I don't have an autism spectrum diagnosis, but I identified with SO MUCH of how you described your experience, especially the part about being with too many people being draining. Thank you for sharing!
I was picked on ALL THE WAY through 7th Grade cause I have autism, and look at me now! Making good, butt-kicking, cartoons using MS Paint and Movie maker! Take THAT to those who teased me >:3
Wow, the eye movement is just like mine. I only look someone in the eyes maybe 1 second out of 7 seconds. I never maintain eye contact, and when I do on occasion, I only do so because every 7 or so seconds or so, my mind wanders back to the idea that eye contact is what talking people do.
Thanks for sharing your story. There are so many posts of young kids with autism, but not so many of older kids or adults, so it's good to hear about your experience. I don't have autism myself, but I'm aware that for people who are born with a condition considered different, it's difficult for them to imagine being what many people like to call "normal" because they don't know any different. The more time I spend with people & listening to them, the more I realise normal is over-rated!
I went my whole life not knowing that I was high finctioning autistic. I have been diagnosed with bi-polar and obsessive compolsive but not autism. Most people thought that I was normal, but I was always picked on. My step dad thought that I was a stupid kid ad hated me. I also prefer to be alone. I've had a hard life. I was a stripper because I couldn't hold down a job where I had to get along with people. Stripping was horrible because I had to talk to customers and I didn't know how.
i'm not into groups of people and lots of friends either. I found that one person who is all that i need but she has bipolar and she recently out of the blue left to stay with a coworker wtih no clear reason. she said she doesn't feel like we're a couple and with the bipolar idea seems typical after talking to a coworker who has a wife with bipolar. me having aspergers, if she doesn't come back it will take me years and years to find someone that i'm as comfortable as i am with her. if at all.
"No, you're not you're not a retard!" I've heard that from so many of my friends, if it's not THAT response the other response is pretty much avoiding me. Its best not to tell anybody unless a specific situation is a result caused by the autism, like if a friend is feeling ignored or if you're rocking and your friends bring it up to you etc
@EpicMandaChan1992 Kinda funny, after this so-called "friend" denied any chance of me having autism, she became more distant with me after that. To that I say, "Good Riddance." Real friends don't invalidate you or avoid you over silly labels.
wow it's refreshing to know that you're so upfront like that, although my feelings by people who don't sugar coat things often get hurt, I think it makes me stronger and more uncaring about what others think about me, my likes, and my humor. Thank you for this video, you are an outstanding individual.
On a side note, my younger cousin has high-functioning asperger's. I remember when I was living with them, (he was four years old) one morning, he goes to his parent's room and woke them up with all this talk of building a treehouse. Turns out, he wanted his dad's help, because he wasn't sure of how to build an incline plane correctly. haha
He also once explained to me EXACTLY how steam engines worked. He's awesome. :P
I think this is really important that you're doing this. Autism is really misunderstood, and if there were more people like you that would put yourselves out there, it would be way more understood.
My daughter is 14 and HFA and your video is one that I will be showing her. You should be proud. I hope she will want to make a video also to help people see who has Autism.
A lot of people don't believe me either and yet others treat me like an idiot. I do have those awkward pauses, I've gotten so much better with social skills because of years of therapy, and better at eye contact, but I do falter when I'm not feeling good or scared. My IQ is high. We do far better in academics. I was in honors English. I agree it's a difference in perception. I love learning. I don't like large crowds either. But I don't agree with not being social. I find people fascinating. :)
I think you have a lot of valid points. I am also on the high AS functioning.The word "retarded" and please forgive me for saying that should NEVER be used by anyone who knows nothing about AS because it is not in the majority. AS suffers can be blunt,bloody minded or rude. AS is not an illness it makes me the person I am at 31 I am not going to change. My friends accept me for it and if they can then the rest of the human race can deal with it. I am me why should I change to NT autism is a gift
A few months ago, my 5 year old brother was diagnosed as a high functioning autistic.
He's a very sweet kid and i have been worried and stressed about the quality of life he has to look forward to.
Seeing your video and your perspective has truly given me hope for him. You have alleviated pretty much all my fears to the point that I am now crying.
Firstly, you brought a huge smile to my face... I don't have any experience at all with Autism, but you have demolished any preconceived ignorant thought, I may have likely had about it, completely down. You are truly a beautiful thought provoking person, and I applaud your "this is me and I love it" attitude. As one post mentioned, being 'normal' is highly overrated, and I'd consider it a privilege to have even a fraction of your perception of life, through your eyes.
Thak you, you are Beautiful, my son, David has High Functioning Autism also. I understand and admire your Courage to speak about your symptoms. I know that my son will see your videos and he is not really feeling any Different than other kids. He feels Gifted as any human being.
Thank you so much for sharing! I have a 13 yr old son who is a High-Functioning Autistic Individual.. Almost word for word of what you are saying is my kid. Thank you thank you )
I just want to say that the fact that made this video displays courage and heart, and the video itself also showed your remarkable intelligence, even if it was scripted. I won't say that I can fully understand how you've experienced life, simply because I'm not a high functioning autistic. However, I can relate to what you've gone through a more than most because one of my siblings is a high functioning autistic.
First of all, thank you for sharing your experiences - it's always good to know about things like this.
Also,please note that the "normal" people we refer to are never normal. You're "issue" is just something that we don't see every day. This doesn't necessarily makes you weird.
So keep doing what you're doing! Best wishes, Geneive!
@HIvan1986 Oh, I know. :) In other videos, you occasionally see me say "normal" while making the quotation hand gesture, for that very reason. Everyone is different, whether they are Autistic or "neurotypical", or whatever other classification.
Wow, your verbal expression is amazing, and your vocabulary so nice. I keep observing the way you speak and think and I see so many common things to the way I am. I find it so hard to make people see what I see,I have always been finding difficult to make social relationships and I see the world in a way that people find strange. I always wanted to be checked for Asperger's syndrome but my parents refused. I did the AQ test and got a 30 out of 50, not sure what that means?
I'm 20 years old and I've never been talked to a lot by my parents about why I had to go to a psychiatrist or why I was so different.. Over the last few days I've been slowly realizing that I might be autistic...After watching you just talk about yourself and your experiences and even the way you talk...It just sorta hit me, I'm autistic. As you described yourself and the way you did it, you described me so accurately. I just wanted you to know you helped me in this small yet profound way.
Enjoyed your video, thank you for sharing. Just one thing, you keep comparing yourself to 'normal' people. Who is to say what is normal and not normal, You are obviously using parts of your brain which other people cant which makes your amazing and gifted x
I only use the very comparisons that other people have used about me my entire life. Without something to compare to, how can one define ASDs?
Indeed "Normal" is a relative term. In other videos, I use the quotation gesture when I refer to "Normal" people. In this context I mean people who don't have Autism or another neurological condition, people who would be considered neurologically typical.
In that aspect, I am proud of who I've grown to be, and I wouldn't want to be "Normal".
Absolutely informative! I have to use your videos for a psychology presentation. As a high functioning autistic , African Americam woman, it is necessary to inform others of that strange feeling when we try to fit in and don't. I have difficulty with speech at times and think in words that would awkward to use in the general public due to their non usage of them. I agree with you whole heartedly when you pretty much said that you don't want to be cured or fixed. I would not change a thing .
I have AS (Aspergers Syndrome), and I'm proud. I couldn't imagine my life any different. I'm logical, not affected by peer pressure, artistic, and I love everything about my "disability". I would much rather be my social awkward and fact obsessed self than be "normal".
