind of hard for me and my family to understand him. I even worried that some of my friends, who are non-autistic, would ridicule me for having a disabled brother. But this video shows me that autistic people have no disease within them; they’re natural humans like the non-autistic, but they view the world alternatively.

[Chris Gates]

I'm autistic and I describe it as I don't have a disability, I have a different ability. I can't do things that a neurotypical can, but then an NT can't do some of the things that I can. Your comment about how we view the world differently made me smile because that is exactly the words I use to describe my condition. I choose to see the world in a different way. You said it is hard for you and your family to understand your brother, but then we don't understand the world you live in. It is the same world, it is just our world is full of overloading sensory issues. Imagine putting on 4 different records all at the same time and trying to listen to one song. For us, it just blows our mind. Not understanding social cues or what people are saying: We literally take what you say as face value. If I said do you want to go for a coffee at some point, you might do the NT thing of sure, that would be great. This is a saying that works both ways, yeah that would be great, or no I don't want to go, but I am going to be polite. We just hear you want to go so we get excited because you want to go for a coffee with us. There is a lot more to it than that, but it hopefully gives you an idea of what it is like. As for your friends, if they ridicule you then, quite simply, they are not your friends. It is something that I have learnt over the past couple of years. I tried to fit into friendships because I was afraid of being alone, but then I realised why am I fitting myself to them? If they can't like me for being me, then they aren't the people I will call a friend.

[Jam G.]

@Joseph Getachew It's okay. You probably didn't realize how that could come acrossed. I just thought I'd mention that it bugged me.

[Joseph Getachew]

I guess I could’ve picked my word choice differently. Sorry if I have offended you.

[Jam G.]

I might be overthinking it a little bit but it doesn’t sound right to say “suffers from autism” to me. I personally don’t suffer because I’m autistic I “suffer” because of how people treat me for being different.

[Gina H20]

Thank you Ethan for sharing this with us and helping us understand.

[Marc Se7en]

Well said Ethan! A brilliant speech, and faultlessly delivered! What an interesting and amazing young man you are! I feel sure that your family are incredibly proud of you! Oh, and as you say, I see nice hair! 👍😂

[L G]

I am proud of you Ethan , and I am also thankful. You made me understand so many things .My daughter is been diagnosed at the age of 8 and I don't know how to feel... I think I am also autistic but I am here, I survived to this hostile world she is just beginning to discover this society and I am so scared

[Mary Flower]

Love your honesty and courage to talk about it openly. Thank you.

[Christian Funes]

He’s amazing. I myself would not have been able to give such a beautiful walkthrough demo or talk about Autism. Great job, I’m so impressed! 👏🏻

[Midnight Cat]

It’s weird. The majority of my friends are ASD and it’s so clear to me that they show TONS of empathy. It’s the neurotypical folk who lack empathy, IMO. They tend to be more disingenuous in showing their empathy. But again, everyone has different experiences with folk.

[Deb VW]

To stand in front of a room of people and be this vulnerable is a sign of great emotional intelligence. Thanks Ethan. This helped me understand a great deal.

[Kevin Morse]

Thanks for the video, Ethan. My son is 6 and is autistic and nonverbal. I love him more than anything in this world as he's sitting across the room laughing at something on his iPad.

[Citavalo]

I remember people just tossing the word around like an insult.

[Kono]

People in my class still do

[Sean Dafny]

@Azuliza Chan other people have autism too get over it

[Autumn]

people who I used to consider friends used to call me autism instead of autumn and it genuinely angered my soul

[Jarred42501]

It still kind of is, especially on the internet with some of the rather offensive memes.

[Zerman Man]

As someone who basically fits nearly all the “negative stereotypes” showed on the board on the beginning, I’ve been called autistic as an insult all too much

[Alba Chambers-farre]

My 14 yr old sister has autism and this Video really helped me, her and no doubt a lot of people. Best ted talk I’ve seen by far. Thankyou Ethan Lisi!!

[Meanwhile in Japan]

I masked for many years as a extrovert when I'm a introvert and now I accepted who I really am in my younger days words like autistic was a common insult thrown around often now I realize I'm just different and I'm not a mistake.

[filipeflower]

@Sloppy Joe You already spammed that comment too many times already.

