AUTISTIC PEOPLE TALKING Ep. 11 PODCAST ft. Sam

Welcome to Ep.11 of Autistic People Talking - A #Podcast where #autistic people talk to each other. We celebrate #neurodiversity here.
Today's guest is Sam from the KZbin Channel ‪@YoSamdySam‬ - make sure to check out their content on their amazing channel! You won't be sorry!
Sam's Website: yosamdysam.com/
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Hi! I’m Claire, and this is my channel, Woodshed Theory. Here you will find the awkward ramblings of an adult autist. I love being creative and sharing my experiences with you. Subscribe to see more DIYs and Autism Discussions on your feed!
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[@sarahleony]

Eternally grateful to have randomly stumbled across Sam’s “Shy, lazy, weird” video a few years ago, because it literally, entirely, changed my life 💛

[@YoSamdySam]

Thank you ❤

[@AuDHDean-pu1nf]

I'm going to buy myself a cake when I get diagnosed. Thanks for the idea.

[@heedmydemands]

Oooo I want a cake

[@Catlily5]

I went out to dinner at a nicer than normal restaurant when I got diagnosed!

[@courtney9212]

Yes, we definitely deserve cake 🍰! And grace!

[@krystalestrella9098]

Thank you Claire for orchestrating this !! ❤

[@whitneymason406]

Sam's videos helped me figure out I'm autistic about 3 years ago. As a fellow parent of an autistic child, I appreciate her input. This was a great chat! Thank you both for sharing your experiences.💞

[@sarahleony]

Me too! Her video kickstarted it all

[@heedmydemands]

Yeah her and also Paul from Autism from the Inside, I relate with him very strongly

[@Imperfect_Eric]

It's so important for us all to give each other grace, thank you for continuing to preach 😊

[@courtney9212]

Amen!

[@leilap2495]

It’s so nice to see you both together! Ah, that “fake it ‘til you make it” does not work for me either. I agree that autistics with lower support needs are not taking away services from autistics with higher support needs. My son receives multiple services that I don’t need.

[@AliceBunny05]

It's also an interesting argument to make because, a decent portion of autistic people with lower support needs weren't/will not be diagnosed until they're 18 or older, and at least here in america, they don't offer any support services really for adults. the most you can really do is ask for accomodations at work and even then, that can quite literally threaten your job security if that work environment is volatile enough towards disability.

[@janinemills6732]

That was a lovely chat. Thanks ladies. Love from Shropshire UK ❤

[@Pete_1972]

Hi Claire and Sam. I need meaning in my life and I want to start a channel because I have a lot to say and advocate for 🌈 lgbt+ autistic people. I am not ready yet because I’m still processing my diagnosis. Watching content creators like you I realise it is a lot of work and emotionally and physically taxing. Let’s see how I feel in the future. Thanks for your hard work.

[@pikmin4743]

another great guest! I enjoy Sam's channel too

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks I was so excited to have her on the podcast

[@Mystaries]

Nice talk ladies. Especially as my ears pricked up hearing Amsterdam. I'm a 59 yo. English woman living in the Netherlands. I've just realised i'm autistic. Already have the Adhd, bi-polar(?) etc etc. 10 years ago. Have an app. scheduled next month for diagnosis. Feels like the last puzzle pieces falling into place. I thoroughly appreciate all you young ladies (compared to me) on you tube sharing your experiences & knowledge. It's helping me get my 'file' & life together.... Thankyou 🙏♥️, Michelle

[@roxanes43]

Priceless interview for the autism community (plus for those taking notes on starting a channel 😊). Sam was the first I encountered and heavily consumed her content while going through the diagnosis process. I think in the US where resources are tied to dollars, there are much stronger opinions about support needs and the supply/demand that impact all of us. So much good info from you - thanks so much!

[@KittyInTheGarden]

Two of my favourite KZbinrs in one virtual room 😊

[@shapeofsoup]

Sam! One of my first autistic creator subs! Heck yeah

[@ZSchrink]

37:20 - I feel like a slide whistle is what you were thinking of. But I think the end of the price is right losing horn would be amazing for that purpose!

[@Dogofjudah]

@42:50 As someone who is seen as 'higher functioning' I used to spend a lot of time volunteering to support those who would be seen as 'lesser functioning' or '2's and '3's, because If i'm incapable of/ struggle advocating for myself, I dread to think how hard it must be for them. The notion i'm taking away anything from them hurts, as if i'm struggling I couldn't fathom how much they are. But 3x0 is still 0, it'd be a start if there was any support for anyone.

[@courtney9212]

I feel similarly as a mom of an adult with much higher support needs. Like my needs aren't high enough to be valid.

[@whitneymason406]

@courtney9212 can relate! 💞

[@courtney9212]

@@whitneymason406 😊

[@Catlily5]

All levels are valid. Level 1's and some level 2's have high rates of suicide. People don't usually do that for no reason.

[@courtney9212]

@@Catlily5 it is so sad but true. I believe a lot of the folks in prisons and on the streets are on the spectrum and have been pushed way past what they are capable of.