I think what people find off-putting about you is that you speak very formally and with a robotic tone of voice... kind of like an answering machine. It would make me uncomfortable if someone was speaking to me like that.
@hippiechickie18 on the contrary,i think she speaks clearly, and properly and using the right vocabulary which is more important when someone speaks. Why would you feel uncomfortable just because someone speaks to you making no mistakes?????
I am a lot like you. I prefer a one one talking. It is too hard for me to consertrate on what a bunch of people are saying. I like to be about to focus on what people are saying. I tend to talk in one tone. My Mom says I sound like a computer talking cuz I of they way I talk and so fast. I too hate the way people react when I say I have autism. Cuz like you I too am very smart. When I say I have autism they to want to talk and treat me like I am retaded :'(
Thank you for posting this. You truly have learned what makes you satisfied in life, something I hope I can achieve. Something I believe in strongly is that you are not an "autistic person" but you are a "person with autism". You are a person first and foremost. I am happy though, to see you so involved and happy in life, I wish I could be like you!
I have always been interested about how people with autism preceive the world. This was very interesting and informative and I enjoyed watching both of your videos on this topic :)
@themangotangolime Hi there! I recently uploaded another video titled, "The way I communicate."
I don't know if you've watched it or not, but it provides more insight on how I communicate versus how "normal" people communicate. I think you might find it very interesting. :)
I am classified as a person with high functioning classic autism as well.
Somehow funny I think is how you descripe how other people think of autism, I face the same issues. Somethimes people even think I make a joke when I just tell that I have autism. It's like what you said, being diffrent but happy about it.
I would feel empty when I didnt know all the things I learned myself.
If you would ever like to chat with me, it would be appericiated.
i think you are unbelievebly smart. and i dont really see how someone could think of you as weird or retarded because you are definitely not by any means. well i subscribed and i hope too watch plenty of further videos
I'm ok with being in like a small group of friends, but for something like a family reunion, I will tend to usually stay in my own little bubble until it's time to play then I'll play with my cousins until i have had my fill. Especially around little kids, I kind of have a limit to how long i can handle being with them
Ha! Trust me, I know how you feel in a crowd. Even with friends, if the group gets too large I'll feel uncomfortable...and eye contact still bothers me to this day! Something about it is...intense, not necessarily negative, my mind just kind of halts for a second.
Although I'm not entirely shy. In fact, I do my best to make people feel comfortable. I catch on pretty quickly to an individual's mannerisms, from that its easy to see what behavior they find inviting. Hooray analytical minds!
hey can i ask a q to anyone that sees this. im pretty sure someone i know has asperges - is it insensitive to ask him and what is the liklihood that he knows whether he has it or not
I don't know if it would be a good idea to ask straight-up. It is very possible he might not be diagnosed and may not know he is in the spectrum, especially if his traits are very subtle.
I would try to gently breach the subject, just by discussing Aspergers in a general, roundabout way. Eventually suggest that you believe he shows characteristics of Aspergers, then ask him what he thinks of that.
@natarrlia I think it really depends on the person. It might make him feel awkward... or he might be happy to explain it to you. I suppose he could not be aware of it. I feel socially awkward and nervous all the time but I have no idea why. Perhaps I am on the high end of the spectrum? I don't know.
Holly cow - It is as I'm watching a video of myself... I look different, but everything else is almost scarry.
Wonder why I have never been diagnosed as a high-functioning ausistic in the 47 years. I've scored as high as 130 on IQ, but I communicate with people that has IQ of over 140 and upto over 160. Then I can't function at a personal leval...
Fantastic video! I am 53 and only just realised that the path of my life stems from High-functioning autism. In my youth there was no diagnoses, I was not disruptive never told anyone about the bullying, and I functioned. Being high IQ (136) help me to create a mechanism to cope and hide the issues I had.
So glad that today people can get help and understanding.
I also am diagnosted with high functioning autism, and i do recognise some of the things you bring up, like having troubles making eye contact (i usually get stressed or insecure), and finding social gatherings something i have to endure. I'm now following a study in constructional design, wich kind of fits the whole autistic bill - maths, creativity and insight. I'm curious how other people like you incorperate their autistic talents within everyday life as to gain more understanding.
I've been educating myself lately on the topic of autism and asperges and it's truly amazing how informative and helpful it is to hear first hand experience. This lady and her companions sharing their experiences and thoughts are so much more interesting and thought provoking than their typical shallow popularity seeking counterparts here on youtube.
My 8 year old son is autistic (high functioning). I am looking to get some insight into his condition. Praying that he will be able to live a "normal" life. You give me hope!!!
I took at look at your channel, very cute (and funny) boys!
Make sure to give your son plenty of understanding and firm guidance, so he can grow up happy and productive. I wish the best of luck to you and your sons!
@tashabeni Have you ever heard of Temple Grandin? She is an amazing woman with autism. She is currently a professor at CSU I believe... one of the universities in CO. There is also a movie about her life which is one of my favs.. and she has several videos on youtube including a lecture about the importance of the diversity of the human mind. There is hope! Never stop believing in your son and he will amaze you!
Hmm, I never really thought about it. Lolita style has always appealed to me, but I never actively set out to dress that way. Funny how it turns out that the things I like wear just happens to resemble lolita, lol.
I've kinda had to embrace lolita, I still get mistaken for a 15 year old even when I'm not dressed like a lolita...I'm 26 XD That's one of the benefits of ASD though...low coritisol and high HGH levels!
We have a tendency to subconciously migrate towards our likes and dislikes, that's probably why you do resemble a lolita. I've been told all the video games I purchase basically have the same cover...lol
Oh god you have had very similar things happen. People saying I'm too smart to be autistic or that I seem perfectly normal and fine because I behave in public. I tell them that I said I have autism, not low self esteem ;)
Exactly! After a whole childhood of public schooling and a mother in denial, I had to know how to go through the motions to avoid getting teased and/or harshly disciplined. Now with a lifetime of "acting", I can pass as NT for a brief period of time.
Thank you ever so much for sharing your life with the so many. My 12 year old son has Asperger's Syndrome and I was looking for a precise and direct video explanation to share with his teachers. Your videos are so perfect and you deliver my son's sentiments exactly! Congratulations on your engagement and keep being yourself. There are enough NTs messing up the world, celebrate being unique, paradigm shifting and out of the box! Also, you are very pretty! God bless.
Thank you for posting these videos! I think people looking for information on Autism will benefit a lot from your shared experiences. I am curious about your problems with social interaction. Do you think that your brain is just running too fast to pick up on the more subtle cues, or would you say that it just completely focuses on what is said and ignores all other stimuli? It must have been frustrating when you were younger - not picking up on sarcasm from other teenagers etc.
I tend to focus on the actual words being said rather than the way they are said. It always frustrated me when people would say something, and then get mad at me for not realizing that they meant something completely different. If that was the case, why didn't they just say what they meant in the first place?! I'm not a mind-reader.
My mind runs rather slowly when processing conversations. I work hard trying to listen to the actual words while simultaneously trying to decipher body language and tone of voice, while trying to maintain my own body language. It is draining. So I avoid social situations so I don't have to put myself through such stress.
@CleverGenevieve wow. that could be me saying that. i'm 34yrs old and just beginning medical systems diagnostic process. have been treated for most mental illnesses....since 16yrs of age. was not violent but was somehow misunderstood and diagnosed Schizophrenic, bi-polar, schizoeffective, Bord. personality, etc. was treated w/ psych meds thorazine, haldol, risperdal, plus antidepressants and 18yrs of benzodiazapine addiction. all prescribed, even though i never had a dignosis very long...