[Lightningfun 64]

@Sloppy Joe they don’t use mercury in vaccines anymore

[Maemei]

I’m late seeing this video but thank you for expressing yourself. I’ve always wondered what’s going on inside my son’s mind who is 10 years old with autism. I’m not ashamed of his autism but I worry about his future sometimes. The only time and reason I would want him to learn to mask his autism because of others who don’t autism and it’s always been a huge fear of mine that he could become target of bullying. I see my son as unique tender-hearted individual, and seen a lot of growth in him over the years. I have high hopes he could become independent on his own later on. He too has much interest in electronics and public transit. When I hear of other’s stories with autism it gives me hope for my son’s future and to better understand him.

[Barbara Moran]

I was called mentally ill growing up and lived in worlds best institution for 7 years My behavior was called sick and I was blamed for my problems and told by Freudian doctor that I had chosen to be mentally ill I got autism diagnoses at 40 and it was like forgiveness I was blessed by a naturopath in my 30s who helped give me relief from extreme anxiety caused by exposure to medication given as part of my treatment I have one sister who has always taken me seriously No one else believed my sensory issues like her Masking sucks No one should have false self to be convenient for others

[Michelle Z]

I have been watching videos to understand my 14 year old daughter and to help her with her Autism,but now I am starting to think I am on the spectrum as well. I relate to so much of this.

[THE NOBLE ONE-33]

I almost felt like I was deaf in school cause I had below normal social skills. I knew then that I needed to learn about Autism. It has changed the way I look at my life and other people

[Inara Menduno]

This was a wonderful TED talk. Thanks for enlightening us

[Anna Olsen]

Great job! You are one of the amazing advocates for many who need clarification and need to do less apologizing for who they are. What makes you special, and unique and beautiful isn’t always recognized as such by those who misunderstand. So, maybe the people misunderstanding are the truly disabled.

[lbednaz]

As a special education/early childhood teacher since the days of segregation, when I insisted on having an integrated classroom of children, I have personally debated the issue of how much a child needed to "conform to the norm" and how much behavior should be accepted as long as not disruptive to the learning environment. All children have different strengths, weaknesses and learning styles. Children in my classroom might be laying on the floor under a table working independently, standing up during a circle group activity, wearing earplugs/buds playing music or blocking sound, etc. This hasn't always been completely approved by some principals, but most parents are OK because they see the positive effects! THERE IS NO NORMAL! NORMAL IS BORING. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT! Faster the world accepts this, the better the world will be!

[lbednaz]

@Erica TY

[Erica]

I'm so glad you are a teacher!!! I know there are some who think and teach like you, but I wish there were so many more ❤️

[filipeflower]

My point exactly. Thank you.

[Jochem Goede]

You are one of the heroes that make the world a better place. Don't stop what you are doing and don't let people tell you otherwise!👍

[Bonnie Steffes]

So far this has helped me tremendously in understanding Autism. My son is Autistic and is now 17 years old and I was unsure of a lot because I don't have contact with him due to a bad ending of a relationship with his father. It hurts not knowing what type of emotional distress this has put my son through to which I have been separated from him since the age of about 7 yrs. Old. Thanks for the knowledge and being so courageous to share your story.

[michael newell]

Hi I commend you on your courage. You are a wonderful young man. I have a granddaughter with autism. My heart goes out to you.

[Mary Sueper]

I appreciate hearing this young man’s story. I have had to put two and two together, after much consideration and research, and I determined that one of my brothers and my mom both were on the spectrum. Now I hope to find others from similar families, to talk with.

[Justice Needed]

I really hope he knows what an amazing job he did here

[Gretchen]

THANK YOU Ethan Lisi for speaking for those who cannot! Thank you for your poise and communication skills that I am sure were not a simple task for you to perform for us "normals" to understand. Thank you on behalf of my son. My son is also autistic. He is absolutely wonderful in every way. I have always hated that he walks the world with a target on his back and unable to clearly communicate with others. I know that he is capable but I also know that it is very difficult. I have to try and try and try to communicate with him at times. I know that the struggle is equal on his end of things also. More people in this world need to stop giving up on people who are autistic and discarding them as broken in some way. People fear what they do not understand. Thank you for helping many to understand. Thank you for choosing to put yourself out to the world.

[McGee Richardson]

get the best remedy to improve your child’s autistic condition from doctor Oyalo as his herbs have helped my child improve in speech and social skill very well. He now respond to name, point at what he wants and call mama/papa. God bless you doctor

[Colleen Carpenter]

Thank you for such a great talk! Three of my grandsons have autism and I’m trying to educate people.