[@JustMyAutisticalities]

Dear Claire, dear Sam, Thank you for this wonderful and insightful heart to heart Podcast! I've been feeling really down and in shutdown the last week and you both made me feel better just by listening to you and put a smile on my face. Thanks for the much needed encouragement. Sincerely, Ella ❤

[@BlueRoseHelen252]

What a lovely podcast, it's great to see both of you. Sam was a big part of me coming to the realisation that I am Autistic. I bought her book and I too have still not brought myself to fill it in because it's too pretty and I'd hate to ruin it, so instead I have a word document that works alongside it 😂... I love your discussion and I think that Claire your interview technique has a very relaxed, professional and cosy vibe. I think your channel is fun, relaxed and informative, and I always look forward to your videos. I hope you have a lovely and productive day. 😊

[@markb2084]

Thank you for a wonderful episode. Sam's book was the first one I bought when I began my journey towards diagnosis. It's still in pristine condition, everything was typed up so not to spoil it.

[@Catlily5]

I have that book too but I wrote in mine!

[@Pjolter365]

Amazing episode!, you two should do more co-labs together😁. Sam is so awesome. I have found a lot of validation and comfort in her channel during my Autism discovery and diagnosis prosess!.

[@lisabmpls]

I could not have loved this pod more! It was a bit like group therapy where I didn’t have to talk (yay!), a pep talk, and validation that the creative life is rewarding but not easy especially when some of it is done in the public eye. thank you both so much for getting together and sharing yourselves ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉 @YoSamdySam

[@lauraburystedmundsyoga8231]

Great chat! 💚 I'm SO anxious - I just got my appointment through for my first part of my autism assessment - it's on Wednesday!!! I've been on the waiting list for 27months & it doesn't quite feel real after so long waiting 😱

[@flyygurl18]

Fantastic discussion ladies: Sam’s channel was one of the earliest I found very supportive and enlightening at the beginning of my journey and Claire: I find your content and experiences very relatable. Really enjoyed learning about your perspectives as creators 🍀🙂

[@isabellammusic]

Thank you for this amazing talk! I'm so grateful for you talking about the book as well and I ordered it! I think it will be very helpful for me as I go through the evaluation process because I find it difficult to explain my experiences to strangers.

[@Catlily5]

I bought it and it was helpful for my diagnosis process.

[@David-ej9vv]

Amazing that you both put yourself out with real thoughts and feelings… certainly me through the diagnosis process. Carry on the good work.

[@RuiNa42]

The thing is... I feel like the times I heard I had adhd over and over not believing it was part of the path of me figuring it out. And I was never mad at anyone even when I didn't believe it. And the same goes for the drum beats indicating there was something more, that it was autism. Just because I didn't believe it at the time doesn't mean it wasn't part of the process. I'm grateful for the cumulative evidence. NOT that I think telling strangers they are autistic is a good idea. But I do feel like I should give a loving tap to someone I care about. Not even every one I care for. It is one of those things that needs discretion. And I know we aren't always good at that. I have one friend I think needs to know he is some kind of neurodivergent. Because I think he needs more support to be happy and successful. He kind of blew me off a little bit, which I outright told him he could do. But his NT brother who was initially more skeptical has started asking me more questions about my experience. I think he worries about his brother a lot.

[@lifetimeactor6789]

Great video. So helpful. Thanks! I think you guys are amazing.🙂 I don't think I have the energy or confidence to what you all are doing. Your videos are so helpful. I never knew I had this. No wonder my life is how it's been! I used to have "a life," but it sort of fell apart. I went to therapy and learned why some of why it happened, but could never figure out once I got in touch with my emotions, learned to process them, and learned to understand myself and others well enough, yet still felt too burned out to start pushing myself again to get out there and make a new life. This explains what's been going on with all the stress of being social. I got so tired of pushing myself all the time. I wondered why I felt like I was always trying to pretend I was "normal." (So that's masking)!! This AuDHD thing explains the reasons for all the stuff that never used to make sense. Maybe after I get more educated and re-upgrade my understanding of my life, and finish coming to terms with all this I'll give it another go (in a smaller way)... I don't know. Is this a pain in the ass, or what! ? 🤣

[@azcactusflower1]

Enjoyed the video 😊 Thank you!!! At 61 y.o., asking myself, "Should I get her book?" (So You Think You're Autistic) Might help with my imposter feelings even though I've taken tests online confirming ☕️😊

[@NeurodiverJENNt]

Wonderful conversation ladies and one that I definitely needed to hear... It spoke to me. SAM I wish I could go on that camping trip! Too bad Amsterdam is so far away!

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

Oh I want to so badly, but I have to do a lot of things before I can go on a journey, even if it is "just" for a longer weekend. @Simone Eppler is going and she wrote in our online group about it. I was thinking all the time it is only for A(u)DHD-entrepeneurs, so I didn´t see it as a possibility for me to take part. But if there is one next year I will definitly go. The program sounds very cool (just one or two things a day and a lot of free time to enjoy nature, have alonetime, hang out with people) and they do plantbased food (I am vegan).