I'm autistic for sure. Everything that this wonderful woman says is true about me. Autistic people are amazing and I have never been around any of them in real life.
@bethcarliseh Are you sure you've never been around an Autie? There may be several that you might not know about right around you.
I couple of my good acquaintances from school are Autistic, and I didn't find out until a couple of years ago. But now that I look back, it was sooo obvious, no wonder we got along so well. :)
Hey clever I watched your video and you do some of the same things I do. We have alot in common as far as the facial expressions, eye contact, and socializing. And yes social interaction with alot of people can be stressful. But I love the way u carry yourself and u understand what u are and u feel good about it. I know im autistic also either high-functioning or something called aspergers which is about the same. I really liked your video and feel free to leave a comment on one that i Made.
I'm thinking that you could offer your assistance to an institution like Kennedy Kreiger or school systems that have special programming available to students with Autism. It really could be anything you want it to be. I envision you visiting programs and observing students engaged in their daily educational activities and making recommendations to teachers and program directors on how to improve those activities. I'm not sure how you'd get started though...
I wish you could become a speech pathologist's consultant and help us better understand how to provide interesting, engaging and meaning instructional opportunities for our students with autism. Do you think you could offer assistance with providing such instruction to students with various types of Autism (across the spectrum "high-functioning" through "low functioning")? Thank you for your fantastic post!
Again, I am grateful for your efforts to build better understanding of differences in information processing and priority of satisfaction between autistic individual and neurotypical individuals. You speak a slightly different dialect of English, and Western body language than most others around you, but it is still quite understandable after the realization of difference is made, or explained.
I find listening to you very easy, Your friend was ignorant, but I can completely understand why she said it.
You're clearly v intelligent, but does high functioning just mean in respect 2 communication? Does low functioning Autism only refer to the amount of communication they can have
AND ZOMG SWAN ON HEAD!
On what you said on group situations, I can only say that from my experience its all to do with how comfortable you are in those situations.
I believe High-Functioning means how well I can function by myself in society. If I wanted to, I could live independently just fine, without the help of guardians of therapists. I can communicate well if I try, and I don't have too many sensory issues.
Lower functioning autistics would find it more difficult to function in society without some help, or may not be able to live independently at all. This may be due to sensitivities, communication skills, etc.
Hey whitney, you are the 'best' example of HFA/ASP that i have seen.Some on here are too Normal, or too Autistic, but you are the perfect balance i think to show the world. I am 40 yr old male with ASP and i tend to think and speak in stilted fashion with weird pauses just like you, and tend to think and solve probs differently. This along with auditory learning probs has caused me to lose many jobs before i was finally diagnosed with ASP.
My whole life my family thought i was high functioning autistic. And I can understand why because of the symptoms that you listed, like social awkwardness, rocking, stuttering, repeating, stuff like that. But I was diagnosed with Dyspraxia and other things like ADD, and social and anxiety disorders, so I can see where they would get confused. I have a hard time communicating vocally though. But nevertheless, I can relate to you. People have also falsely assumed I was stupid too. Eccentricity :)
considered able to be a therapist. I know what you mean about communication with people as well, it is greatly difficult for me. I find you very inspiring, as I know there are others like me out there. My best friend is also my boyfriend, I have few close friends but even they don't competely understand me, only my boyfriend does. I would really like to message you sometime or something.
Assuming that means I am not autistic. I have alot of obsessions as you do as well, and I spend hours doing and researching different things, and alot of ritualistic behaviours that I have to do. I have more than one dream, mutiple ambitions and do not see why I cannot follow all of them. My main dream though is to be a dance therapist as I have one who has helped me greatly to express myself and help me express myself a little better. But I fear because of my conditions, I will never be
Sorry, I thought I would continue my comment on that video. I also know what you mean when people tell you you look normal and that they think nothing is wrong with you, I get that alot, but people who get to know me notice the symptoms more. For example, physically, I stutter, make random noises and twitch a lot. With my racing thoughts, I feel like something is taking over my brain and that I am not really here. I am also far too intelligent for my own good so I get alot of people assuming
@gasmbay me too...i am an introvert... well capable of keeping myself highly entertained and interested in whatever I am actually interested in...drained by too much time with others..
I didn't get any scholarships... I procrastinated signing up for any. Don't do what I did!
I would've continued, but I have run into some financial issues rendering it impossible to register for any classes. (Mom didn't file her taxes!)
So I'm waiting until after I'm married to continue school, so I can get better financial aid, and so I'm no longer considered "dependent" on my mother, and therefore don't have to provide her tax info.
Actually you're considered independent at the age of 25. So the year you are 24, file your fasfa and get your butt back into school :). Great video btw
thank you for posting this video. I have a sone who is high functioning autism. YOU are right there is nothing wrong you and my son you guys are different but definatly not less.
As an individual with ASD myself, I really appreciate this. It's always wonderful to hear about others who experience what I do! and High Functioning autism is SO fascinating! Thank you for getting your POV out here! :)
Thanks for posting this video. Like all great people you keep working on yourself to become the best you. I hope I can draw on your strength of character to meet my own challenges.
Thank you for your video today my son was diagnosed with mild to high functioning autism. He has high functioning autism because he has a normal IQ but mild autism also because of his severe joint attention among some other areas where he's a little lacking but to too bad. They told me they have high hopes for him. I like to see your video cause Im very curious how teenagers grow and have autism
Brilliant people (now called autistic by the mediocrity) have always been around us. There has always been eccentric minds among us, but nowadays they get stigmatizing labels and classified into insulting groups. The secret is that the real shame is in being a neurotypical. There is nothing special about a typical average mediocre mind. If not for so called, "autistics", we would have no brilliant artists, scientists, alchemists, engineers, philosophers and mathematicians.
@SageBodisattva hmm... I don't think turning 'neurotypical' into an insult is a way forward - two wrongs and all that... You go by "bodisattva" - more compassion would be required for you to really deserve the label.
I agree with you that 'eccentric genius' was what people who were on the high end of the spectrum were called in the past - and perhaps a return is warrented...but there are many very mundane autistic people as well.
There is absoutely nothing wrong with you! And being different it totally okay!! I'm a mother of a child who has hf autism and I don't want her to feel like all I'm trying to do is fix her. I love her just the way that she is!!
I very much enjoyed your video. I am learning what it is too have high functioning autism first hand and it is nice too see a lighter side. I have recently started a web site, not a great one, but just to get feeback from others who have high functioning autism. Check it out i hope to compare stories and try and see the lighter side of this situation.
Thank you! Your video touched many people who have higher functionioning autism. The society does not know anything when saying that someone like you do not seem to have it. I get that a lot too when I tell people that I have higher functioning autism. I can relate to your stories in both of the videos you have done. I really like what you said in this one about being a different individual and you really want to be and that is okay. It would suck if everyone is the same. Keep being positive.
I am quite neurotypical but you seem like you have it more together then I do. I have much to say but I cannot express what I really want to. I enjoyed your video and I hope you and your fiance can have a very happy life together.
Thank you so much! I would never want to change anything about my son whom has high functioning autistim. I think it hurts me more to know that people don't like him. They just don't see his humor like I do, and they don't see his rambling makes perfect sense to him. He is perfect to me, and your explanation enlighted me. I posted this vid on facebook, hoping that my 300 friends can watch you and be educated in some positive way. Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing. It's sometimes difficult for me to understand what it's like for my family member who has asperger's syndrome, though I'm always trying. I really appreciate your insights. Do you have sensitivies to sounds, textures, music, etc.?