[McGee Richardson]

There is permanent herbs to improve and heal autistim. It’s a medicine you can get from Dr Oyalo KZbin channel, his herbs have made my son improve perfectly in his speech and social skills. He is now verbal, responding to name and instructions

[Jon m]

As a former caregiver for people Ive worked with people with all sorts of mental constructs. You can have a person with disturbing or difficult behaviors, but yet have almost superhuman abilities. I've had clients that had hearts of gold, yet if you saw them public you would feel sorry for them and their parents. You shouldn't underestimate this part of the population, you shouldn't feel sorry for them. You should get to know them, it can change your whole perspective on life. Get involved.

[Edgeton Wolfe Drezwellington]

My whole 47 years of life I have lived with Asbergers Disease(a form of Autism), Turrets Syndrome, and Muscular Dystrophy. Most of life was very difficult around people, but I never gave up, and have continued helping others most my life. The ups and down each day is I am always alone with no friends or family support most days and I cannot drive or even own my own transportation, but I work hard on projects, learn everything I can, and very creative with Music and Art that I share each day, and still here writing this sharing my support to anyone with Autism. We are in this life together.

[Thal Blankson]

I have Autism and I love this speech. Its very hard to make friends and to learn complex materials. Yes I don't know body language very well but am learning it. I never talk to people unless they talk first and never laugh at their jokes.

[filipeflower]

@Syd Barger What do you mean?

[Abida Naqvi]

My son is three year old and diagnose with Autism ,,,, it mean he will speak nd can live normal life

[Vlado Milosevic]

This to me is like opening a window into a different world and helps me better understand a howle new level of wonderful people. Thank you for this Ethan, thank you.

[Mom on the Spectrum]

Thank you for being brave and sharing your story!

[Cristina Gutierrez]

Wow What a great person. I hope this video is going viral. I love the way he talks.

[Nery Fernanda]

AMEI, do fundo do meu core( coração) a palestra. Em um mundo em que as diferenças são vistas como algo problemático e fora do normal, são argumentos e experiências como essas, que nos permite enxergar muito além da nossas próprias limitações , principalmente como sociedade, comunidade e mundo.

[filipeflower]

Eu concordo. Cumprimentos de um autista de Portugal.

[Shane Steckelberg]

Thank you Ethan. I have a daughter that is "low functioning" per society and is in a special home today. Yet, she has exceptionally amazing skills and memory. She is so smart in many ways, but it is such a struggle to get her acclimated in the community.

[MacaroonPrincess]

Function labels are Outdated

[Yeontan]

I hate the terms “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” all it means is that the people with high-functioning autism don’t affect other people. Autism is not a line

[Pardon My French]

@Livvy Divvy How would you classify you, as an autistic, as opposed to the autistic who bites people, urinates and defecates on the wall, and punches themselves in the head all day? I am not trying to be mean, I am genuinely curious. Not all autistic individuals engage in the same amount of independence. Some, if left alone, would simply pass away over time

[Muskaan Sinha]

I'm researching on autism for a play. Can we connect over social media if you feel like it?

[Halo]

The “functioning” as I like to see it is the ability of the person to live on their own. No matter what even for high functioning such as myself can’t live a completely normal life as I don’t understand how certain things work. The main thing is that every person with autism has something that they are brilliant as such as mechanics, computers or maybe something like art, all that needs to happen is to find your skill.

[Cyril Lewis]

The Xbox and PlayStation analogy to having Autism was brilliant. Brave young man. 💯

[The Morning Sun]

@DCmastermind First that's awesome too bro.

[DCmastermind First]

Lol. you can do with practically anything. Like Apple and Android. both perform the same task yet operate completely differently.

[Ruby Rootless]

one thing confuses me: "we're not all socially awkward, have special interests/obsessions, don't have empathy... etc etc" "autism is not a disorder, we a re just different" You're right. Not all autistic people are socially awkward or interested in stuff like electronics, because that's something that's hard to be for people who are nonverbal and severly mentally handicapped. Autism isn't just HF-people. (high-functioning) It's a spectrum and everyone is different. Just like all other people. And even for HF people: We don't need to accomodate to everyone, but we do need more understanding. Don't clap when he says he can't stand loud noises. Try to look away if someone can't handle eye contact well. Educate school teachers. (which is what they are already doing here in Germany)