[@sarahleony]

44:23 I think this specific discussion is often just miscommunicated. It’s not about level 1s taking away from level 2/3s. It’s: well as a level 1 what do you do to learn about the higher levels and what do you actively do to amplify their voices? A bit like “hey it’s great that you’re advocating for feminist issues but look around - are you only conversing with other white middle class women, or do you seek out input from more marginalized groups?” to make it intersectional. Not sure I explained this in a decent way 😅

[@PossumMedic]

It's so weird that some people think we want to label ourselves as the things they're bigoted towards... to be popular... 🤨🤪 What support are we taking from people? My Dr. just straight up told me there is no support for me... Another great episode! Thanks! 💜

[@nathanh6439]

"I still have my pajama pants on, so, nobody is going to see them." Um, Claire... There is a mirror behind you. Sorry, I am one of those people who looks at the entire picture. Anywho, another great talk. Sam is such a cool creator too.

[@WoodshedTheory]

This made me laugh! 🤣 I’m very aware about the mirror behind me for sure!

[@nathanh6439]

@@WoodshedTheory Always happy to help.

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

@@WoodshedTheory haha, me too reading it😂 (and I was not watching the mirror as I always focus on the colourfol yarn-cakes-shelf)

[@Catlily5]

Sam and Purple Ella were the first autistic afab creators I found on KZbin. I bought Sam's book. And wrote in it with many colors of pen. Purple, pink, blue etc. It was useful for my assessment.

[@Catlily5]

I took a 14 page report to my assessment that included stuff I wrote in Sam's book.

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

@@Catlily5 of cause😂

[@tamalthor697]

57:00 ❤ the journey is at your own pace. I’ve heard ‘going viral’ or growing too fast too soon can be very restrictive. It can put you in a box. My ‘tism loves routine, but my adhd craves nuance and permutations, and discovery (not recipe, per se). Keep going, keep giving yourself grace ❤

[@ashleyien1222]

😳 Is not normal to not want to write in a book or a pretty notebook? I can't write in pretty notebooks... Sam was one of the first people youtube sent me to (after Taylor) so I watched quite a lot of her videos. Very interesting talk!

[@messyjessyjade]

Another beautiful conversation, freaking love this podcast! Have my doagnosis now but no idea what to do with it and this really helps. Also I inow eberyone is chasing monetary siccess, myself included, but doing work you love and making a difference in peoples lives is a huge success!! 💚

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

It's out! Yeahy! I really, really, really like Sam so much! She was the first or one of the first that the algorythm brought to me with the autism-suggestion added to my already (later in life) diagnosed AD(H)D. And then a few monts ago introduced me to @Simone Eppler😊. Sam, I am so thankful for You! Will listen later, just awake (7a.m. here), but am exited to it. Thanks Claire for inviting her and all Your other cool guests😊

[@YoSamdySam]

😊

[@katzenbekloppt_mf]

@@YoSamdySam That´s a coincidence! NOW wanted to finally watch it and had just been on Simones Group board, haha. Told her to tell You once again at the camp(glamp) how much I appreciate Your work ☺

[@YoSamdySam]

@@katzenbekloppt_mf thank you so much

[@freecat1278]

It seems like you have to choose between providing something that people value or being super popular. Isn't that strange how that works?

[@faithcooper8935]

I wonder if part of the reason we feel like we are leading them or are imagining our lives is because we as females in the health services system have been gaslighted so many times.

[@krisscott4846]

Hi Claire and Sam! A bit late to the comments here as I've been super busy and this has been on my watch later for aaaages and have only just gotten around to watching, but anyways, thank you both so much for sharing this and you are both doing fantastic work in educating people about late diagnosed autism! I was diagnosed just last year at 42, and I wanted to give a Sam's book a very strong recommendation as it was super helpful during my diagnostic process interviews, and much more streamlined and easy to reference than the couple of notepads I had prepared before that!

[@WoodshedTheory]

thanks for your support

[@faithcooper8935]

As a glass child, I had to learn that my needs were just as important as my sisters who required more attention from my parents. Not realizing that earlier may be why I am still on the journey.

[@Catlily5]

What is a glass child?

[@krystalestrella9098]

How do we order your book 📕 Sam!? I might of missed that detail. I am so grateful I got to listen 🎧

[@WoodshedTheory]

It’s available on Amazon under Samantha Stein

[@NoLies17]

Totally just found your channel thanks to Orion's rant (sorry Jaymes) and I watched your channel name origin video. I've seen you in other videos but never connected your channel name to the type of content you produce. You didn't ask but if it helps, you may consider a second channel for specific content and keep this one for the daily life view. Or if you're able to, adjusting or adding a subtitle to your channel name. I also have a verbal processing delay, when on other channels, I may have missed either the name or the content description. You may consider using a formula for introducing or referencing you and your channel when you're collaborating with another channel. Something like name, content, channel, "so for my perspective on" content, "join me on" channel name. That way someone like me gets another chance to catch whatever I missed. You may even consider including a 5-10 second origin summary for your channel name. That video REALLY hit home and made it stick for me.

[@pLOVEheart7]

Maybe the videos that are less planned and organized aren't sometimes better because they are "simple", but because they appear more authentic? 🤔