Thank you so much for helping me to understand, and to help my loved one.
This is a great statement... very honest and real. I have Asperger's, and I've also had people comments that I seem pretty "normal" - it turns out that most people are ignorant and don't know enough about the Autism spectrum, so I find that I have to do a whole lot of explaining to do when discussing it. These days I only tell people when I feel its absolutely necessary.
But yeah... eccentricity is something that should be embraced - not feared!! =)
Word!! Like the slogan says, "It's a point of view; not an IQ!" Ditto the tedium of having to use the "sock puppet " of a neuro-typical facade in order to deal with them. In the (distant) past we were called "Changelings" and didn't do too well but in this Information Age I think we're better suited to deal with things than they are so why pretend to be them? Spotted the learned eye-contact and vocal tones right away. They're a pattern repeating every few minutes unlike NTs' "white noise".
I would never dream of speaking out about my autism the way you have. And I can really relate to you so, so much. Life's pretty tough for my at the moment because of my ASD and this has just made me feel...happy that there's others like me around the world who are doing alright. I may just start vlogin' now, too :D
4:24 That was GREAT LOL! My son is the same way. This was a wonderful video!!! I LOVED IT ! I LOVED IT! I LOVED IT!! Itwas encouraging and insightful. I enjoyed hearing what I already know about my own son, but at 13 is not quite as articulate yet. I also loved the bird :).
You are so adorable. I hopt that if I met you, you would want to be my friend. ;) I have started making videos about high functioning autism/aspergers. I would love it if you checked in on my progress every now and then.
I don't have an autism spectrum diagnosis, but I identified with SO MUCH of how you described your experience, especially the part about being with too many people being draining. Thank you for sharing!
RentDiffy 1 week ago
I was picked on ALL THE WAY through 7th Grade cause I have autism, and look at me now! Making good, butt-kicking, cartoons using MS Paint and Movie maker! Take THAT to those who teased me >:3
WackyBrothersHQ 3 weeks ago
Wow, the eye movement is just like mine. I only look someone in the eyes maybe 1 second out of 7 seconds. I never maintain eye contact, and when I do on occasion, I only do so because every 7 or so seconds or so, my mind wanders back to the idea that eye contact is what talking people do.
BallsInYourJawsBitch 1 month ago
you sound like a serial killer, It's a compliment. It gives you mistique. I think you sound beautiful.
Hid3sInsight 1 month ago
Thanks for sharing your story. There are so many posts of young kids with autism, but not so many of older kids or adults, so it's good to hear about your experience. I don't have autism myself, but I'm aware that for people who are born with a condition considered different, it's difficult for them to imagine being what many people like to call "normal" because they don't know any different. The more time I spend with people & listening to them, the more I realise normal is over-rated!
SuperMissblueeyes 1 month ago
I went my whole life not knowing that I was high finctioning autistic. I have been diagnosed with bi-polar and obsessive compolsive but not autism. Most people thought that I was normal, but I was always picked on. My step dad thought that I was a stupid kid ad hated me. I also prefer to be alone. I've had a hard life. I was a stripper because I couldn't hold down a job where I had to get along with people. Stripping was horrible because I had to talk to customers and I didn't know how.
waterfireist 1 month ago
Thank you, this has been very helpful to me:)
slimlumpy 2 months ago
i don't think you need to be fixed either. :o) virtual hugs to you! deb
debradebbiedeb 2 months ago
I remember her, she went to my school at Granby High!!!.
cobug1 2 months ago
Sexy sexy sexy ;)
babane09 3 months ago
Yeah, I'm not a big fan of more than four people in a setting as well. Too much to keep track of!
Myagooshki 3 months ago
I would hate to be neuro-typical
UnnamedThinker 3 months ago
keep your head up girl :) you're beautiful!
StepIntoTheSunx22 3 months ago
love the bird
jesuisravi 4 months ago
i'm not into groups of people and lots of friends either. I found that one person who is all that i need but she has bipolar and she recently out of the blue left to stay with a coworker wtih no clear reason. she said she doesn't feel like we're a couple and with the bipolar idea seems typical after talking to a coworker who has a wife with bipolar. me having aspergers, if she doesn't come back it will take me years and years to find someone that i'm as comfortable as i am with her. if at all.
myshihtzudontstink 4 months ago
Thank you, I am normal....
account2258 4 months ago
"No, you're not you're not a retard!" I've heard that from so many of my friends, if it's not THAT response the other response is pretty much avoiding me. Its best not to tell anybody unless a specific situation is a result caused by the autism, like if a friend is feeling ignored or if you're rocking and your friends bring it up to you etc
EpicMandaChan1992 4 months ago
@EpicMandaChan1992 Kinda funny, after this so-called "friend" denied any chance of me having autism, she became more distant with me after that. To that I say, "Good Riddance." Real friends don't invalidate you or avoid you over silly labels.
CleverGenevieve 4 months ago 6
wow it's refreshing to know that you're so upfront like that, although my feelings by people who don't sugar coat things often get hurt, I think it makes me stronger and more uncaring about what others think about me, my likes, and my humor. Thank you for this video, you are an outstanding individual.
narutoyondaime14 4 months ago
On a side note, my younger cousin has high-functioning asperger's. I remember when I was living with them, (he was four years old) one morning, he goes to his parent's room and woke them up with all this talk of building a treehouse. Turns out, he wanted his dad's help, because he wasn't sure of how to build an incline plane correctly. haha
He also once explained to me EXACTLY how steam engines worked. He's awesome. :P
schlieffenska 5 months ago
I think this is really important that you're doing this. Autism is really misunderstood, and if there were more people like you that would put yourselves out there, it would be way more understood.
schlieffenska 5 months ago
My daughter is 14 and HFA and your video is one that I will be showing her. You should be proud. I hope she will want to make a video also to help people see who has Autism.
Awareness4sz 5 months ago
A lot of people don't believe me either and yet others treat me like an idiot. I do have those awkward pauses, I've gotten so much better with social skills because of years of therapy, and better at eye contact, but I do falter when I'm not feeling good or scared. My IQ is high. We do far better in academics. I was in honors English. I agree it's a difference in perception. I love learning. I don't like large crowds either. But I don't agree with not being social. I find people fascinating. :)
WisdomAgreements 6 months ago
I think you have a lot of valid points. I am also on the high AS functioning.The word "retarded" and please forgive me for saying that should NEVER be used by anyone who knows nothing about AS because it is not in the majority. AS suffers can be blunt,bloody minded or rude. AS is not an illness it makes me the person I am at 31 I am not going to change. My friends accept me for it and if they can then the rest of the human race can deal with it. I am me why should I change to NT autism is a gift
OllieJCSmith 6 months ago
Very good video Genevieve. Autistic and attention deficit people are very gifted....which is something that 3d people have a hard time understanding
wayshower13 6 months ago
A few months ago, my 5 year old brother was diagnosed as a high functioning autistic.
He's a very sweet kid and i have been worried and stressed about the quality of life he has to look forward to.
Seeing your video and your perspective has truly given me hope for him. You have alleviated pretty much all my fears to the point that I am now crying.
Thank you.
MeestaEdd 6 months ago 2
6:30 - that's not an aspect of autism, that's just family! XD
Steelblade12345 6 months ago
You can be my friend.
AtheistKharm 6 months ago
You can be my friend.
Sardius12 6 months ago
Firstly, you brought a huge smile to my face... I don't have any experience at all with Autism, but you have demolished any preconceived ignorant thought, I may have likely had about it, completely down. You are truly a beautiful thought provoking person, and I applaud your "this is me and I love it" attitude. As one post mentioned, being 'normal' is highly overrated, and I'd consider it a privilege to have even a fraction of your perception of life, through your eyes.
Much love to you. <3
y2john 6 months ago
You are wonderfully articulate and have lovely mannerisms
Ise484 6 months ago
Thak you, you are Beautiful, my son, David has High Functioning Autism also. I understand and admire your Courage to speak about your symptoms. I know that my son will see your videos and he is not really feeling any Different than other kids. He feels Gifted as any human being.
USVet1973 6 months ago
Thank you so much for sharing! I have a 13 yr old son who is a High-Functioning Autistic Individual.. Almost word for word of what you are saying is my kid. Thank you thank you )
mhmanning 6 months ago
I just want to say that the fact that made this video displays courage and heart, and the video itself also showed your remarkable intelligence, even if it was scripted. I won't say that I can fully understand how you've experienced life, simply because I'm not a high functioning autistic. However, I can relate to what you've gone through a more than most because one of my siblings is a high functioning autistic.
God Bless
sharethefaith 6 months ago
First of all, thank you for sharing your experiences - it's always good to know about things like this.
Also,please note that the "normal" people we refer to are never normal. You're "issue" is just something that we don't see every day. This doesn't necessarily makes you weird.
So keep doing what you're doing! Best wishes, Geneive!
HIvan1986 6 months ago 6
@HIvan1986 Oh, I know. :) In other videos, you occasionally see me say "normal" while making the quotation hand gesture, for that very reason. Everyone is different, whether they are Autistic or "neurotypical", or whatever other classification.
CleverGenevieve 6 months ago
wow how inspiring!
askchauntel 6 months ago
Great vid. I like how you don't want to be like others or be "fixed". I am like that too.
sacredrealm 7 months ago
Wow, your verbal expression is amazing, and your vocabulary so nice. I keep observing the way you speak and think and I see so many common things to the way I am. I find it so hard to make people see what I see,I have always been finding difficult to make social relationships and I see the world in a way that people find strange. I always wanted to be checked for Asperger's syndrome but my parents refused. I did the AQ test and got a 30 out of 50, not sure what that means?
Crisalsera 8 months ago
Every name with the word "high" in it is good for me ;)
Metatronicus 8 months ago
I'm 20 years old and I've never been talked to a lot by my parents about why I had to go to a psychiatrist or why I was so different.. Over the last few days I've been slowly realizing that I might be autistic...After watching you just talk about yourself and your experiences and even the way you talk...It just sorta hit me, I'm autistic. As you described yourself and the way you did it, you described me so accurately. I just wanted you to know you helped me in this small yet profound way.
MonitorRat 8 months ago
Enjoyed your video, thank you for sharing. Just one thing, you keep comparing yourself to 'normal' people. Who is to say what is normal and not normal, You are obviously using parts of your brain which other people cant which makes your amazing and gifted x
RachesZumba 8 months ago 3
@RachesZumba
I only use the very comparisons that other people have used about me my entire life. Without something to compare to, how can one define ASDs?
Indeed "Normal" is a relative term. In other videos, I use the quotation gesture when I refer to "Normal" people. In this context I mean people who don't have Autism or another neurological condition, people who would be considered neurologically typical.
In that aspect, I am proud of who I've grown to be, and I wouldn't want to be "Normal".
CleverGenevieve 8 months ago
Absolutely informative! I have to use your videos for a psychology presentation. As a high functioning autistic , African Americam woman, it is necessary to inform others of that strange feeling when we try to fit in and don't. I have difficulty with speech at times and think in words that would awkward to use in the general public due to their non usage of them. I agree with you whole heartedly when you pretty much said that you don't want to be cured or fixed. I would not change a thing .
TheNayeli8888 9 months ago
I have AS (Aspergers Syndrome), and I'm proud. I couldn't imagine my life any different. I'm logical, not affected by peer pressure, artistic, and I love everything about my "disability". I would much rather be my social awkward and fact obsessed self than be "normal".
rachelsaunicorn 9 months ago
I think what people find off-putting about you is that you speak very formally and with a robotic tone of voice... kind of like an answering machine. It would make me uncomfortable if someone was speaking to me like that.
hippiechickie18 9 months ago
@hippiechickie18 on the contrary,i think she speaks clearly, and properly and using the right vocabulary which is more important when someone speaks. Why would you feel uncomfortable just because someone speaks to you making no mistakes?????
Crisalsera 8 months ago
I am a lot like you. I prefer a one one talking. It is too hard for me to consertrate on what a bunch of people are saying. I like to be about to focus on what people are saying. I tend to talk in one tone. My Mom says I sound like a computer talking cuz I of they way I talk and so fast. I too hate the way people react when I say I have autism. Cuz like you I too am very smart. When I say I have autism they to want to talk and treat me like I am retaded :'(
Anime2NIght 10 months ago
So when do you think your theory disproving quantum mechanics will be done? jk
KenMacMillan 10 months ago
A great speech. I to have HFA, the Asperger's type. I am also a folk musician/singer/songwriter, I wrote 4 autism awareness songs.
You are very right; Autism or HFA (does not equal) retardation or MR.
Middle ager with AS; autism or asperger's was not understood well in my generation; (near the Temple Grandin generation).
healthmusic 10 months ago
You are so awesome! and I feel the same-too many friends is a lot of work! All you really need is that one special person in your life <3
KatieRam 10 months ago
Thank you for posting this. You truly have learned what makes you satisfied in life, something I hope I can achieve. Something I believe in strongly is that you are not an "autistic person" but you are a "person with autism". You are a person first and foremost. I am happy though, to see you so involved and happy in life, I wish I could be like you!
Orenjiday 11 months ago
I think your amazing , and brave , i wouldn't be able to do that. AMEN sister !!! don't let anyone get you down !!
coldplaylouise 1 year ago
versta,jy,het,engels,litterly,was,het,jlit,zien,papa,heeft,het,jy,ook,omwille,anonimiteit,no,more,words,ok,ze,praat,wys
mollysangelique 1 year ago
@mollysangelique wtf gast
Holland1994D 8 months ago
is,het,ik,toen,las,papa,heeft,het,lieverd,jy,ook,zoiets,
mollysangelique 1 year ago
nice bird
Millerman828 1 year ago
I have always been interested about how people with autism preceive the world. This was very interesting and informative and I enjoyed watching both of your videos on this topic :)
themangotangolime 1 year ago 3
@themangotangolime Hi there! I recently uploaded another video titled, "The way I communicate."
I don't know if you've watched it or not, but it provides more insight on how I communicate versus how "normal" people communicate. I think you might find it very interesting. :)
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
You have a great expression and a wonderful expression in your eyes. Came over this video by accident, and I wish all the best for you.
Sinekyre14 1 year ago
Shalom Genevieve,
I am classified as a person with high functioning classic autism as well.
Somehow funny I think is how you descripe how other people think of autism, I face the same issues. Somethimes people even think I make a joke when I just tell that I have autism. It's like what you said, being diffrent but happy about it.
I would feel empty when I didnt know all the things I learned myself.
If you would ever like to chat with me, it would be appericiated.
tallittallit 1 year ago
i think you are unbelievebly smart. and i dont really see how someone could think of you as weird or retarded because you are definitely not by any means. well i subscribed and i hope too watch plenty of further videos
thanks,
Anthony
thesk8master 1 year ago
I love to do research too espeacially on genetically modified food, nutritions role in cancer, and Monsanto
nikkilovesdustie 1 year ago
You are so articulate! I bet you would be great at public speaking :)
nikkilovesdustie 1 year ago
@nikkilovesdustie Only if I had a script in front of me at all times. I would be too nervous to remember my words otherwise!
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
I'm ok with being in like a small group of friends, but for something like a family reunion, I will tend to usually stay in my own little bubble until it's time to play then I'll play with my cousins until i have had my fill. Especially around little kids, I kind of have a limit to how long i can handle being with them
yamiyugifangirl 1 year ago
Hi Just watched your video you give a very interesting account of how your Autism effects you and how you see your Autism. :-)
TheIsaacs22 1 year ago
Ha! Trust me, I know how you feel in a crowd. Even with friends, if the group gets too large I'll feel uncomfortable...and eye contact still bothers me to this day! Something about it is...intense, not necessarily negative, my mind just kind of halts for a second.
Although I'm not entirely shy. In fact, I do my best to make people feel comfortable. I catch on pretty quickly to an individual's mannerisms, from that its easy to see what behavior they find inviting. Hooray analytical minds!
Blargh45 1 year ago
hey can i ask a q to anyone that sees this. im pretty sure someone i know has asperges - is it insensitive to ask him and what is the liklihood that he knows whether he has it or not
natarrlia 1 year ago
@natarrlia
I don't know if it would be a good idea to ask straight-up. It is very possible he might not be diagnosed and may not know he is in the spectrum, especially if his traits are very subtle.
I would try to gently breach the subject, just by discussing Aspergers in a general, roundabout way. Eventually suggest that you believe he shows characteristics of Aspergers, then ask him what he thinks of that.
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
@natarrlia I think it really depends on the person. It might make him feel awkward... or he might be happy to explain it to you. I suppose he could not be aware of it. I feel socially awkward and nervous all the time but I have no idea why. Perhaps I am on the high end of the spectrum? I don't know.
nikkilovesdustie 1 year ago
Holly cow - It is as I'm watching a video of myself... I look different, but everything else is almost scarry.
Wonder why I have never been diagnosed as a high-functioning ausistic in the 47 years. I've scored as high as 130 on IQ, but I communicate with people that has IQ of over 140 and upto over 160. Then I can't function at a personal leval...
cyclenut 1 year ago
Fantastic video! I am 53 and only just realised that the path of my life stems from High-functioning autism. In my youth there was no diagnoses, I was not disruptive never told anyone about the bullying, and I functioned. Being high IQ (136) help me to create a mechanism to cope and hide the issues I had.
So glad that today people can get help and understanding.
timytoad 1 year ago
you are awesome!
jazzmine269 1 year ago
I also am diagnosted with high functioning autism, and i do recognise some of the things you bring up, like having troubles making eye contact (i usually get stressed or insecure), and finding social gatherings something i have to endure. I'm now following a study in constructional design, wich kind of fits the whole autistic bill - maths, creativity and insight. I'm curious how other people like you incorperate their autistic talents within everyday life as to gain more understanding.
chanceopinion 1 year ago
I've been educating myself lately on the topic of autism and asperges and it's truly amazing how informative and helpful it is to hear first hand experience. This lady and her companions sharing their experiences and thoughts are so much more interesting and thought provoking than their typical shallow popularity seeking counterparts here on youtube.
theeggwoman 1 year ago
Wow, you're really incredible. Your video was a really refreshing view on something that most people don't even care to understand.
And I freaking love the goose!!!
lindsey11097 1 year ago
Awesome.
conorpacman 1 year ago
synonymous with, not to.
icaleod 1 year ago
@icaleod
Ah, thank you! I noticed that too. It always irks me when I make a grammatical mistake.
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
@CleverGenevieve me too.
icaleod 1 year ago
Thanks for this video! How old are you?
My 8 year old son is autistic (high functioning). I am looking to get some insight into his condition. Praying that he will be able to live a "normal" life. You give me hope!!!
tashabeni 1 year ago
@tashabeni I am now 20 years old.
I took at look at your channel, very cute (and funny) boys!
Make sure to give your son plenty of understanding and firm guidance, so he can grow up happy and productive. I wish the best of luck to you and your sons!
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
@tashabeni Have you ever heard of Temple Grandin? She is an amazing woman with autism. She is currently a professor at CSU I believe... one of the universities in CO. There is also a movie about her life which is one of my favs.. and she has several videos on youtube including a lecture about the importance of the diversity of the human mind. There is hope! Never stop believing in your son and he will amaze you!
nikkilovesdustie 1 year ago
you are fabulous.
christinaryan88 1 year ago
Oh also, your clothing seems very lolita. I am on the spectrum and I'm a lolita too!
faeryshivers 1 year ago
@faeryshivers
Hmm, I never really thought about it. Lolita style has always appealed to me, but I never actively set out to dress that way. Funny how it turns out that the things I like wear just happens to resemble lolita, lol.
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
@CleverGenevieve
I've kinda had to embrace lolita, I still get mistaken for a 15 year old even when I'm not dressed like a lolita...I'm 26 XD That's one of the benefits of ASD though...low coritisol and high HGH levels!
We have a tendency to subconciously migrate towards our likes and dislikes, that's probably why you do resemble a lolita. I've been told all the video games I purchase basically have the same cover...lol
faeryshivers 1 year ago
Oh god you have had very similar things happen. People saying I'm too smart to be autistic or that I seem perfectly normal and fine because I behave in public. I tell them that I said I have autism, not low self esteem ;)
faeryshivers 1 year ago
Ugh I hate when people say I look normal or I seem to be perfectly fine. A lot of adults with ASD learn how to "act"
faeryshivers 1 year ago
@faeryshivers
Exactly! After a whole childhood of public schooling and a mother in denial, I had to know how to go through the motions to avoid getting teased and/or harshly disciplined. Now with a lifetime of "acting", I can pass as NT for a brief period of time.
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
@CleverGenevieve
Same here, I am VERY uncomfortable with people looking directly into my eyes but I learn to tolerate it when I absolutely need to.
faeryshivers 1 year ago
Thank you ever so much for sharing your life with the so many. My 12 year old son has Asperger's Syndrome and I was looking for a precise and direct video explanation to share with his teachers. Your videos are so perfect and you deliver my son's sentiments exactly! Congratulations on your engagement and keep being yourself. There are enough NTs messing up the world, celebrate being unique, paradigm shifting and out of the box! Also, you are very pretty! God bless.
angilynn1970 1 year ago
you are brilliant and perfect the way that you are, thank you so much for sharing!!!
lisjdk 1 year ago
Thank you for posting these videos! I think people looking for information on Autism will benefit a lot from your shared experiences. I am curious about your problems with social interaction. Do you think that your brain is just running too fast to pick up on the more subtle cues, or would you say that it just completely focuses on what is said and ignores all other stimuli? It must have been frustrating when you were younger - not picking up on sarcasm from other teenagers etc.
hahadarragh 1 year ago
I tend to focus on the actual words being said rather than the way they are said. It always frustrated me when people would say something, and then get mad at me for not realizing that they meant something completely different. If that was the case, why didn't they just say what they meant in the first place?! I'm not a mind-reader.
cont.
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
My mind runs rather slowly when processing conversations. I work hard trying to listen to the actual words while simultaneously trying to decipher body language and tone of voice, while trying to maintain my own body language. It is draining. So I avoid social situations so I don't have to put myself through such stress.
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
@CleverGenevieve Your comments are very helpful. Thanks for posting the videos.
HirumiKato 1 year ago
@CleverGenevieve wow. that could be me saying that. i'm 34yrs old and just beginning medical systems diagnostic process. have been treated for most mental illnesses....since 16yrs of age. was not violent but was somehow misunderstood and diagnosed Schizophrenic, bi-polar, schizoeffective, Bord. personality, etc. was treated w/ psych meds thorazine, haldol, risperdal, plus antidepressants and 18yrs of benzodiazapine addiction. all prescribed, even though i never had a dignosis very long...
jjonestowne 1 year ago
Sorry but I love your headwear :P
screamolives 1 year ago
whats that bird doing on ur head?
cyraxthehedgehog 1 year ago
@cyraxthehedgehog
I have a video titled "THERE'S A REBEL FLAG IN MY ROOM AND I DON'T CARE!"
That video also explains why I frequently wear a goose on my head.
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
I'm autistic for sure. Everything that this wonderful woman says is true about me. Autistic people are amazing and I have never been around any of them in real life.
bethcarliseh 1 year ago 4
@bethcarliseh Are you sure you've never been around an Autie? There may be several that you might not know about right around you.
I couple of my good acquaintances from school are Autistic, and I didn't find out until a couple of years ago. But now that I look back, it was sooo obvious, no wonder we got along so well. :)
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
Your Fiance is a lucky man.
highwaysong007 1 year ago 2
Hey clever I watched your video and you do some of the same things I do. We have alot in common as far as the facial expressions, eye contact, and socializing. And yes social interaction with alot of people can be stressful. But I love the way u carry yourself and u understand what u are and u feel good about it. I know im autistic also either high-functioning or something called aspergers which is about the same. I really liked your video and feel free to leave a comment on one that i Made.
BrandonJ280 1 year ago
how old are u
gth3andatvs60 1 year ago
I'm thinking that you could offer your assistance to an institution like Kennedy Kreiger or school systems that have special programming available to students with Autism. It really could be anything you want it to be. I envision you visiting programs and observing students engaged in their daily educational activities and making recommendations to teachers and program directors on how to improve those activities. I'm not sure how you'd get started though...
HK51415 1 year ago
I wish you could become a speech pathologist's consultant and help us better understand how to provide interesting, engaging and meaning instructional opportunities for our students with autism. Do you think you could offer assistance with providing such instruction to students with various types of Autism (across the spectrum "high-functioning" through "low functioning")? Thank you for your fantastic post!
HK51415 1 year ago
Ummm... I don't know, maybe. What would that entail, exactly?
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
Again, I am grateful for your efforts to build better understanding of differences in information processing and priority of satisfaction between autistic individual and neurotypical individuals. You speak a slightly different dialect of English, and Western body language than most others around you, but it is still quite understandable after the realization of difference is made, or explained.
pongoid 1 year ago
I find listening to you very easy, Your friend was ignorant, but I can completely understand why she said it.
You're clearly v intelligent, but does high functioning just mean in respect 2 communication? Does low functioning Autism only refer to the amount of communication they can have
AND ZOMG SWAN ON HEAD!
On what you said on group situations, I can only say that from my experience its all to do with how comfortable you are in those situations.
make another vid abt ur talents
conorpacman 1 year ago
@conorpacman
I believe High-Functioning means how well I can function by myself in society. If I wanted to, I could live independently just fine, without the help of guardians of therapists. I can communicate well if I try, and I don't have too many sensory issues.
Lower functioning autistics would find it more difficult to function in society without some help, or may not be able to live independently at all. This may be due to sensitivities, communication skills, etc.
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
Woah. This is interesting...How come nobody ever explained this to me before?!?!?!?! Thanks. Both your videos on this topic were enlightening.
MissJemimaPuddleduck 1 year ago
Ignorance can bring us some really awkward moments! Good for you for making space for more bright young people like yourself.
I LOVE the birdie!
And being normal is very VERY over rated!
CityzenJane 1 year ago 5
Hey whitney, you are the 'best' example of HFA/ASP that i have seen.Some on here are too Normal, or too Autistic, but you are the perfect balance i think to show the world. I am 40 yr old male with ASP and i tend to think and speak in stilted fashion with weird pauses just like you, and tend to think and solve probs differently. This along with auditory learning probs has caused me to lose many jobs before i was finally diagnosed with ASP.
tax1dancer 1 year ago
@tax1dancer I generally assume when people are pausing while talking - that they are actually thinking. I wish more people paused while talking!
CityzenJane 1 year ago
My whole life my family thought i was high functioning autistic. And I can understand why because of the symptoms that you listed, like social awkwardness, rocking, stuttering, repeating, stuff like that. But I was diagnosed with Dyspraxia and other things like ADD, and social and anxiety disorders, so I can see where they would get confused. I have a hard time communicating vocally though. But nevertheless, I can relate to you. People have also falsely assumed I was stupid too. Eccentricity :)
RibbonCreature 1 year ago
considered able to be a therapist. I know what you mean about communication with people as well, it is greatly difficult for me. I find you very inspiring, as I know there are others like me out there. My best friend is also my boyfriend, I have few close friends but even they don't competely understand me, only my boyfriend does. I would really like to message you sometime or something.
xAllie88x 1 year ago
Assuming that means I am not autistic. I have alot of obsessions as you do as well, and I spend hours doing and researching different things, and alot of ritualistic behaviours that I have to do. I have more than one dream, mutiple ambitions and do not see why I cannot follow all of them. My main dream though is to be a dance therapist as I have one who has helped me greatly to express myself and help me express myself a little better. But I fear because of my conditions, I will never be
xAllie88x 1 year ago
Sorry, I thought I would continue my comment on that video. I also know what you mean when people tell you you look normal and that they think nothing is wrong with you, I get that alot, but people who get to know me notice the symptoms more. For example, physically, I stutter, make random noises and twitch a lot. With my racing thoughts, I feel like something is taking over my brain and that I am not really here. I am also far too intelligent for my own good so I get alot of people assuming
xAllie88x 1 year ago
youre so cool! hahaha "i hate engaging in small talk, whats the point!" i feel the same! im not high functioning autistic though.
gasmbay 1 year ago
@gasmbay me too...i am an introvert... well capable of keeping myself highly entertained and interested in whatever I am actually interested in...drained by too much time with others..
CityzenJane 1 year ago
I'm HFA too, and has anyone ever told you like Kiely Williams from 3LW?
fazelinae 1 year ago
wow you are awesome....and beautiful!
eltardo20 1 year ago
It's almost like seeing myself through the eyes of someone else, if you know what I mean.
Nicely done!
judith193 1 year ago
@judith193
Thank you!
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
And why do you have the goose on your headband? Fashion?
Sporkerchan 1 year ago
@Sporkerchan
On my channel, there is a video titled, "THERE'S A REBEL FLAG IN MY ROOM AND I DON'T CARE!"
Watch it.
On that video is the reason why there is a goose on my head. :)
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
Whats you opinion on the whole "legos helping Apergers Syndrome" ?
DaftBrian 1 year ago
@DaftBrian
I think it's awesome! They really had to do a study to realize the obvious, though?
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
What grade are you? Im still in hs.....like your vids on the matter....You remind me of my girlfriends sister too by the eyes
ScorpioX19 1 year ago
@ScorpioX19
I graduated from High School in 2008.
I took one semester of college directly afterwards... ;)
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
Ehhh im still a junior in hs lol
Good job, did you make it in on any scholarship? Continue w. school!! Our generation is gonna need it in the future! :]
ScorpioX19 1 year ago
I didn't get any scholarships... I procrastinated signing up for any. Don't do what I did!
I would've continued, but I have run into some financial issues rendering it impossible to register for any classes. (Mom didn't file her taxes!)
So I'm waiting until after I'm married to continue school, so I can get better financial aid, and so I'm no longer considered "dependent" on my mother, and therefore don't have to provide her tax info.
All this red tape, just to pay for an education!
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
Actually you're considered independent at the age of 25. So the year you are 24, file your fasfa and get your butt back into school :). Great video btw
Sporkerchan 1 year ago
@Sporkerchan
I'll get married 5 years sooner than that! lol
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
thank you for posting this video. I have a sone who is high functioning autism. YOU are right there is nothing wrong you and my son you guys are different but definatly not less.
twinzmammy 2 years ago 2
You see things so clearly and are so compfortable in yourself. I love that and it gives me a positive feeling.
TheKatapilar 2 years ago
I love this video
TheKatapilar 2 years ago
I love you
TheKatapilar 2 years ago
As an individual with ASD myself, I really appreciate this. It's always wonderful to hear about others who experience what I do! and High Functioning autism is SO fascinating! Thank you for getting your POV out here! :)
HistoryLvr91 2 years ago
Thanks for posting this video. Like all great people you keep working on yourself to become the best you. I hope I can draw on your strength of character to meet my own challenges.
Weisenheimer78 2 years ago
Thank you for your video today my son was diagnosed with mild to high functioning autism. He has high functioning autism because he has a normal IQ but mild autism also because of his severe joint attention among some other areas where he's a little lacking but to too bad. They told me they have high hopes for him. I like to see your video cause Im very curious how teenagers grow and have autism
kswt84 2 years ago
Brilliant people (now called autistic by the mediocrity) have always been around us. There has always been eccentric minds among us, but nowadays they get stigmatizing labels and classified into insulting groups. The secret is that the real shame is in being a neurotypical. There is nothing special about a typical average mediocre mind. If not for so called, "autistics", we would have no brilliant artists, scientists, alchemists, engineers, philosophers and mathematicians.
SageBodisattva 2 years ago 13
Autism=/=sevance
PtH888999 2 years ago
@SageBodisattva hmm... I don't think turning 'neurotypical' into an insult is a way forward - two wrongs and all that... You go by "bodisattva" - more compassion would be required for you to really deserve the label.
I agree with you that 'eccentric genius' was what people who were on the high end of the spectrum were called in the past - and perhaps a return is warrented...but there are many very mundane autistic people as well.
Either way - compassion in all directions!
CityzenJane 1 year ago
Comment removed
conorpacman 1 year ago
@conorpacman
If everyone would keep those sentiments in mind, the world would be a much better place! Kudos!
CleverGenevieve 1 year ago
Brilliant people have always been around us. Brilliant people have not always been autistic.
GSNRecords 1 year ago
I like the goose. ^_^
LillianaMarie01 2 years ago 9
your awesome and doing quite well. my daughter is just like you hon. :)
ebaymamaqueen 2 years ago
There is absoutely nothing wrong with you! And being different it totally okay!! I'm a mother of a child who has hf autism and I don't want her to feel like all I'm trying to do is fix her. I love her just the way that she is!!
Creation182 2 years ago
I very much enjoyed your video. I am learning what it is too have high functioning autism first hand and it is nice too see a lighter side. I have recently started a web site, not a great one, but just to get feeback from others who have high functioning autism. Check it out i hope to compare stories and try and see the lighter side of this situation.
Jessegrr420 2 years ago
Thank you! Your video touched many people who have higher functionioning autism. The society does not know anything when saying that someone like you do not seem to have it. I get that a lot too when I tell people that I have higher functioning autism. I can relate to your stories in both of the videos you have done. I really like what you said in this one about being a different individual and you really want to be and that is okay. It would suck if everyone is the same. Keep being positive.
Dom2dom2 2 years ago
Thanks! That really means alot to me.
CleverGenevieve 2 years ago
I am quite neurotypical but you seem like you have it more together then I do. I have much to say but I cannot express what I really want to. I enjoyed your video and I hope you and your fiance can have a very happy life together.
cakeinjection00 2 years ago
Thank you so much! I would never want to change anything about my son whom has high functioning autistim. I think it hurts me more to know that people don't like him. They just don't see his humor like I do, and they don't see his rambling makes perfect sense to him. He is perfect to me, and your explanation enlighted me. I posted this vid on facebook, hoping that my 300 friends can watch you and be educated in some positive way. Thank you so much!
laneyfitz 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing. It's sometimes difficult for me to understand what it's like for my family member who has asperger's syndrome, though I'm always trying. I really appreciate your insights. Do you have sensitivies to sounds, textures, music, etc.?
Thank you so much for helping me to understand, and to help my loved one.
MeadowgreenPlayers 2 years ago
Sensitivities:
I hate microfiber cloth. It creates a wierd kind of pain on my fingers.
The sound of metal (forks, knives) scraping on porcelain makes me grate my teeth.
I hate the sound of loud high-pitched voices, like those of excited children or an excited mother-in-law, lol.
Rapidly flickering lights make my head hurt.
But that's it for sensory sensitivites.
CleverGenevieve 2 years ago
This is a great statement... very honest and real. I have Asperger's, and I've also had people comments that I seem pretty "normal" - it turns out that most people are ignorant and don't know enough about the Autism spectrum, so I find that I have to do a whole lot of explaining to do when discussing it. These days I only tell people when I feel its absolutely necessary.
But yeah... eccentricity is something that should be embraced - not feared!! =)
OzAnthony 2 years ago
Word!! Like the slogan says, "It's a point of view; not an IQ!" Ditto the tedium of having to use the "sock puppet " of a neuro-typical facade in order to deal with them. In the (distant) past we were called "Changelings" and didn't do too well but in this Information Age I think we're better suited to deal with things than they are so why pretend to be them? Spotted the learned eye-contact and vocal tones right away. They're a pattern repeating every few minutes unlike NTs' "white noise".
ajubvj 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing this. :3 So much love.
freestyleshaman 2 years ago
I have Asperger's Syndrome. I am also now a truth seeker. I send light your way dear one.
Be yourself, don't let people drag you into their trap. BE WHO YOU ARE!
I am proud of who I am too, and I am proud that you are happy for who you are also.
:)
superlisamcb 2 years ago
Dear lordy. I do love you <3
I would never dream of speaking out about my autism the way you have. And I can really relate to you so, so much. Life's pretty tough for my at the moment because of my ASD and this has just made me feel...happy that there's others like me around the world who are doing alright. I may just start vlogin' now, too :D
5/5 and I've subbed doll :)
Emii, 13, UK =)
Debont123 2 years ago
4:24 That was GREAT LOL! My son is the same way. This was a wonderful video!!! I LOVED IT ! I LOVED IT! I LOVED IT!! Itwas encouraging and insightful. I enjoyed hearing what I already know about my own son, but at 13 is not quite as articulate yet. I also loved the bird :).
ValleyMermaid 2 years ago
You are so adorable. I hopt that if I met you, you would want to be my friend. ;) I have started making videos about high functioning autism/aspergers. I would love it if you checked in on my progress every now and then.
sushipie29 2 years ago